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Bolt to miss two weeks with ankle injury

The world’s fastest man Usain Bolt will miss two weeks of training following a recent ankle injury the track star sustained during a recent training session.

The Jamaican sprinter, however, says the injury is minor. He will only be taking a break from training as a precaution, and it will not affect his preparations for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

The sprinter suffered from an injury plagued 2015 and with what is likely to be his finally Olympic Games quickly approaching on the horizon will be hoping to stay clear of any hindrances.

Tourist boat capsizes off Nicaragua killing 13 people

Government spokeswoman Rosario Murillo

Nicaraguan government officials on Saturday confirmed that a small tourist boat sank off the coast of a remote island in the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, resulting in the death 13 people.

Government spokeswoman Rosario Murillo said the boat  – the “Caribbean Queen” sank amid strong winds off Little Corn Island, located 45 miles off the coast of Nicaragua.

The 13 who died were all from Costa Rica.

Twenty-one people were rescued, 13 from Costa Rica, three from Nicaragua, two from Britain, two U.S. citizens and one Brazilian.

According to Navy chief Marvin Corrales the boat owners ignored a sailing ban issued by authorities since Friday in the Caribbean region because of strong winds and waves.

The government has opened proceedings against the boat owner and an assistant on charges of reckless homicide and exposure of people to danger.

Sagicor Group Jamaica’s CEO hospitalized in Miami

Richard Byles-Jamaicans cautioned about using cryptocurrencies
Governor of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), Richard Byles

Richard Byles, the CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica has been admitted into hospital in Miami, Florida, due to a sudden illness.

In a public statement, Sagicor representatives say Byles was in South Florida for business, and remains head of the company.

Byles is also co-chair of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC).

5 best street foods from the Caribbean

The world of Caribbean food is one that is rich with a variety of cultural influences. Caribbean food recipes are often taken from a mixture of African, East Indian, Arab, European, Amerindian, and Chinese influences to create the unique blend of Caribbean food.

However, nothing illustrates the signature Caribbean mix of cultural influences like the cheap and tasty morsels sold on street corners, at outdoor markets and at roadside stands.

Each island boasts its own street specialty, and we’ve narrowed it down to our 5 best Caribbean food dishes.

Pan Chicken – Jamaica

If you ever visit Jamaica, and don’t try pan chicken, you have NOT fully experienced the Jamaican culture. If you’ve ever gotten Jerk Chicken from a roadside vendor who had a barrel propped up and cut open, that’s Jamaican drum pan chicken. The difference between ‘Pan Chicken’ and regular Jamaican Jerk Chicken is in the smoky, savory method of cooking. Some would refer to it as Jamaica’s unofficial national dish (second only to the reigning ackee and saltfish). A favourite particularly at night time, the very scent of the smoke produced as the chicken is being cooked is enough to keep locals and tourists wanting more!

Bake and Shark – Trinidad & Tobago

Photo courtesy of rsagarcia.com

This yummy meal consists of freshly caught shark, deep-fried on fried dough. Along with fresh ingredients, the key to the flavour of Bake and Shark is the condiments. Tourists and locals can get sauces lined up for personalized selection. The most popular to go to condiments include garlic sauce, pepper sauce, tamarind chutney and pineapple.

Fish cakes- Barbados

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Similar to the fried cod fritters, Bajan fishcakes are made with saltfish, with a little hot pepper added to the batter. You don’t need to leave your hotel or house to try fishcakes in Barbados but head up to the popular Oistins for the town’s famed Friday night fish fry to try these tasty, round treats in their ideal setting.

Conch Fritters – Bahamas

Photo courtesy of bahamasfoodguide.com
Photo courtesy of bahamasfoodguide.com

Conch is king in the Bahamian islands, and the shellfish is served a dozen different ways. However, the fritter version is the most popular, appearing everywhere from beach stands to street markets. Slightly chewy, conch fritters are the best snack for the beach.

Griot- Haiti

Photo by Cynthia Nelson
Photo by Cynthia Nelson
Fried pork is a staple of cuisines around the world, but nobody does it quite like Haiti. Top your griot off with sauce ti-malice (Haitian hot sauce) or pickliz (spicy pickled salad), and grab yourself a cold beverage to wash it all down.

BCPS partners with renowned muralist to launch student artwork initiative

As Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) prepares to enter the next 100 years of educational excellence, the District will launch a Centennial student artwork initiative to refresh and revitalize the look of the District. 
The District has partnered with South Florida artist and world-renowned muralist Bill Saverese to work with schools to generate a collection of student artwork to serve as inspiration for a District mural and new District logo.  
District schools may submit up to two student entries by February 19, 2016. All artwork will be showcased during a Centennial Art Exhibit, which takes place May 2 – 20, 2016. Art submissions will reflect students’ interpretation of the District’s vision statement: Educating Today’s Students to Succeed in Tomorrow’s World.  
For information and additional questions regarding the Student Artwork Initiative, visit browardschools.com/bcps100/studentart or contact Donna Haynes, Curriculum Supervisor, Art K-12 Innovative Learning and Arts, at 754-321-1862. 

Your soup guide to freezing in the tropics

Year-round South Florida normally enjoys a tropical savannah climate, not unlike the Caribbean – but somebody must have forgotten to remind the Sunshine State this January. Stave off these chilly Florida nights with a bowl of Caribbean sunshine in these season-friendly recipes

Jehan’s Cowheel Soup Cow-Heel-Soup-1-of-1-2-590x779

Foodie extraordinaire Jehan Powell of blog Jehan Can Cook is “constantly seeking a source of warmth” when the temperature dips, and this traditional and simple recipe is the perfect answer for this chilly month. The addition of the cow heel, says Jehan, add a nice richness and body, though it can take a while to prepare, which is why “using a pressure cooker is highly recommended when cooking cowheel, as it reduces the cooking time significantly.”

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs. cowheel

1 tsp oil

2 carrots, diced

1 medium onion finely chopped

2 scallions, chopped

1 Wiri pepper

2 cloves garlic, finely diced

10 sprigs thyme

½ cup split peas

1 bay leaf

1 tsp salt

water

Instructions

Place cowheel in a large pot and cover with water, boil until tender, adding more water as needed. If using pressure cooker (highly recommended), pressure for 20-25 minutes. Once cowheel is tender, remove from water and allow to cool before cutting into smaller pieces.

In a large pot over medium heat, add oil. When oil is hot, add carrots, onion, scallion, garlic, thyme and pepper and sauté until the onions are soft, about 3 minutes. Add split peas, cowheel and 3 cups of the liquid that the cowheel was boiled in and an additional 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover and cook until split peas are soft and dissolves into the soup, about 1 and a half hours. Then add your favorite fixings, such as dumpling and root vegetables like sweet potatoes, eddoes or dasheen.

jehancancook.com

Chris’s Gluten Free Vegetarian Callaloo

Though, “traditional recipe for making callaloo (not to be confused with Jamaican Callaloo) are the tender leaves of the dasheen or taro plant,” says Chris De la Rosa of popular blog Caribbean Pot, leafy spinach will have to do in this recipe. But this recipe is proof that necessity is the mother of invention. Though it may be lacking in the traditional crab or salted meats, Chris assures that that “this vegetarian version, which happens to be gluten friendly is stunning. As a soup or with rice, stewed meats (for non-vegetarians), sides of plantains and salad and you’re in true Caribbean heaven.”

Ingredients:

6-8 cups chopped spinach

2 cups diced butternut squash (or pumpkin)

1 1/2 cups diced sweet potato

2 birds eye pepper (1/4 scotch bonnet)

4 cloves garlic

1/3 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 scallions

1 medium onion

4-5 sprigs thyme

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups coconut milk

2 cups water (or vegetable stock – gluten free)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

10-15 okra

Heat olive oil in a deep pot and add diced onion, garlic, thyme, chopped scallions and black pepper. Turn heat low and let it cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes. Add cubed sweet potato, chopped okra, squash (use pumpkin if you have) and stir well. Turn up heat to medium and add chopped spinach. Top with the coconut milk all the other ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and let it go until everything goes tender and starts falling apart (about 40-50 minutes).

Taste for salt and adjust accordingly. Then blend soup with either a traditional “swizzle,” a whisk, or immersion blender (but try to pulse in short bursts – do NOT go continuous or you’ll end in with a forty mess.) The goal is to have a somewhat smooth soup-like texture/consistency.

Caribbeanpot.com

5 tips for creating a sound financial strategy

Many people want to know the secret to financial success. Whether they should be saving more, protecting more, investing more or spending less — everyone wants a silver bullet to set them on the road to financial success. There is no silver bullet.

The key is to have discussions with your family and loved ones about your priorities. Whether it’s saving for a child’s college education, supporting a favorite charity, building retirement strategies or a combination of all of those and more, each financial strategy should be driven by one person — you.

Thrivent Financial recommends using these five sound and timeless principles when deciding on a financial strategy.

Spend less than you earn.

This is critical. No one can live beyond their means forever, since all bills, credit cards, mortgage, home equity loans and others debts eventually come due. Being wise with money means having the ability to be prudent with the resources you already earn.

Be wise with debt.

Debt isn’t something to be avoided at all costs. Some debt can be very healthy and a way to broaden and strengthen your future — both inside and outside your financial picture. Mortgages, student loans and car loans can all be entered into as part of a healthy financial strategy, they just need to be managed carefully and effectively.

Protect against setbacks.

Even the best of financial strategies can be derailed by a sudden accident or death if not properly protected. Life insurance, disability insurance or long-term care insurance can all work as protection against the worst, should it happen, and help ensure you and your family are taken care of and you’re not leaving others with bills or burdens.

Have a short-term and long-term plan.

College, retirement, emergency savings, a new car — all these are great goals for families and individuals to set for themselves. The key to reaching these goals is to do so in a way that maximizes current resources and helps minimize risk for an overall strategy. So when it comes to transitioning to drawing down money in retirement, the most important structure is to plan for the short-term for the near-term and ensure that it’s working in conjunction with your long-term strategy for you and your family.

Give back.

Many people are looking for a silver bullet when it comes to finances. The most important part is to be true to yourself, your family and your goals. These five pillars can be a guide you, however, it’s ultimately up to you and what you want for your future.

AARLC’s Destination Fridays to pay tribute to Bob Marley

Broward County Library will feature Jamaica and pay tribute to Bob Marley at it’s Destination Fridays event to kick off Black History Month.

Jamaica and Bob Marley will be the theme for the first Broward County Library Destination Fridays event of 2016, scheduled for February 5 from 6:30 to 9:30PM at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center.

In the library lobby, guests can enjoy musical entertainment, including singer Kristine-Alicia and sax man Randy Corinthian, along with poetry by Dr. Susan Davis. Attendees will also have the opportunity to dance their way to fitness with the ReggaeFit team and channel their inner Bob Marley for the Lip Sync Smackdown.

Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 each or through Eventbrite.

 

Shivnarine Chanderpaul retires from International cricket.

With a look at some of the top stories making the news today, January 25, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, I’m… for CNW 90.

Despite a decline in international trading in South Florida for 2015, a new report from Miami Herald shows positive trading growth for Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. As the 22nd top trader, Trinidad and Tobago became the primary driver of growth for November. Trading with 34rd top partner Jamaica grew by 8.37 percent, though still below their record year 1994, when trading was double.

The City of Miramar has appointed new interim police chief Dexter Williams, following the retirement of former chief Ray Black after 30 years of service. Williams has worked for the Miramar police department since 1993, and has commanded several divisions, including criminal investigations, domestic violence/victim services and citizens volunteer programs.

Jamaican Filmmakers Michael Brown and Judith Falloon-Reid have announced the upcoming launch of the inaugural Inspired Faith Film Festival, set to feature 45 independent faith-based films. The new festival, which seeks to support independent film producers, will be held at First Baptist Church of Plantation from February 18 to 20.

The Caribbean Americas Soccer Association kicked off their Super and Master’s league season with two rousing exhibition games this weekend at the Lauderhill Sporting Complex. Chivas Florida Futbol Academy U19 drew 1 all with Lauderhill Juniors U20, while the Lauderhill Lions also drew 1 all against Plantation FC.

What’s trending:

After 22 years in international cricket, Guyanese cricketer Shivnarine Chanderpaul has officially announced his retirement from the West Indies team.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Mostly cloudy in Broward County with a high of 71 and a low of 64. For Miami-Dade, mostly cloudy with a high of 72 and a low of 66.

For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com.

 

Supreme Court to review President Obama’s appeal In DACA & DAPA executive actions case

In a highly anticipated decision, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed last Tuesday to hear the Obama Administration’s appeal of its new DAPA and expanded DACA Executive Actions Case.  

With two lower Federal courts having already ruled against allowing President Obama’s Executive Action on Immigration to move forward, the Supreme Court’s decision expected later this year in June will determine whether the expanded DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and new DAPA (Deferred Action for Parental Accountability) programs are allowed to be implemented across the nation, or instead, continue to be put on hold until a lower court trial determines its fate, which could take several years or more.

If the U.S. Supreme Court decides in the Obama Administration’s favor, under the new  DAPA program, most parents of a U.S. citizens or residents who have continued to be in the U.S. since  January 1, 2010 will be eligible for a Work Permit, Social Security card and Driver’s License among other benefits. Under the expanded DACA program, Immigrants who entered the U.S. before age 16 and who have continued to be in the U.S. since  January 1, 2010 and have graduated from a U.S. High School, obtained a certificate of completion or GED certificate or who are still in school, will also be eligible for a Work Permit, Social Security card and Driver’s License among other benefits. 

St Vincent loses UN voting privilege due to arrears

The United Nations General Assembly has identified St. Vincent and the Grenadines among nine countries that are not allowed to vote in the current 70th Session because of arrears in paying their dues.

The Dominican Republic is the other Caribbean country that has been barred from voting.

The others are: Bahrain, Burundi, Libya, Mali, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu and Venezuela.

 “Under Article 19 of the Charter, a Member State in arrears in the payment of its dues in an amount that equals or exceeds the contributions due for two preceding years can lose its vote in the General Assembly,” said the UN General Assembly in a statement.

“An exception is allowed if the Member State can show that conditions beyond its control contributed to this inability to pay,” it added.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last week informed the General Assembly that 15 countries are in arrears in paying their annual contribution to the UN regular budget, “which means they can’t vote in the 193-member world body unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Ban’s letter, which was dated Monday and circulated on Friday, also included Iranwhich was under UN sanctions over its nuclear program until two Saturdays ago, when they were lifted.

UN General Assembly spokesman Daniel Thomas said Friday that Iran “just paid,” which means that its voting rights have been restored.

The UN General Assembly said that, on October 12 last year, five countries in arrears to vote in the General Assembly were allowed to vote until the end of the current 70th session.

They are: Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe, Somalia and Yemen.

Ban’s outlined “the minimum payment” that the nine other countries must make in order to have their voting right restored.

Amounts range from just under US$3 million for Venezuela and US$2.1 million for the Dominican Republic to US$2,155 for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and US$1,360 for Burundi.

 

US adds more Caribbean countries to zika travel advisory

Dr. Bruce Hirsch, an infectious diseases specialist at North Shore University Hospital

The United States healthcare agency, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has added more Caribbean countries to the list of places to be avoided by Americans because of the outbreak of the Zika virus.

On Friday, the CDC added Barbados, Guadeloupe, St. Martin and Guyana to its Zika virus travel alert. Other countries also added are Bolivia, Ecuador, Cape Verde and Samoa. 

On January 15, the CDC issued a travel alert for people traveling to regions and certain countries where the mosquito borne Zika virus is being transmitted.

They were: Puerto Rico, Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname and Venezuela. 

The CDC said specific areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing are “often difficult to determine and are likely to continue to change over time.”

It, however, said it is working with other public health officials to monitor for ongoing Zika virus‎ transmission.

Additionally, the CDC said Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has been reported in patients with probable Zika virus infection in French Polynesia and Brazil.

“Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body usually is responding to another infection. It has an immune response that destroys the covering of nerves and interferes with the ability of nerves to function and survive,” said Dr. Bruce Hirsch, an infectious diseases specialist at North Shore University Hospital, in Manhasset, New York.

Guillain-Barré causes an “ascending motor paralysis” that starts at the feet and moves up towards the head.

The CDC says research efforts will also examine the link between Zika and GBS.

Two state officials quit Haiti’s electoral council amid protests

Two members of Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), have submitted their resignations of President Michel Martelly as demonstrators continue to protest the electoral process in the French speaking Caribbean country.

On Friday, council member Jacceus Joseph submitted his letter stating that because of his “deep convictions” he could not be an “accomplice of elections stained by a deficit in credibility, which will necessarily generate political instability, as well as illegitimate political leaders.”

The other resignation came from Pierre Manigat Jr., the CEP’s vice president and press representative, who said his decision was based on prior commitments made with the association of Haitian journalists (AJH), which urged him to resign because of the “disasters the elections could generate” if maintained.

Two other CEP officials had already quit since the beginning of the electoral campaign: Néhémie Joseph, shortly after the presidential elections’ first round, saying he was not confident he could fulfill his mission in accordance with his convictions.

Also resigning was Yolette Mengual, after her appointment as the CEP’s women representative was strongly questioned by human rights groups and opposition sectors.  

Haitians were scheduled to elect soon a new president on Sunday as outgoing President Michel Martelly is constitutionally due to leave office on February 7.

Usher added to Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival lineup

Usher

American R&B sensation Usher has been added to the Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) music and food festival. Now in it’s 11th year, the annual festival will be held on March 18th, 19th & 20th at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens.

Other confirmed acts include Michael McDonald, Kool and the Gang,Fred Hammond, Average White Band, Brian Culbertson and Jazz in the Gardens All-Stars Regina Bell, Najee and Alex Bugno

With an A-List music lineup, fans will be able to revel in a wide variety of ethnically diverse foods and top notch merchandise from all around the world. This year’s festival will also include pre-festival events, the Women’s Impact Conference & Luncheon, Official Pre-Party, fabulous shopping and much more.

UN chief, OAS concerned about postponement of polls in Haiti

The Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon

The Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, and the Organization of American States (OAS) have expressed concern about the postponement of Sunday’s polls in Haiti.

Ban and the Washington-based OAS also called on all political actors to refrain from violence and complete the electoral process peacefully without further delay.

“The Secretary-General urges all political actors to reject all forms of violence and intimidation and refrain from any action that can further disrupt the democratic process and stability in the country,” said Ban in a statement issued by his spokesman , reaffirming the UN’s commitment to continue supporting the consolidation of democracy and stabilization in the French-speaking Caribbean country.

“He strongly urges all stakeholders to work towards the peaceful completion of the electoral process without delay, through the forging of a consensual solution that will allow the people of Haiti to exercise their right to vote for the election of a new President and the remaining representatives of the new Parliament,” the statement added.
The UN noted that tensions have been simmering since the first round of the elections in October.

Jovenel Moise, from the governing party, and former government executive Jude Celestin, the two top vote getters then, were set to face each other in the run-off, originally set for December 27.

According to reports, this second round was again postponed on Friday amid violent protests and the opposition’s refusal to participate.

The transfer of power to a new president is constitutionally mandated to take place on February 7.

The UN has maintained a peacekeeping operation, the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) since 2004.

With more than 4,500 troops and police deployed currently deployed in Haiti, MINUSTAH’s mandate has evolved over the years from supporting a transitional government to embracing earthquake recovery and facilitating the political process, the UN said.

Meanwhile, the OAS’ Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) in Haiti on Saturday called on all political stakeholders to engage in a “consensual, constructive dialogue to overcome the current political crisis and complete the electoral process.”
The appeal follows the decision of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) to suspend the presidential run-off scheduled for Sunday “in the face of a deteriorating security environment and threats to the electoral process.”

“The Mission strongly condemns the acts of violence across the country, including the incidents that have directly affected OAS observers during their deployment,” the statement said, adding that “the Mission will continue to monitor the situation in Haiti.”

BCPS participates in Celebrate Literacy Week

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) will participate in the annual statewide Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!, which takes place January 25 – 29, 2016.
Under the theme, “Literacy Changes Our World!”during this year’s Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!, schools throughout the District  will participate in a variety of activities to inspire a love of reading, such as read-a-thons, reading challenges, cross-grade buddy reading, author visits and book signings.
To view a listing of activities, visit: http://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7540/urlt/BrowardCLW16.pdf. 

 

 To learn more about how BCPS is honoring Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!, visit the following link to a Special Presentation during the January 20, 2016, School Board meeting:

Double Treble to headline fundraising concert in JA

Karl Van Richards (left) and Roderick Demmings, Jr.

Double Treble, a dynamic and electrifying duo comprising Jamaican Karl Van Richards, concert pianist and African-American Roderick Demmings, Jr., concert organist/pianistwill will headline the month-end fundraising concert for the Kingston Parish Church on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 4:00 pm. Admission: $1,500 for adults and $500 for children under 12 and students with ID.

The audience will be in for a classical feast as the duo has assembled a compelling and diverse programme which opens with the William Tell Overture by Giaochino Rossini and Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 by J.S. Bach. The varied programme will also include Oswald Russell’s Jamaican Dance No. 2, Jamaican Rhumba by Arthur Benjamin and Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 by Hungarian-born composer and pianist Franz Liszt.

The purpose of the concert which will also feature the Musical Apostles Steel Band is to generate much needed funds to assist in the restoration of the Kingston Parish Church.

For the duo, they are elated to make their Jamaica debut and believes this performance will serve as a great kickoff to an exciting 2016 concert tour which will see them visiting a number of US cities including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York. “I am always happy to perform in Jamaica and this concert represents a kind of homecoming and evolution for me as an artist with the creation of Double Treble,” noted Richards.

With this concert, Double Treble aims to inspire others to believe that the power to create opportunity lies within one’s own hands.

Tickets are $1,500 for adults and $500 for children under 12 and students with ID.Tickets for the concert can be obtained by contacting Music Mart at 926-4287 or the Kingston Parish Church at 922-6888.

 

St Lucia concerned about ISIS threat

The St Lucia Government says the Islamic group, ISIS, poses a major threat to the security of the Caribbean.

“Obviously we must have serious concerns,” said National Security Minister Victor La Corbiniere, noting that the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Single Market and Economy (CSME) allows for the free movement of skills, labour, goods, and services across the region.

“That is obviously going to create a greater challenge than normal,” La Corbiniere told reporters.

However, he disclosed that advanced training had been given to the members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and Regional Security System (RSS) for the capacity to cope with the threat.

“We are constantly monitoring as we do both in relation to our own information and also information given by partner nations. That is ongoing,” he said.

Earlier this month, a top United States military official had expressed deep concern about the ISIS threat to the region.

General John Kelly was concerned that a small number of motivated Islamic State fighters could commit acts of terror in Caribbean nations.

He revealed that about 150 Islamic extremists left the Caribbean region to join ISIS in the Middle East last year, 50 more than in the previous year.

However, he said, the biggest threat might not be the extremists who leave to train and fight with the Islamic State, but the ones who stay behind.

Talkup: What should the minimum wage in Florida be?

How nutrient deficiencies are killing your health potential

Key nutrients are cornerstones of good health, yet deficiency among Americans is skyrocketing. Are you unknowingly suffering from a nutrient shortage?

Dr. Ronald Hoffman, medical director of the Hoffman Center in New York City and host of the radio program “Intelligent Medicine,” points to three major vitamin deficiencies affecting people today. He offers his expert insight on each and what you can do to fix the problem.

Omega-3s

“Many North Americans are omega-3 deficient because we eat highly processed foods that lack essential fatty acids and not enough oily fish,” says Hoffman. “The problem is particularly acute for vegetarians, those who prefer not to eat fish or are allergic, and young people who are picky eaters.”

In the U.S. up to 91 percent of Americans are omega-3 deficient and a Harvard study ranked omega-3 deficiency as the eighth leading cause of preventable death. Omega-3s are considered “essential” because the body cannot make them and must ingest them from external sources.

Omega-3s benefit the body in countless ways, including the optimal functioning of cell membranes. “The cell membrane is responsible for translating messages from adjacent cells and organs into chemical work inside the cell,” Hoffman explains.

There are more than 27,000 published studies on omega-3s showing the benefit of omega-3s, from brain and heart health to boosting mood and skin health. Omega-3s are particularly notable for cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association recommends at least 1 gram of omega-3 EPA and DHA a day for those with established coronary artery disease.

“Fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines provide the most omega-3s,” says Hoffman. “I also recommend supplements in soft gels or liquid form, or gummies and emulsions for kids.”

He notes when selecting a supplement, freshness and dosage is crucial.

“Processing, packaging, quality control, proper inventory management and distribution make a difference. I recommend Nordic Naturals because they are vertically integrated from boat to bottle, ensuring the absolute freshest and purest omega-3 products in a wide variety of delivery systems,” Hoffman says. “I recommend that the average person take a dosage of 1 to 2 grams daily.”

Vitamin D 

Because people can produce natural vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) with sunlight, many assume they get enough. In reality, vitamin D deficiency is widespread. Up to 36 percent of Americans are vitamin D deficient and up to 91 percent of pregnant women in the U.S. aren’t getting enough of the sunshine vitamin.

“Vitamin D is actually more than a vitamin,” Hoffman explains. “It’s a ‘pro-hormone’ and modifies the expression of many genes. This means it plays a powerful role, not just in building bone, but in the body’s immunity, muscle strength and even mood and cognition.”

Many factors affect a person’s ability to make enough vitamin D, including age and location. During sunny seasons, 10 to 45 minutes of direct sun exposure daily can help maintain adequate vitamin D, but for many people this is not possible all year long and supplementation is necessary.

“Current recommendations for vitamin D are 600 IU for ages 1-70; for pregnant or breast-feeding women and individuals over 70 it’s 800 IU. But this dosage could short-change many individuals with special needs or who have inadequate sun exposure,” says Hoffman. “The best bet is to measure vitamin D in the blood and supplement until an optimal blood level of 40-60 nanograms per milliliter is achieved.”

Magnesium

Most people have heard of magnesium but are unsure how it impacts their health. An estimated 50 to 80 percent of Americans are deficient in magnesium, mostly due to a diet of refined foods.

“Magnesium is an essential mineral that is a co-factor for literally hundreds of biochemical pathways in the body,” Hoffman explains. “It is particularly crucial for energy production in the mitochondria, tiny powerhouses within the cells. Therefore, inadequate magnesium can be responsible for physical fatigue and mental depression.”

He also notes magnesium, along with calcium and vitamin D, is essential for bone health.

You can correct a deficiency by eating a diet rich in plant-based, unprocessed foods like nuts, leafy greens, avocados and dried fruit. However, many people require supplements to reach optimal magnesium levels.

“Check labels for the amount of elemental magnesium in each supplement and shoot for 200-500 mg daily. Be sure to meet with your doctor prior to taking any supplement,” says Hoffman.

Brandpointcontent.com

City of Miramar assigns interim police chief

The City of Miramar has appointed new interim police chief Dexter Williams, following the retirement of former chief Ray Black after 30 years of service.

Williams has worked for the Miramar police department since 1993, and has commanded several divisions, including criminal investigations, domestic violence/victim services and citizens volunteer programs.

Williams started out in law enforcement as a detention officer for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

340 M-DCPS students honored as 2016 Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Award Winners

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has named some 340 student artists regional winners of the 2016 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for their original works. An awards reception and ceremony will be held Sunday, Jan. 24, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Rubell Family Collection (RFC).

The event also kicks off a two-week exhibition show of the students’ art works at RFC, which will be on display until February 7.

Presented by the nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the awards are the country’s longest-running and most prestigious award and recognition program for creative students in grades 7–12. This program year, 300,000 works of art and writing were submitted to more than 100 Regional Programs across the country.  Winners are chosen in four categories: Gold Key, Silver Key, Honorable Mention and American Vision Nominees.

Since the program’s founding in 1923, all works are blindly judged based on originality, technical skill and the emergence of a personal vision or voice. For Gold Key-winning pieces of art and writing in the Awards’ 28 categories including flash fiction, poetry, sculpture, video game design and more, the opportunities for recognition will continue when the works are judged again on a national level by a panel of leading creative professionals.

Science proves need for omega-3s

There’s no denying proper nutrition and a balanced diet are essential for good health. Yet with research on diet and lifestyle recommendations constantly evolving, it can be difficult to make sense of the varying news reports and seemingly endless barrage of information.

Fortunately, when it comes to omega-3s the fundamental science is clear: Omega-3s, which are considered essential fatty acids, are necessary for human health. Since the body can’t make them on its own, it’s critical to obtain this important nutrient through your daily intake of omega-rich foods, primarily oily fish, or supplements.

Let’s take a deeper look at the science behind omega-3s.

With a number of gold-standard studies to point to, experts believe EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), the two omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, help reduce risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The rate of research on omega-3s seems to be accelerating as scientists find consistent evidence of the beneficial effects of this essential nutrient. In fact, of more than 30,000 scientific papers on omega-3s published on PubMed, there are roughly 3,200 clinical trials examining the impact of omega-3s on heart health, specifically. Here are a few research highlights:

* In the last 10 years, every meta-analytical review that considered the whole body of human clinical evidence for cardiac or coronary death consistently found a significant benefit to omega-3 consumption.

* Since 2004, there have been 13 meta-analyses linking omega-3s and the decreased risk of cardiac and coronary death.

* Results show fish oil consumption reduces cardiac death risk between approximately 10-30 percent.

* A recent meta-analysis on EPA and DHA’s impact on blood pressure found fish oil can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and even benefit people who don’t have high blood pressure.

The totality of evidence consistently shows EPA and DHA omega-3s reduce the risk of cardiac and coronary death, keep triglycerides in check and help maintain healthy blood pressure. However, it’s important to understand there is not a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to health and disease prevention.

Beyond a healthy and balanced diet, an individual’s age, health status and history, and lifestyle are important considerations when it comes to deciding if supplements may help fill a specific nutrient gap that cannot or is not otherwise being met.

When deciding how to increase your daily intake of omega-3s, it’s important to take an individualized approach. Talk to your doctor about your personal deficiencies and requirements, and be realistic and truthful about your diet and daily intake of omega-3s and other important nutrients. If you decide supplementation is right for you, take the time to do you research and invest in high quality omega-3 supplements. Your health is worth it.

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Opposition protesters detained in St Vincent

NDP leader Arnhim Eustace

Nine people were arrested Wednesday after police said they refused to observe regulations regarding protesting near buildings in which the head offices of government ministries are located.

The protesters, supporters of the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), were picketing outside the Electoral Office in the capital, where daily demonstrations have taken place since the December 9 general elections.

The arrest came one day after police removed barriers that they had erected near the Electoral Office since late December when the protest began.

NDP supporters have claimed that the general election was rigged in favour of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) of Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves. The ULP won eight of the 15 seats in the general election.

Charles said that police decided to remove the barriers on Tuesday because they were an inconvenience to business owners in the area, who had to park elsewhere.

He said while the police had decided that they would not prevent people from protesting, “they would have to protest as if the barriers were there”.

NDP leader Arnhim Eustace has since called on supporters to protest.

Speaking on the NDPs radio programme, Eustace said he regards the action of the police as “reprehensible”.

“And we have to response,” Eustace said, adding that lawyers for the NDP were dealing with the arrest of the protesters.

He said the protesters were “exercising rights which have been guaranteed under the constitution of St Vincent and the Grenadines and other laws.

“The action taken today requires us to make a response in the New Democratic Party. And I am calling on our members, wherever you are, in whatever constituency you reside to come back to that spot tomorrow morning and continue the protest.

“As president of the New Democratic Party, I am asking all of our people who can make it to come into Kingstown tomorrow (Thursday) to protest the action taken by those in authority,” he added.

Eustace also noted the hearing in the ejection petitions filed by the NDP will begin on Thursday.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul ends international career

Veteran left-hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul has called time on his illustrious 22-year international career, eight months after being axed from the Test squad.

In an email to the West Indies Cricket Board, the 41-year-old indicated he would no longer be available for selection to the senior team.

Chanderpaul, who played a record 164 Tests, was controversially axed last May by West Indies selectors following a run of low scores but said at the time he was focused on regaining his place in the side.

WICB president Dave Cameron praised the Guyanese’s contribution to the game.

The WICB acknowledges the invaluable contribution Shiv has made to the game globally and we wish him all the best,” Cameron said.

Chanderpaul amassed 11,867 runs at an average of 51 and lies second on the all-time West Indies list of run-scorers behind Brian Lara who scored 11,953 runs.He struck 30 centuries and 66 half-centuries.

Chanderpaul also played 268 One-day Internationals garnering 8,778 runs at an average of 41, and also suited up for 22 Twenty20 Internationals.

He also recently contested the Regional Super50 in Trinidad and Tobago.

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