News (Noticias) Tagged ‘Doctor’

David Lucero grew up in Jamaica, Queens, and he was trying to connect with a group of students in a large classroom overflowing with plants and fish tanks at the High School for Environmental Studies on Manhattan’s West Side.

Mr. Lucero, 22, will soon begin a doctoral program in molecular biology and genetics at the University of Vermont. When he spent a day at the high school recently, his prime goal was to encourage other Latino students, as well as black and Asian-American students, to pursue environmental studies in college and as a career.

Three other Vermont seniors also made the trip, on a mission to recruit minority students from New York City to the state university in Burlington, overlooking Lake Champlain. It is not easy to sell 16- and 17-year-olds on the virtues of camping, hiking, ice skating and living in a small city near the Canadian border when they are more familiar with urban culture, like where to transfer from the E train to the A.”*

The University of Texas at El Paso has been awarded nearly $1 million from the National Science Foundation to help students earn doctorates in science, technology, engineering or mathematics in an effort to bolster the number of minorities with graduate degrees in these disciplines, according to a UTEP news release.

The $987,000 award will fund UTEP’s Bridge to the Doctorate program, which is part of The University of Texas System Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. The award will support 12 students pursuing graduate degrees. Under the program, students will each receive a $30,000 stipend a year for two years plus funding to help cover tuition and related cost-of-education expenses.”*

Esperanza Gomez, 50, is a physician, trained in Colombia, who spent 17 years at a children’s hospital in the Colombian city of Cali before coming to the United States four years ago. She would like to obtain her license to practice medicine in the United States, but the path for foreign-trained doctors is not easy, involving three lengthy exams, considerable expense, and a three-year residency program.

But now there is an organization designed to assist people such as Gomez. The Rhode Island Welcome Back Center, at Dorcas Place, 220 Elmwood Ave., was created to help immigrants trained in the health professions find appropriate work in this country. It officially opens tomorrow and Manuela Raposo, director of the center, said she’s already been contacted by 32 people, including Gomez, who want to make appointments.”*

Law enforcement officials said that the shift toward prescription-drug abuse, which began here about eight years ago, showed no sign of letting up and that the state must do more to control it.

“You have health care providers involved, you have doctor shoppers, and then there are crimes like robbing drug shipments,” said Jeff Beasley, a drug intelligence inspector for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which co-sponsored the study. “There is a multitude of ways to get these drugs, and that’s what makes things complicated.””*

As researchers ponder growing evidence that blacks have worse outcomes than whites in the treatment of chronic disease, they often theorize that members of minorities suffer disproportionately from poor access to quality care. Now a new study of diabetes patients has found stark racial disparities even among patients treated by the same doctors.

The lead author of the study said in an interview that he attributed the differences less to overt racism than to a systemic failure to tailor treatments to patients’ cultural norms. The problem, said the author, Dr. Thomas D. Sequist, an assistant professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School, may be that physicians do not discriminate in the way they counsel patients.”*

For service provided to English language learners, UC Riverside doctoral candidate Gregory O’Brien will be honored as a recipient of the 2008 Los Angeles County Bilingual Directors’ Award at a ceremony held June 7 at the Long Beach Hilton Hotel. O’Brien, principal of Sparks Elementary School in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, has dedicated his career to bilingual education.

He is completing work on his Ph.D. in parent involvement from UCR and has worked to enhance the power of immigrant parents at the school site and in their homes. His dissertation work addresses how culture influences the participation of Mexican immigrant parents in the formal schooling of their children in California.

“How fitting that Gregory’s award-winning service to English language learners is being matched by his intellectual contributions to Latino education through his dissertation work,” said Professor Robert Ream of UCR’s Graduate School of Education and co-chair of O’Brien’s dissertation committee.

O’Brien’s interest in bilingual education began early on when he attended college in Argentina and Spain, before graduating from the University of Minnesota with a BA in Spanish. He began teaching in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District in 1995 where his knowledge of Spanish was essential in his bilingual classroom and with the majority of the parents of his students. After gaining experience at the elementary, middle and high school level, he worked for several years as a district program specialist in the Multilingual Office.

Each year, a category of education personnel is honored with the L.A. County Bilingual Directors Award. This year, the award is going to site administrators. In addition to Outstanding School Administrators who have made significant contributions to bilingual education, the organization will also be honoring Denise Moreno Ducheny, California State Senator, 40th District “*

The Cordillera Central is one of the prime regions torn by the war between the Colombian military and the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia). The rural population, which is mostly lower class and of indigenous decent, and consequently the sector of the Colombian populous most dramatically hit by the armed confrontations, defends itself through the “Indigenous War.”

An enormous green desert. Leaving the Cali Airport, a sea of sugarcane plantations covers the extensive flats of Cauca, one of the most fertile regions of the Colombian countryside. Here, coffee cultivation has barely taken root, going back only two decades. Manuel Rozental, a doctor who has followed the activities and movements of the indigenous peoples of the North Cauca region for years, comments on the scenery from his seat at the back of the bus, remarking “It’s the agrofuels business.” Here, sugarcane trains stuffed to the brim cross all along the Pan-American route as they make their way to the refineries that border the track systems. As they go, they are met with the indifferent, and seemingly lost, gazes from rows of black countrymen, as they slowly saunter toward their poorly-constructed houses.”*

Dionicio Morales, founder and former president of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, the nation’s largest Latino-serving social service organization, will receive an honorary doctorate from the California State University Board of Trustees at Cal State L.A.’s 61st Commencement Friday. The ceremony begins at 5 p.m. in the University Athletic Stadium.

Helping children and families in need since 1963 and spanning over seven counties, MAOF provides services to more than 100,000 Californians, 95 percent of whom have a low to moderate income. MAOF’s programs include child care and development, resource and referral, alternative payment programs, senior and disabled services, welfare-to-work employment services, youth programs, a food bank, and financial-literacy and computer-literacy education.”*

A patient-care technician from Longwood, Janell married Sebastian Vasquez in 2004 after a friend introduced them. She knew Sebastian, 26, had entered the country illegally to seek construction work but fell in love with him anyway. They have a 1-year-old son, as well as two daughters from her previous relationships.

Janell, a 38-year-old Alabama native, petitioned for his residency. They were hopeful when he was summoned this year to the American Embassy in Mexico for an interview. But their petition was denied, leaving him on the other side of the border.

“We were happy. We thought our problems were behind us. We thought, ‘He can get his papers, and we can go on with our lives and have more or less the American dream, your family, your job,’ ” Vasquez said. “He called me crying from Mexico.” Vasquez, who was recently diagnosed with stomach cancer, said she might be forced to apply for government assistance to support herself and the children without him. She fears she might lose her home.”*

The mother of a dissident Cuban doctor has been reunited with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Argentina after Havana agreed to let her leave the island.

The 89-year-old Hilda Morejon Serantes — the mother of renowned brain surgeon Hilda Molina, whom Cuba has prohibited from leaving the communist island — arrived in Buenos Aires late Saturday accompanied by her granddaughter-in-law.

Sitting in a wheelchair and clutching a rosary, Morejon was surrounded by family members and journalists.”*

In many areas of Miami, Spanish has become the predominant language, replacing English in everyday life. Anyone from Latin America could feel at home on the streets, without having to pronounce a single word in English.

In stores, shopkeepers wait on their clients in Spanish. Universities offer programs for Spanish speakers. And in supermarkets, banks, restaurants — even at the post office and government offices — information is given and assistance is offered in Spanish. In Miami, doctors and nurses speak Spanish with their patients and a large portion of advertising is in Spanish. Daily newspapers and radio and television stations cater to the Hispanic public.

But this situation, so pleasing to Latin American immigrants, makes some English speakers feel marginalized. In the 1950s, it’s estimated that more than 80 percent of Miami-Dade County residents were non-Hispanic whites. But in 2006, the Census Bureau estimates that number was only 18.5 percent, and in 2015 it is forecast to be 14 percent. Hispanics now make up about 60 percent.”*

DATE:           SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2008

WHO:            PADRES CONTRA EL CANCER and the Los Angeles Avengers, will
host the Inaugural Stand for HOPE! 5k Charity Run/Walk to
raise money in support of children with cancer and their
families.  Scheduled to participate in the pre-race
events, including a press conference and morning warm-ups
will be PADRES Spokespersons Eva Longoria Parker, Star of
Desperate Housewives and Fernando Del Rincon of
Univision's Primer Impacto, along with other celebrities.

WHAT:           INAUGURAL STAND FOR HOPE! 5K CHARITY RUN/WALK
PADRES Contra El Cancer will host its Inaugural 5k
Run/Walk to raise money to continue providing benefits to
families whose children are undergoing treatment for
cancer at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Childrens
Hospital Orange County and other Southern California
pediatric cancer centers. More than 400 persons are
expected to take part in the 5k Run/Walk. Participants
will include pediatric cancer patients; their families;
CHLA doctors and nurses; PADRES Contra El Cancer
Directors, Staff & Volunteers; and special celebrity
guests.  The Run/Walk will conclude with an awards
presentation.  The celebration includes a sponsor village
that includes live music and other activities.

WHERE:          Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
3911 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90037

TIME:           Press Conference:          7:00 - 7:45 AM
Race Start Time:           8:00 AM

CREDENTIALS:    MEDIA CREDENTIALS ARE REQUIRED
Please contact: Maribel De La Torre @ 818.581.5458

About PADRES:   PADRES Contra El Cancer (PADRES) is an organization
committed to improving the quality of life for Latino
children with cancer and their families.  PADRES programs,
activities and services, while primarily oriented to the
Latino community, serve childhood cancer patients from ALL
races and ethnic origins. No family is turned away.
Celebrating over 20 years of service, PADRES brings
together children, families, healthcare professionals and
community leaders to promote a comprehensive understanding
of childhood cancer and other blood disorders as well as
effective methods for treatment. Please join our
spokespeople Eva Longoria and Fernando Del Rincon in the
fight against childhood cancer.  To learn more about
PADRES, visit http://www.IAmHOPE.org.

“*

For the first time in Boise, Idaho Mujeres unidas of Idaho present the 2008 Conference with the famous syndicated Doctor Isabel known as Angel of the radio for thousands of Latina ladies and men.

Dra. Isabel Gómez-Bassols, better known to her legion of fans around the country as “la Doctora Isabel, el Angel de la Radio” (Dr. Isabel, the Angel of the Airwaves), is the nation’s foremost Hispanic radio psychologist.”*

The history of the Hispanic Quinceanera tradition dates back to 1521. It was a time when family and friends celebrated the right-of-passage with prayers of Thanksgiving for the fifteen years of a Quinceanera’s life. Priscilla Mills, author of www.quinceaneraconnect.com/quince/thebook.html [Quinceanera __title__ Quinceanera Connection: Your Dream Celebration On Any Budget] Connection: Your Dream Celebration On Any Budget, says the Gonzalez family is the perfect example of appreciation, gratitude and love of their daughter’s life on her Quinceanera Celebration and everyday of her life.

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All families can learn from the Gonzalez family about what really is important when they celebrate their daughter’s Quinceanera, says Mills, author, life coach, business consultant and graduate of Harvard Business School — Entrepreneurial Program.

Fifteen years ago Teresa and Frank Gonzalez were expecting their second child. They had a son and were hoping for a girl. Their prayers were answered. The doctor told them they were the parents of a beautiful daughter, but a trauma occurred during delivery.

Within a short time doctors said their daughter, Maricarmen, was experiencing low muscle tone and fine motor skill challenges. Upon hearing this, Teresa knew her journey of motherhood would be different than most mothers with newborn babies. Teresa received training enabling her to perform daily therapy for her daughter. She was committed to do whatever was necessary in order for her daughter to be able to enjoy a better quality of life.

When Maricarmen entered school at the age of six, she was diagnosed with learning disabilities. Upon hearing the news, Teresa’s hope, faith and unconditional love for her daughter motivated her to continue on her same path and never give up.

Teresa said when Maricarmen was going to celebrate her fifteenth birthday, she wanted to honor her daughter’s right-of passage at a special www.quinceaneraconnect.com [Quinceaneara __title__ quinceanera connect] Celebration. However, she knew in order for the celebration to be a meaningful gift of life for Maricarmen she needed to get her involved in the planning process for her special day.

“She knew there would be major challenges, along the way, because Maricarmen wasn’t socially adjusted like other girls her age. However Teresa was determined not to deny her daughter the beautiful Quinceanera celebration she deserved.”

Teresa said, “Maricarmen had never been interested in things other girls her age are concerned with. She never cared about fashion, hairstyles or makeup. However, Maricarmen became excited about everything while planning for her special day. She helped me with making many of the decisions for her party. It was a beautiful experience for both of us.”

“Maricarmen chose butterflies for her party theme, because she loves butterflies. She appears to be like a butterfly in her own way, beautiful, gentle and quiet. She listens more than she talks. In fact on her special day, Maricarmen was like a butterfly — emerging out of her own cocoon.”

Teresa went on to say; “On the day of my daughter’s Quinceanera, Maricarmen woke up early and asked me — ‘is my special day today?’. I believe it was God’s blessing and a miracle that transformed Maricarmen as she put on her Quinceanera gown. All of a sudden she became the fairy tale princess just like in the Cinderella story.”

Over one hundred friends and relatives came to share in Maricarmen’s special Quinceanera celebration — a very important day in her life.

Teresa felt it was against all odds her daughter’s special day was perfect. She’s so proud of Maricarmen for many reasons, her biggest achievement was her induction into the National Junior Honor Society of Secondary Schools.

Family members feel that Maricarmen’s success in due in large part due to her mother’s dedication. Maricarmen follows her mother’s attitude about life: never give up, always try to do your best and be thankful for what you have.

Teresa has added another commitment in her life. She joined a special group in Connecticut, who are developing an awareness program for kids and their need to handle the differences between people with respectful language and actions. Whether a person is in a wheelchair, blind, comes from a different culture, or has a disability hidden or not. “*

The University of Arizona is 22nd in the nation in bachelor’s degrees awarded to Hispanics and is ranked 25th in Hispanic enrollment, according to The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education’s Top 100 Colleges for Hispanics 2008 edition.

The University was also ranked 62nd in awarding master’s degrees and 20th in awarding doctoral degrees to Hispanics.

Each year, the magazine releases a list of the top 100 colleges and universities to award degrees to Hispanics. Several factors help determine the rankings, including the total number of degrees that each school awarded to Hispanics as well as the percentage of those that went to Hispanics.”*

MensajeTV, the nation’s first provider of interactive Internet television expressly for Latina women, is gearing up to launch a broadband channel and social networking site in July 2008. MensajeTV will provide today’s aspiring Latina woman with endless hours of video, audio and textual information designed to enhance her busy life. Programming includes scheduled and on-demand Christian and Catholic-based content as well as shows about family, health, nutrition, exercise, beauty, parenting, cooking, heritage and much more.

“The Latino population is increasingly large and diverse, and the media directed to Hispanics can no longer be one size/offering fits all. MensajeTV is a major leap forward in the diversity of options available to Latina audiences,” says Dr. Federico Subervi, member of MensajeTV’s Advisory Council and leading expert in Latinos and the media in the United States. In a recent Latino study published by AOL, Spanish respondents stated that they consume two-thirds of their on-line content in English due to the lack of Spanish-language options. Additionally, the study confirmed that on-line U.S. Hispanics regularly combine TV and Internet to enrich their media experience and would like to see more on-line options in Spanish.

“MensajeTV caters to specific interests previously not easily or at all available via the small screen. The topics and issues covered by MensajeTV reflect the values of this population, which will no longer have to compromise its core culture as it seeks how to best modernize and adapt to the American society at large,” he says. Today, MensajeTV is comprised of three different channels that focus on different areas of the viewer’s life: Mensaje Divino, Mensaje Cocina y Cultura and Mensaje Salud. Each channel is geared towards filling a void for the availability of Spanish-language content on the web and focuses on elements which are the bedrocks of a Latina woman’s influence: faith, lifestyle and well-being.

Mensaje Divino is a tapestry of spiritually based organizations, offering charismatic sermons, daily devotionals, inspirational messages, Spanish Christian music, family forums and youth ministry activities. Mensaje Cocina y Cultura features a veritable feast of Latino chefs who provide thoughtful instruction, expert tips and easy-to-download recipes and ingredient lists to IPTV set top boxes, PCs and mobile phones as well as the vibrancy of Latino culture by offering engaging programming on parenting, home and decorating, crafts, gardening, holiday ideas, travel and more.

Hispanic viewers have a keen interest in health issues, and Mensaje Salud provides a portal for U.S. Hispanic audiences that gives them access to the latest news concerning their health and nutrition. Through a special partnership with UnBuenDoctor.com, Mensaje Salud allows users to access thousands of articles that pertain to their well-being and is available in Spanish whenever they need it. “We realize how important it is to have access to useful information regarding health and nutrition. Our community is lagging behind when it comes to these services. UnBuenDoctor.com is proud to partner with MensajeTV to expand the reach of this information which will, hopefully, help to mitigate the health information gap in a culturally sensitive environment,” says Founder of UnBuenDoctor.com, Carlos Mauricio Olea.

About MensajeTV
MensajeTV is an on-line television network serving the U.S. Latina community, delivering high-quality, bilingual video content for a burgeoning Spanish-speaking audience. A beta site was launched in December 2007. Under its flagship network MensajeTV is developing four channels — Mensaje Cocina, Mensaje Cultura, Mensaje Divino and Mensaje Salud. Today we combine Cocina and Cultura as one. MensajeTV is a subsidiary of Corporate Broadcast Company, Inc.”*

Emilia Uriarte and Mariluz Garcia are just the types of patients that Elmer Huerta loves to see. The first hasn’t been to a doctor in 10 years; the second has been a faithful patient of the cancer prevention specialist for the past seven.

With Uriarte, he patiently explains in Spanish the value of a yearly Pap test as an early detection tool for cervical cancer and the importance of an annual mammogram and monthly breast self-exam - especially now that she is three months past her 40th birthday. Huerta uses one of his favorite analogies to drive home the point that she needs to make this a yearly visit: You maintain your car to keep it running, don’t you?

“So why not take ourselves in for our own tuneup?” says Uriarte, repeating the lesson that Huerta just imparted.”*

UTSA ranks No. 4 in the nation in the number of undergraduate degrees awarded to Hispanic students and No. 10 nationally in the number of masters degrees awarded to Hispanics according to the May 2008 edition of The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine. The magazine surveyed the 2006-2007 academic year of the Top 100 predominantly Hispanic-serving colleges and universities in the United States and Puerto Rico.

UTSA earned No. 4 national ranking for awarding undergraduate degrees when 1,786 Hispanic students out of a total of 3,656 earned their bachelor’s degree, representing 49 percent of the graduating class.

UTSA earned a No. 10 national ranking for awarding master’s degrees when 351 Hispanic students out of a total 889 received their degree, representing 39 percent of the class. And for the first time, UTSA made the Top 100 list for graduating Hispanic doctoral candidates.”*

Over the last three years, Hispanic-Americans have become increasingly aware of a potentially serious condition called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), also known as Acid Reflux Disease. Approximately 6.1 million Hispanics in the United States suffer from GERD(1). A new survey measured GERD awareness and understanding among 1,000 Hispanic-Americans in the top-five U.S. markets, by Hispanic-American population. The survey was designed to evaluate whether or not progress in GERD education had occurred, as a follow-up to a 2005 survey conducted by Impacto Group LLC. It was revealed that 69 percent are familiar with common terms used to describe GERD, a progressive increase from the prior survey, which showed 34 percent were familiar with common terms to describe the condition(2).

While increased awareness of GERD was reported on the rise, the survey also showed that the number of Hispanic-Americans consulting a doctor about their symptoms has remained unchanged since 2005. This is an important and revealing statistic, as it is often necessary to work closely with physicians when managing GERD symptoms. A majority of Hispanic-Americans surveyed were aware that when left untreated, GERD can cause damage to the lining of the esophagus(3), yet over half of them who reported suffering from GERD have not consulted a doctor(4). Similarly in 2005, 57 percent revealed they had not consulted a doctor(1).

In addition, 47 percent of Hispanic-Americans reported they are frequently treating their symptoms with over-the-counter products and home remedies(5). This compares to 62 percent in 2005(6).

“The results from the follow-up survey are encouraging, as they demonstrate that Hispanic-Americans are taking a more proactive role in their personal healthcare, and becoming more informed about the prevalence of GERD in their community,” said Marta Illueca, MD, a specialist in gastroenterology at AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN) who pioneered the original survey. “But with more than six million Hispanic-Americans suffering from a condition that can severely impact their daily lifestyles, it becomes increasingly imperative for us to understand the signs and symptoms of GERD and talk with our doctors to help diagnose and treat the disease.”

The latest survey also revealed that Hispanic-Americans are now increasingly able to identify symptoms of the condition. Sixty-five percent of respondents said they or someone in their household currently suffers from GERD-related symptoms two or more times a week(7). The symptoms most commonly experienced by those surveyed included: heartburn, belching, an acidic or sour taste in the mouth, hoarseness or persistent coughing(8). In 2005, only 38 percent identified themselves or someone in their household as suffering from heartburn, and 32 percent said they or someone in their household suffered from such symptoms(1).

GERD Awareness Survey Results — Regional Perspective:

– Out of the top-five U.S. markets by Hispanic-American population,
Houston had the highest awareness levels of GERD (75%), trailed by
Chicago and Los Angeles (tied at 71%), Miami (70%) and New York
(56%)(9).
– Houston also had the highest rate of respondents with GERD experience
(53%) including those who either personally suffered from GERD or
heartburn, or someone in their household suffering from the condition,
two or more times a week(10).
– Results from other markets included: Miami (44%), New York City
(42%), Chicago and Los Angeles (39%)(10).
– New York City had the highest rate of respondents (48%) who consulted
with their doctor about acid reflux followed by Miami (47%), Chicago
(43%), Houston (41%) and Los Angeles (39%)(11).

GERD, which occurs when contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus, is often mistaken for occasional heartburn because frequent, persistent heartburn is the most common symptom of the disease. This can be a misconception, as GERD is a chronic condition and, if left untreated, may potentially lead to more serious medical conditions, such as erosion of the esophagus.

GERD affects a large portion of the Hispanic-American community, but anyone can develop the disease. Risk increases with age, but symptoms of the condition can be alleviated with proper treatment. Consulting a physician and staying updated on new information released regarding the condition are best for determining the right options for keeping symptoms of GERD under control. For more information about Acid Reflux Disease and treatment, please visit www.familiassanas.com or call 1-866-271-7278.

About the GERD Awareness Survey

The GERD Awareness survey was conducted by StrategyOne, an applied research consulting firm on behalf of AstraZeneca, as a follow-up to a 2005 survey conducted by Impacto Group LLC. The survey polled 1,000 Hispanic-Americans in the top-five U.S. markets by Hispanic-American population including: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and New York from April 3, 2008 through April 23, 2008. The survey, which has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent at the 95 percent confidence level, was conducted using the field services of Opinion Access and Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI).”

Doctors cut the ribbon on South Sioux City’s first multi-care physicians group providing health-care to Hispanics in the area. And as reporter Mario Giraldo reports, the health-care center is already booking up appointments.

With a cut of a ribbon, South Sioux City officials celebrated the first Multi Care Physicians Group in South Sioux City.”*

MensajeTV, the nation’s first provider of interactive Internet television expressly for Latina women, is gearing up to launch a broadband channel and social networking site in July 2008. MensajeTV will provide today’s aspiring Latina woman with endless hours of video, audio and textual information designed to enhance her busy life. Programming includes scheduled and on-demand Christian and Catholic-based content as well as shows about family, health, nutrition, exercise, beauty, parenting, cooking, heritage and much more.

“The Latino population is increasingly large and diverse, and the media directed to Hispanics can no longer be one size/offering fits all. MensajeTV is a major leap forward in the diversity of options available to Latina audiences,” says Dr. Federico Subervi, member of MensajeTV’s Advisory Council and leading expert in Latinos and the media in the United States. In a recent Latino study published by AOL, Spanish respondents stated that they consume two-thirds of their on-line content in English due to the lack of Spanish-language options. Additionally, the study confirmed that on-line U.S. Hispanics regularly combine TV and Internet to enrich their media experience and would like to see more on-line options in Spanish.

“MensajeTV caters to specific interests previously not easily or at all available via the small screen. The topics and issues covered by MensajeTV reflect the values of this population, which will no longer have to compromise its core culture as it seeks how to best modernize and adapt to the American society at large,” he says. Today, MensajeTV is comprised of three different channels that focus on different areas of the viewer’s life: Mensaje Divino, Mensaje Cocina y Cultura and Mensaje Salud. Each channel is geared towards filling a void for the availability of Spanish-language content on the web and focuses on elements which are the bedrocks of a Latina woman’s influence: faith, lifestyle and well-being.

Mensaje Divino is a tapestry of spiritually based organizations, offering charismatic sermons, daily devotionals, inspirational messages, Spanish Christian music, family forums and youth ministry activities. Mensaje Cocina y Cultura features a veritable feast of Latino chefs who provide thoughtful instruction, expert tips and easy-to-download recipes and ingredient lists to IPTV set top boxes, PC’s and mobile phones as well as the vibrancy of Latino culture by offering engaging programming on parenting, home and decorating, crafts, gardening, holiday ideas, travel and more.

Hispanic viewers have a keen interest in health issues, and Mensaje Salud provides a portal for U.S. Hispanic audiences that gives them access the latest news concerning their health and nutrition. Through a special partnership with UnBuenDoctor.com, Mensaje Salud allows users to access thousands of articles that pertain to their well being and is available in Spanish whenever they need it. “We realize how important is to have access to useful information regarding health and nutrition. Our community is lagging behind when it comes to these services. UnBuenDoctor.com is proud to partner with MensajeTV to expand the reach of this information which will, hopefully, help to mitigate the health information gap in a culturally sensitive environment,” says Founder of UnBuenDoctor.com, Carlos Mauricio Olea.

About MensajeTV

MensajeTV is an on-line television network serving the U.S. Latina community, delivering high-quality, bilingual video content for a burgeoning Spanish-speaking audience. A beta site was launched in December 2007. Under its flagship network MensajeTV is developing four channels — Mensaje Cocina, Mensaje Cultura, Mensaje Divino and Mensaje Salud. Today we combine Cocina and Cultura as one. MensajeTV is a subsidiary of Corporate Broadcast Company, Inc.

Media Contact:
Sonia Diaz
Chispa Communications
Sonia.Diaz@chispa-communications.com
305-457-8404″*

Mills College will present its 120th Commencement on Saturday, May 17, 2008 with an address given by award-winning actress Rita Moreno. During the ceremony, honorary doctorates will be conferred upon Moreno, Renel Brooks-Moon, a Mills alumna (Class of 1981) who is the public address announcer for the San Francisco Giants, and Glenn Voyles, a Mills Trustee and investment management expert.

Mills’ graduating class includes 245 undergraduate women and 220 graduate women and men, as well as students receiving certificates and credentials in a variety of fields. The College’s 120th graduation begins at 9:45 am on the campus’ Toyon Meadow.

Rita Moreno is an extraordinary actress with more than six decades of achievement including appearances in nearly 50 films. Born Rosita Dolores Alverío in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Moreno began her acting career with a Broadway debut in Skydrift at the age of 13. She has crossed racial barriers ever since as a singer, dancer, and actress.

She is renowned for her performance as Anita in the film version of West Side Story, for which she won the Academy Award for best supporting actress in 1961. Moreno was the first actress and the first Hispanic to win an Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony, and a Grammy.

Renel Brooks-Moon is a pioneering sports announcer and media personality who has broken through formidable gender and racial barriers throughout her multifaceted career.

The only female public address announcer in major league baseball, the exuberant Brooks-Moon is known as “the voice of the San Francisco Giants” at AT&T Park. This year marks her ninth season with the Giants. The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown recognized Brooks-Moon as the first female announcer of a championship game in professional sports for her role in the 2002 World Series.

Completing more than two decades as a Bay Area radio personality, she is the host of the “Renel in the Morning Show” on KISS FM 98.1. Brooks-Moon has also been an entertainment reporter for CBS TV 5 since 1998.

Glenn Voyles is an expert in investment markets with more than four decades of experience in his field. During his career, he provided three investment management firms with executive leadership: Loomis, Sayles & Company (vice president, 2003-07), Jurika & Voyles (chair, 1981-2003), and Scudder, Stevens & Clark (vice president, 1965-1981).

Voyles has been a vital member of the Mills College community since 1996, serving as a Trustee, mentor, advisor, fundraiser, and donor. A four-term member of the Mills College Board of Trustees, he is instrumental in stewarding Mills resources to ensure the College’s vibrant future.

Nestled in the foothills of Oakland, California, Mills College is a nationally renowned, independent liberal arts college offering a dynamic progressive education that fosters leadership, social responsibility, and creativity to approximately 900 undergraduate women and 500 graduate women and men. Since 2000, applications to Mills College have more than doubled. The College ranks as one of the top colleges in the West by U.S. News & World Report and one of the Best 366 Colleges by the Princeton Review. For more information, visit