星期六, 8月 11, 2018

亞太裔患糖尿病比率偏高原因仍是謎 專家聚會籲更多研究

亞太裔夏威夷土著糖尿病防治聯盟主席金良城(左),Edward A. Chow。
(攝自現場PPT)。
(Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)亞太裔太平洋島民夏威夷土著糖尿病聯盟(AANHPI Diabetes Coalition)811日在波士頓召開第六屆年會,針對亞太裔糖尿病人口,探討未來研究走向,強調要找出亞太裔更容易染患糖尿病原因,到底是基因,文化,飲食,還是生活方式等,還有許多工作要做。
鮑其海(左起)主持,美國亞太裔醫師會會長Ho Luong Tran,華盛頓大學榮休教授Wilfred Fujimoto談聯盟成立歷史。(周菊子攝)
            加斯林糖尿病中心首席科學官金良城和全美亞太裔島民醫師會會長Ho Luong Tran,副主任David Lee在大會手冊聯名發佈的歡迎信中指出,2011年時,美國疾病防治中心做了一次亞太裔擴大採樣,得到的數據明顯可見亞裔患糖尿的很普遍。有兩篇在糖尿病護理(Diabetes Care)上發表的文章也顯示,亞裔的身高體重指數(BMI)即使較低,僅約23時,染患糖尿病的比例也很高。這結果促使美國糖尿病法指導原則在2015年做了修訂,呼籲亞太裔在身高體重指數達到23或以上時,就要做糖尿病檢測。接著美國亞太裔醫師會(NCAPIP)代表亞太裔太平洋島民夏威夷土著糖尿病聯盟和加斯林糖尿病中心,美國糖尿病協會等機構及組織合作,推出了”23就檢測(Screen at 23)”運動,提醒亞太裔在身高體重指數飆到23時,就要做檢查。
加斯林糖尿病中心國際發展副總裁徐千田談"23就檢測"行動計畫。
(周菊子攝)
            他們擬定”23就檢測(Screen at 23)”計畫,是因為每2名亞裔中就有1人染患了糖尿病或是處於糖尿病初期狀態,其中卻有至少一半人不知道自己患有糖尿病,再者研究結果顯示,即使是身高體重指數比較低的亞裔,也容易染患糖尿病。
            這行動不僅是要提醒亞太裔美人注意染患糖尿病的危險,也要讓人知道,一旦被診斷出染患糖尿病,接下來要怎麼做。
            迄今,全美有夏威夷州,加州,麻州等三個州,先後於2016年的3月,9月和20181月,在議會通過了”23就檢測(Screen at 23)”法案。
加斯林糖尿病中心首席科學家金良城。(周菊子攝)
            在”從研究到宣傳”的主題演講中,哈佛醫學院榮修教授陳衛民指出,經由研究調查,他們發現亞太裔患糖尿病的人數,遠比想像中多,原因之一是醫師通常在病人的身高體重指數(BMI)超標,也就是超過25時,才會要求病人做糖尿病檢測,因此出現50%亞裔,根本不知道自己染患了糖尿病這狀況,後來的進一步研究還發現,菲律賓人及太平洋島民,甚至在BMI指數低於23,身體更纖瘦的狀態下,也染患有糖尿病。AANHPI因此在鼓吹”23就檢測之外,下一步得做更多研究,查找亞裔會在BMI指數更低的情況下就染患糖尿病的原因,是基於基因,文化,還是飲食、生活習慣。由於越來越多小孩染患糖尿病,如何提醒父母注意,也將是他們在防治糖尿病的努力方向之一。
            至於宣傳糖尿病的防治,還要讓制定政策者,加入推動改變行列。
哈佛醫學院榮修教授陳衛民(Bill Chin)。(周菊子攝)
            AANHPI的這第六屆年會,安排了一整天的會議,邀有哈佛醫學院榮修教授陳衛民談從研究到宣傳,華盛頓大學榮休教授Wilfred Fujimoto和美國亞太裔醫師會會長Ho Luong Tran在鮑其海主持下,暢談亞太裔太平洋島民夏威夷土著糖尿病聯盟成立緣起,加斯林糖尿病中心國際項目創新副總裁徐千田講談鋪設平台:AANHPI糖尿病聯盟行動計畫,舊金山健康委員會會長Edward ChowNCAPIP副主任David Hawks州議案:下一步向哪兒去,以及擴大辦理”23就檢測座談,預防及管理糖尿病,合作以彌平糖尿病差距,AANHPI的研究及檢測概況。在麻州推動”23就檢測法案的麻州眾議員陳德基也出席敘述,”23就檢測在麻州與社區合作概況。
舊金山健康委員會主席Edward A. Chow(右)。(周菊子攝)
            談及行動計劃時,徐千田指出,針對亞裔要做的糖尿病政策和研究,包括借助分解數據,提高亞裔對糖尿病的認識,在檢測和臨床診治之外,更要在糖尿病生理病理學上增加人們對亞太裔差異的了解,然後在亞裔母親及兒童糖尿病上做更多研究。
換言之,亞太裔社區必須培養更多的亞太裔碩博士研究人員,科學家,組成科學家委員會來制定提案,遞交給美國國家衛生研究院(NIH)等機構,為亞太裔防治糖尿病做研究,為亞太裔糖尿病患者做介入研究。
會場。(周菊子攝)
            



昆士市長年度燒烤會三百餘人同樂 (圖片)

圖片由放眼昆士提供






星期五, 8月 10, 2018

BCNC穩定華埠社區遊樂日 8/11


US Muslim Charity to Host #OneNationOneCause in 35 states

Back2School Drive Across 35 States, 70+ Cities over 30 Days

The national non-profit, ICNA RELIEF ( Islamic Circle of North America Relief; www.icnarelief.org), will distribute backpacks and supplies to children in need, as part of their #OneNationOneCause Back2School drives across 35 states and Puerto Rico, in more than 100 cities, over 30 days. *Partners include varied faith groups, non-profits, libraries and village halls.

ICNA Relief USA’s MA Field Office will conduct their first distribution on Aug. 11, 2018 where they will distribute 500 backpacks and supplies, a $20,000 value, from 3:00PM to 5:00PM at 100 Malcolm X Blvd. Boston, MA 02120. They will also be contributing backpacks and supplies to their partner organizations.

ICNA Relief Back 2 School Giveaway
Saturday August 11, 2018
3:00PM to 5:00PM
100 Malcolm X Blvd, Boston, MA 02120

“Do you remember the joy of having brand new school supplies? Many of these children don’t,” said Malika MacDonald, Director, ICNA Relief Massachusetts. “The sight of hundreds of parents and children, lining up hours before the distribution starts, is heartbreaking and humbling.” 

“ This drive, #OneNationOneCause, is an expression of solidarity. We invite anyone who wants to conduct a school supply drive, or even spread awareness, to partner with us. We stand together, and are committed to being there for our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable. These are Islamic principles and universal human values in action. We are grateful to all our partners for coming together as one,” said Mr. Maqsood Ahmed, CEO, ICNA Relief.

In 2017 alone, ICNA Relief distributed 27,075 backpacks with supplies, in 187 locations in 26 states. Since 2009, ICNA Relief has distributed 150,000 backpacks filled with supplies, nationwide to needy children.Its services, through 56 chapters, include 16 transitional shelters for women and children; on of which is in Boston, car donations, refugee assimilation programs, professional counseling and food pantries.

To host a Back2School drive, volunteer, be a sponsor or to partner email malika@icnarelief.org. Supplies can be shipped or checks can be mailed to ICNA Relief, 100 Malcolm X Blvd, Boston, MA 02120. Financial donations can be made at icnarelief.org/back2school. Deadline: August 8.

The following states have events:  AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IOWA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NM,  NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC,  TN, TX,  VA, WA, WI and Puerto Rico.
*Partners (new additions daily): Islamic Multi Service Organization, Elevate Boston, Burma Task Force, Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center, Discovering Hidden Gems and the Bobby Mendes Peace Legacy.

羅德島州長Raimondo晤華裔耆英 巡教會周遭建設

羅德島州長Gina Raimondo()和耆英們,以及羅德島華人基督教會牧師艾偉信(前左五),羅德島華人協會主席葉超,會長吳子平(後右一)合影。
(周菊子攝)





羅德島州州長Gina Raimondo(左五)和陸美香(右七),牧師艾偉信(右二)葉超、吳子平
等人合影。(周菊子攝)

                  (羅德島華人協會訊)羅德島州長Gina Raimondo八月七日中午參觀羅德島華人基督教會,和耆英親切晤談,對普塔基河畔羅斯福大道史蹟樓宇的翻修成果,大表讚揚,許諾合作,加強各項文化建設及土地開發計畫。
                  羅德島州長Gina Raimondo2014年當選後,這還是第一次正式拜訪羅德島華人基督教會。她在四名隨員陪同下,由羅德島華人協會主席葉超,會長吳子平,以及黑石谷旅遊局局長畢靈頓(Bob Billington),牧師艾偉信(Nelson Estrada)引領,參觀羅德島華人基督教會,和在場的耆英們親切寒暄,合影。
吳子平(左一),葉超(右二)陪同羅德島州長Gina Raimondo(左二)參觀羅德島華人基督
教會。(周菊子攝)
                    羅德島州當年最出名的中餐館,1960年代開在ProvidenceEddy59號的Lukes餐廳老闆娘陸美香,當天也來到現場。Gina Raimondo知道她就是那出名餐館的老闆娘後,高興的和她握手,晤談。
                 羅德島華人基督教會去年(2017)才剛慶祝成立40週年,大門入口也重新設計,翻修得美輪美奐。Gina Raimondo聽到葉超,吳子平說明教堂會址不只供教徒做禮拜,舉辦許多文化活動,豐富地方民眾精神生活,還開辦中文班,英文班,甚至有籃球,排球場地,儼然地方上的社區中心,頻頻點頭。
Luke's餐館老闆娘陸美香(左二)和羅德島州州長Gian Raimondo(右二)寒暄。(周菊子攝)
                 經葉超,吳子平邀請,Gina Raimondo還移步到教堂附近,羅斯福大道555號的M 住宅大樓,看到位於黑石河畔的三座磨坊工廠大樓,被改建成大約160戶精緻的住宅大廈,不但四周有花草樹木,小河流水的景觀,樓內的健身房,活動中心,宛如私人電影放映場的小戲院,更是大為讚賞。
葉超,吳子平,畢靈頓等人在Gina Raimondo參訪途中,描述了他們持續開發中央瀑布市,打造促進經濟發展項目的計畫,數度表示州政府絕對有意願合作,請他們進一步和州政府洽談。她甚至主動說,”你們應該來和我談”。

Luke's餐館老闆娘陸美香(左二)和羅德島州州長Gian Raimondo(右二)寒暄。(周菊子攝)
                     羅德島州是全美最小的州,人口僅105萬,其中亞裔佔2.9%,約30,457人,華裔更少,約6860人,僅佔總人口的0.7%。若再把人數縮小為具有投票資格,已辦理選民登記者,恐怕更少,但羅德島州的華裔市長馮偉傑(Allan Fung)2014年參選羅德島州州長,僅以些許之差飲恨,今年捲土重來,再度參選州長,在民意調查中和已宣佈競選連任的Gina Raimondo,或是打平,或是僅落後在誤差範圍內的2%,都讓羅德島州華人社區十分鼓舞,比以前更關注選舉。


羅德島州州長Gina Raimondo()向葉超,吳子平提問。(周菊子攝)




右起,Bob Billington,吳子平,葉超(左二)等人向羅德島州長Gina Raimondo說明周邊
土地發展概況。(周菊子攝)

羅德島州州長Gina Raimondo(前中)在葉超(前左),吳子平(前右)陪同下參觀大澳集團的
發展項目。(周菊子攝)

黑石谷旅遊局局長Bob Billington向羅德島州長Gina Raimondo(左四)說明計畫籌辦的
活動。(周菊子攝)

葉超()和黑石谷旅遊局局長Bob Billington()向羅德島州長Gina Raimondo(左四)描述
發展計畫。(周菊子攝)


MOITI STEP Grant application are live

STEP Grant Applications are LIVE!

President Cathy Rocheleau welcomed Nam Pham and Mark Sullivan and other state and local officials to Rocheleau Tool & Die Company for the Step Grant Announcement. (Photo courtesy of Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise)
Applications for the Massachusetts State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) will be open from August 7 - September 30, 2018 at 5:00pm EST. MOITI, through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and in collaboration with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network ("MSBDC") and the Massachusetts Export Center, will provide grants to eligible Massachusetts small businesses for the purpose of increasing export sales of their goods and services.

For more information, click 
here.
Eligibility: To qualify for STEP program funding, a business must meet the definition of an "eligible small business concern" under Section 503 of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. Click here to view the official definition. Verification is the burden of the applicant.
Apply for STEP

ATTORNEY GENERAL HEALEY DEMANDS THAT U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT STOP ONLINE SPREAD OF 3D-PRINTED GUN PLANS

ATTORNEY GENERAL HEALEY DEMANDS THAT U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT STOP ONLINE SPREAD OF 3D-PRINTED GUN PLANS
Leads Coalition of 22 State Attorneys General in Letter Urging Trump Administration to Take Immediate Action

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today led a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions demanding that the Department of State take immediate action to remove from several websites downloadable plans for 3D-printed guns that were illegally posted online.

The letter criticizes the Department of State’s failure to mitigate the harms of its settlement with Defense Distributed, an online company that was authorized by the federal government to post plans for 3D-printed guns online. Last week, a multistate lawsuit filed by AG Healey and eight other state attorneys general seeking to stop the Department of State’s action won a temporary restraining order from a federal judge in Seattle, blocking the publication of downloadable plans online. Eleven other state AGs have since joined that lawsuit.

In the letter, the state attorneys general call on Secretary Pompeo and AG Sessions to take steps to ensure that Defense Distributed’s files are not available to anyone, especially those who pose a threat to public safety.
“The longer these 3D-printed gun files are available online, the greater the risk they will fall into the hands of terrorists and violent criminals,” said AG Healey. “The Trump Administration is responsible for this public safety threat and must act immediately to remove these files from the internet.”
Since the temporary restraining order was put in place, Defense Distributed removed files for 3D-printed guns posted on its website, but several other easily accessible websites have since re-posted these files online and the federal government has taken no apparent action to have them removed.   

AG Healey also led a multistate letter of 21 state attorneys general last week urging AG Jeff Sessions and Secretary Pompeo to withdraw from the settlement with Defense Distributed, writing that it recklessly disregards public safety. AG Sessions and Secretary Pompeo have yet to respond to the state AGs’ concerns and have not indicated any willingness to confront the urgent public safety risk posed by 3D-printed firearms.

AG Healey this week joined with partners in Massachusetts law enforcement to issue a public safety notice detailing the serious violations of state law arising from the creation of these undetectable guns.

Joining AG Healey in today’s coalition are state attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.