Vive Michigan Magazine Enero | January 2017

How to Prepare for Flu Season

¿Cómo prepararse para la temporada de gripe?

Help Your Car Weather The Storm Benefits of the Banks for the Latino Community

Ayude a que su carro soporte el azote invernal

Los beneficios de los bancos para la comunidad Latina

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS • HEALTH • EDUCATION • SPORTS • FINANCES • LOCAL EVENTS & MORE

2 | Diciembre 2016 | Vive Michigan

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[CONTENTS | CONTENIDO

Volumen 1 | Issue 3 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 Po. Box 9283 Phone: 616.228.8802 Director

Edgar García

06

Director of Marketing

John Mendoza Graphic Designer

Ervin Palacios Writers

Erika Elizalde Rommy Cabral Alejandra Valverde Distribution

14

Eliaz Gonzalez Contributors

Carla Martinez Daniel Alabaci Shirley Solis - 305MOM Joaquin Barbara Jerry Blanton Locals Events

10

Submit calendar items to

20

info@vivemichigan.com

Online

Ayude a que su carro soporte el azote invernal...

06 ¿Cómo prepararse para la temporada de gripe?

10 14 Los beneficios de los bancos para la comunidad Latina 18 Calendario de Eventos “Este año, voy a bajar un poco de peso” 20

www.vivemichigan.com

Help Your Car Weather The Storm

How to Prepare for Flu Season

Benefits of the Banks for the Latino Community

On the Cover Mary González Foto | Photo: Kenneth Keifer

Events calendar

“This year, I’m going to lose some weight”

Follow us on:

Vive Michigan Bilingual Magazine is published monthly. Articles do not necessarily reflect Vive Michigan Bilingual Magazine policy. © 2016 Vive Michigan Bilingual Magazine INC., All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole without permission is prohibited. Vive Michigan Bilingual Magazine INC cannot accept responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Vive Michigan Bilingual Magazine INC a license to publish your submission in whole or in part in all edition of magazine.

SEGURIDAD Y PREVENCIÓN

A

Sea Prudente, Cuide Su Carro...

Ayude a que su carro soporte el azote invernal

hora es el momento ideal para asegurar que su vehículo está listo para aguantar las severas condiciones invernales. “Mantener su vehículo es más conveniente si lo hace dentro de su propio horario. Invertir apenas una hora para chequear su vehículo ayudará a que su carro soporte el clima cuando las temperaturas polares vuelvan a azotar”, dijo Rich White, director ejecutivo del Car Care Council (Concilio sobre el cuidado de carros).

Ya que el mantenimiento preventivo ayuda a evitar la molestia y el costo de reparaciones de emergencia, el Car Care Council recomienda los siguientes pasos: • Chequeé la batería y el sistema de carga de la batería para asegurar que están funcionando óptimamente. El clima frío afecta tremendamente a las baterías.

• Chequeé el anticongelante. Como regla general, limpie, drene y agregue un nuevo anticongelante en el sistema de refrigeración cada dos años.

• Chequeé el calentador, el dispositivo anti hielo y limpiaparabrisas para ver si funcionan

Por Car Care Council

correctamente. Considere limpiaparabrisas para el invierno y utilice fluido de limpieza invernal. Como regla general, los limpiaparabrisas se deben cambiar cada seis meses.

• Chequeé la profundidad del dibujo de los neumáticos y la presión de las llantas. Si la nieve y el hielo son un problema donde usted conduce, considere llantas especiales, diseñadas para que tengan agarre en carreteras resbaladizas o congeladas. Durante el invierno, la presión de las llantas se deben chequear semanalmente.

• Chequeé el aceite y el filtro; es sumamente importante ser diligente y cambiarlos dentro de los intervalos recomendados. El aceite sucio puede crear problemas en el invierno. Considere cambiar a un aceite de grado invernal si va a conducir en un clima frío. Asegúrese de que el mecánico automotriz también chequeé los filtros de combustible, aire y transmisión.

• Chequeé el rendimiento del motor. El invierno magnifica los problemas existentes, tales como problemas de arranque, rendimiento lento e inestable además de una marcha en vacío áspera y desigual.

• Chequeé los frenos. El sistema de frenos

es el elemento de seguridad más importante de su vehículo.

• Chequeé el sistema de caños de escape para ver si hay fuga de monóxido de carbono que puede ser especialmente peligroso durante el clima frío cuando uno conduce con las ventanas cerradas.

• Chequeé las luces internas y externas para asegurarse de que funcionan y para ver si las luces de los faros están adecuadamente alineadas.

Durante el invierno los conductores deben mantener el tanque de gasolina por lo menos 50% lleno, para reducir la posibilidad de humedecer las líneas de combustible y evitar congelarlas. Los conductores también deben chequear la presión de la llanta de emergencia en el baúl.

Además, asegúrese de llevar en su baúl un kit de primeros auxilios; este equipaje de emergencia debe incluir un raspador de hielo, un cepillo para la nieve, cables de salto, linterna, manta, ropa extra, agua embotellada, bocadillos de alimentos secos y medicamentos necesarios.

Para más hechos, datos y novedades sobre el cuidado de carros, visite la sala de medios del Concilio en www.media.carcare.org.

SAFETY & PREVENTION

Be Car Care Aware...

Help Your Car Weather The Storm

N

Rich White

Executive Director

By Car Care Council

ow is a good time to ready your vehicle in preparation for rough weather conditions ahead. “Vehicle service is always more convenient when you do it on your own schedule.

An investment of an hour or so to have your vehicle checked will help make sure it can weather the storm when arctic temperatures strike again,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

Because preventative maintenance helps avoid the hassle and cost of an emergency breakdown, the Car Care Council recommends the following steps: • Check the battery and charging system for optimum performance. Cold weather is hard on batteries.

• Check the antifreeze. As a general rule of thumb, clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system every two years.

• Check that heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.

• Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. If snow and ice are a problem where you plan on driving, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.

• Check the oil and filter and be diligent about changing them at recommended intervals. Dirty oil

can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you drive in cold places. Have your technician check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.

• Check engine performance. Winter magnifies existing problems such as hard starts, sluggish performance and rough idling.

• Check the brakes. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.

• Check the exhaust system for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.

• Check to see that exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.

During winter, drivers should keep their vehicle’s gas tank at least half full to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing. Motorists should also check the tire pressure of the spare in the trunk and stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snow brush, jumper cables, flashlight, blanket, extra clothes, bottled water, dry food snacks and any needed medication.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers.

For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at www.media.carcare.org.

Vive Michigan | January 2017 | 7

SALUD

¿Cómo prepararse para la temporada de gripe?

C

on la llegada del invierno y los cambios de temperatura, a todos nos empieza a afectar en nuestras defensas haciendo que aparezca la enfermedad más común de todas: la gripe.

Para que durante este año, puedas estar prevenido al respecto, hablamos con expertos del tema en Spectrum Health Community, un espacio donde puedes encontrar distintos programas y servicios para tu salud.

A la pregunta de qué podemos hacer para prevenir la gripe, los expertos de Spectrum Health Community nos aconsejan lo siguiente: • Vacuna contra la gripe: Es lo más importante que alguien puede hacer durante la temporada de invierno. Si cuentas con seguro médico es gratis, si no tienes, puedes consultar en tu empresa ya que pueden ofrecértela de forma gratuita. Además, en la gran mayoría de los departamentos de salud de Michigan ofrecen vacunas contra la gripe gratis.

10 | Enero 2017 | Vive Michigan

Por Erika Elizalde

• Informarse: Muchas personas creen que la gripe causa nauseas, vómitos o problemas de estómago.

La realidad es que la gripe causa fiebre, dolores en todo el cuerpo, problemas para respirar o tos. En algunos casos también aparecen personas que tienen problemas de congestión nasal. Cuando tenemos alguno de estos síntomas, debemos ir enseguida al médico.

• Lavarse las manos con mucha frecuencia • No tocarse el rostro • Evitar estar en contacto con personas que estén enfermas o que tengan gripe • Si ya se tiene gripe, quédate en casa. Es la forma en la que el tratamiento de tu médico funcionará mejor y evitarás que otras personas se contagien.

Las personas que más tienen que protegerse de la gripe son los ancianos, los niños pequeños y las mujeres embarazadas.

Desde Spectrum Health Community nos re-

comiendan que una vez que se detectan algunos de estos síntomas relacionados con la gripe, de inmediato se debe consultar con un médico especialista, que nos recomiende el tratamiento adecuado.

Existe una medicación llamada “Tamiflu” que es perfecta para prevenir la aparición de la gripe y que ayuda a la pronta recuperación.

Aún así, siempre hay que hacerlo en base a consejo de médicos expertos que le dirán el momento indicado para poder comenzar el tratamiento, de lo contrario puede que no haga el efecto deseado y todo sea en vano.

Ahora que sabes un poco más de los síntomas y de cómo prevenir la gripe, cuida de tu salud. Si necesitas ayuda médica, no dudes en consultar con los expertos de Spectrum Health Community quienes podrán asesorarte y ayudarte a prevenir la enfermedad de la gripe en Michigan. Para saber más sobre ellos ingresa en la web https://www.spectrumhealth.org

HEALTH

How to Prepare for Flu Season

T

By Erika Elizalde | Photo Lyashenko

he arrival of winter and changes in temperature will begin to affect the defense of our immune system, resulting in the arrival of the most common illness of all: the flu. This year, in order to help prepare you for the flu season, we talked to experts at Spectrum Health Community, where the community can find different health programs and services.

When we asked these experts what we can do to prevent the flu, they advise us the following: • Flu Shot: It's the most important thing anyone can do during the winter season. Most health insurances cover it for free, otherwise if you do not have insurance, you can consult in your employer, since many offer it to their employees for free. In addition, the vast majority of Michigan health departments offer free flu shots.

• Inform yourself: Many people believe that the flu causes nausea, vomiting or stomach problems. The reality is that the flu causes fever, aches throughout the body and trouble breathing or coughing. In some cases, it can also appear in those who have nasal congestion problems. If you have any of these symptoms, you should go to a physician right away.

• Wash your hands often.

• Avoid touching your face regularly • Avoid contact with people who are sick or have the flu.

• If you already have the flu, stay home; this way whatever advice/treatment your physician prescribed will be more effective, and will prevent other people from getting sick.

The people who most need to protect themselves from the flu are the elderly, young children and pregnant women.

Spectrum Health recommends that once some of these flurelated symptoms are detected, you should immediately consult with a physician who can recommend the appropriate treatment.

One popular and often used medication is called "Tamiflu," which is thought to prevent the appearance of the flu and can help with a fast recovery. Even so, its use should be based on advice from medical experts who will recommend the right time to start treatment, otherwise its use may not have the desired positive effect.

Now that you know a little more about the symptoms and how to prevent the flu, take care of your health. If you need medical help or have more questions, do not hesitate to consult Spectrum Health Community experts who will be able to advise you and help you prevent weather-related illnesses in Michigan.

To know more about them visit www.spectrumhealth.org

Vive Michigan | January 2017 | 11

12 | Enero 2017 | Vive Michigan

FINANZAS

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Los beneficios de los bancos para la comunidad Latina

eguramente hayas escuchado más de una vez hablar sobre los bancos que ofrecen beneficios concretos para la comunidad latina. En Michigan cuentas con varios de ellos como por ejemplo es el caso de Chemical Bank.

Para que conozcas un poco más sobre lo que tienen para ofrecernos, entrevistamos a Liliana García, Asistente de Vicepresidencia-Gerente de Sucursal con el fin de que nos ofrezca mayor información al respecto.

La comunidad latina, puede obtener en Chemical Bank servicios concretos como lo son por ejemplo las cuentas de cheques o los préstamos personales para lograr sus objetivos.

En todos los casos, se tendrá un servicio al cliente personalizado, para que puedan asesorarle adecuadamente con el fin de que seleccione aquella ayuda financiera que más se adapte a sus necesidades. Esto se ve reflejado en los servicios comunitarios generales, en las ayudas financieras y en los seminarios sobre finanzas que desean comenzar a aplicar durante este próximo año según 14 | Enero 2017 | Vive Michigan

Por Erika Elizalde

nos comenta Liliana García.

La formación es una de las grandes claves para que los clientes puedan manejar mucho mejor su economía y sepan de esa forma qué productos financieros son los que más se adaptan a ellos.

Desde la oficina central de Chemical Bank localizada en Michigan podrás recibir el asesoramiento indicado.

Para tu mayor confianza, todos estos detalles y emprendimientos nuevos se pueden realizar ya que el Chemical Bank ha logrado una unión con el Talmer Bank lo que ha hecho que hoy en día sean un solo banco con más de 16 billones de bienes a su favor, convirtiéndolos en los grandes líderes de la comunidad latina y general en Michigan.

A todo esto se le suma la posibilidad de gestionar productos financieros a través de internet y tener una comunicación directa con su asesor bancario en todo momento.

Si quieres conocer un poco más sobre este banco y los beneficios que tiene para la comunidad latina, te invitamos a que te suscribas a su boletín de noticias en su web www.chemicalbank.com

FINANCES

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BeneďŹ ts of the Banks for the Latino Community

Liliana Garcia Chemical Bank

By Erika Elizalde

robably you have heard more than once about banks which offer concrete benefits for the Latino community. Michigan has several of them, such as Chemical Bank.

In order to know a little more about what they have for offering to us, we interviewed to Liliana GarcĂ­a, Vice-President AssistantBranch Manager to provide us with more information about it.

The Latino community can obtain concrete services such as check accounts or personal loans to achieve your objectives at Chemical Bank.

In all cases, you will have a personalized customer service, so that they can advise you adequately so that you can select the financial aid that best suits to your needs.

This is reflected in the general community services, financial aid and seminars on finance that they want to start applying during this coming year according to Liliana GarcĂ­a told us.

Training is one of the great keys so that the customers can handle much better their economy and they would get to know which financial products are the most suitable for them. From the central office of Chemical Bank located in Michigan, you can receive the indicated advice.

For your greater confidence, all these details and new developments can be conducted since the Chemical Bank has achieved a union with the Talmer Bank, this has resulted today in being now a single bank with more than 16 trillion goods in their favor, making them the great leaders of the Latino and the general community in Michigan.

All this is added the possibility of managing financial products through the internet and to have a direct communication with your bank advisor at all times.

If you want to know more about this bank and the benefits it has for the Latino community, we invite you to subscribe to its newsletter on this website www.chemicalbank.com

Vive Michigan | January 2017 | 15

On The Scene | GRAND RAPIDS | EL GRANJERO MEXICAN GRILL RE-OPENING

16 | Enero 2017 | Vive Michigan

Photos by Edgar Garcia

Tony Nolan: Venue: Van Andel Arena 130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49503. More Information: Phone: 616.742.6600 https://vanandelarena.com

The Grand rapids remodelinG & new homes show

By Alejandra Valverde

January 6, 2017 - January 8, 2017 Whether you’re thinking of remodeling your current home, or starting fresh with a brand new home, the exhibitors at the Grand Rapids Remodeling and New Homes Show have you covered. More Information: Host: ShowSpan Inc. Venue: DeVos Place. 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Phone: 616-447-2860 https://www.showspan.com/GRR/

Hall 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 More Information: Phone: 616.454.9451 x 4 www.grsymphony.org

winTer Jam Tour specTacular 2017

January 8, 2017 | starts at 5:00 pm The annual multi-artist extravaganza— one of the world’s leading first quarter tours—Winter Jam 2017 is set to showcase 10 of Christian music’s best and brightest artists: multi GRAMMY®-nominated singer/songwriter Crowder; Top 40 hitmaker and GRAMMY®-nominee Britt

Grand rapids camper, TraVel & rV show

January 12, 2017 - January 15, 2017 A dozen West Michigan RV dealers representing more than 100 RV lines combined with 200,000+ square feet results in the biggest RV Show in the state – The Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show.

Along with new RV’s, we have a remarkable selection of RV accessories, campgrounds and travel destinations! Host: ShowSpan Inc. Venue: DeVos Place 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 More Information: Phone: 616-4472860 https://www.showspan.com/GRV

TraVel ThrouGh The romanTic lieder

Video Games liVe

January 7, 2017 starts at 8:00 pm Price Per Person: Tickets start at $18 Video Games Live™ is an immersive concert event featuring music from the most popular video games of all time.

Watch video footage from Mario™, Zelda™, Halo®, Final Fantasy® and more timed to live music with synchronized lighting effects. Soloists, electronic percussionists, live action and unique interactive segments create an explosive entertainment experience! Grand Rapids Symphony Venue: DeVos Performance

18 | Enero 2017 | Vive Michigan

Nicole; Dove Award-winning fan favorites Tenth Avenue North; breakout pop/hip-hop recording artist Andy Mineo; Dove Awardwinning singer/songwriter and “American Idol” finalist Colton Dixon; best-selling rockers Thousand Foot Krutch; and GRAMMY®-nominated Winter Jam creators and tour hosts, NewSong. In addition, the Pre-Jam Party, sponsored by Israel: Land of Creation, will feature OBB, Sarah Reeves and Steven Malcolm. The tour will also be highlighted by a special appearance from “Duck Dynasty” television star Sadie Robertson, as well as a message from acclaimed author, speaker and evangelist

January 19, 2017 | 7:30 pm Price Per Person: See website for details. “Performing an array of compositions, the Ensemble delighted the audience with its elegant appearance and awesome interplay. From calm and soft, to quick and loud – the evening´s program was a variation on both style and sound.” Germany.info New York’s Polydora Ensemble specializes in 19th-21st century chamber repertoire for vocal quartet and piano and has been presented by the Brooklyn Art Song Society, the Consulate General to Germany, the CUNY Graduate Center, and Sacred Music in a Sacred Space. The group’s project-based modulations have ranged from individual guest singers, piano for four hands, strings, and lute, to percussion, toy instruments, smartphones, balloons, and tuned water bottles. Venue: Opera Grand Rapids 1320 E. Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

More Information: Phone: 616.451.2741 www.operagr.org/tickets/vocal-arts/

The lumineers

BarBra sTreisand hiTs sTarrinG anne hampTon calloway

January 20, 2017 - January 22, 2017 Times: 8:00 pm Friday and saturday; 3:00 pm sunday An exquisite jazz-singer who has been named “Performer of the Year” in 2014 by BroadwayWorld.com, Ann Hampton Callaway is known for her divine voice and depth of emotion in her singing. She performs the amazing catalog made famous

by Barbara Streisand including The Way We Were, People, Don’t Rain on my Parade, and many more. Host: Grand Rapids Symphony Venue: DeVos Performance Hall 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 4950. Price Per Person: Tickets start at $18 adults, $5 students. More Information: Phone: 616.454.9451 x 4 www.grsymphony.org/concert-calendar

The harlem GloBeTroTTers: FeaTurinG The washinGTon admirals

January 22, 2017 | 2:00pm - 4:00 pm A star-studded Harlem Globetrotter roster will have fans on the edge of their seats to witness the ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-akind family entertainment that thrills fans of all ages. Join Globetrotter stars after the game where they will stay for an autograph, photograph and high five session for fans (subject to availability). Get your Magic Pass with your tickets to have an even more memorable family experience!

Host: Van Andel Arena Venue: Van Andel Arena 130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Price Per Person: $99, $58, $43, $29 & $22 . More Information: 616.742.6600. www.vanandelarena.com

January 26, 2017 | 7:00 pm The Lumineers bring their "Cleopatra World Tour" with special guests Andrew Bird and Margaret Glaspy to Grand Rapids at Van Andel Arena. Tickets will go on sale TBD. Tickets will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, Ticketmaster.com and charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000. GRAMMY nominated artist, The Lumineers, are touring to support their sophomore effort, Cleopatra, which has garnered critical acclaim and whose singles so far have raced up the Triple A and Alternative Charts. Venue: Van Andel Arena 130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49503 More Information: Phone: 616.742.6600. www.vanandelarena.com

harry poTTer in concerT

January 27, 2017 - January 28, 2017 The Harry Potter franchise has reached hundreds of millions of people around the world and has proven to be one of the most successful franchises in entertainment history. Join us in celebrating the film that started it all, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, featuring the unforgettable music score by John Williams performed live by your Grand Rapids Pops and accompanied by the full-length film projected onto the big screen. Host: Grand Rapids Symphony Venue: DeVos Performance Hall 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. More Information: Phone: 616.454.9451 x 4. www.grsymphony.org

orchid show

January 28, 2017 - January 29, 2017 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Surround yourself with the colors, fragrances and beauty of tropical orchids in the Grand Room. Orchid enthusiasts from across the region will display their finest and most unusual orchids, vying for ribbons and the coveted American Orchid Society Awards. Members from the Grand Valley Orchid Society will answer your questions about growing orchids. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Venue: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. More Information: Phone: (616) 957-1580 www.meijergardens.org

winTer Bridal show oF wesT michiGan

January 21, 2017 Brides, Grooms, moms and Friends...come celebrate this special day!

Show discounts from local wedding professionals offered to Brides and Grooms, including the chance to win exciting door prizes for your wedding. Meet leading bridal exhibitors face-to-face to help make your wedding special. View current and trendy Bridal Gowns at our runway Fashion Show: Saturday at 1 pm. Bridal Show is open to the General Public. Admission at the Door. Where: DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave NW. Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Contact Information: (616) 532-8833

Kids & Family expo

January 21, 2017 Ride a Zip Line through the DeVos Place! Family Bonding Activities, Education & Fun! Show Hours: Saturday 10 am 5 pm. Public Invited. Tickets at the door: $7 for adults and $3 (children 3-15).

Where: DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave NW. Grand Rapids, MI 49503. For additional information, go to www.kidsandfamilyexpo.com.

Phone (616) 532-8833

lowellarTs youTh TheaTer presenTs - anne oF Green GaBles

Friday, January 20 at 7pm & saturday, January 21 at 2:30pm at lowell performing arts center / lowell high school, 11700 Vergennes A dramatization of L.M. Montgomery's classic novel about an orphan girl, Anne Shirley, from her first encounter with her new guardian to her thrilling graduation from Queen's Academy. LowellArts Youth Theater presents a winter production of the classic Anne of Green Gables, adapted by Joseph Robinette, directed by Brent Alles. General Admission $5. www.lowellartsmi.org

Vive Michigan | January 2017 | 19

Resoluciones de Año Nuevo...

S

“Este año, voy a bajar un poco de peso” Cuidado con los productos que prometen una reducción de peso milagrosa

i se ve haciendo esta consabida resolución de Año Nuevo, sepa esto: muchos suplementos y alimentos (incluyendo tés y cafés) dizque “milagrosos” para adelgazar no cumplen lo que prometen. Y peor aún, pueden tener graves daños, advierten los funcionarios de la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA, por sus siglas en inglés). La agencia ha detectado cientos de productos que se venden como suplementos dietéticos, pero que en realidad contienen ingredientes activos (los componentes que hacen que una medicina sea eficaz contra una enfermedad específica) ocultos encontrados en medicamentos de prescripción médica, ingredientes peligrosos de medicamentos que han sido retirados del mercado, o compuestos que no han sido estudiados de manera adecuada en seres humanos.

“Cuando el producto contiene una fármaco u otro ingrediente que no aparece en la lista de ingredientes, nos preocupamos de sobremanera por la seguridad de dicho producto”, señala el Dr. James P. Smith, M.D., subdirector interino de la Oficina de Evaluación de Medicamentos de la FDA.

Productos contaminados Por ejemplo, la FDA ha descubierto productos para adelgazar contaminados con sibutramina, un ingrediente de medicamentos de prescripción médica. Este ingrediente era parte de un fármaco aprobado por la FDA llamado Meridia, el cual fue retirado del mercado en octubre de 2010 porque causaba problemas del corazón y derrames cerebrales.

“También descubrimos productos para adelgazar que se vendían como suplemen20 | Enero 2017 | Vive Michigan

tos que contienen menjunjes peligrosos o ingredientes ocultos, incluyendo ingredientes activos que se encuentran en medicamentos aprobados anticonvulsivos, para la presión y antidepresivos”, reveló Jason Humbert, director de regulación de la FDA. Más recientemente, la FDA ha descubierto varios productos que se venden como suplementos dietéticos y que contienen fluoxetina, el ingrediente activo del Prozac, un medicamento de venta con receta comercializado para el tratamiento de la depresión y otros padecimientos. Otro producto contenía triamtereno, un potente diurético (a veces conocido como “píldoras para eliminar el agua”) que puede tener efectos secundarios graves y sólo debe tomarse bajo la supervisión de un profesional de la salud.

Muchos de estos productos contaminados son importados, vendidos en el Internet y sumamente publicitados en las redes sociales. Algunos también pueden encontrarse en los anaqueles de las tiendas.

Y si está a punto de tomar lo que cree es un suplemento dietético “natural”, tal como el polen de abeja o el tamarindo malabar (garcinia cambogia), debe advertir que la FDA ha encontrado que algunos de estos productos también contienen ingredientes activos ocultos de fármacos de prescripción médica.

“La única forma natural de perder peso es quemando más calorías de las que se ingieren”, afirma el Dr. Smith. Esto es, con una combinación de alimentación sana y actividad física.

Además, si piensa embarcarse en cualquier tipo de programa de control de peso, primero debe consultarlo con su profesional de la salud, recomienda Smith.

Dr. James P. Smith

Deputy Division Director at FDA

Conozca las señales de advertencia Esté atento a las posibles señales de advertencia de los productos contaminados, tales como: • Promesas de una solución rápida, por ejemplo, “perder 10 libras en una semana”.

• El uso de las palabras “garantizado” o “descubrimiento científico”.

• Productos etiquetados o comercializados en un idioma extranjero.

• Productos comercializados a través de correos electrónicos de distribución en masa.

• Productos comercializados como alternativas herbolarias a un medicamento aprobado por la FDA o como si tuvieran efectos similares a los de medicamentos de prescripción médica.

Fuente: FDA

I

New Year's Resolution...

“This year, I’m going to lose some weight” Beware of Products Promising Miracle Weight Loss

f you find yourself making this common New Year’s resolution, know this: many so-called “miracle” weight loss supplements and foods (including teas and coffees) don’t live up to their claims. Worse, they can cause serious harm, say FDA regulators. The agency has found hundreds of products that are marketed as dietary supplements but actually contain hidden active ingredients (components that make a medicine effective against a specific illness) contained in prescription drugs, unsafe ingredients that were in drugs that have been removed from the market, or compounds that have not been adequately studied in humans.

“When the product contains a drug or other ingredient which is not listed as an ingredient we become especially concerned about the safety of the product,” says James P. Smith, M.D., an acting deputy director in FDA’s Office of Drug Evaluation.

Tainted Products For example, FDA has found weight-loss products tainted with the prescription drug ingredient sibutramine. This ingredient was in an FDA-approved drug called Meridia, which was removed from the market in October 2010 because it caused heart problems and strokes.

“We’ve also found weight-loss products marketed as supplements that contain dangerous concoctions of hidden ingredients including active ingredients contained in

approved seizure medications, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants,” says Jason Humbert, a senior regulatory manager at FDA. Most recently, FDA has found a number of products marketed as dietary supplements containing fluoxetine, the active ingredient found in Prozac, a prescription drug marketed for the treatment of depression and other conditions. Another product contained triamterene, a powerful diuretic (sometimes known as “water pills”) that can have serious side-effects and should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.

Many of these tainted products are imported, sold online, and heavily promoted on social media sites. Some can also be found on store shelves.

And if you’re about to take what you think of as “natural” dietary supplements, such as bee pollen or Garcinia cambogia, you should be aware that FDA has found some of these products also contain hidden active ingredients contained in prescription drugs.

“The only natural way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you take in,” says James P. Smith, M.D. That means a combination of healthful eating and physical activity.

Moreover, if you are going to embark on any type of weight control campaign, you should talk to your health care professional about it first, Smith says.

Know the Warning Signs Look for potential warning signs of tainted products, such as: • Promises of a quick fix, for example, “lose 10 pounds in one week.”

• Use of the words “guaranteed” or “scientific breakthrough.”

• Products marketed in a foreign language.

• Products marketed through mass e-mails.

• Products marketed as herbal alternatives to an FDA-approved drug or as having effects similar to prescription drugs.

Source: FDA

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