CBS4 Newspaper

newspaper June 2013

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June 2013

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FOOD

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For Information Call: 305.477.1699 CBSMIAMI.COM

By Al Sunshine

There’s a new reason for you to check your groceries a bit closer the next time you shop. The head of Florida’s Supermarket food safety inspections now worries about forced cut backs on the number of sanitation checks statewide following budget cuts that have left the program with fewer inspectors. Also, some local consumers are complaining about some unwelcome changes at their favorite supermarket shelves.

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Coconut Creeks’ Darcy Friedman said she’s seeing more and more outdated food lately selling around South Florida and explained, “I was horrified. Almost 3 months? I would never in a million years take a chance by eating something that is so outdated.”

The out-of-date yogurt that caught her attention wasn’t the only old item, “There was other stuff on the shelf that had expired. They had a whole section of it that they were selling, they had marked it down. It was all expired.”

Darcy shops at her favorite Cooper City Target near her home in Coconut Creek.

“I’m tired of getting sick by buying food that is handled improperly and this store in particular,” said the Broward Mom. On March 11th, CBS4’s Chief Consumer Investigator Al Sunshine went shopping undercover to find out whether Darcy’s favorite Target was selling expired food.

CBS4 found a strawberry yogurt on the shelves with a March 5th sell-by date, along with a packaged sliced turkey breast and a vegetable spread dated March 6th.

Darcy worries about expired foods like

these that could potentially make someone sick.

“If I’d given it to an elderly person, God only knows what could happen. I would never eat that,” said Darcy.

When we contacted Target, spokeswoman Jessica Deede sent us this statement: “Target is committed to providing our guests with fresh, high quality food and we have processes in place to monitor the freshness of grocery products in our stores. We are looking into this situation and we’ll take this opportunity to reiterate our processes.

If a guest happens to find a product that has passed its expiration or best-if-used-by date, we encourage that guest to make one of our store team members aware so we can immediately address the issue. If the guest has already purchased the product, we will gladly provide a full refund.”

So how hard is it to find other expired foods selling around South Florida?

We checked more than a dozen supermarkets and discounters to see how well they were rotating their stocks, taking the older

“The problem with fewer inspectors is the length of time between inspections has increased because we just don’t have manpower to do to meet the frequency goals that we have.”

products off their shelves.

Also, CBS4 wondered, what about the other Target stores?

After browsing the shelves at the Target located off Bird Road in West Miami Dade their merchandise checked-out fine.

With further investigation at Hialeah’s Walmart, a Publix in West Dade and a WinnDixie in Doral, the items sell-by dates also checked-out fine.

But after shopping through an Opa-Locka supermarket, we found numerous items on the shelves that were well past their sell-by dates.

One item was a package of powdered infant formula with a “Use-By” date of September, 2012.

So what are Florida Food Safety officials doing to make sure we’re buying food products that meet state sanitation standards?

Food safety inspectors try to check out Supermarkets three times a year.

During these inspections, they monitor to see how food is handled, stored, and rotated off shelves to make sure customers get fresh, healthy products.

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June 2013

because of budget cuts the past few years, the Florida Department of Agriculture recently lost more than 10% of its food safety field staff. This decrease resulted in inspections going from three a year, down to just one.

But because of budget cuts the past few years, the Florida Department of Agriculture recently lost more than 10% of its food safety field staff. This decrease resulted in inspections going from three a year, down to just one.

Dr. John Fruin heads up the program out of Tallahassee and warns, “The problem with fewer inspectors is the length of time between inspections has increased because we just don’t have manpower to meet the frequency goals that we have.”

So with fewer food safety inspectors on the job…are more Florida consumers complaining about getting sick?

The man in charge of the states’ supermarket inspections is worried that fewer inspections could result in more potentially unsafe foods being sold in local supermarkets.

“It means there’s an increased potential for people to get sick when you have serious sanitation or refrigeration problems, explained Fruin.

Making the problem even worse?

According to Dr. Fruin, while local food safety budgets like Florida’s are being cut, the feds are forced to rely even more on the state health inspections. Dr. Fruin also added, “The FDA is looking to depend more and more on the states to assist them in the inspection of manufacturing facilities.”

That’s why some long time Florida Public Health experts are now warning that shoppers need to pay a lot more attention to the food on supermarket shelves and make sure they’re not buying expired products.

What could it mean if they don’t?

Dr. Fruin warned “Well, illness and, in the worst case, death.”

Food borne illness complaints about grocery stores around South Florida have slowly grown the past three years.

But it’s still a relatively small number compared to all the food stores doing business down here.

In most cases, selling expired products in Florida is not even a violation under current food safety laws.

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In most cases, selling expired products in Florida is not even a violation under current food safety laws.

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June 2013

By Al Sunshine

BREACH The Hidden Cost Of Some Free Apps

Sure they are free, but some of the most popular mobile apps could be tracking your every

move and revealing your personal and financial data. Computers, tablets, smartphones have become, to a certain extent, essential to our daily lives. We use them at work, kids use them at school and on the road they certainly come in handy.

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“It’s horrible, someone is spying on us and we don’t even know who is there,”

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One of the most appealing, and booming, markets for technology is the apps many download.

Some apps are free of charge, others vary in price, but CBS4’s Chief Consumer Investigator Al Sunshine investigated and found that while many apps may appear harmless, like “Brightest Flashlight,” they could actually be collecting personal data, including smartphone user’s whereabouts, without their knowledge.

Sunshine checked-in with local cyber safety expert Mike Scheidell of Security Privateers who warned that some apps, “can track you within 15-feet. It’s got your address—your exact address. You go home, as soon as you turn the ‘flashlight’ on, it knows exactly where you live.”

Why do these apps want to know your location? According to Scheidell, “they want to know where you are so they can target advertising to you and sell that information.”

The information-sharing apps are a cause for concern for many smartphone users.

“It’s horrible, someone is spying on us and we don’t even know who is there,” said Sandra Diaz of Doral.

“They can access your personal information, they can steal your identity. If they are smart enough and they are targeting you, they could access your company files, and they could access your company strategies,” said Paul Gobitas, a technology specialist from Peru. “They could access very, very important and confidential information.”

When Sunshine asked Gobitas if this was happening he replied, “Absolutely.”

Doral businessman Alan Orozzo has friends who have had their identities stolen.

In response to this risky business, Orozzo no longer uses free apps and avoids any software that can’t be checked out of completely.

Orozzo also told Sunshine about his friends, and some companies, that have had their bank accounts drained.

“It’s getting worse,” he said.

In an effort to see exactly what some of the most popular apps are doing, Scheidell gave Sunshine the rundown.

Scheidell explained that Google Maps, a popular location finder, “allows the app to directly call phone numbers without your intervention. This may result in unexpected charges or calls. It’s right there on the screen but nobody reads that portion of it when they download the application because that portion is hidden. You don’t have a choice to be able to decide which calls that specific application can make.”

Google now discloses the information because just last year, the company was fined $22.5 million by the Federal Trade Commission over alleged privacy violations.

Pandora, a popular, free-of-charge app that allows users to listen to music from their smartphone. Scheidell found that Pandora, “can read your phone status—are you on the phone, not on the phone—it can track you, it can read your contact information. If you’re a corporate customer, it can read all the data.”

Another frequently downloaded app, Linked-In, could also potentially create a problem.

“You can give them information about your birthday, you can give them your phone number. If you combine the information, your address and your birth date, this is information that can be used to compromise your bank credentials,” Scheidell told Sunshine.

A recent study, conducted by Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Mellon University, identified the 10 most popular mobile apps capable of sharing your most sensitive personal information.

Brightest Flashlight Toss It Game Angry Birds Talking Tom Background HD Wallpaper Dictionary.Com

Mousetrap.Com Horoscope Shazam Pandora Internet Radio Just about every app developer has its’ own privacy guidelines and many include that they do not disclose personal data to third parties without your permission.

Still, most app users enjoy free, insecure Wi-fi access which in turn makes them more vulnerable to hackers.

In fact, Verizon found in a recent cybersecurity study that 44 million records were compromised last year. In 76% of the cases, hackers were able to get into open networks and pick off data.

Scheidell warned, “I would say it’s going to get worse. Everybody wants more things for free and the applications and the advertisers and thieves are going to learn how to steal your information.”

Most app-users simply skip over the legal agreements. But the information listed in the agreement usually contains the information about the privacy rights users may give up to use it.

While Google has a website, www.GooglePlay.com to fully disclose details about thousands of Android apps, Cyber-Security experts told Sunshine Apple’s I-Tune store does not offer similar disclosures.

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June 2013

manage your

money:

Get Your Financial Advice Online

When planning your financial future adds up to confusion, a little professional help can go a long way. But money management advice doesn’t always come cheap. Now, there’s a new way to get financial first aid without landing you in the red.

And you don’t even need to make an appointment!

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After Jeeves Murphy landed a new job, he needed some help tuning up his old 401K. “I wasn’t putting any money towards it, so I wanted to do something with it,” said Murphy.

Seeing a financial advisor didn’t fit Murphy’s schedule or budget, so Murphy turned to a new breed of money management web sites for advice.

“They were able to help me move it over into an IRA,” said Murphy who used FutureAdvisor.

Until recently Murphy was part of the 78% of Americans without a financial advisor with cost being cited as a major roadblock. A growing number of web sites bank on changing that by providing personalized financial and investment advice at more affordable prices.

Jorge Padilla with the Financial Planning Association says most sites have no minimum asset requirement.

“Now it is feasible for pretty much anybody that has saved up some money or has some financial resources to reach out,” said Padilla.

Payment plans vary, but most sites offer free advice to start, followed by one flat fee, or a small monthly one. All of them are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and staffed with certified financial planners or registered investment advisors.

“They’re qualified to review all your finances

and put a plan together,” said Padilla.

On sites like LearnVest , you work one-onone with your very own CFP via phone, e-mail, or screen sharing.

“You can see a picture of your net worth and your financial progress day in and day out. That helps your financial planner push you in the right direction,” said LearnVest’s Stephany Kirkpatrick.

Other sites, like FutureAdvisor, use computer software to generate custom investment advice.

“FutureAdvisor’s software is monitored continuously by a team of computer scientists and mathematicians here in house for algorithm correctness,” said FutureAdvisor’s Bo Lu. Padilla says that while these online tools can be helpful, you have to be able to put your trust in a program or person you’ve never met.

“We are humans. We get emotional and that’s where talking to a live person makes a big difference,” says Padilla.

The sites we spoke with say that since they don’t receive commission, it simplifies the decision-making process.

“You also don’t have to get dressed up fancy, you don’t have to rush off to a meeting,” said

Kirkpatrick.

Murphy feels FutureAdvisor has been one of his most valuable assets.

“I think my financial portfolio has been achieving a lot of my investment goals,” said Murphy.

If you have your heart set on seeing someone in person, search FPAnet.org for an advisor who fits your needs and budget.

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June 2013

is Violence CBSMIAMI.COM

KILLING

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For Some South Florida Students Violence Has Become The Norm

Innocence?

By Jim DeFede

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June 2013

Booker T. Washington High School is surrounded by violence.

In the past year alone there have been more than 40 people shot within ten blocks of the Overtown school. Among the victims: 15-year-old freshman Aaron Willis who was paralyzed by gunfire while riding his bike and 17-year-old sophomore Juan Videa who was shot in the stomach waiting for his school bus.

Few schools have the challenges facing the students of Booker T and its principal William Aristide. Located in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the country, more than 90 percent of Booker T’s students receive free or reduced lunches. Nearly three dozen students are homeless.

“Many times these kids come from environments where they really don’t even have the means to make it, you know, in terms of every day survival,” said Aristide, who has been a principal at the school for three years. “And now on top of that they have to deal with injuries, lasting injuries, lifelong injuries.

But it is the neighborhood violence that looms over this school like the nearby highway overpasses.

“Life is hard period. Ain’t nothing going to come to you easy,” said junior Treon Harris.

Harris learned that lesson before he ever arrived at Booker T. In 2009, just weeks before he started school, Harris was in the midst of the worst mass shooting in Miami’s history in which twelve people were shot and two were killed.

“I just dove between two cars,” Harris recalled.

Among the dead: Anthony Smith a

star linebacker on Booker T’s football team.

It is the impact that all of these shootings have on the other students that drew CBS4 News to Booker T to ask a very simple question: When you are surrounded by violence your entire life, when friends and classmates are shot, what effect does it have on you?

“It’s just a way of life,” shrugged Michael Thomas, a graduating senior.

Thomas grew up in Overtown and knows its reputation.

“Yeah it was tough, you know, but only the tough survive, you get through it,” he said. “It ain’t nothing.”

That attitude is everywhere.

Ask nearly any student if they know someone who’s been shot, and they’ll rattle off a list of people with little emotion.

“One of my friends Bobby, he got shot about 12 times, he was in ICU about a month,” noted senior Chevon Williams. “One of my friends Terrell got shot. One of my friends Dontrelle got shot. He actually died.”

Williams was eleven the first time he saw a person gunned down in the street.

“I lived across the street from the Pork and Beans,” he said, referring to the housing project. “There were a lot of feuds, a lot of gang wars, and this guy was just walking and BAM they shot him.

“It’s a shocking feeling at first, you see the body drop, somebody got shot, your like, Oh my God, I hope that’s not me, I hope that’s not going to be me next. But after awhile you start to get comfortable. You get used to the gunshots. You get used to the violence and

Their young eyes ever watchful they take in every moment. Even after the body is removed and the yellow tape comes down – the stain of blood remains a curiosity for some and a playground for others.

it just doesn’t affect you as much.”

Senior Melissa Wilson recalls one of her middle school classmates being shot.

“It was sad, but, I mean, things happen,” she said. “It was sad, it was unfortunate, but it happened.”

CBS4 News visited the freshman classroom of Aaron Willis, who was shot and paralyzed. When asked how many of the students in the class knew someone other than their classmate who had been shot, nearly everyone in the class raised their hands.

For teacher Michael Velez the violence

“It’s a shocking feeling at first, you see the body drop, somebody got shot, your like, Oh my God, I hope that’s not me, I hope that’s not going to be me next. But after awhile you start to get comfortable.

You get used to the gunshots. You get used to the violence and it just doesn’t affect you as much.”

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his students’ witness – and how they handle it – is disturbing.

“Really one of the things that is sort of shocking that you will see in this school and perhaps not in others is that they are used to [the violence],” he said. “And that’s really troubling, it’s saddening to see that because they should be more shocked, they should be more outraged, they should be doing more to defend their community. And it is just something routine for them and it’s very sad. They’ll accept that as normal.”

Velez, who spent three years serving in Iraq and nine months in Afghanistan, compared the students’ attitudes to his time in a war zone.

“These students, in the ninth grade look like soldiers that had been deployed in the worst years of Iraq; that had been there three or four times already,” Velez said. “And that shouldn’t be.

A student in the ninth grade should not be used to or accustomed to violence of that level.”

On one of the days CBS4 News was filming at Booker T, gunfire erupted a few blocks from the school. A 25-year-old on a bicycle was shot and killed.

Mayhem ensued as family members rushed to see the bloody remains. And all around the crime scene – children. Their young eyes ever watchful

they take in every moment. Even after the body is removed and the yellow tape comes down – the stain of blood remains a curiosity for some and a playground for others.

“When you look at the staunch level of poverty that a lot of these kids come from, when you look at some of the violence in the community, you have to question why more of these kids are not acting out or having many other issues,” said Aristide. ristide is amazed at how many of these kids are able to not just survive but in many cases thrive.

“They learn survival skills at a very young age,” he noted.

Aristide said despite the challenges they face – or maybe because of them – his kids are motivated to graduate and get out.

“The mere fact that they can still come to school, they can still learn, they can still graduate, they can still go and their internal fortitude to be successful and make those smart decisions,” he said.

Few at the school know it as well as Treon Harris.

“I got a cousin that had been shot, killed; an uncle who had been shot and killed; friends who

A

have been shot before,” he said casually. “Even some of my little friends who have come to Booker T got shot over nothing.”

And in September his mother was shot as she sat in the stands during the opening of Gibson Park – which is right next to the school.

“It affected me in a bad way but I had to stay focused because I don’t want to get shot, I don’t want to be in the neighborhood sitting around, doing nothing and end up like the guys who get shot,” he said.

Aristide knows the violence must take its toll.

“Their lives are not the same,” he said. “To go through the experience of one being shot or two experiencing a friend or family member whose been shot, it affects you one way or another.

I just don’t want it to come to a point where everybody accepts this as normal, because its not normal. It’s not normal.”

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June 2013

W

Celebrating

DIVORCE

By Rhiannon Ally

Splitting Couples Say “I Do” To Divorce Parties

cbsmiami.com

“We had cocktails and cake and hors d’oeuvres,” said Sumara Dunn who recently celebrated her divorce.

Sarah Milatello celebrated the end of her marriage by trading up her wedding ring for a brand new rock, which she called her divorce ring.

“This symbolized you know me being born into a whole different era of greatness for myself,” she explained.

Anthony Bazzell teamed up with a party planner to arrange a bash that would commemorate the end of his long and painful divorce. “I was told by a number of my close friends, ‘you know. I can’t wait until this is over, you should have a party’.”

The post divorce party trend is growing.

Andrea Corielia is part of the growing industry that’s catering to people who no longer grieve the ending.

They want to rejoice in starting over and do so with a bang.

“It used to be that people would just associate divorce with the doom and gloom. Now it’s a time to celebrate. It’s a rebirth,” said Corielia.

Couple’s counselor Donna Martini said when divorce is inevitable; embracing the future is a positive first step.

“You’re allowed to be who you are and allowed to pursue your happiness so this is a way to mark that, to say okay the hardship, the really tough part is over now,” explained Martini.

Nearly half of all marriages end in divorce, it’s a staggering statistic. Some say that celebrating what most consider a failure sends the wrong message.

“To celebrate something that did not result in a good union, that goes against the vows that somebody took,” said psychiatrist Harris Straightner.

Straightner said these parties could also backfire if there are children involved. “So you brought me into this world now you’re celebrating that you’re splitting up.”

Despite the critics, there is a growing industry springing up around this trend which include not only the parties but also presents and outrageous cake designs Elizabeth Petrakus did it with a new designer handbag but it would still take years of a wrenching legal drama for her to finally win a landmark decision that would overturn her prenup.

“I’m looking forward to celebrating a new life, a new beginning, a new chapter in my life,” said Petrakus.

In addition, some divorcing couples are actually throwing their divorce parties together to celebrate their amicable splits.

For many divorcing couples the day the final papers arrive in the mail brings mixed emotions. But some are finding comfort in an unexpected place — parties.

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June 2013

MODERN

FURNITURE

BURNING FAST

By Rhiannon Ally

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For Information Call: 305.477.1699 cbsmiami.com

F

House fires are burning quicker and hotter than ever before, putting lives at risk. Flashover fires can engulf an entire house in a matter of minutes because of the type of furniture many people have inside their homes.

Firefighters and researchers showed a live burn experiment where a container was set up to look like a small living room. The room was filled with contemporary furniture.

Seconds after lighting a candle, the curtains catch on fire. Smoke starts seeping up to the ceiling. As the cloud of smoke lowers, the temperature rises. Then, almost simultaneously, the furniture self-ignites. It’s called a “flashover.”

“The furnishings get hot, the walls start to super heat, those things get hot they reach ignition point and erupt into fire,” said fire Chief Derek Alkonis.

It’s apparently the synthetic materials in today’s furniture that makes flashover occur more quickly.

A house fire these days reaches flashover in just 3-4 minutes.

“These synthetic materials liberate a lot of heat have a lot of heat release,” said Alkonis.

For instance, sofas are stuffed with synthetic materials that burn ten times faster than cotton.

In a side by side comparison study, researchers found a room with furniture built 30 years ago of natural cotton, wood and linens burnt slower than a room with modern furniture which reached flashover in less than four minutes.

“Today you may have 5-7 minutes before room flashes in the synthetic fuels, yesterday you had twice the time,” said Alkonis.

With so little time to spare, firefighters have had to adapt with new tactics when they attack a fire, like scaling back aggressive ventilation techniques.

“Opening a door or a window too soon can give it that oxygen and you would have an explosive

environment on your hands,” said Alkonis.

The second change involves the timing for turning on water hoses. Dousing a house fire before going in was something firefighters never used to do, for fear of burning people inside with steam.

“Now the fire is developing much more rapidly.

Before it wasn’t as rapid, people had time to get out of structures now you don’t have the time,” said Alkonis.

Since synthetic furniture is cheap, green and here to stay, how can you best protect your family?

“As we’re living in sea of synthetics, you need to have working smoke detectors and close your door when you go to sleep,” said Alkonis. Also, if you don’t have them, but can afford them, install sprinklers.

“Now the fire is developing much more rapidly. Before it wasn’t as rapid, people had time to get out of structures now you don’t have the time”

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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says the purpose of the new test is to make vehicles safer. Institute officials say they believe carmakers will work to build vehicles that can pass the test.

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New

cbsmiami.com

Crash Tests

By Al Sunshine

Leaving Small SUV’s Struggling

Small SUV’s have been all the rage of the car market in the last few years. From Ford’s Escape to Honda’s CRV and the new Buick Encore, the smaller SUV’s are starting to dominate the road.

But how much will they protect you in a crash?

S

ome new crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway safety raise some questions. The institute has been running vehicles through a small vehicle frontal overlap crash test, simulating what happens when about 25 percent of the vehicle’s front hits an object.

“The bad news is 11 of the 13 did pretty poorly,” said Insurance Institute research Vice President Joe Nolan. “We only have one good performer, and one acceptable performer.”

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport received the “Acceptable” rating. The “Good” rating went to another vehicle made by a smaller Japanese car company.

If you’re looking for the best-of-the-best, look no further than the Subaru Forester. It “aced the test” according to Nolan and scored perfectly across every category the IIHS examined in the most recent testing.

That gives the Subaru Forester the designation of “top safety pick+.” There are now 20 vehicles with that “plus” by their designation. Vehicles that score well in other crash tests, but not the new one, get a designation of “top safety pick.”

Many of the small SUV’s in this test remain top safety picks including the new Buick Encore and the totally redone Honda CRV and Ford Escape. But, Nolan says all could be made safer, if strengthened for this new collision. The Ford Escape, for example, showed some issues that could lead to serious injuries.

Ford said it’s vehicle is safe and that the company would review the IIHS findings in “the context of our current design evaluation.”

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says the purpose of the new test is to make vehicles safer. Institute officials say they believe carmakers will work to build vehicles that can pass the test.

Nolan said that will save lives, and prevent injuries.

“Our analysis shows that about a quarter of all crashes that result in serious injury or fatality are what we call small overlap frontal crashes.”

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June 2013 cbsmiami.com

Safer

C-Sections With New Device

S “A new device, called the CSafe, is promising to virtually eliminate fetal lacerations.”

Every expectant mother looks forward to holding a perfect, healthy baby. Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong during a delivery.

Sara McGahan is a beautiful 4-year-old, but she had a tough start in this world. A close examination of her left cheek reveals a slight scar.

Sara was nicked during a Cesarean delivery. This is known as a “Fetal Laceration” and means the scalpel went too deep and cut the baby as well as the mother’s abdomen.

Sara’s mother Julie said it was very unnerving after the surgeon told her it had happened to her. “Why did it happen to my baby? It was very upsetting.”

The majority of fetal lacerations are small like Sara’s cut. But as Dr. Brigid McCue, an obstetrician, explained, “The 3% that are deeper can be very severe, can amputate fingers, can lead to facial lacerations that leave a scar.”

A new device, called the CSafe, is promising to virtually eliminate fetal lacerations. It costs just $28 and relies on some pretty simple logic.

The CSafe actually has a blade that faces up so it never threatens the baby.

“All the while, the baby never comes in contact with the

blade,” said Dr. Hector Chapa, a CSafe spokesperson. “And now that C-sections are approaching a 33% national rate, it is time to open up our eyes and do this differently.”

Dr. McCue is ready to try something different. Not only was her own daughter nicked during a C-section, but she’s lacerated a baby during delivery.

“It impacts the next 30-50 Cesareans that you do. Everyone that you do is ‘oohh, are you sure?’ It’s devastating,” said Dr. McCue. Julie, who is a nurse, agreed to let Dr. McCue use the CSafe. “It put a lot of mother’s worries at bay.”

And it did. When Dr. McCue handed Rebecca McGahan to Julie last week she was perfect from head to toe.

Why You Should

Seal Your Concrete Especially in Florida...

F

lorida’s climate is hard on permeable building materials like concrete, stucco, brick, terrazzo, grout, pavers, limestone and other cement based materials. Salt is highly corrosive. Acid rain and other contaminants can stain and cause other types of damage.

Efflorescence (white powdery residue) can be very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to remove. Mold, mildew and algae can also create big problems. It’s critical to keep moisture out, and using the right sealer is the key.

Janine Lutz, CEO of Super Stone, explains what to look for in a sealer.

“We recommend acrylic sealers for many applications because of the moisture and UV ray issues we have in Florida. Acrylic sealers are breathable, so if there is a little moisture remaining in the concrete, it can work its way out; and they hold up better under the harsh Florida sunlight.

We manufacture a variety of our proprietary sealers, to cover virtually every type of application, and have been doing it since 1961, so there’s 50 years of realworld application behind our products.”

We proudly support the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors taps.org

“If you’re looking for something for a garage or kitchen, you want something that provides superior resistance to automotive grease, oil and food spills. Our Low VOC Concrete Sealer has this quality, and is designed to enhance and protect stamped, overlayed and textured concrete surfaces.

This solvent-based acrylic sealer comes in clear and an array of opaque color options and has low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC).”

“Clay and concrete tile roofs tend to gather moisture, so sealing them is an excellent way to alleviate mold and mildew problems. And when a tile roof is repaired, the new material doesn’t exactly match the old, so using a colored sealer is a good way to make the entire roof look like new.”

“Our Paver Kote Sealer is a deep penetrating sealer designed specifically for, but not limited to, brick pavers.

This non-yellowing coating provides superior resistance to automotive grease, oil and dirt, and is commonly used to protect pavers, decorative concrete, natural stones and overlay systems.”

“Our Floriginal Sealer is ideal for exposed aggregate panels, unpainted stucco, concrete, terrazzo and Chattahoochee. It brightens and strengthens the substrate, and resists the damage caused by UV rays.”

“When a homeowner comes through our door, we know they are looking for a solution, not just a bucket of chemicals.

We make sure they get the right sealer for the job, and help them avoid common pitfalls in the application process.”

3 locations serving Southern Florida since 1961 South Miami 4900 SW 75 Ave. 305-264-6101

Wilton Manors 1100 West Oakland Park Blvd.

954-566-9909

Opa-Locka 1251 Burlington St. 305-681-3561

superstone@superstone.com

superstone.com

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HANDBAG HYGIENE

Experts Say You May Want To Clean Your Purse Your mother always told you to wash your hands but she probably never mentioned your handbag. Now new research from a British company suggests handbags may also need the occasional scrub.

Handbags are a must-have for most women. But forget the designer label, British hygiene experts say they ought to come with a warning label.

“Handbags especially the handles have up to ten times the level of microbiological activity on them than an average toilet seat,” said Dr. Peter Barratt, Initial Hygiene Technical Manager.

Doctor Barratt and his team took swabs from dozens of toilet seats and handbags as part of a study to remind people about good hand hygiene.

They found one in five handbag handles had enough bacteria to pose a health risk.

Researchers say bacteria not only builds up on the handles of handbags, they found plenty of germs inside too.

“There was a lot of face creams, mascara, lip gloss,” explained Dr. Barratt.

Hand cream turned out to be the dirtiest culprit.

“I suppose you say could the toilet seat is cleaned more often than the average handbag,” said Dr. Barratt.

Researchers suggest adding hand sanitizer to your bag and wiping it down with an antibacterial cloth every once in a while.

Is one type of bag worse than another?

Researchers say leather bags carry even more germs because their spongy texture provides perfect conditions for bacteria to grow and spread.

“Handbags especially the handles have up to ten times the level of microbiological activity on them than an average toilet seat”

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

cbsmiami.com

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CBS4 Investigates:

By Cynthia Demos

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Three Chemicals That Could Be Putting Your Health At Risk For every product or food item in your house how many chemicals are listed on the label? The number of chemicals in your home is astonishing and do you really know what they are and what they are possibly doing to you and your kids. A CBS4 investigation by Cynthia Demos identifies three main chemicals you may want to look out for and how you can easily get rid of them.

“I think you need to open your eyes and educate yourself in this�

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The Albert family in Pinecrest says when it comes to everyday things like cleaning, using a plastic cup or just getting dinner ready they admittedly don’t really know what’s surrounding them in their own home, when it comes to chemicals that is.

“I guess we’re probably assuming they’re safe,” Dave Albert said.

However, two Canadian environmentalists and authors of the book “Slow Death

By Rubber Duck”, Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie, claim they are not safe.

The authors say chemicals all around us are hormone disruptors that can lead to breast or prostate cancer, affect childhood obesity, autism and infertility.

“Science tells you one thing and observation is another,” Teresa Albert said, So we got the okay to raid the Albert’s home.

One of the primary chemicals in question pointed out in the book is Triclosan. It’s meant to fight off bacteria but it can end up inhibiting medicine you take.

Smith and Lourie tested products on themselves as human guinea pigs and said in just a few days their level of those chemicals rose dramatically.

“U.S. doctors have an increasing number of medical professionals who have really ringed the alarm bell on Triclosan and saying ‘hey this chemical is causing the creation of superbugs, these antibiotic resistant bacterias, they’re making us sicker’,” Smith said.

Actually, by law, Triclosan has to be listed on the label and we quickly found it on the Albert’s toothpaste.

The next chemical the authors say to watch out for is Phathalates. The environmentalists say that could affect brain development. They say if you find a bottle that has a “fragrance” or “perfume” listed, it most likely has Phthalates.

In the Albert’s home we quickly found the word “fragrance” listed on their soap.

When we spoke with media representatives for Colgate and Softsoap they said they

are well within federal guidelines.

The Albert family in Pinecrest says when it comes to everyday things like cleaning, using a plastic cup or just getting dinner ready they admittedly don’t really know what’s surrounding them in their own home, when it comes to chemicals that is.

“I guess we’re probably assuming they’re safe,” Dave Albert said.

However, two Canadian environmentalists and authors of the book “Slow Death

By Rubber Duck”, Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie, claim they are not safe.

The authors say chemicals all around us are hormone disruptors that can lead to breast or prostate cancer, affect childhood obesity, autism and infertility.

“Science tells you one thing and observation is another,” Teresa Albert said, So we got the okay to raid the Albert’s home.

One of the primary chemicals in question pointed out in the book is Triclosan. It’s meant to fight off bacteria but it can end up inhibiting medicine you take.

Smith and Lourie tested products on themselves as human guinea pigs and said in just a few days their level of those chemicals rose dramatically.

“U.S. doctors have an increasing number of medical professionals who have really ringed the alarm bell on Triclosan and saying ‘hey this chemical is causing the creation of superbugs, these antibiotic resistant bacterias, they’re making us sicker’,” Smith said.

Actually, by law, Triclosan has to be listed on the label and we quickly found it on the Albert’s toothpaste.

The next chemical the authors say to watch out for is Phathalates. The environmentalists say that could affect brain development. They say if you find a bottle that has a “fragrance” or “perfume” listed, it most likely has Phthalates.

In the Albert’s home we quickly found the word “fragrance” listed on their soap.

When we spoke with media representa-

In 2012 the FDA supported a ban on baby bottles and sippy cups with BPA. So how do you know if it’s still in there?

tives for Colgate and Softsoap they said they are well within federal guidelines.

Phthalates can also be in kids plastic toys.

Phthalates were banned in toys in 2008, but there are plenty of hand me downs that can affect kids especially when they put it in their mouths.

Liz Snyder with The American Chemistry Council sent a statement to CBS4 saying, “Phthalates have established a very strong safety profile during the 50 years in which they have been in general use and there is no reliable evidence that any Phthalate has ever caused a health problem for a human.

As the CDC explains exposure does not equal harm.”

The third chemical we’re on the hunt for was Bisphenol A. BPA is a chemical known to lead perhaps to anxiety or ADHD. In 2012 the FDA supported a ban on baby bottles and sippy cups with BPA. So how do you know if it’s still in there? The number 7 would be printed on the bottom of the item.

In the Albert’s home, there was a number 7 on the first sippy cup will pulled out of the cupboard.

The U.S. government says BPA would only affect a human if it was in a high concentration but Smith and Lourie disagree.

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“There really is no such thing as a safe level,” Lourie said.

Most cans contain BPA for freshness. Lourie and Smith say the chemical gets into the food.

“Unfortunately, BPA is still present in the lining of tin cans in the cupboards of America so when you’re making food at night it’s good to look for cans without BPA or to use fresh or frozen food,” Smith said.

They also stress the use of glass containers.

“If I try to make tomato sauce or soup I try to get my canned tomatoes,” said Teresa as she pulled out a can of Cento Tomatoes.

When CBS4 spoke with Cento the Vice President of marketing, Maurice Christino said,

“At Cento fine foods, we constantly strive to produce premium quality products while being at the forefront of BPA reduction in our packaging. We also offer alternatives such as products packed in glass.”

The Albert family says they will consider the author’s advice and continue to analyze their products at home.

“I think you need to open your eyes and educate yourself in this,” said Dave Albert.

His wife agreed.

“I’m shocked,” said Teresa Albert.

Many publications by the FDA state the current use of BPA and Triclosan are within acceptable federal levels.

Critics of the Canadians who wrote the book say they are just alarmists. Still, 60,000 copies of the book have been sold and a second book is in the works.

Injury and illness doctor with Community Health of South Florida, Inc. Dr. Charles Ross argues you can make experiments do anything.

“If you take something to the extreme, you can prove anything if you set the experiment up to do that,” Dr. Ross said.

Dr. Ross said there is no cause for alarm.

“If you go with the FDA the average amount the person consumes everyday in harmless,” Dr. Ross said.

June 2013 CBS4 Newspaper [ 2013 CBS4 Hurricane Guide ]

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June 2013 CBSMIAMI.COM

Miami-Dade County Issues

New Storm Surge Map Affecting More Homes

Miami-Dade County has updated its storm surge planning zone maps as residents prepare for the 2013 hurricane season, which will begin on June 1.

The updated maps make what the county calls “a significant change in the areas that are at risk for storm surge, when compared to what we have been using for the last 10 years.�

Instead of zones A-C, the new maps will have zones A-E and will incorporate all areas of the County at risk of storm surge.

In other words, the number of people who may have to evacuate due to storm surge concerns has grown due to the new maps.

The storm surge zones are not based on storm category anymore; instead, they are solely based upon the storm surge potential of each individual storm which can vary greatly depending on the size, speed, strength, and direction of approach.

The maps were created using a combination of Light Detection and Ranging data along with larger hurricane simulations due to the larger and more intense storms that have been in the Atlantic over the last few years, according to the County.

Remember, storm zone planning maps and flood zone maps are completely different. It is possible that you can be out of a flood zone and still be in a surge zone.

For more information visit www.miamidade.gov

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Events

june Calendar

2013

CESAR MILLAN - DOG WHISPERER JUNe 14, 2013

Joined by his right-hand dog Junior, Cesar will talk about his philosophies and methods, then present examples via live demonstrations with various dogs intended to show how we humans often contribute to our dogs’ issues by the way we relate to them. The show ends with an audience Q&A session and the chance to ask him your questions.

Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater - 800/7453000 www.ticketmaster.com

BURGER, BEER & BBQ BASH JUNE 29, 2013

Come see how Miami’s most celebrated restaurants and chefs interpret what a “Burger” or “Favorite BBQ Recipe” means to them. Then pair your burger and BBQ with some of the most unique sought after, well-made beers available.

Try creations of from over 20 restaurants and then vote on your favorite burger or BBQ dish. 3 p.m.-10 p.m.

s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

The Historic Miami Circle 305/200-8892 www.tasteofbrickell.com

Miami Celebrity Domino Night - JUNE 15, 2013 The Miami Celebrity Domino Night has been Miami's most popular fundraiser since 2005. This event features live music, dancing, silent auction and of course, domino playing. For more information or sponsorship opportunities contact Amigos For Kids at 205-279-1155.

Jungle Island - www.amigosforkids.org

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CORAL GABLES RESTAURANT WEEK JUNE 10 - 30, 2013

With more than 30 participating restaurants, the 5th Annual Coral Gables Restaurant Week is back. Each restaurant offers specially priced, three-course menus for lunch and dinner with at least a 20% savings off the regular menu prices. There’s something for everyone, so take your pick and make your reservations. For more information, visit the website.

Coral Gables - 305/569-0311 - www.coralgablesrestaurantweek.com

MIAMI/BAHAMAS GOOMBAY FESTIVAL

JUNE 08- 09, 2013 One of the largest Black heritage festivals in the United States. Enjoy colorful costumed junkanoo groups dancing to Caribbean rhythms, with rake ‘n scrape instruments. Features entertainment on three stages and more than 300 vendors selling a variety of arts, crafts and food.

June 10: Mobile Driver License Services

10:30 AM – 3 PM, Coral Gables Branch Library, 3443 Segovia Street Every second Monday of the month, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will offer driver license services at the Coral Gables Branch Library. Among the services being offered, residents and employees can renew a driver license, get a replacement driver license, change a name or address on a driver license, get an identification card, and order specialty license plates. Driving or written tests will not be available at this location. Customers can also renew vehicle tags and get a vehicle plate when a replacement is needed. No appointments. jo Crebbin / Shutterstock.com

BIG TRUCK DAY JUNE 16, 2013

Miami Science Museum celebrates Father’s Day with big truck fun! Sponsored by Ryder, Big Truck Day includes kids’ activities, raffles, giveaways and trucks galore for the whole family in honor of all amazing dads. The museum’s parking lot will be filled with Ryder Trucks, Miami-Dade County’s hybrid trucks and more with which to interact, as well as food trucks if attendees get hungry. Dads get in free on Father’s Day with a paid child’s admission; children & adults regular Museum admission. Dads Receive Free Admission With a Paid Child’s Admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Miami Science Museum - 305/646-4200 www.miamisci.org

Along Grand Avenue Coconut Grove - 305/448-9501 goombayfestivalcoconutgrove.com

yoga Injuries

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More Common For Men

In these stressful times, more and more people, especially men, are turning to yoga to help them relax and get in shape. But a new report suggests a growing number of men are stretching beyond the limit, leading many to experience more pain than gain.

I

n an early morning session at a yoga studio, men may well outnumber women. Fitness center owner Rachel Moncayo said the phenomenon is a change compared to just one year ago.

“Many of them are athletes, really enjoying the health benefit that they’re getting from the practice,” Moncayo said.

Nearly 20 percent of yoga practitioners are now men, such as Ed Fuller, who said he started two months ago and is now hooked.

“It’s very strenuous, and it works the muscle groups you may not work in any other kind of sport,” said Fuller, a triathlete.

But experts said Fuller and other male practitioners are at a greater risk of overworking those muscle groups – much more so than women – and that is leading to an increase in severe injuries.

“Men, with their increased muscle mass and decreased flexibility, are pushing those joints beyond their appropriate physiologic limits,” said sports specialist Dr. Tanya Hagan.

Former yogi Michael Conti said he knows about it all too well. He suffered permanent nerve damage in his leg, and he said yoga is to blame.

“I thought maybe I tweaked my knee or something, and

then it turned out to be much more serious,” Conti said.

Criticizing the ancient practice of yoga may seem like bad karma, but author William Broad wrote a book investigating the risk and rewards of the beloved exercise, and investigated yoga injuries in men.

“Most of the letters I’m getting about serious injuries have been from guys,” Broad said.

Broad found that although men make up only 16 percent of his study, they accounted for 24 percent of the dislocations, 30 percent of the fractures, and a whopping 71 percent of nerve damage injuries linked to yoga.

By contrast, women accounted for the vast majority of fainting episodes.

“Women see it as relaxation and a release,” Hagan said.

“Men are often coming to it with a competitive edge, with ‘I can push it harder.’”

The bottom line, according to experts, is that yoga should never be looked as a competition or a sport. It is more of a way of life for which you need to be physically and mentally prepared.

Studies showed most yoga injuries occur in class rather than at home.

By Brian Andrews

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CBSMIAMI.COM

yoga should never be looked as a competition or a sport. It is more of a way of life for which you need to be physically and mentally prepared.

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ONLINE DEGREES

By Vanessa Borge

The New Innovation Of A College Education

Every year for the last decade, the number of college students enrolled in at least one online course has increased.

More and more colleges are offering degrees online; could an online education be the future of college?

Hanna Bustos is hoping her online education means a financially stable future. She’s a mother to a 7-month-old boy, a wife, and works full-time.

Bustos goes to school up one flight of stairs.

She puts her seven month old son, Roger, down in the crib next to her and attends class in her home office.

Bustos is one of millions of students getting a degree online, she eventually wants to be a teacher.

“It became a hassle having to go to school, take these classes that are very demanding and be present,” said Bustos. “Here I am teaching myself, I’m doing it, I’m getting it done,” said Bustos.

Colleges are opening their digital doors to many students who don’t have the time or flexibility to commit to a traditional class schedule.

“You don’t have to be in a specific place at a specific time,” said Bustos.

More than six million students, nearly a third of total enrollment at universities, were taking at least one online course in 2010. That’s a more than a 10 percent increase over the year before.

Educators said the success of online education depends in part on students’ level of focus and sense of responsibility.

“Most people do very well as long as they are in class and one of the advantages of college is that it gives you structure,” said Dr. Rene Garcia, Miami-Dade College Enrollment Director.

According to Dr. Garcia, an online education is not for everyone. “It is very difficult to have the discipline to provide your own structure when it comes to learning,” said Dr. Garcia.

An online education does mean you miss out on the college experience on a college campus but for Bustos, that does mean time for her job and time with her baby.

There are drawbacks; going to school on a campus allows for face to face interaction with your teacher. The medium of email and the Internet sometimes makes it difficult to get your

questions answered quickly.

“Sometimes when you don’t understand a concept it takes a little longer to understand it and get the information that you need,” said Bustos. “If you have to contact your teacher it’s not like you just raise your hand.”

Online courses are good for motivated students and parents, like Bustos. “I want him to have the best,” said Bustos.

For those who want to work or have responsibilities outside of school, an online education will cost you about the same as a traditional, on-campus education.

For those who want to work or have responsibilities outside of school, an online education will cost you about the same as a traditional, on-campus education.

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LOVE

cbsmiami.com

Contracts Growing In Popularity

So-called “love contracts” between couples, or written agreements that detail specific promises partners make to each other in a relationship, are growing in popularity but they may not have any legal standing.

By Vanessa Borge

“I

promised that our date night was going to be a weekend date and our sex life stays active,” said Toni Mantus.

“It’s nice to have a contract and say, ‘Look, we did agree to this.’”

Mantus and Gregg Sullivan said they hired an attorney to draft their contract, which breaks down how much time they’ll devote to shared hobbies and how often they will have sex. Sullivan said he even made promises about how much weight he can gain and how many times he’ll visit the gym.

“I do that for myself to be the best man I can be for her,” said Sullivan.

Attorney Ann Margaret Carrozza calls the contract a blueprint for where couples want to go.

“We’re seeing the evolution of so called lifestyle clauses which really answer the questions of ‘What do we want the marriage to be like, what types of activities are we going to be engaging in and where are we going on vacation’.”

Gracie Landes, marriage and family therapist, said agreements like this are growing in popularity with unmarried and married couples. You can even buy agreements online.

The contracts don’t just outline sex but they can also stipulate cuddle time, hobby sharing and even mandating date night.

“After a few years, maybe they have kids,” said Landes. “They feel like they’re just too busy to be sexual, so it can be very helpful to set up an expectation that they’re going to have time to be intimate on a regular basis.”

For many, a loss of spontaneity is a big concern

but experts say there are other bonuses.

“I have found there can be a lot of joy in having structure and knowing what’s going to happen,” said Landes.

However, sex therapist Suzanne Pelka said promising sex isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.

“The more they feel like they’re doing this out of obligation, the less likely they’re going to want to have sex with you and the less good the sex is gonna be,” said Pelka. “It’s really this false sense of control that we have because we don’t know what’s gonna happen tomorrow.”

So what happens when one person doesn’t hold up their end of the bargain?

“If someone wants a sex schedule, two times a week, or three times a week, I can’t take that agreement into a courtroom and ask that it be enforced,” said Carrozza.

In the end, a person can’t take the “love contracts” to court if one half of a couple falls short of something they said they would do. Experts say the agreements are not actually legally binding; they’re really more symbolic to help bind the ties of the couples who opt for them.

“You can’t do that in a prenuptial agreement and if you want a side agreement between the two of you, that’s fine, but you’re potentially jeopardizing the entire agreement.” said attorney Brian Kramer.

Kathie and Paul Atkins, who have been married for 33 years, said they don’t feel comfortable inking their intimacy.

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“I personally wouldn’t want to be held to a piece of paper to make him want to be with me,” said Kathie.

“I think if you feel the need to draw up a contract it’s because you haven’t taken the time to earn the other person’s trust,” said Paul.

But the contract may have some benefits for other couples.

“These agreements are so wonderful, it says here you go for the rest of my life, you can count on this,” said Sullivan.

According to experts, couples who enter into these agreements stick to them making more people sign on the dotted line.

“We’re seeing the evolution of so called lifestyle clauses which really answer the questions of ‘What do we want the marriage to be like?’”

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e st ig C B S 4 In v

at e s :

y l l a e R Are You Getting

t s e B he T ? l Dea

By Al Sunshine

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cbsmiami.com

In a struggling economy, more and more people are forced to use almost every penny from their paycheck to make ends meet.

But CBS4’s Chief Consumer Investigator Al Sunshine asked, when shopping, how do consumers know they are getting the best deal?

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K

Kendall Shopper Raul Sague, a retiree, wonders the same when he visits the local Dollar Stores.

“I find that if I spent $20 here, and if I went to buy the same items somewhere else, instead of $20 I’d be paying $28-30 and that’s significant.

To me that’s very significant,” said Sague.

This method of conservation, also known as “Penny Pinching,” is a movement that has benefitted businesses for deep discounters, like Dollar General, now opening up enough stores Nationwide to rival McDonalds and Subway.

And that’s forcing the traditional discounters, like Wal-Mart and Target, to expand their deals and dollar sections too.

Dr. Claudia Townsend, assistant professor of marketing at the University of Miami School of Business, agreed.

“Everyone, middle income, high income, consumers are open to a deal. And even things like the dollar store are becoming more relevant to more consumers,” said Dr. Townsend.

But CBS4’s Chief Consumer Investigator Al Sunshine examined whether these “Dollar Deals” are always the best bargains.

Deep discounters may advertise “Dollar Deals,” but when Sunshine compared the advertised deals to the actual ones on the shelves, he uncovered that often the marked-down merchandise was damaged.

When comparing the actual cost to product

“Everyone, middle income, high income, consumers are open to a deal. And even things like the dollar store are becoming more relevant to more consumers”

quantity and quality…we got a Big Surprise. We checked out some generic batteries priced 8 for a dollar at a deep discounter. Both Walmart and Target were more expensive.

But according to Dr. Townsend, the cheaper ones may not have been the best deal.

“You might opt for the cheaper option, which you don’t have the brand name that suggests this is something that’s going to last longer. But in the long run you may find yourself replacing these batteries at a rate that more than compensates for the lower price you’re paying.”

And that’s not all. As part of the investigation, Sunshine went shopping for various consumer products at local dollar-type stores and later compared them to the products purchased at Wal-Mart and Target.

He discovered that the cheapest price was not always the best deal because of content size.

In most cases the cheapest product was in smaller packaging. So consumers do pay less, but they are also getting less for their money.

Dr. Townsend believes that smaller packages of the same product, in the long run, won’t save money.

For example, when comparing a tube of CREST toothpaste that costs a dollar at the local Dollar-Tree, and

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a tube of COLGATE at Wal-Mart for $1.47, Townsend said, “once you take into account the product size, 2.7-ounces versus 6.4 ounces, this is over twice as big but it’s not twice as much for the money. It’s not twice as much.”

When asked which tube of toothpaste was the better deal, Townsend explained, “For 50-percent more you get over 100-percent more product. So this [the pricier tube of toothpaste] is the better deal.”

Another trick, making it more difficult for shoppers to compare deals, is that retailers are actually requesting specifically-sized products to help them trim costs.

Sunshine also compared a 120 TWO-PLY

SCOTTIES TISSUES for a dollar at a Dollar-Store to a $1.75 184 THREE-PLY TISSUES KLEENEX package purchased at Wal-Mart and Target.

As it turned out, the unit price of the more expensive tissues was actually the better deal.

It would be difficult for the average consumer to compare the deal because the products are not identical and, according to Dr. Townsend, the three-ply tissues are of greater quality and worth the extra money.

Savvy shoppers know generic store brands are always money-savers over name brands.

Also, bulk foods can save money as long as you have the room to store use them before they spoil.

“Savvy shoppers know generic store brands are always money-savers over name brands.”

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A NEW TREND

By Vanessa Borge

“Roommates” Growing In Popularity As Way To Combat Housing Costs

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Let’s face it, the cost of living in the U.S. is expensive and isn’t getting any cheaper. To save money and pool resources many people have found new creative ways to put a very nice roof over their heads. The growing trend of house sharing isn’t just for twenty-somethings.

T

There are three baby boomers that merged their furniture, their wine glasses, their china and their book collections, selling their old homes and buying a house together. They joined two million other Americans over the age of thirty who have a housemate or roommate.

Shared house owner Jean McQuillin says, “It made amazing economic sense.” McQuillin, Louise Machinist and Karen Bush are all are divorced, in their early 50’s and have professional full time jobs. They met at church and created what they call a cooperative household. Each woman has her own bedroom and bathroom. they share the common areas of the house, chores and expenses.

Machinist says, “We are all really busy we’re hardly ever all here at the same time.”

But before they moved in, an attorney drew up a legal agreement addressing issues like: how long visitors can stay, what if a housemate wants to sell or leave, and what happens if someone passes away? According to Bush, “On some level you have to share values in order to make things work.”

For any shared housing situation, experts say you should: - Create an agreement on how to share expenses and chores - Set boundaries outlining what you can and can’t live with - Check references of potential house mates - And ask why someone wants to move Shared housing expert Annamarie Pluhar says, “You need to know that people are solid about paying, that they’re going to be a reasonable person to be around.” Also, if you’re considering someone as a house mate, experts suggest running a credit or even criminal background check on the person.

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cbsmiami.com

“meeting people online can lead to falling in love with a fantasy and that’s not reality.”

The Dark World Of

Online

Dating

A South Florida woman was left to pick up the pieces after a romantic relationship she developed online turned and endangered her life.

By Cynthia Demos

“H

e was very violent…I wasn’t very cautious.. he was someone I met off the internet,” Rachel Nasseta sheepishly said about the 26 year old man she met on a dating website.

That someone off the Internet convinced Nassetta to turn against her own mother.

“He talked her into robbing me,” Rachel’s mom, Tammy Marrone said.

They stole her electronics, jewelry, and money.

Her mother became even more concerned when Rachel moved in with him.

The man, who Rachel did not name, told her they were living in a religious home. That was his excuse for sneaking her in and out. But it turned out to be a border home for the homeless and that’s where the abuse began.

“You could just tell and he was a bad person…he made me feel really bad like I was stupid,” said Rachel.

The man she fell for had a lengthy rap sheet of battery, child abuse and alleged murder charges.

Psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Bober said the mind plays tricks in you. He said meeting people online can lead to falling in love with a fantasy and that’s

not reality.

“In some ways the Internet is a dirt road without a sheriff,” said Dr. Bober. “With online meeting, you are getting a filtered version of who the person is.”

Dr. Bober said using Skype when talking is helpful in seeing the person’s action. Meeting in a public place and always running a background check can also help you protect yourself.

“I always say, safety trumps privacy,” said Dr. Bober.

Dr. Bober said it is also crucial that parents monitor their children’s online use, placing the computer in a common area with shared passwords.

Children and a lot of young adults don’t practice common sense, Dr Bober said.

“A lot of adults on the other end will prey on that,” he said.

Rachel suffered some psychological backlash but she and her mother are just thankful it’s not worse.

Rachel’s mom said, “Had it gone any further who knows what would have happened.”

“I could have ended up dead,” Rachel said.

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Cheap Eats:

Take A Bite Out Of

D’Angelo’s Pizza

B

Buon appetito! A local chef has brought the amazing taste of Italy to South Florida, all at cheap eat prices.

“We have a little buffalo mozzarella and we have beautiful salami,” Chef Angelo Elia told CBS4’s Lisa Petrillo.

Acclaimed chef Elia makes his signature pizza with the passion of a man who truly loves his job. This Italian born and raised restaurateur has six restaurants in South Florida.

“I work seven days a week, I still love doing what I do. I’m up at six in the morning. I put a lot of effort in both,” said Elia.

At his Casa D’Angelo restaurants guests find sophisticated fine Italian dining for a special night out. In Weston, at his newest venture D’Angelo Pizza Tapas and Wine bar, Elia uses authentic Tuscan style ingredients for his casual-hip eatery for those on a budget.

“We have guests that come four to five days a week, so you can have a beautiful dinner for $15 to $20 a person,” said Elia. “The way the economy is going on today, I think that’s the way to go.”

Chef Elia sticks the pizza into a oven at 700 degrees and in three minutes its done.

Despite its sizzling ‘ooey, gooey’ good looks, Elia said his pizza is still a light meal.

“It’s light. In Italy at night time it’s what we do every night, we have a pizza and enjoy,” said Elia.

It’s the authentic Tuscan Italian ingredients in the pizza and all the dishes at D’Angelos that mattes most to this strict chef.

“I’m the kind of person, I didn’t use regular water to make pizza, I use bottledwater to make the pizza light. I use double zero flour only to make the pizza.” said Elia.

Petrillo got a chance to sample the food.

“A true Italian pizza” she said. . “Very light, flaky. It’s messy but good really good.”

Elia also brought out a few more dishes like a Burata cheese plate with grilled figs.

“This is jealousy time and I get it, “said Petrillo. “That’s a dessert.

Wow” What’s an Italian restaurant without a veal and pecorino cheese meatball?

“Woah, it melts in your mouth- the meatball melts in your mouth,” said Petrillo.

Elia also produces a chardonnay from Sardinia called Jankara that is sold at the restaurant.

“We have a little buffalo mozzarella and we have beautiful salami,”

For more information about Chef Elia’s ‘molto gustoso’ pizza visit dangelopizza.com

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Buying & Selling

vacation time

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one

How often have you wanted to take a trip, but you didn’t have any vacation time left?

It’s happened to many of us. But what if there was a way around that?

One option is popping up at workplaces around the country.

Jeffe Kennedy and her husband love to travel the world but she says, “I run out of vacation time every year.”

Fortunately her company offers a buy-sell vacation program that allows her to purchase an extra week of time every year.

“It’s absolutely worth it to me to pay out of pocket for the extra time off,” says Kennedy.

A recent survey found 14-percent of companies now allow employees to buy or sell their vacation days through payroll deductions or credits.

“We get very, very positive feedback about

vacation buy and sell. Flexibility in terms of how people work, where they work, when they work is very important to employees today,” says Brian Cook of USG Corporation.

At USG Corporation the “buy” is much more popular than the “sell.”

“About half of employees will buy a week of vacation each year. Only about 10 percent will sell a week,” According to Cook.

Some companies also offer a third option; donating unused vacation time to charity.

“Employees who have extra days they can’t use can give them back to the employer who converts that into a cash value and then writes a check in that amount to a charity,” says Julia

Stich, with the International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans.

Other businesses offer the chance to donate to fellow workers.

“Another employee who may be suffering a personal crisis can tap that pool and have additional time off,” says Stich.

So what happens if you sell vacation time back? Normally employees will receive an extra paycheck, with all the usual deductions.

However companies can also offer them the option to contribute the cash to their 401k or profit sharing plan instead.

A recent survey found 14-percent of companies now allow employees to buy or sell their vacation days through payroll deductions or credits.

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Yoga is an ancient practice dedicated to strengthening the mind, body and soul. Whether you are a dedicated yogi looking to take your practice to the next level, or simply want to give the stretch a try, check out some of the best places for yoga South Florida has to offer.

Nityananda Center 2829 Bird Ave. Unit 10 Coconut Grove, FL 33133 (786) 333-1557 www.nityanandacenter.com

Perfect your down dog and center yourself in the peaceful Nityananda Center.

Located in the heart of Coconut Grove, yogis will adore the personal attention they receive in this quaint studio. For those looking for a more challenging practice, both physically and mentally, sign up for Ana Donlon’s Vinyasa Yoga class held on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Please note, classes are small and parking fills up quick, arrive early to ensure a space for your car, mat and well-being.

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Green Monkey Yoga

South Miami Tree House - 5792 Sunset Drive -South Miami, FL 33146 (305) 669-4949 / www.greenmonkey.com Green Monkey caters to the complete yogi lifestyle. Not only can adults stretch their way to toned bliss, but kids (referred to by Green Monkey as “chimps”) can get an early start at capturing the yogi well-being. Also, Green Monkey’s website is fully loaded with yoga-related events, articles, and messages for seekers of the coveted yogi balance. Green Monkey has three locations, check the website for the tree house near you.

Prana Yoga

247 Malaga Avenue Coral Gables, FL 33134 (305) 567-9812 www.pranayogamiami.com A 10-year host to headstands and backbends, Prana Yoga is a pristine studio located in the heart of Coral Gables.

Dedicated to stress relief, this studio offers over 70 classes per week to suit every yogi’s schedule. Suffer from a severe case of the Monday Blues? Try Richard Sherman’s candlelit class committed to restoring the mind and body, leaving you feeling calm, cool, and everso collected.

Free Yoga Foundation freeyogafoundation.org

Thanks to the Free Yoga Foundation, yogis can choose from several park locations to test their balance under the South Florida sun- for free.

There is no doubt that yoga classes can be pricey, but this non-profit organization shares in the true spirit of generosity bringing yoga to everyone, no matter your income or yoga experience.

The restoring outdoor classes are free of a set fee, but donations are accepted. If you’ve never attempted yoga, you may want drop in on one of these classes to get a feel for the yogi vibe. Visit their website for a convenient time and location near you.

The Barkan Method of Hot Yoga

1119 N Federal Highway - Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (954) 563-0488 / www.barkanmethod.com Release oodles of unwanted toxins and rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul in a heated room at The Barkan Method of Hot Yoga studio. Combining both the physical and mental challenges rooted within the practice, this style of yoga is not only welcoming to all beginners, but it also satisfies the more advanced yoga students. Those seeking a yoga-filled getaway, or want to become a certified instructor, can sign up for a yoga retreat or teacher training in the alluring Costa Rica.

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Best Flying Adventures

In South Florida

Both locals and tourists will attest that South Florida is, among other things, a place for exciting adventures. Famous of its near-perfect weather year-round, taking to the skies on a flying adventure is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the view and get an adrenaline rush at the same time. This “Best Of” list features the best companies for skydiving, parasailing and more. You’ll find intriguing options, excellent service and experienced staff during your encounter. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, or you’ve lived here all your life, you can find some of the best flying adventures around right here in South Florida.

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For Information Call: 305.477.1699

Miami Gliders

Balloon Over Miami

Miami is big on two things: adventurous air travel and safety. You can take to the skies via a glider (an aircraft without a standard engine for power) or a small craft airplane and soar as high as 5,000 feet in the air. You’ll be accompanied by an FAA-certified pilot to ensure safety and an expertly conducted flying experience. If you have a passion for or a strong interest in flying, you can partake in Miami Gliders’ flight instruction services. The instructors for both glider and airplane licensing are also FAA certified, and provide expert instruction to interested parties 14 and older (the minimum age for airplane license instruction is 16).

It may seem out of the ordinary to take a balloon ride here in South Florida, but it’s an amazing way to take to the air and experience the beautiful South Florida views.

Its chief captain, Aaron Farber, is a native of Miami and a highly skilled pilot. His in-depth knowledge of the area and FAA license provides confidence that your ride will be safe and enjoyable. Departure locations stretch between south Kendall and Florida City and can change from day to day depending on wind direction. Riders meet at a central location, and are then transported to the departure site. This balloon ride includes light snacks after the flight and a champagne celebration.

28790 S.W. 217th Ave. - Homestead, FL 33030 (786) 243-7640 / www.miamigliders.com

Flight locations in Kendall, Homestead and Florida City (305) 987-7788 - www.balloonovermiami.com

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Atlantic Beach Clubs Parasailing location – South Beach Park 1005 Seabreeze Blvd.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 376-3770 www.boat-rentals-fort-lauderdale.com

The combination of air and sea make parasailing an unparalleled adventure. South Beach Park in Ft. Lauderdale serves as the perfect coastal location for parasailing, one of many services offered by Atlantic Beach Clubs.

You can fly solo or have two other people attached at the same time. Flying at either 600, 800 or 1,000 feet, you get to experience brilliant views of the South Florida coastline as you glide over the Atlantic Ocean. Up to 12 people can ride in any of the coast guardinspected parasailing boats, you can make this a collective adventure with friends or a family affair. Other services offered by Atlantic Beach Clubs include jet skiing, snorkeling and kayaking.

Global Air Group, Inc. Downtown Miami Helicopter Tour Location – Bayside Marketplace and Marina 401 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132 (954) 605-8155 / www.globalairgroup.net

A helicopter ride is the quintessential flying adventure. Global Air Group offers helicopter tours across the South Florida area, including areas like Coral Gables, Hollywood and Boca Raton. In addition to helicopter rides, this company offers flight training, as well as aerial photography and video production. For the budget conscious, its Low Cost Thrill Rides offer exciting views of local attractions like Hollywood Beach, Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Sun Life Stadium.

Helicopter rides are an excellent choice to celebrate a special occasion, and equally perfect for a spur-of-the-moment adventure trip, and accommodates adults and children.

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Miami Skydiving Center

14005 S.W. 127th St. Miami, FL 33186 (305) 235-3483 / www.miamiskydivingcenter.com

Skydiving is a truly exhilarating experience, and the professionals at Miami Skydiving Center succeed at making it memorable for those ready to take on this flying adventure.

Skydives are performed as high as 13,500 feet; freefalls can go as fast as 120 miles per hour. During your rapid descent, you can take in amazing views of the Miami area, including Biscayne Bay and the downtown skyline. For beginners, the tandem skydive is a perfect fit, as it only requires a little training. For experienced skydivers, the Accelerated Freefall Sky Dive Program is designed to provide the optimal experience in skydiving like a pro. To ensure safety for its flyers and staff, Miami Skydiving Center strictly follows safety regulations held by the Federal Aviation Administration.

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