Skin Cancer Protection with Walgreens

On May 31st, Día del la Protección Solar, Walgreens and Coppertone are joining the American Cancer Society to help protect you against skin cancer. Now that summer time is here, we'll all be out in the sun more. I urge you to remember how powerful the sun is in Puerto Rico, and protect you and your loved ones.

Did you know?

Did you know that every year in Puerto Rico, there are around 10,000 cases of skin cancer reported? Even if your skin is already tanned or dark, you can still get skin cancer. Not burning is not the same as protecting yourself against skin cancer. While the powerful ultaviolet (UV) rays may not burn your skin, the radiation those rays contain still penetrate the skin and can potentially cause skin cancer.

Join up!

Between the months of May, through September, for every Coppertone sun screen product purchased from Walgreen's, they will donate $0.25 to the American Cancer Society in Puerto Rico. So if you're headed to Balneario Punta Salinas, and you need to buy some sun screen anyway, why not help fight skin cancer at the same time?

Flickr Creative Commons Contributor Today: BohPhoto

Consume - Obey - Conform - Sleep

In one of my all-time favorite cult B-movies, Rowdy Roddy Piper plays a down on his luck construction worker who discovers a pair of sunglasses that enables him to see the world as it really is: people being bombarded by media and government with messages like "Stay Asleep", "No Imagination", "Submit to Authority". You're like hey wait a minute, that sounds like the world we live in.

But it gets worse, with the glasses he is able to see that some of the usually normal-looking people are in fact ugly aliens in charge of the massive campaign to keep humans subdued. Well you can imagine after that, all kinds of butt-kicking ensues and a good time is had by all. If you enjoyed the Matrix and other alternate reality movies, then "They Live", 1988, is a must see.

I mention this movie so that you can take in context, what I'm about to reveal. So, for now, let's all pretend that we have some of those special sunglasses, so let's all get'em out and I'll tell you when to put'em on. Everybody ready? Ok, so I come across some news talking about a new campaign called "Puerto Rico No Duerme", which is not to be confused with the highly popular variety show "No Te Duermas."

The objective of this new educational campaign is to promote sleep as a way to maintain a better quality of life and health. Really? I mean who doesn't already know that they feel better after a good night's sleep? In addition, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the symptoms and causes of insomnia; providing the patient "the elements" necessary to seek a solution to their insomnia and consult with your doctor. Yep, every ailment can be cured by a trip to a doctor, get a pill, feel better, right?

The campaign will use a typical formula, here are some statistics from a survey that prove that this is a problem; Followed quickly by why the problem is so bad. "Oh my Gawd!" All forms of plagues will be visited upon you if you don't address this problem, and finally, look at all of these impressive organizations that support this campaign. In the case of "Puerto Rico No Duerme, " counts on the support of the Western Psychiatric Society; Association of Psychiatrists in the region Bayamón ; American Academy of Psychiatry; San Juan Capestrano; Puerto Rican Academy of Neurology and NAMI of Puerto Rico. Pretty impressive, right. Those people would never steer you wrong, right?

So now let's put those special glasses to work. Time to put'en on. At face value, everything sounds pretty innocent, right. Well let's find out who sponsored the survey that is used to prove that this is a problem? That would be Sanofi Aventis. Who is sponsoring the "educational" campaign? That would also be Sanofi Aventis. And gee, I wonder why they would be so interested in our health? Umm, maybe a little pill called Ambien? And of course, what is that little pill prescribed for? How shocking, it is prescribed for insomnia. "Marry and Reproduce." "This is your God." "Consume - Obey - Conform - Sleep." Indeed.

¡Por Fin! A medicial definition ...

...for premature ejaculation. You know us here at DóndeEs.com. We're always concerned for your health and strive to share the most relevant and useful health information we find. Well, this is neither! Well maybe it is, but no one would ever admit it, right? And before I go any further, let me apologize to anyone who might be afflicted with this terrible condition, my heart goes out to you! But look at it this way, only seconds may separate you from some relief.

At the recent annual meeting of the American Urological Association, the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) announced that they had gathered the world�s leading sexual health experts to develop an evidence-based definition of premature ejaculation. According to the new defintion, premature ejaculation is

"a male sexual dysfunction characterized by ejaculation which always or nearly always occurs prior to or within about one minute of vaginal penetration; and, inability to delay ejaculation on all or nearly all vaginal penetrations; and, negative personal consequences, such as distress, bother, frustration and/or the avoidance of sexual intimacy."

Well I don't know about that last part, I thought we were talking about dudes here. Ohhhh, no I didn't! Oh yes, I did! So there you have it. If you're in the game for more than 60 seconds, you officially don't suffer from premature ejaculation. So enjoy it, while it lasts.

Flickr Creative Commons Contributor Today: lounger

Dia de la Prenvención del Maltrato a Menores

This coming Wednesday, April 30th, is the Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse. Did you know the number of children abused in Puerto Rico….

• is five times the capacity of Roberto Clemente Coliseum,
• 13 times the population of Old San Juan,
• 4 times the population of Vieques
• would fill the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, twice?

That's a lot of children. Too many children! And we are not talking about the abuse they suffer in our public school system. That's another heinous crime altogether. Fortunately ESCAPE, El Centro de Fortalecimiento Familiar has dedicated itself to the intervention, treatment, and prevention of child abuse and domestic violence.

ESCAPE, is a non-profit organization that has been accepted this challenge since 1983. The programs of ESCAPE include services such as visits and counseling at home through professionals and volunteers, crisis intervention, counseling and guidance telephone, Program Early Head Start, parenting classes, lectures, conferences, educational development and promotion of informational materials. In addition, they also sponsor research on the problem of child abuse and family violence.

In order to raise awareness of the problem of child abuse, ESCAPE is sponsoring a ribbon wearing campaign. With the purchase of an ESCAPE ribbon, you will not only contribute to improving the quality of life thousands of children and families on the island, but you'll also demonstrate that you really care about this problem.

To purchase your ribbon, visit any of the participating Wendy's: Plaza Las Américas, Plaza Carolina, San Patricio Plaza, Plaza del Caribe, Montehiedra Town Center, Plaza del Sol, and Mayagüez Mall. The ribbons cost only $1.00. If you'd like to purchase a large quantity of ribbons, please contact (787) 287-6161.

Flickr Creative Commons Contributor Today: Vogυe

Start! walking...

No this isn't the beginning to a cheesey western movie. This is a call to action. Did you know that...???

• Cardiovascular disease is our nation’s number 1 killer, numero uno.
  
• Physical in-activity significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
  
• Seventy percent of Americans don’t get enough exercise, blaming lack of time and lack of motivation. Ignoring fitness and health increases chances for disease.
  

So, to combat this health risk, the American Heart Association recommends an increase in physical activity. Thus, "The Start!"

To get you started on a new program of physical exercise, the AHA sponsors an annual walk-a-thon. This year the fund raising event will take place at Parque Central in Old San Juan on May 4th. Their goal is to raise, locally, $570,000. To assist everyone, they have setup a nice website with a powerful set of tools to help you, not only commit, but to also raise more money.

By signing up at their web page you'll be able to:

• Sign-up with your company, or with friends and family (form a team!)
• Create and personalize your own Web page.
• Achieve your fund raising goal by sending personalized e-mails to your friends and family asking for their support.
• Check for matching gifts to boost your donations!
• Access health tools - Online The Start! Tracking Tool offers physical activity, nutrition and other health information integrated within a single online resource.

As if you needed any reasons to make your start, but in case you're not convinced, here are three reasons to make a commitment to the walk-a-thon, today:

• It's free!
• You're Making a Difference. Since 1924 the American Heart Association has helped protect people of all ages and ethnicities from the ravages of heart disease and stroke. These diseases, the Nation's No.1 and No.3 killers, claim more than 910,000 American lives a year. The association invested more than $474 million in fiscal year 2004-05 for research, professional and public education, and advocacy so people across America can live stronger, longer lives.
• Prizes: Walkers are eligible for a Start! Heart Walk t-shirt once they have raised a minimum of $100. Other prizes available include:
  
• Noise Cancellation Headphones for iPod,
  
• Jabra® Bluetooth Headset with 33 Interchangeable Covers,
  
• Ferrari F430 Convertible Radio Controlled Car,
  
• Canon® PowerShot 5MP Digital Camera, Fuji® 21-Speed Front Suspension Mountain Bike, Garmin® GPS Map.

Of course for some of these fabulous prizes you have to raise a lot of money, like over $10,000. But at least it's nice to know that if you do make that goal, there's a little something, which is nice!.

For more information please contact Beba Franco via phone at (787) 283-0330 or via email at beba.franco@heart.org

Unexploded Bombs Detonated in Puerto Rico

Yesterday it probably sounded and felt more like Iraq in Vieques, than the island paradise it really is. That's because the contractor, Pika International, in charge of removing munitions from the island was detonating some of the live ordinance left after the U.S. Navy ceded the Vieques Naval Training Range back to Puerto Rico back in 2003.

The United States has pledged $200 million for the abandoned bombing range, which according to a news report and an interesting collection of photographic images from Fox News, about 775 acres have been cleared since the cleanup began in 2005.

National Day of Dressing Red

Tomorrow, February 1st is El Diá Nacional de Vestir de Rojo. This national tribute is sponsored by the American Heart Association (AHA) and is dedicated to women everywhere and their global struggle against heart disease. According to the organization's web site, by wearing red and making a donation (claro), you'll help the American Heart Association support ongoing research and education about women and heart disease.

Did you know that heart disease is the #1 cause of death for women in Puerto Rico and the United States. Which, by the way, is the "Why You Should Wear Red!" Again, according to the AHA, too few people realize that heart disease kills so many women (and men), but while it is so lethal, the good news is heart disease can often be prevented. Spreading the Go Red For Women message "Love Your Heart" raises awareness of heart disease and empowers women (and men) to reduce their risk.

What can each of us do to prevent heart disease:

• For physical activity, think walking, jogging, cycling or dancing with someone you love
• For a healthy diet, think whole grains, delicious fresh fruits and more
• For reducing stress, think of taking time for your favorite hobby or celebrating your "unbirthday" with your best friend.
• For quitting smoking, think about saving the money you're spending on tobacco for a fun family trip.

Flickr Creative Commons Contributor Today: gari.bald

Encaminada por Diabetes 2007

Next Sunday, November 18th, the Asociación Puertorriqueña de Diabetes is sponsoring a 5k walk at the Parque Luis Muñoz Rivera in Old San Juan. The event, which is entitled "Encendiendo la Luz por la Diabetes", will start at 8:00 a.m. and will include many different activities aimed to appeal to the whole family.

Some of those activities include health clinics and vaccinations, exhibitions, an inflatible park for children, the arrival of Santa Claus and the 3 Kings, and finally an artistic spectacular, including performances by Mimi, Marlon, Arquimides, and Salsa Kids.

November is American Diabetes Month, which coincides with the international day of observation for diabetes. In December 2006, the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) passed a landmark Resolution recognizing diabetes as a chronic, debilitating and costly disease. The Resolution designates World Diabetes Day as a United Nations Day to be observed every year on November 14 starting in 2007.

Here in Puerto Rico it is estimated that over 560 thousand people are affected by diabetes, including some 75 thousand children and adolescents. This represents approximately 15% of the entire population of Puerto Rico.

For additional information call (787) 729-2210 or write to informacion@diabetespr.org.

Marcha Por Una Causa

This Saturday at various locations around the island, the Sociedad Americano del Cancer is organizing a non-competitive walk to help raise funds for breast cancer research.

The walk will take place simultaneously in seven different locations around the island. A $10 donation is required to participate in the walk, which entitles the participant to receive a free t-shirt commemorating their participation. The seven locations for the walk, which will begin at 4:00 p.m., are:

• San Juan - Parque del Tercer Milenio
• Caguas - Plaza Palmer
• Vieques - El Faro
• Barceloneta - Complejo Deportivo Villa Georgetti
• Mayagüez - Parque de los Próceres
• Yauco - Coop. de Ahorro y Crédito de Yauco
• Peñuelas - Plaza Pública de Peñuelas

The event is part of the American Cancer Society's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" fund-raising activity, their premier event to raise awareness and dollars to fight breast cancer. More than just the name of a walk, it describes the amazing progress they’re making to defeat this disease. With this activity you can join your community to celebrate breast cancer survivors, educate women about early detection and prevention, and raise money to fund lifesaving research and support programs to help them reach a day when no one will have to hear the words “You have breast cancer.” Please join them.

Salud Expo

Next weekend, Nova Infusion presents the Salud Expo in the Coliseo Roberto Clemente. The Expo will run from September 28th through the 30th and be open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. With a host of celerities and special activities the exposition hopes to deliver on their slogan "SALUDexpo te ayudará a vivir mejor", or "How to stop dying and start living" (or something like that) a noble and lofty goal indeed.

Above all, the exposition will offer multiple health clinics featuring, among others, Mammography, Oral examinations, HIV testing, Hypertension, Hepatitis C, Weight, Body Fat, Visual Health, Glucose, and Cholesterol. However, while the exposition is open to the public, participation in the health clinics requires the purchase of a ticket at the entrance.

Some of the celebrities expected for the event include: Nancy Alvarez, Carlos Piña, Cimlle Carrion, Desmond Santiago, Josy Latorre, Hector Millan, and Cielito Rosado.

The itinerary for the event is as follows:

Friday September 28th:

• Science program for schools
• Presentation by Dra. Nancy Alvarez
• Calisthenics with Carlos Piña
• Special program doe school students
• Musical presentation by the group Victrola Tinnitus (Say what?)
• Kapoeira demonstration by PR en Forma

Saturday September 29th:

• Women's health - Fibromalgia
• Men's complete health (Does that include beer and donuts?)
• Special presentation by Camille Carrion
• "In form with Desmond Santiago"
• Musical presentation by the "Niño Trovador"

Sunday September 30th:

• Health walk
• Zumba Marathon
• Program - Know your numbers
• Musical presentation by Jossie Latorre with Orlando Laureano
• Motivational workshop with Héctor Millán

Diabetes Foundation Golf Tournament

The Puerto Rico Diabetes Association has a busy weekend planned. On Friday they will kick-off their Expo Diabetes with a pre-expo golf tournament. The tournament will be held in the Coamo Springs Golf Club and Resort. This Friday, registration starts at 7:30 for a golf tournament to benefit the association. Shotgun tee-times start at 8:30 am. The format is a two-person scramble with categories for:
- Gross
- Net Score
- Callaway
- Closest to the Pin
- Longest Drive
- Straightest Drive.

The is also a special prize awaiting anyone scoring a hole in one. A 1968 classic antique Pontiac Firebird, a rare collector's item for sure.

Registration for the tournament includes attendance to clinics on blood sugar, nutrition, and weight control. All very popular with golfers, I'm sure. In addition there will also be breakfast, a "goody bag" a Polo shirt, "awards" Lunch, as well as a raffle and cocktails.

For more information contact the Association at (787) 729-2210.

Expo Diabetes

Then, on Saturday and Sunday, the 15th and 16th, the Association will host Expo Diabetes in the Coliseo Pedrín Zorilla de San Juan. The exposition will be open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. Entrance to the exhibition is free and will feature health clinics, an exhibition hall, and workshops for Beauty, Exercising, Nutrition, and demonstrations on how to cook healthily.

The exposition is dedicated to the "Fight for a Puerto Rico without Diabetes." The focus of the expo is on education, orientation, and prevention.

Flickr Creative Commons Contributor Today: R'eyes

Jonesing for some chocolate?

No, this isn't about that super lame novela Dame Chocolate. I mean give me a freaking break, don't you see mysterious women with their faces wrapped in a scarf walking around in your neighborhood? That is, unless you live in Afghanistan, then my apologies.

No, what I'd like to suggest is that if you have a craving for chocolate candy bar, then please stop by Walgreens to get your fix. During august, Walgreen's Pharmacy in conjunction with Nestlé Fund Raising, will help remodel the boy's room of the Hospital del Niño de Puerto Rico with a contribution made possible by the sale of Nestlé Crunch candy bars.

The Hospital del Niño of Puerto Rico is the only pediatric hospital on the island that offers services long term care and convalescence to patients between 0 and 21 years old that suffer from physical or mental incapacity.

During these last few weeks of August the Nestlé Hormiguita (Ant?) will visit participating Walgreen's Pharmacies to promote the campaign. Promotional items will be available for participants.

Semana de la Lactancia Materna 2007

This week La Coalición para la Lactancia Materna en P.R. is inviting everyone to the Puerto Rico celebration of "World Breastfeeding Week." All this week in Plaza Las Américas (in the hallway in front of Borders on the first floor), La Coalición will host presentations and activities.

World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is August 1st – 7th and celebrates the signing of the Innocenti Declaration** on the Protection, Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding. It is celebrated in 120 countries on various dates.

The Innocenti Declaration was produced and adopted in 1990 by participants at the WHO/UNICEF meeting on “Breastfeeding in the 1990s: A Global Initiative.” The document lists the benefits of breastfeeding, plus global and governmental goals.

A summary of the activities is as follows:

Martes, 31 julio de 2007

• 5:00 p.m.- Grupo apoyo, LLL Liga de la leche
• 6:00 p.m. - Lactancia y Trabajo, Dra. Ana Parrilla
• 7:00 p.m. - Lactancia y las Leyes en PR, Lcda. Tamara Sosa

Miércoles, 1 de agosto de 2007 DIA MUNDIAL DE LA LACTANCIA MATERNA

• 11:00 a.m. - Actividades de la Coalición de Lactancia Materna de P.R. Iris Roldá
  Canción: Maternidad regalo de Dios, Cuarteto de cuerdas (Sandra Rodríguez)
• 5:00 p.m. - Grupo apoyo LLL Liga de la leche
• 6:00 p.m. - Quiropráctica y Trauma del Nacimiento, Dra. Glenda Velásquez
• 7:00 p.m. - Lactancia: la primera hora salva vidas, Dra. Ana Parrilla

Jueves, 2 agosto de 2007

• 5:00 p.m. - La Importancia de Cuido Prenatal (por MCS), Edna Acevedo y Herimar Serrano
• 6:00 p.m. - Falacias Alimentarías durante la Lactancia, Vilma Ortiz
• 7:00 p.m. - Yoga para mamá, papá y bebé, Janice Falcón

Viernes, 3 agosto de 2007

• 5:00 p.m. - Grupo apoyo Liga de la leche
• 6:00 p.m. - CPR para niños, José Pérez, Carmen Aponte
• 7:00 p.m. - Desde el primer día, si los bebes hablaran, Dr. Mario Ramírez

Sábado, 4 agosto de 2007

• 1:30 p.m. - Grupo apoyo PROMANI, PROMANI Y AUXILIO Dr. Mario Ramírez
• 2:30 p.m. - Música desde el Vientre Marta Hernández 2:30 p.m.
• 4:00 p.m. - Todos somos Parteras, Rita Aparicio y Debbie
• 5:00 p.m. - Haciendo ejercicios de forma divertida con tu bebé, Little Gym
• 6:00 p.m. - Lactancia en Tiempos de Crisis, Rita Aparicio

Domingo, 5 agosto de 2007

• 11:00 p.m. - Las caras de los niños y niñas que lo deseen se les pintaran de algún animal
• 12:00 m.d. - Somos mamíferos, Dr. Mario Ramírez
• 2:00 p.m. - Premiación del concurso de fotos asiamamantoyo y clausura

El Show de Cristina en Puerto Rico

Durante la Feria de la Segunda Juventud de AARP, que se llevará a cabo los días 5 y 6 de mayo en el Centro de Convenciones de Puerto Rico, el famoso programa de televisión “El Show de Cristina” será grabado en vivo por primera vez en Puerto Rico el 6 de mayo de 2:30 a 5:00pm. Las personas inscritas para asistir al evento de la Feria podrán obtener los boletos para presenciar la grabación, sin costo alguno.

La Feria de la Segunda Juventud contará con la presencia de numerosas figuras estelares, entre ellas oradores y artistas como Gloria Estefan, Luis Fonsi, José Feliciano, Arturo Sandoval, Don Francisco, la Dra. Nancy Álvarez, Chi Chi Rodríguez, Don Miguel Ruiz y Giovanna Huyke. Habrá charlas sobre temas de interés para la comunidad hispana, incluyendo la atención de la salud, el buen estado físico y muchos más. Para ver todo el calendario de eventos, puede visitar http://www.aarp.org/aarp_benefits/natl_events/puerto_rico/schedule/.

AARP es una organización sin fines de lucro, no partidaria y de sus miembros, que ayuda a las personas de 50 o más años de edad a mantener su independencia, sus opciones y el control sobre sus vidas, de manera que sean beneficiosas y económicamente viables para ellas y para la sociedad en su conjunto.

Dia mundial del Asma 2007

Did you know that 33% of the children in Puerto Rico are affected by asthma? Or did you know that 2 out of every 10 people suffer from the disease? In Hospital San Jorge, it's the number one reason for hospitalization. Asthma is every parents nightmare, and even more so for me, but the tables were turned. My mother died of smoking related emphysema with asthma complications. I remember her describing to me how desperate she would sometimes get just trying to breath. She told me it sometimes felt like someone was standing on her chest.

San Jorge Children's Hospital, Glaxo SmithKline, and Clínica Las Americas de Guaynabo invite you to come to the Dia mundial del Asma 2007. The activity is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) to improve asthma awareness and care around the world. World Asthma Day 2007 activity, organized around the theme "You Can Control Your Asthma," will be held on Tuesday, May 1 on the grounds of the American Military Academy. From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. there will be Espirometria testing, sports clinics, exhibitions, Ronald McDonald, and a Show de Remi. In addition, the invited special guests are Chelo and Xavi.

After being here for a while I was struck by a feeling that there were more people suffering from asthma here in Puerto Rico then in the Unites States. Well, according to the Department of Health, in 2000, the rate of incidence on the island was 15.9% and 10.4% in the United States. By 2005 the rate increased to 19.3% in Puerto Rico and 12.6% in the U.S.

Flickr Creative Commons Contributor Today: Unhindered by Talent

Una Cinta Negra

Today between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Comisión Para La Seguridad en el Transito will organize the formation of a living Black Ribbon in memory of everyone that has perished in an automobile accident. This event will take place in la Plazoleta del Centro Gubernamental Roberto Sánchez Vilella en Minillas, in front of the Puerto Rico Museum of Art, on the Avenida De Diego in Santurce. Families of fatal automotive accidents, as well as the general population, is invited to the vigil to remember and honor the memory of those lives lost on our highways.

Recently the United Nations announced that April 23rd through April 29th, 2007 would the first ever United Nations Global Road Safety Week. According to the United Nations, "Since World Health Day 2004, and subsequent discussions in the United Nations General Assembly, Governments and their partners have paid increased attention to road safety. But there is still much progress to be made. Road traffic collisions kill nearly 1.2 million people worldwide every year, and injure millions more. They are the leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 24 years, with devastating impact on families and communities.

Road traffic deaths and injuries also place an enormous strain on a country’s health-care system and on the national economy in general. In regions where young people constitute a major part of the population, the problem is even more acute. On average, road traffic injuries cost low- and middle-income countries more than 1 per cent of gross national product. For all these reasons, road traffic injuries are an important obstacle to development."

I'm personally obligated to also share that I got the black ribbon on this post from "The Norwegian" which was for a campaign to end military action in Iraq by the United States Armed Forces. Bring our boys home now!

El cáncer e un lienzo

In 2004, the pharmaceutical company Lilly, invited people from all over the world to participate in an unique art exhibition. The exhibit was unique because in order to be eligible to participate, the artist must be a cancer survivor, a surviving family member, or friend of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. In addition, the Lilly Oncology on Canvas International Art Competition and Exhibition was open to health care providers, doctors, oncologists, and nurses.

Now in its third year, the exhibit is now on display here in Puerto Rico. During regular hours, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday, the works will be on display on the second floor of Plaza Las Americas (in front of the water).

According to John Lechleiter, Ph. D., President and COO of Lilly Corporation, the competition gives everyone impacted by cancer an opportunity to share their journey. In addition, it is an opportunity to share the meaning of your art through narrative as an inspiration to other people on a similar journey.

Since the website is out of date, it only shows the 2004 entries, and only the exhibit dates for 2006, it is unclear whether the competition is on going and where else the exhibit may be next. Sometimes I find it difficult to believe that a company that has sales of $15,691 million can not keep a simple art exhibit page up to date. It makes it even worse, if they know that they are going to take the exhibit on the road and suggest that people visit the site for additional information. What do they think it communicates when people visit the web site and find it out of date, abandoned?

3er Simposio de Espiritualidad y Salud

The Asociación Puertorriqueña de Psiquiatras de Niños y Adolescentes is holding, once again, the Symposium on Spirituality and Health. The symposium will take place in the Teatro, Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto Metropolitano, and will be held from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

Dr Allan M. Josephson is the specialist invited speaker, who will present on a variety of themes, but will open the symposium with "An Overview of Religion, Spirituality and Worldview in Clinical Psychiatry". Dr. Josephson is the director of the children's program at the Psychiatry Department of the Louisville University School of Medicine. The speaker is the author of the book, "Spirituality: Child and Adolescent Clinics of North America".

In addition to Dr. Josephson, the symposium will also include presentations by Blanca N. Ralat, RN, Dr. Richard F. Camino, and Dr. Juan Bek. Some of the subjects they will discuss are religion for families facing illness, the impact of spirituality on the community, and the challenges of the relationship between religion and clinicians.

According to experts on this topic, the benefits of spirituality are:

• Development of strong relationships
• Forgiving and reconciling with people
• Assuming personal responsibility
• Establishing altruistic goals in your life

Flickr Creative Commons Contributor Today: emily_harbour_in_july

Cumbre Contra la Criminalidad

Today and tomorrow the Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico Comisión de Derechos Civilesde Puerto Rico (CDC) invites you to participate in La Cumbre multisectorial contra la criminalidad. The activity is being held in the Puerto Rico Convention Center and is free of cost. According to Dra. Palmira N. Ríos González, president of the CDC, "Esta Cumbre tiene como propósito principal delinear planes de acción contra la criminalidad y establecer una infraestructura civil que asuma la responsabilidad por luchar contra este flagelo social dentro de un marco de respeto y enaltecimiento de los derechos humanos.” Which translates roughly into "Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! What are we going to do. Who's responsible for this? Oh my God, the sky is falling! Help us!"

Some of the themes that the summit will address are the response available from education, economic development and the generation of employment, community action, medicalization of drugs, the role of society, and access to medicine. explained la Dra. Ríos González. In addition she added that the organizations already involved in the summit were:

• La Comisión para la Prevención de la Violencia (COPREVI)
• La Fundación Comunitaria de Puerto Rico
• Distrito Rotario 7000
• Instituto de Política Social.

The Comisión de Derechos Civiles web site has a nice calendar of events as well as several very informative and useful presentations about not only the summit, but the problem of criminality in general. Of particular interest is a paper submitted to the Health SCIENCES JOURNAL entitled "¿Guerra Contra Las Drogas o Guerra Contra La Salud? Los Retos para la Salud Pública de la Política de Drogas de Puerto Rico." I think this article hits at the heart of the issue and should be taken extremely serious.

Flickr Creative Commons Contributor Today: swanksalot

Día Mundial del Agua - Cada gota cuenta!

Today is World Water Day. While you might think that I'm going to go off on another rant on who sets, manages, and officiates over these "world days", I'm going to resist. I believe that water scarcity, which is the theme of this years' World Water Day celebration, is incredibly important and is one to which we should be able to relate and be more aware. I'll have to include myself in the list of people who've forgotten what it was like in 1995 when Puerto Rico suffered a massive drought that caused forced water rationing.

Of course, the browning grass and constant brush fires around our neighborhoods are stark reminders of our ongoing drought this year. While we haven't seen any rationing yet this year, I'm nervous. I'm nervous because dealing with water rationing sucks, and because Puerto Rico is irresponsibly unprepared for a severe water shortage. We are completely dependent upon our fresh water reservoirs. We are isolated from the alternative fresh water sources by salt water that we have no way to convert into potable water. While unlike many countries around the world, we enjoy a generous supply of fresh water, however due to overpopulation and mismanagement we could easily deplete those supplies until life becomes equal to those countries facing severe drought-like conditions.

The international observance of World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. The United Nations General Assembly designated March 22nd of each year as the World Day for Water by adopting a resolution.This world day for water was to be observed starting in 1993, in conformity with the recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development contained in chapter 18 (Fresh Water Resources) of Agenda 21.

This year's theme highlights the increasing significance of water scarcity worldwide and the need for increased integration and cooperation to ensure sustainable, efficient and equitable management of scarce water resources, both at international and local levels.

Here in Puerto Rico, I don't know of any manifestations for this important reminder of our vulnerability except for Dasani, part of the Coca-Cola Company. For every bottle of Dasani purchased, they will make a donation to various local institutions dedicated to serve children with special needs. I applaud Dasani for celebrating World Water Day and spreading awareness for water scarcity, but I wonder why they aren't donating the funds collected to organizations dedicated to preserving fresh water in Puerto Rico? I'm disgusted by their use of this important issue and our compassion for children with special needs to promote their brand. I think it is insincere and manipulative.

Flickr Creative Commons Contributor Today: suburbanbloke