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  • Shen Yun: The Stunning Theatrical Extravaganza

    Shen Yun: The Stunning Theatrical Extravaganza

    By Mabel Pais

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Preity Uupula, a former Miss India International, said of Shen Yun, “The energy was very powerful in the room. (For) some of the pieces, I just closed my eyes and I felt like it was a meditation. It’s very healing actually.”

    Like India, China can be proud of 5000 years of an ancient, rich civilization and culture. Having some of its roots in the ancient Indian spiritual path of Buddhism, Shen Yun, based in New York, has a mission to revive 5000 years of divinely inspired culture.

    The last performances of this breathtaking theatrical amazement, for the season, were held at NJPAC (the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, NJ) from May 3-7. For 5,000 years, divine culture flourished in the land of China.

    Shen Yun Performing Arts, Manchurian Elegance
    Shen Yun Performing Arts, Sleeves of Grace
    Shen Yun Performing Arts, Han Imperial Air

    Humanity’s treasure was nearly lost, but through breathtaking music and dance, Shen Yun is bringing back this glorious culture. Shen Yun means, “The beauty of heavenly beings dancing.”

    Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a practice that combines teachings for self improvement and meditation exercises. The teachings are centered on three main principles-truth, compassion, and tolerance.

    Shen Yun’s artists practice Falun Dafa, and it is a source of inspiration for their performances. However, over the last 60 years of Communist rule, the regime has treated Chinese values – centered on the idea of harmony between heaven and earth – as a threat to its existence and banned traditional beliefs and practices.

    Through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture. Its stunning beauty and tremendous energy leave audiences uplifted and inspired.

    A Shen Yun performance features the world’s foremost classically trained dancers, a unique orchestra blending East and West, and dazzling animated backdrops-together creating one spectacular performance. The Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra blends the singular beauty of Chinese melodies with the precision and power of the Western orchestra.

    “Amazing! The artists perform as if they are fluid bodies with no bones. Gravity does not apply to them. They leap and fly in the air while they perform their numbers…..” quipped Pattie King, audience member at NJPAC.

    “Mesmerizing! Reclaiming the divinely inspired cultural heritage of China,” remarked Donna Karan, creator of DKNY.

    “I was mesmerized and astonished within the first few minutes…..Shen Yun music proves that not every message needs to be delivered via language or written words…..” Rojin Rahmani, musician.

    Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s premier classical Chinese Dance and Music company. In 2006, a group of leading classical internationally award winning Chinese artists came together in New York with one wish: to revive the 5000-year-lost world of traditional Chinese culture and share it with the world. Through breath taking music and dance, Shen Yun is bringing back this glorious culture.

    Each season, the company produces an all new show and tours with it around the globe, performing at the world’s top venues – Lincoln Center in New York, The New Jersey Performing Arts Center, New Jersey, Kennedy Center in Washington, the London Coliseum.

    Since ancient times, Chinese culture has been heralded as a gift from the divine; and part of that divine gift was a supreme art form that has endured to this day: Classical Chinese Dance. “It (Classical Chinese Dance) has a history of several thousand years in both folk and imperial settings. It served as entertainment for large gatherings and celebrations”, says Ms. H. Sue Guo, Principal, The Fei Tian Academy of the Arts College, New York, the college that trains the performers of Shen Yun. Branches of the college exist in California and Taiwan.

    Within China’s grand civilization of 5000 years, many traditions are linked together: martial arts, Chinese opera, folk dance and acrobatics. They all have something in common. Chinese dance has 3 main components: technical skill, form and a special feature called yun or physical bearing. Chinese dance’s technical skills include a whole series of challenging leaps, jumps, flips and many difficult tumbling techniques.

    In eastern philosophy, there is a saying “beauty and roundness,” explains choreographer, principal dancer and associate company manager Yungchia Chen. “The path of the movement needs to be circular, rounded and full. It’s different from ballet which focuses on straight lines.”

    What takes classical Chinese dance to another level is yun or physical bearing that is a certain sensibility when Chinese people perform classical Chinese dance. “It’s an artistic feeling that rises from the culture” demonstrates dance teacher Gu Yun. When the dancer moves there is an internal energy connected to the breath. The breath meets the body. The breath is crucial.

    Over the centuries, the technical skills, form and bearing all come together to make classical Chinese dance one of the richest, most expressive and most demanding art forms in the world.

    The training process for each dancer is extremely arduous. Daily training lasts for 7- 8 hours. It takes 6 years schooling just to be good enough to go on stage. After 10 years training in college is completed.

    Every year, Shen Yun creates a whole new production with original dances, costumes and music. By adding the distinctive melodies of ancient Chinese instruments, over Western orchestration, Shen Yun brings together two of the greatest classical musical traditions the world has ever known.

    Johnny Stuart, music director, calls the music “just phenomenal, mind blowing!” Music conductor Leon Natker says that “putting together classical Chinese instruments and classical western instruments is a way towards the future for me as a musician.” Jing Xian, a composer of the performance, says, “Both these (Chinese and western) musical systems are excellent. But it’s just like cooking. You might have great ingredients but if we don’t understand the characteristics of the ingredients, and to stir fry random things together, it simply won’t taste good.”

    Shen Yun music displays China’s traditional melodies. Just like dance, music can also present different times, places, characters and moods. China has 5 millennia worth of culture: from the melodic styles of over 50 ethnic groups to grand imperial court music and lavish folk tunes. This heritage is an endless source of inspiration.

    “What we are taking on is a responsibility we simply cannot shirk. There are times when I really feel it’s our life’s mission. It may take many life times to complete.” “I have dedicated my entire life to the arts. Yet it was only after I reached my 70s that I found that this is where it has the greatest meaning,” says Ms. H. Sue Guo, Principal, The Fei Tian Academy of the Arts College, New York.

    (Mabel Pais is a freelance writer. She writes on theater, health and wellness, social issues and spirituality)

     

  • Indian immigration detainee dies in Atlanta

    Indian immigration detainee dies in Atlanta

    Atul kumar Babubhai Patel, 58, had shortness of breath and was hospitalized .His death is the second death of a detainee in ICE custody this week

    ATLANTA (TIP): A man in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody has died after being hospitalized for shortness of breath, officials said Wednesday, May 17, says a CNN report Atulkumar Babubhai Patel was pronounced dead at Atlanta’s Grady Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, May 16 afternoon.

    The 58-year-old Indian national’s death is the second death of a detainee in ICE custody this week — and the second this week in the state of Georgia, according to CNN report.

    Officials said complications from congestive heart failure were ruled the preliminary cause of death. Patel arrived at the Atlanta airport on May 10  on a flight from Quito, Ecuador. Authorities denied him entry into the United States because he did not have the necessary immigration documents, ICE said.

    He was transferred to ICE custody in the Atlanta City Detention Center on Thursday, May 11 according to the agency. An initial medical screening at the time determined he had high blood pressure and diabetes. Two days later, Patel was transported to the hospital after a nurse checking his blood sugar noticed he had shortness of breath, ICE said. He died on Tuesday afternoon.

    In its statement announcing Patel’s death, officials said fatalities in ICE custody are “exceedingly rare.” “ICE is firmly committed to the health and welfare of all those in its custody and is undertaking a comprehensive agency-wide review of this incident, as it does in all such cases,” ICE said.

    Second death this week Patel is the eighth person to die in ICE custody this fiscal year, which began in October. Authorities are also investigating the death of another immigrant detainee in Georgia. Jean Jimenez-Joseph, 27, was found unresponsive in his cell on Monday with a sheet around his neck. The preliminary cause of death was self-inflicted strangulation. He’d been in solitary confinement for more than two weeks at the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia.

    The recent deaths have drawn sharp criticism from immigrant rights activists, who have long decried conditions in immigration detention centers and called on the government to close such facilities.

    US President Donald Trump has called for increasing detention as part of his crackdown on illegal immigration. And Congress recently upped its funding for immigrant detention, approving a spending bill that pays for an average of more than 39,000 detention beds per day.

  • UK Prime Minister May pledges to curtail immigration, including from India

    UK Prime Minister May pledges to curtail immigration, including from India

    LONDON (TIP): Prime Minister of UK Theresa May, on Thursday, May18, unveiled her Conservative Party’s election manifesto that makes cutting immigration from countries like India, a central poll pledge if her party wins the June 8 general election.

    The British PM set out plans to further tighten rules for skilled workers from outside the European Union, which involves anyone employing a non-EU worker to be expected to pay 2,000 pounds for each worker every year. This amount doubles the “Skills Charge” of 1,000 pounds already in force. Non-EU migrants will also be made to pay more for using the state-run National Health Service (NHS).

    According to the most recent UK Home Office figures, Indian nationals accounted for 53,575 or 57 per cent of skilled work visas granted in 2016, with US nationals the next largest group at 9,348.

    Prime Minister Theresa May has promised a “mainstream government that would deliver for mainstream Britain”. Launching the Conservative manifesto in Halifax, Mrs. May said a strong economy and delivering Brexit were top priorities.

    She said: “We must take this opportunity to build a great meritocracy in Britain. It means making Britain a country that works, not for the privileged few, but for everyone.”

    She said there were five priorities: a strong economy, facing up to the consequences of Brexit and a changing world, tackling “enduring” social divisions, responding to the. challenges of an ageing society and harnessing the power of fast-changing technology.

    Manifesto measures include:

    ● Balancing the budget by 2025

    ● Increasing the national living wage to 60% of the median earnings by 2020

    ● Restating the commitment to bring net immigration down to tens of thousands a year

    ● Increasing NHS spending each year to £8bn a year extra by 2022

    ● Increasing the amount levied on firms employing migrant workers

    ● A pledge that a referendum on Scottish independence cannot take place until the Brexit process is completed

    ● Scrapping winter fuel payments to better-off pensioners – at the moment, all pensioners qualify for one-off payments of between £100 and £300 each winter

    ● A reduction of the so-called “triple lock” on pensions to a “double lock” with the state pension to rise by the higher of average earnings or inflation – but to no longer go up by 2.5% if they are both lower than that

    ● An extra £4bn on schools in England by 2022 – partly funded by an end to the current provision of free school lunches for all infant pupils in England

    ● Scrapping the ban on setting up new grammar schools

    ● Universities charging maximum tuition fees will have to sponsor academies or help found free schools

    ● A free vote in the Commons to be held on repealing the ban on fox hunting

    On executive pay, the manifesto says packages should be approved by an annual vote of shareholders, and companies will have to publish details on how it compares to the pay of the workforce in general. There are also plans to ensure worker representation at board level.

    Mrs. May was asked whether her plans spelled a move away from Conservative policies of recent years, and in particular those of Margaret Thatcher. She said: “Margaret Thatcher was a Conservative, I am a Conservative, this is a Conservative manifesto.” She later added: “There is no May-ism. There is good solid Conservatism, which puts the interests of the country and the interests of ordinary working people at the heart of everything we do in government.” (Sources: BBC / PTI)

  • Japan cabinet approves bill allowing emperor’s abdication

    Japan cabinet approves bill allowing emperor’s abdication

    TOKYO (TIP): The Japanese government on May 19 approved a one-off bill allowing ageing Emperor Akihito to step down from the Chrysanthemum Throne, in the first such abdication in two centuries.

    Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s cabinet signed off on the legislation, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters. It will now be sent to parliament for debate and final approval.

    Reports of the 83-year-old Akihito’s desire to retire surprised Japan when they emerged last July.

    In August he publicly cited age and declining health, which was interpreted as his wish to hand the crown to his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito.

    But current Japanese law has no provision for abdication, thus requiring politicians to craft legislation to make it possible.

    The status of the emperor is highly sensitive in Japan given its 20th century history of war waged in the name of Akihito’s father Hirohito, who died in 1989.

    No abdication is expected until at least the end of 2018, according to reports. (AFP)

  • Gunmen attack state TV station in Afghanistan, 2 civilians among 4 killed

    Gunmen attack state TV station in Afghanistan, 2 civilians among 4 killed

    JALALABAD (TIP): Suicide bombers stormed the national television station in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad today, triggering gunfights and explosions as journalists remained trapped inside the building, officials and eyewitnesses said.

    At least two people were killed and 14 others wounded in the ongoing assault, which underscores the growing dangers faced by media workers in Afghanistan.

    No insurgent group has so far claimed responsibility for the raid in Nangarhar province, a hotbed of Islamic State jihadists, where the US military dropped its largest non- nuclear bomb last month in an unprecedented attack.

    “Four attackers entered the RTA (Radio Television Afghanistan) building this morning. Two blew themselves up and two others are still resisting,” government spokesman Attaullah Khogyani told AFP. He had earlier said there were three attackers.

    “At least two civilians have been killed and 14 others wounded so far,” Kohgyani said, with a health worker telling AFP that many of those brought to hospital suffered gunshot wounds.

    An RTA photographer said he fled the building as soon as the gunfight erupted, but many of his colleagues were still stuck inside. Unconfirmed reports said that Islamic State militants have claimed responsibility for the attack.

    Islamic State insurgents are active in Nangarhar province, of which Jalalabad is the capital.

    The US military last month dropped the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb- dubbed the “Mother Of All Bombs”- on IS positions in Nangarhar, killing dozens of jihadists.

    The bombing triggered global shock waves, with some condemning the use of Afghanistan as what they called a testing ground for the weapon, and against a militant group that is not considered as big a threat as the resurgent Taliban.

    According to the US Forces- Afghanistan, defections and recent battlefield losses have reduced the local IS presence from a peak of as many as 3,000 fighters to a maximum of 800.

    The Pentagon has reportedly asked the White House to send thousands more troops to Afghanistan to break the deadlocked fight against the Taliban.

    (AFP)

  • Why the Special Counsel may be Good News for Republicans and Bad News for Trump

    Why the Special Counsel may be Good News for Republicans and Bad News for Trump

    By Perry Bacon Jr.

     

    “The Mueller appointment and the surrounding
    controversy around Trump and Russia remains as
    much a political issue as a legal one”, says the author.

     

    The appointment of ex-FBI director Robert Mueller as special counsel overseeing an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election – and potential Russian connections to President Trump and his allies – is another surprising development after a week full of them. Consider: Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, who was investigating the potential Russia-Trump ties, only to now have Comey’s predecessor at the FBI take over the investigation. And Trump’s deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, who was being mocked by Democrats for his role in Comey’s firing, has now made an appointment that is being praised by Eric Holder, Barack Obama’s attorney general. The president, whose aides were advocating that the Russia investigation end soon, must now watch as Mueller quits his law firm job to devote himself full time to this assignment.

    So, what does this all mean? We won’t ultimately know for some time. But the Mueller appointment and the surrounding controversy around Trump and Russia remains as much a political issue as a legal one. So, let’s look at how this affects the relevant political players.

    Why this is good for Trump:

    Although the simple case is that Mueller’s appointment is not welcome news for Trump – the White House was surprised by the announcement – it does have some plausible benefits for the president, especially in the near term. The Russia investigation had been dogging the Trump administration, and his firing of Comey had turned into a debacle.

    Trump can now say there is an independent investigation going on, by someone he did not personally appoint and who is not beholden to his party. And Mueller has very strong credentials. The president and his team, in theory, can turn the focus to governing, while deferring questions about the investigation. And maybe Comey, who appears to have notes of every conversation he has had with the president, will share them with Mueller and not The New York Times. (That said, as of late Wednesday, Trump had not yet reacted to Mueller’s appointment – a poorly worded Twitter rant could mitigate any short-term benefit for Trump.)

    It’s also possible Mueller will interpret his mandate as limited to Russia and the election. It’s not clear Mueller would be investigating, for example, the details of Comey’s firing. That would be to Trump’s benefit.

    Most importantly, Mueller can exonerate the president. If this is a high risk development for Trump, it also comes with a big reward if Trump hasn’t done anything seriously wrong.

    Why this is bad for Trump:

    Mueller’s appointment ensures that the Russia controversy won’t just go away – at least not anytime soon. And he could gravely threaten Trump’s presidency if he finds clear, improper connections between the president’s campaign and Russian officials. There was a reason that Republicans on Capitol Hill and the Trump administration were trying to stop the appointment of a special counsel. Prosecutors with broad authority to investigate can cause major problems. Just ask Bill Clinton.

    Trump could in theory order Rosenstein to fire Mueller. But that would be exactly what Richard Nixon did, ordering his Justice Department to dump the special prosecutor investigating the president.

    Why this is good for congressional Republicans:

    Republican members were being repeatedly asked about the Trump investigation. Like Trump, they can now defer to Mueller’s probe. This will make them very happy. And in the long run, Mueller helps them avoid the awkward circumstance of investigating their own president. A damning report will make it easier to call for Trump’s resignation, if strong evidence emerges. Alternatively, a report that absolves Trump could take the Russia issue off the table without Republicans looking like they’d engaged in a partisan cover-up.

    More importantly, Republicans now have more room to get back to their policy goals, such as tax reform and Obamacare repeal. Mueller’s investigation is likely to take months. While that unfolds, Trump can sign into law bills passed by Republicans in the House and the Senate.

    Why this is bad for congressional Republicans:

    We’re not going to do fake balance here. This may or may not end up as good news for Trump – but it’s almost certainly good news for congressional Republicans.

    The one problem?

    Mueller is only investigating the Russia issue. It’s likely Trump will do something else controversial – in the past two weeks alone, he allegedly shared highly classified intelligence with the Russians, and he fired Comey in a clumsy way that created all kinds of political problems. Republicans will still have to answer for Trump’s other controversial moves.

    Why this is good for Democrats:

    Just reread the “bad news for Trump” paragraph from above. An investigation of the 2016 election, Trump and his allies could turn up damaging information. A report written by Mueller will have credibility. It’s far more likely that Mueller, as opposed to GOP-led congressional committees, will release information damaging to the president. And the timing of the investigation could be good for Democrats, keeping Russia in the news through the midterm year, even if it results in a slowdown in headlines now.

    But we should not ignore real-world impacts or lose sight of the big picture. Democrats strongly disagree with Republicans like Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan on policy, including on sweeping issues currently on the congressional docket such as health care and taxes. In the eyes of many Democrats, Trump and the potential laws he might sign could damage the country for years to come. A process that could (in the long run) lead to Trump’s removal from office is a major step for liberals.

    Why this is bad for Democrats:

    In the short term, they may have lost an issue. Polls showed an overwhelming majority of Americans (78 percent, according to a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal survey) wanted some kind of investigation of Trump’s alleged ties to Russia from outside of Congress. Democrats could have pounded Trump and Republicans on their lack of accountability every day till next year’s midterms.

    Mueller has a reputation for independence, like Comey. How he approaches this investigation is unpredictable, and that has risks for Democrats. (Ask Hillary Clinton.) And because Democrats have effusively praised Mueller’s appointment, they’ll have trouble criticizing him later on – or re-litigating the Russia issue – if he exonerates Trump.

    What would have been more predictable?

    A House Judiciary Committee investigation in 2019 led by Democratic Chairman John Conyers, being cheered on by Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Make no mistake: If Democrats had won control of Congress next year and Trump had blocked a special counsel up until then, impeachment would have been on the table. Now, Democrats have to wait and see what Mueller concludes.

    Why this is good for the public. By all accounts, Mueller seems to be respected by all sides.

    The author is a senior writer for FiveThirtyEight. (Source: Five ThirtyEight)

     

  • THRIVENYC- FIRST LADY CHIRLANE MCCRAY ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF MATERNAL DEPRESSION SCREENING TO ALL NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS

    THRIVENYC- FIRST LADY CHIRLANE MCCRAY ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF MATERNAL DEPRESSION SCREENING TO ALL NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS

    Kicker:Removing stigma and identifying depression help women get the support they need

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): First Lady Chirlane McCray announced, May 18, that all NYC Health + Hospitals locations citywide will now provide maternal depression screenings for pregnant women and new mothers. Through an expansion under ThriveNYC, depression screenings will be adopted as a routine part of care at pre-natal clinics at 12 NYC Health + Hospital sites, including all 11 hospitals and NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Gouverneur, a large community health center on the Lower East Side.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 9 women experience maternal depression. Yet too often, maternal depression goes undiagnosed because many providers do not regularly provide screenings and women are afraid of the stigma associated with the condition. Universal screening ensures that pregnant women and new mothers get the support they need to recover and fully bond with their new babies.

    “Maternal depression is common. It’s also treatable – but only if women know to get help,” said the First Lady of NYC Chirlane McCray, who spearheads the city’s efforts on mental health and substance misuse. “Too often, women are afraid to admit that they’re struggling because they don’t understand that their pain is a real, clinical condition and they don’t want to be labeled a bad mom. Universal screening for maternal depression reminds women they should never feel ashamed for needing help. It also connects them to care early so they can recover and experience the joy of a new baby. I’m so proud that Health + Hospitals will be screening every new mother. We will continue to help transform the culture around postpartum depression and connect new families to essential resources.”

    Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives Richard Buery said, “Each year in New York City, several thousands of women experience depression after pregnancy, yet, for many, the fear of looking like a ‘bad mother’ prevents them from reaching out for the care they need. By making maternal depression screening available at all Health + Hospitals locations Citywide, ThriveNYC removes stigma as a barrier for seeking help and closes a critical treatment gap – providing new mothers the right interventions at the right time to ensure they and their newborn can have a healthy and stable transition into their new life together.”

    “Depression screening is the first step toward addressing the overall wellness of pregnant women and new moms,” said Gregory Calliste, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. “Once a need is identified it is essential to have services in place and ready to address the patient’s concerns. Woodhull’s Mothers Support Groups were designed to increase access to timely mental health services to address maternal depression and provide women with a necessary support system. We are encouraged by the impact the program has been having on the lives of the women we treat and look forward to expanding our efforts.”

    Every year, over 18,000 newborns are delivered in the NYC Health + Hospitals system. Since April 2016, NYC Health + Hospitals has screened over 6,500 pre-natal patients and over 2,700 post-partum patients. NYC Health + Hospitals expects to screen 15,000 patients over the next year through the expansion of the program.

    The screenings are conducted through a series of questions known as the PHQ-9 tool, which is typically self-administered by patients during the intake process. In the last year, nine percent of pre-natal patients screened positive for maternal depression. A continued effort to address stigma through ThriveNYC public awareness campaigns and other forms of outreach aims to further reduce the number of women who refuse treatment or fail to appear for follow-up appointments.

    The maternal depression screening project is an initiative of ThriveNYC, New York City’s comprehensive plan to overhaul the City’s approach to mental health by removing stigma as a barrier for seeking care and increasing the availability of treatment options. The initiative established a citywide collaborative to increase maternal depression screening at hospitals responsible for 80% of the live births in New York City, which includes members of the Greater New York Hospital Association.

    “Screening for maternal depression has been an important part of my Family- Friendly Brooklyn vision, a vision that promotes a borough where we raise healthy children and families,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams. “I have been proud to partner with organizations like the Seleni Institute to help train practitioners, and I’m pleased that NYC Health + Hospitals is expanding screenings across its system. I call on the State to fully fund maternal depression screening, as we look to support every pregnant woman and new mom in New York.”

    “By expanding these critical maternal depression screenings across our public health system, our City’s new moms and soon to- be-moms will be able to receive adequate support, resources and treatment,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “I commend First Lady Chirlane McCray, Thrive NYC, and NYC Health + Hospitals for ensuring that new families across our City receive the assistance they need.”

    “Having a baby can be an incredible and rewarding experience for moms and families, but it is also a very challenging time,” said State Senator Liz Krueger. “Many women experience symptoms of maternal depression without knowing what’s happening to them, and without having access to diagnosis and treatment. But once diagnosed, maternal depression is very treatable. That’s why the First Lady’s initiative is so important. I thank her for her efforts on this issue, and NYC Health + Hospitals for looking after the mental health of New York’s new moms and families.”

    Assistant Speaker Felix W. Ortiz said, “I welcome additional screening for pregnant women and new mothers, a program I’ve long championed in Albany since I chaired the Mental Health Committee and where I have a bill to mandate this effort statewide. This is a welcome development for our growing communities with so many children and growing families. Healthy mothers lead to healthier families.”

    “I commend First Lady Chirlane McCray for this bold initiative,” said Assembly Member Roxanne Persaud. “Too long has mental health been something discussed only in the shadows. We must provide holistic health for all New Yorkers especially women when they are most vulnerable. The mental health of our mothers is vital to the overall health of the family unit.”

    “This is a tremendous step to making sure that new and expecting moms are getting the care they need,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen. “NYC Health + Hospitals will not only help diagnose women struggling with mental illness, they will break the stigma around maternal depression, which continues to be a barrier to proper treatment.”

    “Becoming a mom is one of the most beautiful and challenging experiences a woman can have,” said Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland. “If a new mother is having difficulty transitioning, she should have the support and education she needs to ensure she can keep herself and her family healthy. I commend the First Lady for yet another valuable investment in the health of women through ThriveNYC. And I look forward to supporting this initiative so that New York City families may continue to grow here.”

    “As co-chair of the City Council Women’s Caucus and a mother, I want to commend NYC Health + Hospitals for including depression screening as part of the care plan for new mothers at all of its hospitals. It’s critical that all new moms get the physical and emotional support they need as soon as possible. Postpartum depression is treatable and should not be stigmatized. NYC HHC is leading the way in adopting a new approach to this not unusual result of childbirth,” said Council Member Helen Rosenthal.

    About NYC Health + Hospitals

    NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation, serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health plan-all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 42,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit

    www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NYCHealthandHospitals or

    Twitter at @NYCHealthSystem.

    About NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull

    NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, a 388- bed, acute care hospital in Brooklyn, has been serving the residents of Williamsburg, Bushwick, Greenpoint, Fort Greene, and Bedford-Stuyvesant for 35 years. Its mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care in a culturally sensitive manner to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. A part of NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest public health care system in the nation, the hospital is affiliated with the New York University School of Medicine.

     

  • Marine and Navy Helicopter Landing at Eisenhower Park

    Marine and Navy Helicopter Landing at Eisenhower Park

    Navy “Leap Frogs” Parachute Team and Navy/Marine Raid Force Demonstrations Part of 2017 Fleet Week

    MINEOLA, NY (TIP): Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano has announced that Nassau County will once again host a Marine and Navy Helicopter Landing in Eisenhower Park on Saturday, May 27th as part of the “Fleet Week 2017” activities in New York City. The free event, billed “Raid New York” will be the only Marine/Navy helicopter landing on Long Island. Spectators are invited to board the aircraft once landed and meet with military personnel.

    Navy Landing at 10:00 a.m.

    The U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, based in San Diego, California will perform an aerial parachute demonstration showcasing the skills of the Naval Special Warfare Team. The team is celebrating their 43rd Anniversary this year. In addition, a combined team of members from the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team (EOD) and a Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron will present a mine countermeasures demonstration. The EOD technicians are stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

    Marine Landing at 12:30 p.m.

    The CH-53 Sea Stallion, MV-22 Osprey and AH-1W Cobras will perform an area sweep and transport a Marine Raid Force to the landing zone. Marines will perform an assault demonstration, after which the helicopters will land and will be available for public display, along with the weapons typically used by a Marine Corps Rifle Platoon. Marines supporting this event are part of a Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force from the II Marine Expeditionary Force based at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina.

    The Helicopter Landing will be taking place on the Kite Field, just south of the Veterans Memorial in Eisenhower Park, with parking at field 6A and adjoining parking fields. Please note: New safety regulations have redefined spectator areas, so all are advised to arrive early.

    Northwell Health will also have a presence at the event with displays, vehicles and entertainment and support for participating military personnel.

    At 930 acres, Eisenhower Park is the largest park in Nassau County and is centrally located in East Meadow with entrances at Hempstead Turnpike at East Meadow Avenue and Merrick Avenue at Stewart Avenue.

    For more information about this event, please call (516) 572- 0200 or visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks.

     

  • RIP The Evergreen On Screen Mom Reema Lagoo

    RIP The Evergreen On Screen Mom Reema Lagoo

    The nation was left shocked today morning when the news broke that 59-year old actress, Reema Lagoo passed away. The Maine Pyar Kiya star suffered a heart attack last night and was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. However, she passed away at 3 am in the morning today (May 18). With no reports of the actress’ ill health till today, the news stunned all. The news was confirmed by her manager and since then, Twitterati has been mourning her death.

    Reema was one of the best in her league of actors and has done quite a few memorable films in the industry. She was close to many actors and celebrities in Bollywood and hence, several eminent personalities did not believe when they heard about the news. Rishi Kapoor, Riteish Deshmukh, Mahesh Bhatt sent out heartfelt condolences on Twitter early in the morning. And now Priyanka, Amitabh and Alia have expressed their shock. See their reaction right here:

    Priyanka Chopra: RIP #ReemaLagoo such a loss to art and cinema. You are and will always be our favourite screen mom. My condolences to the family.

    Amitabh Bachchan: T 2428 – Just heard the shocking and unbelievable news about Reema Lagoo’s passing .. such a fine talent and gone so young ! Very SAD !!

    Alia Bhatt: So so sad to hear about Reema Lagoo ji!Such a phenomenal actor & a lovely warm person! I have always loved & admired her work. Shocked!!

    Arjun Kapoor: #ReemaLagoo ji, you will be hugely missed! Strength and courage to your family and friends. RIP

    Parineeti Chopra: Shocked!!! Reema Lagoo ji was one of the most lovable moms on screen!!! Rest in peace.

    Sidharth Malhotra: Very sad to know about #ReemaLagoo ji passing away, the warmest n most loved mother on screen RIP

    Supriya Pilgaonkar: What an actor ! What grace ! What passion ! Learnt so much from her. May her journey towards light be celebrated RIP Saasu Ma #ReemaLagoo

    Anushka Sharma: Grew up watching d warmth & love #ReemaLagoo ji brought out on screen. Saddened by her sudden demise.Heartfelt condolences to her family…

    Madhuri Dixit-Nene: Saddened. RIP #ReemaLagoo. She radiated talent, beauty and such warmth. She will be missed. Condolences to her family.

    May her soul Rest in Peace. The industry shall miss her.

  • CYCLE TO WORK AND LOWER THE RISK OF CANCER, HEART DISEASES

    CYCLE TO WORK AND LOWER THE RISK OF CANCER, HEART DISEASES

    CYCLE TO WORK AND LOWER THE RISK OF CANCER, HEART DISEASES

    People who cycle to work have a substantially lower risk of developing cancer or heart disease or dying prematurely, and governments should do all they can to encourage more active commuting, scientists said. In a study published in the BMJ British medical journal, the researchers found that cycling to work was linked to the most significant health benefits — including a 45% lower risk of developing cancer and a 46% lower risk of heart disease compared to non-active commuters.

    Walking to work was linked to a 27% lower risk of developing heart disease and a 36% lower risk of dying from it, though it also appeared to have no effect on cancer risk or overall premature death risk, the study showed.

    The research involved 264,377 people with an average age of 53 whose data forms part of the UK Biobank — a database of biological information from half a million British adults.

    Since the study was observational, no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, the researchers said. Its findings could also be affected by some confounding factors, they added, including that the mode and distance of commuting was self-reported, rather than objectively measured.

    However, “the findings, if causal, suggest population health may be improved by policies that increase active commuting, particularly cycling”, they said.

    These would include creating more cycle lanes, introducing more bike buying or hiring schemes, and providing better access for cyclists on public transport.

    Lars Bo Andersen, a professor at the Western Norwegian University of Applied Sciences, who was not directly involved in the research but wrote a commentary on it in the BMJ, said its findings “are a clear call for political action on active commuting”, saying this had the potential to significantly improve public health by reducing rates of chronic disease.

    “A shift from cars to more active modes of travel will also decrease traffic in congested city centres and help reduce air pollution, with further benefits for health,” he said.

     

  • FOODS TO NIX THE PERIOD PAIN

    FOODS TO NIX THE PERIOD PAIN

    FOODS TO NIX THE PERIOD PAIN

    You know it is that time of the month when you see-saw between fluctuating hormones, water-retention, bloating, cramping, cravings, and mood swings. It’s certainly not one of the best times of the month for a woman. It’s a well documented fact that Premenstrual Symptoms (PMS) have disrupted diets. Remember the time when you’ve caught yourself raiding the fridge at odd hours? During your monthly cycle you can optimise your energy levels, and have a better handle over your mood swings. All you need to do is follow a healthy balanced diet, or simply eat correctly. Devika Prakash, dietician-nutritionist, suggests, “Keep it simple and get back to basics. All you need to do is eat a balanced diet every day (get all your food groups in every day), eat fruits and vegetables with as many meals as possible, get a variety within each food group—enjoy the seasonal headliner or shop for frozen foods that are picked at their prime to get a variety of vitamins and minerals daily.” She adds, “To prevent, and cope with PMS symptoms, replace seriously unhealthy cravings with these seven healthy foods by adding them to your diet to consume the adequate amount of nutrients needed.”

    Spinach

    Spinach delivers a megaload of magnesium. Just one leafy cup provides 40 percent of your daily value—so try subbing it for lettuce on sandwiches and salads. Or whip up a hot side of wilted spinach to pair with your next PMS-busting dinner.

    Oranges

    Studies indicate that women who get a larger amount of calcium and vitamin D experience less intense PMS symptoms. Why? Calcium reduces depressive and anxious feelings in the brain while vitamin D regulates the enzyme that converts tryptophan into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate moods. You can also try yoghurt, which also contains live cultures to promote healthy digestion.

    Almonds

    It’s especially important during your period to get enough lean protein and fibre, which help even your blood sugar, therefore reducing cravings for the no-no stuff. Try some almonds or even a pear when the mid-afternoon cravings begin!

    Whole wheat

    Whole grains are filled with health benefits. They’re an excellent source of magnesium, which helps to reduce muscle tension, and have Vitamins B and E that chase away the fatigue and depression.

    Ginger-honey tea

    Got nausea and bloating? Care for a cuppa ginger-honey tea? If you’re not a ginger-honey person, then a pot of chamomile tea is good for you! Tea is known to relieve muscle spasms and reduce tension that leads to anxiety and irritability.

     

     

  • BENEFITS OF HYDRAULIC ACID

    BENEFITS OF HYDRAULIC ACID

    BENEFITS OF HYDRAULIC ACID

    Hydraulic acid (HA) is making headlines as the magic ingredient in over-the-counter beauty products worldwide. And for good reason too! It is naturally found in the body (about 15g), and lends itself to moisturising the skin and staying youthful. However, as one ages, it doesn’t help to have that boost of HA from an external source and apply it topically.

    Using it regularly on your skin helps enhance tissue function. As the skin ages, and loses moisture and elasticity, HA helps hold in water and aids skin health and longevity. The skin is smoother and more supple. Microscopic studies across the world have shown a delay in the onset of wrinkles. Applying HA ensures that the moisture is locked in, and the layer of serum or cream on your skin means that harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun don’t damage your skin.

    Worried that you might be getting too much moisture? HA is considered a ‘smart’ ingredient. It adjusts itself according to each body and skin type’s need, the weather conditions, humidity and so on. Taken only on the advice and prescription of your dermatologist, and as an oral supplement, HA can enhance collagen production, keeping the skin cell structure intact for longer. Collagen is one of the most effective proteins that makes the skin firmer and more supple, and HA boosts the synthesis of this protein. Certain HA creams are not meant for the face. Instead they are used on the joints topically to repair damaged tissue, and are particularly useful in cases of osteoarthritis.

    However, you need to watch out for a few things. Make sure that the serum or cream you’re opting for does not contain alcohol, parabens or sulfates, since these ingredients will counter all the good being done by HA, and could backfire. Consult your skin specialist before you make any choices.

  • 34 dead, 2,000 sick with suspected cholera in Yemen: WHO

    34 dead, 2,000 sick with suspected cholera in Yemen: WHO

    34 dead, 2,000 sick with suspected cholera in Yemen: WHO

    SANAA (TIP): Thirty-four people have died of cholerarelated causes and more than 2,000 have been taken ill in less than two weeks in Yemen, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday. “There have been 34 cholera-associated deaths and 2,022 cases of acute watery diarrhoea in nine governorates, including Sanaa, during the period of April 27 to May 7,” a WHO official told AFP.

    This is the second wave of cholera-associated deaths in a year in Yemen, where a deadly war has destroyed hospitals and left millions of people struggling to access food and clean water.

    The WHO now classifies Yemen as one of the worst humanitarian emergencies in the world alongside Syria, South Sudan, Nigeria and Iraq.

    Conflict in Yemen has escalated over the past two years, as the Saudi-supported government fights Iran-backed Huthi rebels for control of the impoverished country. The United Nations, which has called Yemen “the largest humanitarian crisis in the world”, estimates that more than 7,000 people have been killed since 2015 and three million displaced. (PTI)

  • NEW STUDY FINDS HOW AIR POLLUTION LEADS TO HEART ATTACK, STROKE

    NEW STUDY FINDS HOW AIR POLLUTION LEADS TO HEART ATTACK, STROKE

    British researchers have found inhaled nanoparticles, especially those coming out of vehicles, enter the bloodstream through the lungs and build up in vessels over a period of time, which runs the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

    The new findings, published on Wednesday in the journal ACS Nano, build on previous evidence show the particles we breathe get into our blood and are carried to different parts of the body, including arteries, blood vessels and the heart.

    Researchers said these nanoparticles tend to build up in damaged blood vessels of people who already suffer from coronary heart disease – the condition that causes heart attacks – and make it worse.

    Experts have long known that air pollution causes serious health risks and can trigger fatal heart attacks and strokes. But until now scientists were not sure how particles inhaled into the lungs go on to affect heart health.

    “There is no doubt that air pollution is a killer, and this study brings us a step closer to solving the mystery of how air pollution damages our cardiovascular health,” said Jeremy Pearson, a professor and associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation charity that part-funded the study.

    According to a Centre for Science and Environment report, more than 6 lakh people die in India each year due to outdoor air pollution.

    “When pollution levels go up, people living with chronic respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis, experience an aggravation of symptoms. Pollution also results in hypertension, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. This study is just another proof,” Dr Srikant Sharma, senior consultant physician at Delhi’s Moolchand Hospital, said.

  • ARE YOUR KNEES MAKING A WEIRD NOISE? YOU MAY BE AT RISK OF OSTEOARTHRITIS

    ARE YOUR KNEES MAKING A WEIRD NOISE? YOU MAY BE AT RISK OF OSTEOARTHRITIS

    Hear grating, cracking or popping sounds when you bend your knees? You may be at an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis, a new study suggests.

    Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when flexible tissue at the ends of bones wears down.

    Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in the US analysed data from about 3,500 participants who were at high risk for developing knee osteoarthritis.

    They found that people who heard grating, cracking, or popping sounds in or around their knee joint may be at an increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.

    Researchers also found that people who developed osteoarthritis within a year, more than 75 per cent had signs of osteoarthritis on radiographic images but no frequent knee pain at the start of the study.

    “This study suggests that if these people have noisy knees, they are at higher risk for developing pain within the next year compared with the people who do not have noisy knees,” said Grace Lo, assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine.

    “Many people who have signs of osteoarthritis on x-rays do not necessarily complain of pain, and there are no known strategies for preventing the development of pain in this group of people,” Lo said.

    Future studies that target people who have x-ray signs of osteoarthritis, and who do not complain of pain but do report noisy knees, hold the promise of identifying interventions that can prevent knee pain, researchers said.

  • ANTIBIOTICS MAY UP MISCARRIAGE RISK

    ANTIBIOTICS MAY UP MISCARRIAGE RISK

    Women who take common antibiotics to treat infections during the early stages of pregnancy may be at a two-fold higher risk of suffering a miscarriage, a new study warns.

    Researchers from the Universite de Montreal in Canada looked at data from about 8,702 cases, defined as clinically detected spontaneous abortions, which were matched with 87,020 controls. The mean gestational age at the time of miscarriage was 14 weeks.

    Researchers found that many classes of common antibiotics, such as macrolides, quinolones, tetracyclines, sulfonamides and metronidazole, were associated with increased risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy.

    Erythromycin and nitrofurantoin, often used to treat urinary tract infections in pregnant women, were not associated with increased risk, the researchers said.These findings may be useful for policy-makers to update guidelines for the treatment of infections during pregnancy , the researchers noted.

  • Indian-origin scientist helps develop robot drill for 50 times faster skull surgery

    Indian-origin scientist helps develop robot drill for 50 times faster skull surgery

    WASHINGTON (TIP): A new computer-driven robotic drill that can make a type of complex cranial surgery 50 times faster than standard procedures has been developed by scientists including one of Indian origin.

    The automated drill, similar to those used in machine auto parts, produces fast, clean and safe cuts, reducing the time the wound is open and the patient is anaesthetised.

    This can decrease the incidence of infection, human error, and surgical cost, according to the findings published in the journal Neurosurgical Focus.

    To perform complex surgeries, especially cranial surgeries, surgeons typically use hand drills to make intricate openings, adding hours to a procedure. The automated drill reduces the time for bone removal from two hours using a hand drill to 2.5 minutes. “It was like doing archaeology. We had to slowly take away the bone to avoid sensitive structures,” said William Couldwell, a neurosurgeon at University of Utah in the US.

    “I was interested in developing a low-cost drill that could do a lot of the grunt work to reduce surgeon fatigue,” said A K Balaji, associate professor at University of Utah.

    The patient is first is imaged using a CT scan to gather bone data and identify the exact location of sensitive structures, such as nerves and major veins and arteries that must be avoided.

    Surgeons use this information to programme the cutting path of the drill.

    “The software lets the surgeon choose the optimum path from point A to point B, like Google Maps,” said Balaji.

    In addition, the surgeon can programme safety barriers along the cutting path within one millimetre of sensitive structures.

    The drill does the heavy lifting by removing most of the bone, similar to a mill, accurately and rapidly.

    The translabyrinthine surgery is performed thousands of times a year to expose slow-growing, benign tumours that form around the auditory nerves, researchers said.

    This cut is not only difficult, the cutting path also must avoid several sensitive features, including facial nerves and the venous sinus, a large vein that drains blood from the brain. Risks of this surgery include loss of facial movement.

    The device also has an automatic emergency shut-off switch. During surgery, the facial nerve is monitored for any signs of irritation.

  • Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Amla juice found unfit for consumption and removed from India’s Defense Canteens

    Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Amla juice found unfit for consumption and removed from India’s Defense Canteens

    Patanjali products have failed tests earlier, too

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Economic Times has reported that the Indian Ministry of Defense’s canteen stores department (CSD) has suspended the sale of Patanjali Ayurved’s Amla juice after receiving an adverse state-laboratory test report on the product.

    India Today quoting The Economic Times said that the move came after the product was tested at the central food lab that found it to be ‘unfit for consumption’. Soon after the report was declared, the CSD asked all its depots to make debit notes for their existing stock so that the product can be returned. The Department has 34 depots located across India.

    Patanjali Amla Juice

    “The batch was tested at the Central Food Lab in Kolkata and was declared unfit for consumption. Patanjali has withdrawn Amla juice from all army canteens,” according to two officials. However, the detailed findings of the report are yet to be known.

    Incidentally, this is the same lab that found almost two years ago lead levels above permissible limits, and the presence of MSG in the samples of Nestle Maggi noodles.

    The latest development could hurt the Patanjali’s image as its Amla juice was the product that helped it strengthen its foothold in the Indian consumer market. However, Patanjali Ayurved has not reacted yet to the news.

    This is the second time when Patanjali is facing such adverse situation. Last year in December, a local court in Haridwar slapped Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurved’s five production units with a fine of Rs 11 lakh for “misbranding and putting up misleading advertisements” of their products.

    Patanjali Ayurved was found guilty of misbranding as the products being shown by the company as produced at its own units were in fact manufactured somewhere else.

    A case had been filed in the court against the company in 2012 by the District Food Safety Department after samples of mustard oil, salt, pineapple jam, besan and honey produced by Patanjali had failed quality tests at Rudrapur laboratory.

    But strangely enough these products are being sold in markets abroad, in Canada, USA and UK where Patanjali is touted as promoter of Indian Ayurved and is backed by the image of Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev. These products are available over the counter at grocery stores, besides pharmacies.

    It remains to be seen whether countries like USA will take notice of Patanjali products failing laboratory tests in India and being rejected by customers like the government of India Defense Department which is a huge customer given the size of the armed forces, and subject Patanjali products to lab tests to ensure these are fit for human consumption.

    FDA need to change its policy and bring Ayurved products under the list of products which need FDA approval, to ensure the products are not harmful. There should be no compromise on the health of US residents.

  • A Fund Raiser for Health and Education

    A Fund Raiser for Health and Education

    Gift of Life USA Involves Community in the gigantic task

    NEW YORK (TIP): Gift of Life USA Inc., a 501 (c) (3) Non-profit organization, for health and education was launched with a Grand Gala Dinner Night at Leonard’s Palazzo, on April 23, 2017. The organization aims at supporting the specially-abled, creating awareness – health and education and encouraging talent of the specially-abled followed by specially-abled services and much more in the long run.

    A kick start of the event, celebrating month of autism, included attendees, key supporters and leaders from the South Asian & American community. Hosted by Harshil Parekh, the event brought together the resources available and need under the same umbrella to raise the awareness of its vision, mission and goals.

    Founders, Paresh & Flora Parekh, presented a detailed overview of the inspiration, mission and vision of the organization.

    “At Gift of Life USA, we aim at working in support of the ones with special needs, creating awareness, encouraging talent of the specially-abled, providing and assisting with needed resources, to help them be better, socially acceptable, self-respectable, self-supporting individuals and generating services in the long term. This is just the beginning…” Say Founders Flora & Paresh Parekh.

    Our goal is to have a better, healthier and happier world for children and adults everywhere – especially for the specially-abled” – says Treasurer & Host Harshil Parekh.

    Front row- L to R:Mr. Swaminathan, Pam Kwatra, Flora Parekh, Malti Shah, Manjari Bhatt, Dr. Hetal Gor, Madhu Parekh, Neela Pandya, Rupal Sehgal Second row- (L to R): Paresh Parekh, Eric Kumar, Lal Kwatra, H.K. Shah, Kamlesh Parekh, Dr. Harshad Bhatt, Bakul Matalia, Mom Speaker Kimberly Gilgeours, Harshil Parekh
    Front row- L to R:Mr. Swaminathan, Pam Kwatra, Flora Parekh, Malti Shah, Manjari Bhatt, Dr. Hetal Gor, Madhu Parekh, Neela Pandya, Rupal Sehgal Second row- (L to R): Paresh Parekh, Eric Kumar, Lal Kwatra, H.K. Shah, Kamlesh Parekh, Dr. Harshad Bhatt, Bakul Matalia, Mom Speaker Kimberly Gilgeours, Harshil Parekh

    The event was inaugurated with a special and traditional lamp lighting by key founders, committee, volunteers, supporters and community leaders. National Speaker Kerry Magro, (a young adult, diagnosed with a type of autism at the age of 4) who has talked at over 700 events an award-winning disability advocate, best-selling author of 3 books, movie consultant of 2 autism films, TV hosting his own local cable show) was the keynote speaker for the evening and shared his experiences. Mesmerizing performances by blind performers (singers, dancers, musicians), rocked the evening. The event also awarded children essay competition winners with cash prizes and Gift certificates. These kids participated in Essay Competition “I love someone with autism” in the beginning of the year and have been show casing their talent and support for the specially-abled at this very young tender age.

    Several distinguished individuals, dignitaries and community leaders joined hands to whole heartedly support this noble cause.

    Inspired by her mom, the event recognized the tireless efforts of 3 of the founders God mothers namely Manjari Bhatt, Malti Shah & Pam Kwatra; who have nourished several children with their dedicated love, care and support. Special experiences from Kimberly, mom of especially abed kid; spell bounded the audience. A special souvenir, portraying key business, facilitated by Eric Kumar, was launched at the event. Special raffles gave away exciting prizes like diamond ring by Paresh Parekh of Harshil Creations; a gold chain by East West Jewelers, Free Liposuction consulting and treatment by Dr. Hetal Gor, Gorgeous outfit by Wardrobe. The Gala Was the hard, tireless and dedicated work of several dedicated volunteers and committee members – Rupal Sehgal, Eric Kumar, Bakul Matalia, Kamlesh & Madhu Parekh, Kiran Mehta, Dr. Hetal Gor, Shashi Malik, Neela Pandya, Sanjay Sura, Aryan Sharma, Harshil Parekh, Dr. Sheetal Sheth, Aditi Patil and several others along with the support of donors, supporters and well wishers.

    Further information and donation opportunities visit website at www.giftoflifeus.org
    (Based on a press release by Neela Pandya)

  • Cut down on trans fats in daily diet to reduce heart attack risk

    Cut down on trans fats in daily diet to reduce heart attack risk

    Hospitalisation for heart attacks and strokes is less common among people living in areas that restrict trans fats in foods compared to residents in areas without restrictions, new research has found.

    “Our study highlights the power of public policy to impact the cardiovascular health of a population,” said lead author Eric Brandt from Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, US.

    Trans fatty acids, or trans fats, are commonly found in fried foods, chips, crackers and baked goods. Eating even minimal amounts is linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Some communities in the US — most notably New York City — have eliminated the use of trans fats in restaurants and eateries in recent years.

    To study the impact of restricting trans fats, researchers compared outcomes for people living in New York counties with and without the restrictions.

    Using data from the state department of health and census estimates between 2002 and 2013, the researchers focused on hospital admissions for heart attack and stroke.

    They found that three or more years after the restrictions were implemented, people living in areas with the bans had significantly fewer hospitalisations for heart attack and stroke when compared to similar urban areas where no limits existed.

    SALTY SNACKS REDUCE THIRST, INCREASE HUNGER: STUDY

    Ever wondered, why you love those French fries with sprinkled salt and cannot keep your hands off ?

    In first of its kind, a study finds that salty food diminishes thirst and increases hunger, due to a higher need for energy.

    The results, published in the journal of Clinical Investigation, showed something different: salt stayed in the urine, while water moved back into the kidney and body.

    “It’s not solely a waste product, as has been assumed,” said one of the researcher Friedrich C Luft from Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in Germany.

    “Instead, it turns out to be a very important osmolyte — a compound that binds to water and helps transport it. Its function is to keep water in when our bodies get rid of salt. Nature has apparently found a way to conserve water that would otherwise be carried away into the urine by salt,” Luft added.

    The team carried out a simulated mission to Mars and an international group of scientists found exactly the opposite to be true, where Cosmonauts who ate more salt retained more water, weren’t as thirsty, and needed more energy.

    They divided participants in two groups of 10 male volunteers sealed into a mock spaceship for two simulated flights to Mars and were examined for 105 days.

    The second group was sent for over 205 days.

    Both the groups had identical diets and later they were given three different levels of salt in their food.

    The results confirmed that eating more salt led to a higher salt content in urine — no surprise there. Nor was there any surprise in a correlation between amounts of salt and overall quantity of urine.

    The findings suggest that the increase was not due to more drinking — in fact, a salty diet caused the participants to drink less. Salt was triggering a mechanism to conserve water in the kidneys.

  • Limit smartphone use to avoid personal, social problems

    Limit smartphone use to avoid personal, social problems

    People who use smartphones in excess may experience personal, social and workplace problems, warns new research.

    In the study, participants who identified themselves as “addicts” and “fanatics” exhibited signs that could indicate depression, social isolation, social anxiety, shyness, impulsivity and low self-esteem.

    “Our smartphones have turned into a tool that provides short, quick, immediate satisfaction, which is very triggering,” said Isaac Vaghefi, Assistant Professor at Binghamton University-State University of New York.

    “Our neurons get fired and dopamine is being released, and over time this makes us acquire a desire for quick feedback and immediate satisfaction. This process also has contributed to developing shorter attention spans and being more and more prone to boredom,” Vaghefi said.

    The umbrella term “technology addiction” refers to addictive behaviour related to social media, excessive texting, information overload, online shopping, gambling, video gaming, online pornography and overall smartphone usage.

    For the study, the researchers surveyed 182 college students and asked them to report their daily routine of smartphone usage. Based on the analysis of the responses, they classified the user as one of the following types —thoughtful, regular, highly engaged, fanatic and addict. 7%identified as “addicts” and 12% identified as “fanatics.”

    Both groups experience personal, social and workplace problems due to a compulsive need to be on their smartphones, according to the study published in the Information Systems Journal. Females were most likely to exhibit susceptibility to addiction, the study said.

    “While self-identified ‘addict’ users were in the minority, I predict technology addiction will increase as technology continues to advance and application, game and gadget developers find new ways to ensure users’ long term engagement with technology,” Vaghefi said.

    The researchers said that if you constantly check your smartphone, even when it does not ring or vibrate, or you get paranoid when the smartphone is not with you, seeking professional help might be a good idea.

    Moreover, if you use technology as a way of escaping problems or relieving feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression, or you ignore what is happening in real time in favour of what is happening virtually, you might then be a right candidate to seek professional help, the researchers said.

  • IS YOUR SOCIAL DRINKING HURTING YOUR LIVER?

    IS YOUR SOCIAL DRINKING HURTING YOUR LIVER?

    Liver is the second largest human organ. It removes toxins in your body, controls cholesterol levels, fight infections, aids digestion among other key functions. Sadly, liver diseases don’t show any signs or symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage.

    Magnitude of Problem

    • ? Alcohol related toxicity is the third most common cause of morbidity and the fifth most common cause of disease burden worldwide.
    • ? It is the leading cause of mortality in people aged 15-49 years, and the total expenditure amounts to billions of dollars.
    • ? WHO estimates that 140 million people worldwide suffer from alcohol dependency, causing damage to lives and economies.
    • ? The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends that both males and females should not drink more than 28 g and 14 g per day, respectively.
    • ? In addition, steady daily drinking, as compared with binge drinking, appears to be more harmful
    • ? Persistent and heavy for long period more risky than sporadic heavy drinking.
    • ? In USA, 2nd leading cause for liver transplantation is alcoholic cirrhosis.
    • ? In India alcoholic liver disease occurs a decade early compared to west.
    • ? Women had greater susceptibility to ALD at any given level of intake.

    What is the spectrum of alcohol related liver disease?

    There are three main types: alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis.

    Alcoholic cirrhosis leads to complications of ascites, blood in vomitus, liver cancer at advanced stage.

    Alcohol related fatty liver

    Excess alcohol consumption leads to accumulation of excess fat in the liver in 90% of individuals. This is the earliest stage of alcohol-related liver disease and usually there are no symptoms. Although reversible, cirrhosis may develop in 10% of heavy drinkers.

    Patients who drink alcohol and are overweight or have diabetes have a higher risk of progressive liver damage.

    Alcoholic hepatitis

    In Alcoholic hepatitis, there is inflammation and swelling of the liver. It develops in individuals who are heavy drinkers and those who indulge in binge drinking. Symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever and jaundice. One out of three heavy drinkers develops alcoholic hepatitis. If it is mild, liver damage may be reversed after stopping alcohol. Some patients of mild alcoholic hepatitis continue to drink alcohol, and they may quickly progress to severe alcoholic hepatitis and develop liver failure. Signs of liver failure are accumulation of fluid in the belly, swelling of feet and mental confusion. Severe alcoholic hepatitis is a very serious condition and fifty percent of patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis die within one month.

    Alcoholic cirrhosis

    Alcoholic cirrhosis is scarring of the liver — hard scar tissue replaces soft healthy tissue. It is the most serious type of alcohol-related liver disease. Between 10 and 20 percent of heavy drinkers develop cirrhosis. The damage from cirrhosis cannot be reversed and usually leads to development of ascites, mental confusion, and blood in vomitus or passage of blood in stools, frequent infections and ICU admissions.

    In one of the studies done by me in Liver ICU, consisting of 522 cirrhotic patients, majority (>50 per cent) had alcohol related liver disease. The prognosis of these patients was very poor with dismal survival. The cost involved in care of such patients may go upto 1 lakh rupees per day due to multiple organ failure state.

    Most of these patients require liver transplantation after a period of alcohol abstinence.

  • Cannabis may help treat itching and other skin diseases

    Cannabis may help treat itching and other skin diseases

    nti-inflammatory properties in a cannabis compound could help treat itching and a wide-range of other skin diseases, say researchers.

    The new study, published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, summarises the current literature on the subject and concludes that pharmaceuticals containing cannabinoids may be effective against eczema, psoriasis, atopic and contact dermatitis.

    “Perhaps the most promising role for cannabinoids is in the treatment of itch,” said the study’s senior author Robert Dellavalle, Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in the US.

    In one study, eight of 21 patients who applied a cannabinoid cream twice a day for three weeks completely eliminated severe itching or pruritus. The drug may have reduced the dry skin that gave rise to the itch, Dellavalle said.

    The primary driver in these cannabinoid treatments could be their anti-inflammatory properties, he added.

    In the studies reviewed, the researchers found that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) the active ingredient in marijuana, reduced swelling and inflammation in mice. At the same time, mice with melanoma saw significant inhibition of tumour growth when injected with THC.

    “These are topical cannabinoid drugs with little or no psychotropic effect that can be used for skin disease,” Dellavalle said.

    Still, Dellavalle cautioned that most of these studies are based on laboratory models and large-scale clinical trials have not been performed.

  • SALTY SNACKS REDUCE THIRST, INCREASE HUNGER: STUDY

    SALTY SNACKS REDUCE THIRST, INCREASE HUNGER: STUDY

    Ever wondered, why you love those French fries with sprinkled salt and cannot keep your hands off ?

    In first of its kind, a study finds that salty food diminishes thirst and increases hunger, due to a higher need for energy.

    The results, published in the journal of Clinical Investigation, showed something different: salt stayed in the urine, while water moved back into the kidney and body.

    “It’s not solely a waste product, as has been assumed,” said one of the researcher Friedrich C Luft from Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in Germany.

    “Instead, it turns out to be a very important osmolyte — a compound that binds to water and helps transport it. Its function is to keep water in when our bodies get rid of salt. Nature has apparently found a way to conserve water that would otherwise be carried away into the urine by salt,” Luft added.

    The team carried out a simulated mission to Mars and an international group of scientists found exactly the opposite to be true, where Cosmonauts who ate more salt retained more water, weren’t as thirsty, and needed more energy.

    They divided participants in two groups of 10 male volunteers sealed into a mock spaceship for two simulated flights to Mars and were examined for 105 days.

    The second group was sent for over 205 days.

    Both the groups had identical diets and later they were given three different levels of salt in their food.

    The results confirmed that eating more salt led to a higher salt content in urine — no surprise there. Nor was there any surprise in a correlation between amounts of salt and overall quantity of urine.

    The findings suggest that the increase was not due to more drinking — in fact, a salty diet caused the participants to drink less. Salt was triggering a mechanism to conserve water in the kidneys.

    Cut down on trans fats in daily diet to reduce heart attack risk

    Hospitalisation for heart attacks and strokes is less common among people living in areas that restrict trans fats in foods compared to residents in areas without restrictions, new research has found.

    “Our study highlights the power of public policy to impact the cardiovascular health of a population,” said lead author Eric Brandt from Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, US.

    Trans fatty acids, or trans fats, are commonly found in fried foods, chips, crackers and baked goods. Eating even minimal amounts is linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Some communities in the US — most notably New York City — have eliminated the use of trans fats in restaurants and eateries in recent years.

    To study the impact of restricting trans fats, researchers compared outcomes for people living in New York counties with and without the restrictions.

    Using data from the state department of health and census estimates between 2002 and 2013, the researchers focused on hospital admissions for heart attack and stroke.

    They found that three or more years after the restrictions were implemented, people living in areas with the bans had significantly fewer hospitalisations for heart attack and stroke when compared to similar urban areas where no limits existed.

  • CAN’T CURTAIL MEDICAL TOURISM CONTENT: SC

    CAN’T CURTAIL MEDICAL TOURISM CONTENT: SC

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Striking a note of caution against any blanket ban on medical tourism-related content available online, the Supreme Court on April 13 said people’s right to know, be informed and gain wisdom from the Internet can’t be curtailed unless the content violated the law against sex-determination law in India.

    A three-judge Bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra said it was only for the nodal officers appointed by the Centre and state governments under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, 1994, to ask intermediaries to take measures for the removal of objectionable content. The intermediaries such as Microsoft, Yahoo and Google can’t take any action on their own, it added.

    The clarification came from the Bench after senior counsel Harish Salve and Abhishek Manu Singhvi—representing Microsoft and Google—said the intermediaries could take action only on directions from nodal officers, and not on their own volition. The Bench posted the matter for further hearing on September 5.

    The Bench said any online information could not be blocked unless it violated Section 22 of the Act that prohibited advertisements relating to pre-natal determination of sex. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi had told the Bench the right to know was a fundamental right that could not be curtailed by banning information on the Internet.

    “There is distinction between information and advertisement. A person out of curiosity wants to know or study something. The right to know is a fundamental right and we cannot curtail it… We cannot curtail free search. The right to know is a fundamental right. If we stop information, then we stop knowledge, then we stop thinking…” Rohatgi had said.