Austin South Asian. February. 2019 by Austin South Asian

Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 12 No. 02

Kamala Harris Declares The Digital Drug

OAKLAND, Calif. — In scenes reminiscent of the 1832 Paris upris-

ing, eloquently depicted in Victor Hugo’s classic, “Les Miserables,” more than 20,000 people lined up along the barricades outside City Hall here Jan. 27 afternoon to support another rebellion: that of candidate Kamala Harris, who formally launched her campaign to oust President Donald Trump. “Foreign powers are infiltrating the

White House like malware. America’s position in the world has never

been weaker,” stated the Oaklandborn senator, as supporters repeatedly chanted her name and waved placards. “We are at an inflection point in the history of our nation. Our American democracy is under attack like never before. America, we are better than this,” stated Harris, who is a Democrat. (Continued On Page 09)

Black Hisory By Sumaiya Malik

known as African-American History Month. Each year Americans set aside February to focus on historical hindsight on the contributions that people of African descent have made to this country.

February 1st marks the beginning of Black History Month also

This annual observance happens in Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the United States. It began as a way for remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora (Continued On Page 11)

Internet addiction is not a choice but an actual disorder and a disease. Teenagers get addicted to their electronics, reveal doctors.

Internet addiction is not a choice but a real disease, say doctors (Il-

lustration: Subrata Dhar) When Danny Reagan was 13, he began exhibiting signs of what doctors usually associate with drug addiction. He became agitated, secretive and withdrew from friends. He had quit baseball and Boy Scouts, and he stopped d o i n g homework

and showering. (Continued On Page 25)

Dance Reflecting Feminism, Empowerment And Diversity Feminism I want to take this opportunity to reflect on a few of the many multifaceted aspects of dance in expressing women’s empowerment and feminism.

and movies, literature, sculpture, paintings and music have all been used to spread the feminist messages. However, dancing as a means of expressing women’s empowerment has had a hard journey and still has grounds to gain. Dancing can portray strength, self-reliance, confidence and power, all elements of female empowerment.

Gender equality is a global issue

inside February 2019

(Continued On Page 21)

Keeping Your Baby.......04 Resolve To Boost Health.5 Arun’s Scribblings.........06 Mid-Size companies......06 4 Simple Tips...............07 Alzheimer’s..................08 Night Shift Can............08 Defeat Obesity.............09 The Right Start............10

March 2019 Health Special

512-828-6709 Maliks Page........11,12,13 SAIVA..........................14 Dog Care.....................15 Winter Sports...............16 Childrens Page....17,22,23 HC4A..........................18 Keep Dogs Safe............18 Recycle Old Batteries....19 Women Gain Weight.....20 Birds Can See..............20 Choosing A Pacifier.......21 SWNB Scholarship........24 Chronic Pain................24 Chickens Genetically.....24 The Digital Drug..........25 Entertainment.........26,27

Austin South Asian | February 2019

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Keeping Your Baby Safe While Sleeping Bringing home a new baby is a big adjustment and can feel overwhelming for parents, particularly when it comes to safety. While certain statistics can be alarming -there are approximately 3,600 sudden unexpected infant deaths yearly in the U.S., according to the most recent government statistics -- parents can take comfort in knowing that following safe sleep practices can go a long way towards prevention, say experts.

sleep, for both naps and night sleeping. A baby’s gag reflex and anatomy will help prevent choking, as opposed to those babies who sleep on their stomachs or sides. • Babies should always sleep on firm surfaces, such as a mattress in a properly approved

The three commonly reported types of such infant deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed, and deaths from unknown causes.

your baby’s sleep area. Pillows, loose bedding and stuffed toys can raise suffocation risks. • Don’t sleep with your baby in the same bed. A baby can sleep in your room, but not in an adult bed or on a chair or couch. Sharing a bed can risk strangulation, suffocation or wedging your baby between objects. Sharing a room (not a bed) may decrease the risk of SIDS by as much as 50 percent, according to the CDC. • Never allow smoking near your baby, as this is a major SIDS risk factor.

Parents should understand the differences between SIDS and suffocation -- and, more importantly, to learn best safe sleep practices. While not every infant death is preventable, there are ways to lower risks, especially when it comes to suffocation while sleeping.

crib or bassinet, covered by a fitted sheet, not a blanket. This lowers risk of suffocation and SIDS.

• Always place babies on their backs for

• Keep pillows and other soft objects out of

The right sleep products are an essential part of keeping your baby safe. Many experts espouse the importance of choosing a firm, breathable crib mattress.

Most conventional, waterproof mattresses are covered with impermeable skins that prevent air circulation and increase suffocation risk, whereas a breathable alternative allows a baby to breathe safely even if he or she rolls over during sleep. For example, the revolutionary design of the fully breathable Newton Crib Mattress allows a baby to breathe right through it. An independent, blind, scientific study demonstrated that a baby gets 97 percent more air while breathing through a Newton mattress than on a traditional crib mattress. More information is available at newtonbaby.com. “As a pediatrician and mom, knowing that my baby was safely sleeping on a breathable mattress gave me full peace of mind and brought all of us better sleep,” says Dr. Deena Blanchard, a New York-based pediatrician and mother. While you can’t protect your baby from everything, it’s important to lower the risks that you can, and creating a safe sleeping environment is a great start. (StatePoint)

Resolve To Boost Health With These Breakfast Tips

Looking to make a change to your nutrition in the new year? Start by examining what is often referred to as the most important meal of the day; breakfast. Here are some fast facts about breakfast from Kelly Springer, MS, RD, CDN, and

• Include Protein: Protein helps to maintain blood sugar levels, keeps you fuller longer and provides the building blocks for skin, hair, nails and muscle. But because protein can’t be stored as protein in the body, it needs to be consumed throughout the day. “Be sure your first meal includes protein. You don’t have to search hard to do so. Some of your favorite breakfast items are already a great source,” says Springer.

president of Kelly’s Choice, a collective of registered dietitians, nutritionists and educators that offers customized nutrition coaching programs for schools, workplaces, medical facilities, athletes and individuals. • Don’t Skip It: Breakfast is not only essential to weight maintenance, it can help ensure you avoid nutritional deficiencies, so don’t avoid it. “Think about bonfires. If you don’t add wood to the flames, the fire will go out. Metabolism works the same way.

Did you know that a bagel at Einstein Bros. Bagels has between 9 and 17 grams of protein? This is more than or as much protein as one large egg, three slices of turkey, one cup of 2 percent milk or two tablespoons of creamy peanut butter. • Include Carbohydrates: Many new diets encourage you to skip carbohydrates, but carbs are the number one source of energy for the body and brain food to boot.

If you don’t add food as fuel to your body, your metabolism will slow down,” says Springer.

Carbohydrates convert to glucose in the body -- and our brain, one of the most demanding organs in the body, cannot function without glucose.

“To maintain a healthy diet, you need to eat regularly scheduled meals.

• Streamline: Habits are most successfully formed when they are easy to adopt.

Breakfast is particularly important because your metabolism slows during a night of sleep.”

To that end, consider streamlining your breakfast by seeking out one location for your morning cup of joe as well as your protein-rich, meal, such as Einstein Bros. Bagels, which offers a full breakfast menu.

Skipping breakfast has also been proven to be linked to nutrient deficiencies, points out Springer. “Breakfast provides essential nutrients that can’t be made up for later in the day,” says. “A good breakfast will provide protein, b vitamins, fiber, calcium and iron.”

A nutritious day all starts with a balanced breakfast. Start 2019 off on the right foot by giving your breakfasts a makeover. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | February 2019

Earth’s Oldest Known Rock Found On Moon Moreover, it would have to have been formed in the Moon’s core and then somehow appear on the surface. Of course, there is still a question of how this rock could have ended up on the Moon? For starters, the Moon itself was once a piece of Earth, detached by a collision with a particularly large asteroid early in our planet’s history. The scientists even found pieces of Mars falling to the ground here on Earth after they were kicked into One of the Moon rock samples collected decades ago by Apollo 14 crew appears to be originally from Earth. The rock is presumed to be the oldest known rock, formed around the same time our planet was formed, according to an analysis in Earth and Planetary Science Letters. Until this discovery, the oldest known rocks were around 2 billion years old. This rock was formed between 4 and 4.1 billion years ago, about 12.4 miles beneath the Earth’s crust, yet the most curious thing about it that it was found far beyond our planet’s surface – on the Moon. The rock was among the samples discovered by the Apollo 14 crew. The Apollo missions brought back a whole bunch of rock samples, and scientists have been methodically analyzing them ever since. This particular rock was at the end of the list, yet it appeared to be the most interesting. NASA’s Center for Lunar Science and Exploration (CLSE) have identified this small specimen as terrestrial due to it containing a number of various minerals like quartz and feldspar, which are common on Earth but rare on the Moon. It was possible to determine how deep beneath the earth the rock had been with the use of molecular analysis. There is a possibility that this rock could have formed on the Moon, but it is very low. The rock, unlike other Moon rock samples, is made of an extremely high amount of earth minerals and an extremely low amount of minerals commonly found on our planet’s natural satellite.

space by an impact. So, it is possible that in the early years of our Solar System when large asteroids were everywhere, that one of them hit the Earth and sent debris flying into space, and one of these rocks landed on our satellite’s surface. Before the discovery, there were only guesses as to what the early Earth’s rocks looked like, but now scientists have something to work with. And there is a good chance that this is not the only part of our Earth on the moon’s surface.

David Kring, CLSE principal investigator and a senior author of the recently published journal article, said that the next step is to look for similar mineral signatures in lunar samples to find more relics from the younger Earth. “It is an extraordinary find that helps paint a better picture of early Earth and the bombardment that modified our planet during the dawn of life,” Kring said in a statement, cited by Vice. (Courtesy: Naation.com)

Mid-Size Companies Foresee Growth Growth is in the future for America’s mid-sized businesses, suggests new research, and experts say that this indicates positive things for job seekers and the economy at-large. A recent survey of middle market executives found that they are more positive about the health of their businesses and more optimistic about their prospects for fu-

panies will grow and invest in the year ahead.” The majority of executives at middle market companies surveyed say the health of their company is strong (84 percent), that their company is better off today than a year ago (70 percent), and that their company has experienced increas-

growing the scope of their products and services, and expanding into adjacent markets. What’s more, 81 percent expect to hire additional employees over the next 12 months, and 93 percent plan to invest in their business in 2018. Despite their general optimism, middle market leaders do worry about such matters as data security, inflation and the challeng-

es of hiring and retaining talent. Lingering economic uncertainty also remains an issue, though less so than in 2016. Whether you are in the market for a new job, or you want to grow your business, survey results indicating an optimistic middle market is good news for your business and career goals. (StatePoint)

Scribblings By Arun WHY SHOULD I GIVE

Being a provider of everything The Almighty needs nothing. Why then one has to offer anything? Asked the boy to the Pastor.

ture growth than at any time in the last three years. The survey was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of CIT Group Inc., a leading provider of financing to the middle market, in an effort to stay in close touch with trends affecting these businesses. “Middle market companies are important contributors to a healthy economy,” says Jim Hudak, president of CIT’s Commercial Finance division. “We are encouraged by survey results showing that a large majority of its leadership expect their com-

es in sales (77 percent), product demand (76 percent), and customers (73 percent) over the past year.

Pastor smiled but did not reply. To go along with him he asked the guy For visiting few houses on that day Practically to get him the answer.

As a group, these executives are pleased with the current state of the economy, and their perceptions on all three economic fronts -- local, national and global -- have grown increasingly more positive since 2015.

At the end of the lane in a small house. Lived an young couple with three kids. After exchanging pleasantries Pastor said a small family prayer.

Middle market executives also foresee a brighter future, with a large majority expecting growth over the next 12 months through geographic expansion within the U.S., product diversification,

While leaving he gave sweets to those little kids. The elder receives and conveys her thanks. The second gladly receives and smiles

Both starts to taste it in eager. The youngest kid opens the sweet slowly Offers to the Pastor innocently. Pastor refuses it affectionately Smilingly blessing, he caress her hair. Her act surprised her parents. It reflected motherly kindness Affection and concern for others. They felt proud of her behaviour. Curiously Pastor asks the boy on return As to Who impressed among the children The boy replied “ Pastor, the youngest one” For his question too he found the answer. (Email:arunsunderraj@gmail.com)

Austin South Asian | February 2019

4 Simple Tips For Blending A Better-For-You Smoothie

There’s no better time than a new year to embrace healthy habits. And it’s easier to embrace a “new me” mentality by fueling your body with the goodness it needs now.

Here are four tips for blending healthful smoothies that will help you reach your wellness resolu-

You can incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your daily regimen with one simple snack hack: smoothies! Smoothies are convenient, fast and easy to make -- all you need is a liquid base, frozen or fresh ingredients and a blender. However, not all smoothies are made equally. It’s easy to overlook the amount of sugar we’re sipping, which can make your “healthy” smoothie the sugar equivalent of a candy bar. Yikes! The secret to making a better-foryou smoothie is cherry picking the right ingredients that not only taste good but are good for you.

tions in the New Year: 1. Sacrifice sugar, not taste.

Smoothies made with fruit-flavored juices or sweetened with frozen yogurt might taste great, but can wreak havoc o n your health, often addi n g up to more than an ent i r e d a y ’s worth o f added sugar. C u t back on the excess sugar by making them at home, where you can control what’s inside. Consider smart swaps, like no sugar added Mooala Bananamilks. These dairy-free milk alternatives add great-tasting flavor with sustainably-sourced bananas, roasted

sunflower seeds and a touch of cinnamon and sea salt. Whether you’re making a green smoothie, something sweet and creamy or packed with tropical flavors, the Original, Chocolate and Strawberry Bananamilk varieties are packed with real ingredients and won’t leave you with a sugar crash. 2. Turn flavor into function. Make your smoothie as efficient as you are. Multitask with ingredients to provide your body with all it needs without adding excess calories. Blend in a scoop of collagen for better skin or a dash of turmeric to decrease inflammation. Also consider adding extra fiber, which takes longer for your body to digest, making you feel full longer and on fewer calories. Functional foods can help fill in nutritional gaps of your diet while pairing added benefits. 3. Incorporate a dairy-free base. Over 65 percent of the population experiences a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy, so if you’re experiencing unexplained bloating after meals, it’s possible

that dairy could be the culprit. Daiya, the tasty brand known for creating plant-based versions of favorite comfort foods, now offers delicious dairy-free yogurt cups in fruit flavors, like strawberry, peach and more. These yogurt cups are made with coconut cream, are low in sugar and pack in a healthy dose of B12, calcium and 6 grams of protein per serving. Plus, the coconut cream provides a satisfying creamy texture without the discomforts associated with dairy. 4. Plan ahead. Let’s face it, busy lives require time-saving measures, and making smoothies is no exception. Prep smoothie packets the night before or, even better, for the week ahead. It just takes a few minutes to portion out the right amount of fruits and veggies, throw them in a baggie and into the freezer. Measuring the night before also ensures you don’t overindulge in the morning rush, plus you won’t have to add ice cubes, which lets you pack in more antioxidants while simplifying the process. (StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | February 2019

How One Volunteer Is Helping End A Family Cycle Of Alzheimer’s

Jacqueline Patterson, 66, knew from a young age what Alzheimer’s looked like, but didn’t call it by its name until she started caring for her mother, Ruby, in 2008. “When I took on caregiving responsibilities for my mom, the only thing I knew was that this is just something that everyone in my family gets – we accepted it,” Patterson recalls.

son says. “Once I began to look more closely, I realized there was more to it. It really hit home once my mother developed the disease.”

older white Americans to develop the disease. By the time Patterson realized her mother was showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s, she was already in

After Patterson’s mother passed away, she made it her mission to educate others about the disease and end the cycle within her family.

“But once I saw my mom die from the disease, I made it my mission to learn as much as I can and educate as many people as I can, especially African Americans who are disproportionately impacted by the disease. I don’t want anyone to go through what I did.” Patterson has a long family history of Alzheimer’s disease. Her grandfather had the disease, and of her mother’s nine sisters, six passed away with Alzheimer’s or dementia and three are currently living with the disease. Patterson’s father, Matthew, also passed away from the disease. “At that time, it didn’t occur to any of us that this was a disease,” Patter-

time caregiver for her mother. Frustrated with the lack of information and support services available, she reached out to the Alzheimer’s Association where she was able to learn about the disease and access needed resources like respite care.

She started volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association’s, meeting with physicians serving rural and minority populations, sharing information about the importance of early detection and diagnosis and making resources available to those living with the disease.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are currently more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. Disproportionately impacting African Americans, older African Americans are twice as likely as

the late stages. “Her doctor said that it was just normal aging, but I knew there was more going on -- something was obviously very wrong.” Patterson, a high school biology teacher, retired early to be a full-

Since her mother’s diagnosis, she has earned a Master’s degree in Public Health and is working towards a Doctorate of Public Health. Currently, Patterson is enrolled in a clinical trial. She aims to overcome the stigma related to such research within the African-American community.

African Americans and other ethnic minorities are vastly underrepresented in these trials, limiting what researchers can learn. “There is still a fear of participating in studies, which is understandable when you think about the history with terrible, unethical trials like Tuskegee,” Patterson says. “But I wanted to be the one to say look – I’m doing this, and it’s okay.” Patterson says she’s come a long way from “accepting” the disease as her family’s destiny and is encouraging other African Americans to do the same. “We need to raise awareness about African Americans’ increased risk for Alzheimer’s and encourage participation in research that can help us understand the reasons behind it. I now look at Alzheimer’s as a disease that can be cured,” says Patterson. (StatePoint)

Night Shift Can Damage Your DNA: Study Hong Kong: Do you frequently work in night shifts?

higher DNA breaks as compared with those not required to work

cent after a night of acute sleep deprivation.

Lack of proper sleep and nighttime wakefulness can cause damage to the structure of the human DNA and lead to many diseases, including cancer and diabetes, as well as cardiovascular, neurological and pulmonary diseases, warns a study. The study, published in the Anesthesia academic journal, shows that DNA repair gene expression is lower at baseline among night workers and further decreases after acute sleep deprivation, which supports the postulation that night workers demonstrate impaired DNA repair. The findings showed that people who are required to work overnight demonstrate 30 per cent

overnight, and this DNA damage is further increased by over 25 per

“DNA damage is a change in the basic structure of DNA that is not

repaired when the DNA is replicated,” said S. W. Choi, Research Associate at The University of Hong Kong. “Doublestrand breaks are particularly hazardous as repair failure causes genomic instability and cell death, whereas disrepair can lead to inappropriate end-joining events that commonly underlie oncogenic transformation,” Choi added.

For the study, the team examined a small group of healthy full-time doctors, average age between 28 and 33, who donated a sample of blood after three days of adequate sleep. Doctors who worked the night shift then had additional blood sampled the morning after, following acute sleep deprivation. “The study demonstrates that disrupted sleep is associated with DNA damage,” Choi said. Furthermore, larger prospective studies looking at relationships between DNA damage and chronic disease development are warranted, and methods to relieve or repair DNA damage linked to sleep deprivation should be investigated, Choi suggested. (Ccourtesy: https://odishatv.in)

Austin South Asian | February 2019

To Defeat Obesity, Hunger And Climate Change ‘Radical Rethink’ Needed

To defeat the intertwined pandemics of obesity, hunger and climate change, governments must curb the political influence of major corporations, said a major report Monday calling for a ‘global treaty’ similar to one for tobacco control. Bu this will not happen unless ordinary citizens demand a “radical rethink” of the relationship between policymakers and business, nearly four dozen experts from The Lancet Commission on Obesity concluded.

“Powerful opposition from vested interests, lack of political leadership, and insufficient societal demand for change are preventing action,” they said in a statement. Nearly a billion people are hungry and another two billion are eating too much of the wrong foods, causing epidemics of obesity, heart

disease and diabetes. Unhealthy diets account for up to 11 million premature deaths every year, according to the most recent Global

tion in all its forms -- including undernutrition and obesity -- is by far the biggest cause of ill-health and premature deathy globally,”

Triple pandemic Disease Burden report. “Malnutri-

said Commission co-chair Boyd

‘We’re In It To Win It’, Kamala Harris Declares At Formal Launch Of Presidential Campaign (Continued From Page 01) The kickoff is believed to be the largest-ever rally for an Indian American candidate, who hit hard on Trump and what she characterized as his agenda of divisiveness.“People are trying to convince us that the villain in this American story is each other. That’s not America,” noted Harris. “As Americans, we have so much more in common than what separates us,” said the candidate, using portions of a speech she had delivered last year at Pratham’s annual gala in New York. (See India-West story here: https://bit.ly/2PetB7f) Harris invoked her late Indian American mother, Shymala Gopalan, noting early in her remarks: “My parents raised me to believe that the fight for justice belongs to all of us.” Harris’s father, Stanford economist Donald Harris, and her mother were prominent in the civil rights movement of the late 1960s. Harris’s maternal grandfather, P.V. Gopalan, was a freedom fighter in India’s struggle for independence. The candidate, who has named her campaign, “Kamala Harris for the people” — a riff on her career as

Swinburn, a professor at the University of Aukland. “Both undernutrition and obesity are expected to be made significantly worse by climate change.” The way in which food is currently produced, distributed and consumed not only fuels the hunger and obesity pandemics, it also generates 25 to 30 percent of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Cattle production alone accounts for more than have of those gases, in the form of methane-laden flatulence and CO2 when forests -- especially in Brazil -- are cleared to accommodate livestock. A transport system dominated by cars contributes another 15 to 25 percent of emissions, and supports a sedentary lifestyle.

a prosecutor — employed former President Barack Obama’s folksy style of oration. As her maternal aunt Mahalakshmi, dressed in a resplendent blue sari, looked on, Harris spoke about one of her signature issues: maintaining the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which provides relief from deportation to young undocumented adults. Trump nixed the program in one of his first major moves after taking office, but federal judges have allowed the program to continue for existing DACA recipients. “Walking the halls of Congress, I’ve seen thousands of Dreamers who have been traveling to our nation’s capital, by bus, by car, believing that if the members of the Congress see them and hear their stories, that we’ll do the right thing,” she said. “They’re fighting to remain in the only country they have ever known.” Harris also called for immigration reform that offers a pathway to citizenship for the nation’s 11 million undocumented residents. She took aim at Trump, characterizing his signature issue, a U.S.-Mexico border wall, as “a medieval vanity proj-

ect.” Harris also lambasted the administration for “locking children up in cages,” a reference to the administration’s policy last year of separating children from their parents when they arrived at the border. Trump announced late last year that he was ending the controversial policy. Harris addressed several of the issues brought to focus by former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, who battled Democrat Hillary Clinton to the end for the party’s nomination. Harris took on the issue of economic disparity, noting that many people are living paycheck to paycheck, and relying on fraudulent loans to make ends meet. Harris also noted that many Americans believe a comfortable retirement is a distant dream, and that young adults are concerned about their economic viability. “I have predicted that people are disgusted with Trump and that she will be our next president.” Kapur said he raised funds for Harris’s Senate campaign and once told her directly: “Three million Indian Americans believe you are one of us.” (Courtesy: IndiaWest)

“Underpinning all of these are weak political governance, the unchallenging economic pursuit of GPD growth, and the powerful commercial engineering of overconsumption,” the report said. “Undernutrition is declining too slowly to meet global targets, no country has reversed its obesity epidemic, and comprehensive policy responses to the threat of climate change have barely begun.” Despite 30 years of warnings from science about the dire impacts of global warming, CO2 emissions hit record levels in 2017 and again last year. Because all these problems are interwoven, the answers must be too, the researchers emphasised. “Joining three pandemics” -- hunger, obesity, climate -- “together as ‘The Global Syndemic’ allows us to consider common drivers and shared solutions.” Another Lancet Commission report published last week calling for a dramatic shift in global diet to improve health and avoid “catastrophic” damage to the planet. “Until now, undernutrition and obesity have been seen as polar opposites of either too few or too many calories,” said Swinburn. “In reality, they are both driven by the same unhealthy, inequitable food systems, underpinned by the same political economy.” The report calls for a Framework Convention on Food Systems -- similar to global conventions for tobacco control and climate change -- to restrict the

influence of the food industry. - How we eat, live, move -

The experts also argue that economic incentives must be overhauled. Some five trillion dollars (4.4 trillion euros) in government subsidies for fossil fuels and large-scale agribusiness should be rechanneled toward “sustainable, healthy and environmentally friendly activities,” they said. To sharply reduce red meat consumption, for example, the report favours high taxes, abolishing subsidies, along with transparent health and environment labelling.In addition, they favour the creation of a one billion dollar philanthropic fund to support grassroots action. “Tackling ‘The Global Syndemic’ requires an urgent rethink of how we eat, live, consume and move,” said Richard Horton, editor-inchief of The Lancet. The two Lancet reports are not the only urgent appeal from science in recent months. In October, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change likewise called for an economic and social “paradigm shift” to avoid global chaos. Reaction to the Lancet recommendations has been sharply divided. Health advocates and climate experts hailed its sweeping call for deep change. “For too long we have been daydreaming our way to a diseased future,” said Katie Dain, CEO of the Noncommunicable Disease Alliance. “A food system that secures a better diet for this and the immediate next generations will save millions of lives and, at the same time, help save the planet.” Industry representatives and libertarians slammed the findings as overwrought and an assault on free choice. “This is the final vindication for those of us who have warned about the slippery slope of regulation,” said Christopher Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at the Londonbased Institute of Economic Affairs. “Nanny-state zealots are no longer hiding their intention to use the anti-tobacco blueprint to control other areas of our lives.” (Courtesy: https://www.timesnownews.com)

Austin South Asian | February 2019

The Right Start: Taking A Hard look At Preschools And Daycares

By Sugandha Jain Most parents think they can spot a poor quality preschool or childcare center. But the fact is, parents are woefully in the dark when it comes to making this kind of judgment. “Parents cannot assess quality directly,” says Dr. Suzanne Helburn, Professor Emerita of Economics at the University of Colorado, Denver and co-author of the book America’s Child Care Problem. “So [some things] are subject to cost cutting strategies by providers whose quality looks good to parents, but who skimp on practices that affect quality that parents cannot readily observe.” Studies by both the RAND corporation and the Cost and Quality Project bear this out. Both studies found that parents tended to overestimate the quality of care at daycare centers. Indeed, in the Cost and Quality Project study, many parents rated

their child’s daycare or preschool as “very high” quality. But when trained observers rated the same centers, the results were “poor” or “mediocre”. That’s because a typical parent judges a daycare center or preschool on whether the site is safe, clean, and in their budget rather than on how well the center provides emotional care and intellectual stimulation. To figure that out, you have to look at the staff. And that’s the place most centers skimp. Before enrolling your child in any daycare center or preschool, you should ask how much education the teachers have, how long they’ve been with the school or center, and how much they are paid.

Licensing vs. Accreditation Once you’ve determined whether a preschool or daycare center has educated, well paid teachers, you should ask about its accreditation. A lot of childcare centers will tout the fact that they are “licensed.” This doesn’t mean anything. “Licensing of child care is a foundation, and basically it is a permission to operate,” says Dr. Diane Adams, a senior lecturer and project manager at the Wisconsin Child Care Research Partnership. “Licensing is not the same as meeting high quality standards, such as accreditation.” When it comes to early childhood education, the gold standard is accreditation by the NAEYC.

It’s also important to know whether the center offers health care or other benefits to its staff.

The NAEYC requires accredited centers and preschools to adhere to strict quality guidelines.

If most of the tuition is being used to pay staff salaries and benefits, then the program is likely to attract and retain qualified staff.

The list is long and involved, and includes everything from low child-to-teacher ratios, age-appropriate curriculum, suitable furnishings, and even what kind of food can be served to children.

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Schools that re-

ceive NAEYC accreditation demonstrate to parents that they strive to provide a high quality environment for children. Check ’Em Out It goes without saying that you should visit a daycare center or preschool before placing your child in it. But dispassionately evaluating a center can be nearly impossible for most parents. “Selecting a child care center is very much like the process of selecting a college for a graduating senior,” says Dr. Adams, “except not nearly enough comparative information is available.” For this reason, parents can be easily wowed by things like classroom activities or worksheets. To avoid this, ask what a typical day looks like for the children— and how much time teachers have to prepare and plan for it. Also take a good, long look around: What are the kids on the playground doing? What are the teachers doing? How are children engaged in learning? “A daycare [or preschool] should

be a vibrant, lively place, and children should be talking, laughing and having fun,” says Chris Van Deusen of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. “However, it shouldn’t be chaotic—the adults should be running the place, and it should be clear who is in charge.” Once you’ve chosen a reliable preschool or daycare center, stop by periodically during the day—unannounced—to ensure that your child is being well cared for (reject centers or preschools that do not allow you to pop in whenever you want). If you notice anything amiss, you should immediately report it to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Choosing a good daycare center or preschool is a lot of work. And, in the end, you get what you pay for. “In 1985, I chose to drive a 10-yearold car so I could pay a little more for child care tuition,” says Dawn Leach, director of the Austin Community College Children’s Lab School. “I have never regretted that choice.” Sugandha Jain is the Educational Director of The Goddard School. You can contact her at 512-6705034.

Austin South Asian | February 2019

Why All Austinites Should Celebrate The Black History Month – Some Events

(Continued from page 1) History

1.Celebrating Black History Month allows us to pause and remember

the stories of African Americans so we can commemorate their achievements.

Americans have officially celebrated Black History Month since February 10, 1976, when President Gerald R. Ford established it as a national observance in an address that lauded its founder, AfricanAmerican historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson.

gained. 3. It helps break unfair stereotypes and assumptions and provides the chance to focus on different aspects of the African American narrative. 4. It helps provide other groups the opportunity to learn about a past and of a people of which they may have little awareness.

Dr. Carter Woodson, known as the father of black history, was the son of former slaves. He worked his way out of the Kentucky coalmines to become a Harvard-educated historian and journalist. Disheartened to discover that history books excluded the black experience in American life, he took on the challenge of writing a proud and true African-American history into America’s national consciousness. Why everyone should celebrate the Black History Month:

This year’s theme Migration

2. Celebrating Helps Us to Be Better understand the privileges the American society has

Associaltion for the Study of African Amierican Life and History (ASALH) has named Black Migrations the theme of 2019 to emphasize the movement of people of African descent to new destinations and subsequently to new social realities. While inclusive of earlier centuries, this theme focuses especially on the twentieth century through today.

Sports brands commemorate the month with designs on shoes For 2019, an extensive range of sports shoes have been highlighted by some of the hottest Nike, Jordan Brand and Converse models in the sneaker market, featuring an assortment of traditional African decorations to commemorate the month. Things to do in Austin to honor the month: 1. John Lewis: Get in the Way – Feb 5, 7 p.m. Free documentary and conversation to celebrate African American History Month – Austin Public Library, Milwood Branch, 12500 Amherst Dr. 2. Black History Month Artist Exhibition – Thu, Feb 7, 5 p.m. Free at Herman Schieffer House / East Room, Austin, TX 3. That’s My Face – Friday, Feb 15, 6:30 p.m. Free screening of the film Purple Dreams at George Washington Carver Museum, Austin, TX. 4. Visit the State Capitol Rotunda’s “Barbara Jordan” exhibit starting Feb. 21.

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Muslim Space In Austin Celebrates First Birthday At AARC By Sumaiya Malik

faith, service and social programs

the Asian American Resource Cen-

with book clubs, Feed It Forward and community pot luck to build bridges and provide incentives to youth and adults together.

ter.

Austin South Asian | February 2019

KARTHIK WEDS AVANTHI Jan 26, 2019

Muslim Space is a non-denominational community organization serving the greater Austin area. They strive to provide an open and welcoming environment to all self-identifying Muslims, as well as those connected to or interested in Islam, who wish to gather, unite and support one another. The organization has a lovable story on how it was formed, on their website muslimspace.org. Fawzia, Shadia, Zainib, Shabana, Malikah, Uzma, Ayesha, Muna & Sana are young moms who on play dates talked about a space they wished their families could share where their American and Islamic identities could come together. Casual chats became more constructive when families started working towards this idea together. A local non-profit was born which offers three kinds of programs:

Once a month they offer sisters only Friday prayers. On January 19, the organization celebrated it’s first birthday with cake, snacks, games, and more at

They are currently recruiting for board members, committee volunteers and project leaders. To support the organization or contact them, please visit www.muslimspace.org

Spring Events To Keep On Your Radar By Sumaiya Malik & Amil Malik With winter break over and school / university back on, things are getting back to a regular schedule. As a result, many community happenings are coming up which should be on your radar. We made a list for you:

February 14 – Valentine’s Day! Wish EVERYONE and spread the

love. February 21 – Take advantage of free admission at the Blanton with extended hours from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. today and every third Thursday of the month. For a full list of when to visit Austin museums for free visit http://do512family.com/free-austin-museums.

March 3 – Holi (The Festival of Colors). Spread some color and

joy!

at the festival.

details will be published soon.

March 8 – 17 – South by Southwest is an annual conglomerate of film, interactive media, and music festivals and conferences that takes place in mid-March in Austin, Texas, United States.

March 29 – Attend the Un Gala Supporting the Arts at Fair Market hosted Agni Arts Foundation. This event will be honoring South Asian artists as well as other locals making special contributions to the artistic community.

April 14 – Also attend the Connecther Girls Impact the World Film Festival at St. Andrew’s Dell Fine Arts Theater. The Girls Impact the World Film Festival is an annual event that focuses on issues facing women and girls around the world. Visit www.connecther.org for details.

Visit the festival website for more information and check o u t https:// volunt e e r . sxsw. com/ for volunteer opportunities. Volunteers with enough hours get complimentary passes to events

April 5 – Make time for the Childlife Foundation Fundraiser featuring dinner at Maggiano’s in the Domain. Childlife is a non-profit that operates primary care clinics in low-income areas in Pakistan. For more information contact Omer Dossani at +1-512-396-0085. April 14 – Don’t miss the Indie Meme Youth Film Festival, their annual youth event being hosted this time at Austin Film Society Cinema. Selected films about South Asian subjects made by high school will be shown along with an independent film for youth. More

April 19 to 21 – Check out the full Indie Meme Film Festival at Austin Film Society Cinema. A 501c(3) non-profit, Indie Meme’s mission is to promote socially relevant independent cinema from South Asia in an effort to influence social and cultural awareness and facilitate dialogue. Independent films from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Iran have been shown in the past. Visit www.indiememe.org for more information.

Austin South Asian | February 2019

Standing Ovation To Nagavalli With Encore Of Mast Qalandar At One World Theater By Sumaiya Malik When Austin based vocalist and composer Nagavalli took her bow at the end of her solo concert at One World Theater on the eve of January 20th, she had mesmerized her audience not just by her eloquent voice, eastern compositions, modern local music and control of every note and gesture in music, but also with the humility and honesty with which she honored the Women’s March and thanked her contemporaries for helping her get to where she is.

State. Music is something she naturally moved towards because it is just an integral part of her. In fact, the encore song her audience encouraged her to perform

a web-like necklace, Nagavalli’s eyes glowed with pride as she addressed a full house about how she was honoring the Women’s March by pushing herself more than at other times.

This one did more than that. It cast a spell even on the people in the back and I remember holding my breath when Nagavalli continued to sing the most difficult of notes. With a voice that was both airy and meditative, Nagavalli took an audience of men and women of mixed ethnicities through emotions of serenity, wisdom, truth, humility and gratitude.

Nagavalli is not new to Austin. She has been a part of the music circles of Austin for the past twenty years. Her original classical training in India and her dedication to music helped her establish herself and make friends in the music world with ease. One would think she moved to Austin for music since Austin is really the ‘live music capital of the world,’ but she actually came to work here in the tech industry after a double masters from Florida

Nagavalli started with a track from her new album, Immersion, which she calls a “back-to-roots” journey with spiritual and devotional music. Perhaps the first song is supposed to settle the audience.

Track after track she shuffled her musicians and displayed composure and expertise giving great respect to Inderjeet Banerjee on the sitar. and she obliged was “duma dum must qalandar,” a song she used to sing even in school in India. Wearing a black chiffon duster on dark jeans and tee adorned by what seemed to be black beads making

The concert began with an introduction from Austin Art Hall of Fame Inductee Anuradha Naimpally who paid respect to the artist for the contribution to dance and music alike.

Nagavalli, or Valli as her friends call her, invited Patrice Pike and Oliver Rajamani to come join her on stage and together they performed the most amazing numbers. Pike and Nagavalli sang at par

Grammy award nominee Eliza Gilkyson’s Nocturne Diaries to the gleeful claps of the audience. Oliver Rajamani came with his Oudh and performed what is called Roma music. He came back for Duma dum Mast Qalander at the end again. What a night! Fans thronged the lobby for autographs and to buy her CD Immersion amid photographs and flashes. Her peers and colleagues stayed till the end. Fans took pictures with Gilkyson and Pike who stayed to chat. Seema Govil of TV ASIA recorded on the spot interviews. Valli was named one of the Top 10 Female Vocalists and World Music artists at the 2015 – 2016 Austin Music Awards. She has worked with musicians from various genres including Latin pop, American rock, classical jazz and Middle-Eastern folk. For more information about Nagavalli please visit www.nagavalli. com

Indie Meme Youth Festival – Call For Youth Submissions By Sumaiya Malik The call for submissions is now open for the Indie Meme 2nd Youth Film Festival and will remain open until end of March.

workshops for students with mentors who are actually educators in the film field. The first workshop has already

on February 9. Tania Romero and Gil Garcia will lead the workshops. Tania Romero is a media production instruc-

Indie Meme board member, Raka Sandell, who is leading the youth initiative at the Indie Meme Film Festival (IMFF) explained that Indie Meme is accepting short 5-minutes films from high school students throughout Austin.

A graduate of The University of Texas Radio Television Film Program, Gil started his career in advertising, producing video for companies like GSD&M and LatinWorks. In the final workshop, Tania and Gil will discuss Make-a-Film-ina-Day.

The only criteria is that the films should have some South Asian ties — either in cast, crew or theme. Free filmmaking workshops are underway to help and encourage students to make the short films. The festival has combed out all possible hurdles that the students might face in making the short films. For this purpose they have set up a series of three 1½ hour

Gill Garcia is a producer and freelance filmmaker with an extensive background working in Media Arts Education.

This is an excellent opportunity for students interested or unfamiliar with the knowhow of filmmaking to learn the craft.

happened. But students can still join the last two. The next one is

tor and award-winning filmmaker with ten years teaching experience.

Student film submissions are due by March 31st. Once all have been received, the Indie Meme programming team will view them all and select some to be viewed by a larger audience on April 14 at AFS

Cinema at 7 p.m. The young filmmakers whose movies will be shown will be a part of a panel discussion and Q&A session. The team also plans to play youth film on the same night. This is a great initiative as it encourages high school students to try something under the supervision of established mentors for free. It also gives them a glimpse of how film festivals run. Moreover, in a competitive world where more and more things are required on students resume as they graduate, participating in the festival will be yet another feather in their cap. For more information about submissions and the form to fill out, please visit www.indiememe.org

Austin South Asian | February 2019

South Asians’ International Volunteer Association

SAIVA had an absolutely amazing

nity around $141,800.

accepting new members and volunteers, please email saivacommunications@gmail.com. To enable and sponsor activities, please email saivacommunications@gmail.com. Mark your calendars for March 31, surprise event is yet to come.

MEN CAN COOK! 2018 and we really want to give huge thank you to our core volunteers, our partnerships, donors, and board. There were so many new activities, growth opportunity, and lots of volunteering that SAIVA participated and could not do it without our community. SAIVA generated to the commu-

2019 is underway and SAIVA has added card making, through a nonprofit called Operations Gratitude, for veterans and first responders as an activity.

Email your recipe with your photos and see

Our members had a great time and looking forward to more throughout the year.

Info@Austin SouthAsian.com

yourself in print

To find out more about SAIVA, please visit www.saiva.org. We are

New Cars Depreciate Fast: How to Protect Your Investment Buying a new car? Before taking the plunge, it’s important to make sure that shiny new ride is fully covered from an insurance standpoint. Why? Most people are familiar

drastically depreciates the minute it’s driven off the lot. According to Carfax.com, it’s true. The vehicle history information database says a new car loses 10 percent of its value the minute it’s

percent by the end of the first year. And cars with lesser brand name appeal and fewer options can depreciate even more, some by as much as 50 percent in a single year. That means if your new ride gets totaled, your insurance payout could be much less than what you paid for the car (or what you owe on your loan, for that matter). Fortunately, new car buyers can protect themselves from this situation with what’s generally known as new car replacement coverage. For example, at Erie Insurance, this coverage comes in the form of an add-on called New Auto Security that can be tacked onto a policy for a modest cost.

with that old adage that a new car

driven off the lot and another 10

If an owner has had a car for less than two years and it gets totaled, Erie Insurance would pay the cost

to replace it with a car in the newest model year, minus the deductible. And, if the new car is in a crash but is not deemed a total loss, the company would pay to repair the vehicle to brand new condition, without any deduction for depreciation. While new car buyers would be smart to add this coverage before even driving the car off the lot, New Auto Security coverage isn’t restricted to when the car is purchased; it can be added later. “Buyers should to be aware of the risks associated with depreciation

and take the necessary precautions to protect their investment,” says Jon Bloom, vice president of personal auto, Erie Insurance. “We recommend that anyone buying a new car talk with their insurance agent to make sure they would be able to replace it in the event it’s totaled, or at least be able to pay off their loan. Having the right coverage will provide peace of mind and make that new car ownership experience that much more enjoyable.” (StatePoint)

To Advertise In ASA call 512-828-6709

Austin South Asian | February 2019

Tips for Senior Dog Care

As your dog ages, your care must evolve to meet your furry friend’s changing needs, particularly when it comes to mobility, injury-prevention and recovery.

Using paw or toe grips, such as Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips, can provide dogs with greater traction, helping them get up off the ground and to slide less on wood floors.

• Pain management:

vance.

helpemup.com.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most prescribed medications for treating

• Lifting assistance:

• Rehab:

Aging and injured dogs can have trouble lifting themselves off the floor, up stairs and into cars, and you may not always be able to safely assist them yourself.

Just as you would follow a course of rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy after a hip or knee surgery or injury, so should your dog.

The following tips can help keep your aging dog mobile, healthy and happy. • Fish oil: Originally recommended for treating canine allergies, fish oil is now used to treat numerous conditions, including arthritis and high cholesterol. Consult your veterinarian about the proper dose for your pup.

For some help, use a special harness, such as the Help ‘Em Up Harness.

• Paw or toe grips: As your aging dog’s hips get weaker, the risk of knee, hip or spinal injury increases. Hip dysplasia is particularly common among larger dogs.

You may also want to try placing down rugs or yoga mats where your dog tends to spend time, to reduce the chance of sliding and injury.

conditions such as arthritis in dogs. Don’t attempt to treat your dog with your own over-the-counter pain medications. Get dog-specific medications, such as Dazequin Ad-

A nine-point chest and hip harness made of comfortable waterproof material, it can help aging pets or pets recovering from surgery stay active, gain confidence in their mobility, reduce the risk of re-injury and have a better quality of life. More information can be found at www.

Seek out a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist to help improve the function and mobility of your dog’s muscles and joints. Muscle strengthening can help your dog stay injury free, as well as manage pain. Providing dogs with a great quality of life involves new considerations as they age. Be sure to take special precautions with dogs facing mobility issues and pain, as well as preventive steps to reduce the risk of injury. (StatePoint)

Tips To Spend Wisely On Household Purchases Running a household can be expensive, but experts say that there are new ways you can save big on needed items. “The days of clipping coupons may be out of style, but finding ways to save money never is,” says Michael McAuliffe, president of Family Credit Management. “From in-store apps to price trackers, new tech tools can help.”

It’s like adding an additional search box which will know to look for the best deals out there whenever you are shopping online and compare prices side-by-side, cutting

• Coupon Apps: Mobile apps such as Coupon Sherpa, SnipSnap and Yowza, enable you to scan items while you’re in-

But, how can you keep track of who is dropping them and when? With a tracker app, you can tell the app what to look for and it will notify you when your wanted items drop in price. IFTTT (If This Then That), camelcamelcamel and Price Tracker for Amazon will keep an eye on prices for you to make sure you’re the first to see the best deals.

The experts at Family Credit Management are encouraging consumers to research their money-saving options, as technology is always evolving. To get you started, they have narrowed down a few tech-savvy ways to streamline and save.

• Credit Card Points/Discounts:

• Browser Extensions: Whether you use Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari or Firefox as your internet browser, there are sites you can visit to add an extension to your searching power.

ing Amazon is the be-all-and-endall for saving. Prices drop all the time.

out some of the legwork for you. Some well-known examples are PriceBlink, The Camelizer and InvisibleHand.

store and find the best value coupons on the spot. • Price Drop Alert Trackers: Don’t make the mistake of assum-

Credit cards can encourage overspending, but when used carefully and within budget, offer certain advantages. For example, store-specific credit cards often offer special discounts, kickbacks and coupons for card-

holders. Just think how you could double up on the savings by using some of the above tools, as well as by purchasing with a card with added bonuses. Remember though, that any savings you earn will quickly be eaten up if you pay interest charges. To avoid this trap, never use a credit card unless you can pay the entire balance in full each month. Also, think very carefully about opening a new account, as this can negatively affect your credit. More household shopping, spending and saving tips can be found at familycredit.org. When it comes to household spending, be smart. You can stay within budget by practicing spending discipline and leveraging the latest tech tools. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | February 2019

5 Tips For A Great Season Of Winter Sports It’s time to enjoy all your favorite winter sports.

Stay informed with wearable technology, such as the WSD-F30 Pro

The smart outdoor watch offers wearers the pertinent information

designed specifically for winter sports.

Whether you are traveling afar to hit the slopes or enjoying a closeto-home day of sledding and snow ball fights, it’s important to keep in mind that outdoor adventure in cooler weather requires preparation.

3. Stay Healthy.

Here are five tips to help you best enjoy the season.

For example, drinking water and staying hydrated is important whenever you are physically active.

Just because the temperature is colder doesn’t mean you should skip on the important things you do to stay healthy at other times of the year.

1. Dress for Warmth. Going on a ski weekend? Ice skating? To avoid exposure, ensure your clothes and accessories will stand up to the elements. They should be waterproof, windproof and durable, for maximize comfort, warmth and safety. 2. Use Tech Tools.

Trek Smart Outdoor Watch from Casio, which includes a compass, barometer and altimeter for outdoor adventures.

needed for a safe and happy day of outdoor sports and adventure, including sunrise and sunset times. Apps such as Ski Tracks (which records your day on the slopes) are

And while the days may be shorter, the sun can still be quite powerful, so keep using SPF on any exposed skin, and wear eye protection such as sunglasses designed for sports or goggles. 4. Consider Renting. Before investing in expensive, space-consuming equipment up-

front, consider whether it’s more worthwhile to rent or buy these items. Factor in such details as how much use you will get out of the equipment each winter, the location of your upcoming trips, how you are getting there and how much storage space you have at home. 5. Prioritize Safety. Winter sports can be a lot fun, particularly when everyone stays safe and injury-free. Ensure that everyone in your family is properly fitted for safety equipment. For children, sizing may change year to year. Listen to the advice of any instructors you work with and always follow the directions and safety rules at the facility. (StatePoint)

Tips To Tackle 2019 With Greater Financial Confidence Many Americans will start the New Year with specific goals or resolutions in mind. While resolutions are often broken where your finances are concerned, they don’t have to be.

help you prepare for life’s surprises and face them with confidence.

help determine if and when to finetune your plan.

A financial plan doesn’t need to be

If you already have a relationship

• Set a specific goal.

“Diversifying your portfolio to include a source of protected lifetime income, like an annuity with optional benefits, can help to safeguard savings and provide for predictable income in your retirement,” says John Kennedy, head of Retirement Solutions Distribution, Lincoln Financial Group.

Setting goals for the year may actually boost your confidence about achieving them.

Whether it’s saving more for retirement or paying off a debt, setting a goal is a great place to start.

Build diversity into your retirement income plan by incorporating different sources of lifetime income in addition to Social Security. Do you have a pension? Have you considered incorporating an annuity as a portion of your plan?

Use these tips to tackle 2019 with greater financial confidence.

In fact, those who set a financial goal for themselves in 2017 were more likely to feel that their finances had improved over the course of the year, compared to those with no financial goal, according to research from Lincoln Financial Group.

ket drops.

complicated, but it should cover everything that’s important to you at this specific stage of your life.

• Make a plan.

A financial advisor can provide an objective voice to help you stay focused on your goals while balancing your risk preferences and time horizon.

Having a financial plan in place can

They can also provide education to

with an advisor, the New Year is a great opportunity to schedule time to review your plan and make any necessary adjustments. • Consider sources of protected lifetime income. Eighty-two percent of pre-retirees are concerned about what will happen to their investments if the mar-

• Strategize taxes. Recent changes in tax laws have

some concerned about how taxes will impact their finances and retirement income this year. Discuss tax-smart strategies with your advisor to help increase your income and keep you on the right track. More information, tips and resources can be found by visiting www.lincolnfinancial.com. To make 2019 a financial success, stay focused on your goals and don’t work without a plan. Also, consider consulting a professional who can provide financial and tax advice, and can help you strategize ways to be successful. (StatePoint)

For ADs Contact

512-828-6709

Austin South Asian | February 2019

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas To Wow That Special Someone

Flowers and chocolates are always fun to give and receive on Valentine’s Day, but if you are looking to shake things up with your giftgiving, there are plenty of ways to tell someone you love them.

for learning to play songs, and faithfully reproduces the sound of acoustic instruments such as gui-

• Upgrade Home Technology:

Instantaneously upgrade his or her

Here are unique gift ideas to really wow that special someone.

Whether it’s a pair of concert tickets, a long weekend to an exciting destination or dinner on the town, the gift of an experience, particularly one that allows you to spend time together doing something new and different, can be both meaningful and memorable.

Are you shopping for a musician or someone who would like to learn to play an instrument? Wherever that someone is on his or her musical journey, and no matter your budget, you shouldn’t have to compromise on quality to make Valentine’s Day special. New keyboard models, for example, are making it possible to get great sound quality at a modest price. One example is the CT-X700, which comes equipped with tools

Look for a model that offers instant on and off functionality so there’s no down time before getting started. The LampFree XJ-F210WN from Casio, a mercury-free model, has a high power 16-watt speaker and a long operating life, making it a good choice for serious movie enthusiasts, gear heads and gamers who prefer a low maintenance option.

• Go Somewhere:

• Give the Gift of Music:

home theater or gaming system with a projector.

• Personalize It:

lyrics of a favorite song or a picture of the two of you to personalize a special gift. From jigsaw puzzles to throw blankets to tumblers and cutting boards, you can personalize just about anything these days with photos, monograms, sayings and more. This Valentine’s Day, get creative with your gift-giving. Select items that support your recipient’s hobbies and offer you an opportunity to spend time together. (StatePoint)

Use a photo of a beloved pet, the tars, drums, basses, brass, wind instruments, string ensembles and more.

What To Consider Before Mentoring A Child

Its extensive library of 600 tones and 195 rhythms, allows musicians to create their own masterpieces and is nice for budding and seasoned musicians alike.

January is National Mentoring Month, and a great time to think about how you can change the life of a young person. As you make plans to become a mentor, here are some things to consider:

• Cook Together:

• Think about your strengths. Do you have valuable career information to impart? Do you love sports? There are many types of mentorship opportunities available, so knowing what kind of mentoring you are most interested in can help you find the program in your community where you will be most effective.

Beat the crowds and surge pricing -- make a romantic playlist, plan a delicious menu and select a great bottle of wine or other beverage of choice for a fine dining Valentine’s Day experience in your own home.

• Determine the amount of time and energy you have to commit to mentoring, as well as what age group you would work with best.

• What resources will you need to be an effective mentor? Find out what type of training you can expect before beginning your mentorship and what other assistance and support the program offers after you get started. (SPM Wire)

The Adventures Of Randy & Square Kid

Abhiveer Annoji

Austin South Asian | February 2019

HC4A 2018 Selfless Service Award Recipients By Harish Kotecha Since 2013, HC4A (Hindu Chari-

ing Income Disparity through Education” with the motto: SERVE WHERE YOU LIVETM.

Sujata Vadi – Initiating HC4A Newsletter Meena Vakharia – Creative Support The award ceremony was attended by HC4A Executive, Foundation Board, HC4A Events Committee members and the recipients and their families

ties for America) has been recognizing volunteers for their selfless service to HC4A mission of “Bridg-

This year the recipients are: Seema Govil - Support and Vision for Dancing With the Stars

Sankara Eye Foundation Team of volunteers - Dedicated Selfless Support, award accepted by Koushik Kundu

How To Stretch Your Budget By Saving On Mobile Devices

Life is expensive, but when it comes to upgrading mobile devices, you can save big by not paying the price for a brand-new model.

director of eCommerce at MyWit. “In today’s market it is very easy to find affordable, high-quality refurbished devices.”

The alternative? A refurbished device. Experts say the idea that all

Indeed, many mobile phones, tablets and accessories that come from

refurbished devices were broken or had problems in a past life is a misconception.

trade-in and upgrade programs were perfectly good devices that owners traded in for newer models.

“Whether you’re bargain hunting or you’re looking to go green and reduce electronic waste, you’re in luck,” says David Conti, senior

With so many consumers out there reliably seeking the latest, such trade-ins and sales are becoming more popular, making it easier to

navigate the market for a previously owned device.

Pankil Matalia - for his Leadership with School Supplies Event Manish Modh - Dedicated Selfless Support

We thank them and other volunteers for making 2018 yet another successful year so that over 1,500 homeless children have school supplies and 101 economically disadvantaged students received HC4A Scholarships giving them a path to success with vocational training scholarships. Visit HC4A.org or email info@ hc4a.org for volunteer opportunities

How To Keep Dogs Safe During Cold Weather Walks

If you do go this route, be sure to stick with reputable sources where you can trust the device to be in fully functional condition and opt for the longest guarantee available, at least 90 days.

Make winter a wonderland for dogs by ensuring they’re safe when temperatures drop.

For example, those from MyWit undergo an extensive 65+ point inspection of cosmetics, functionality and connectivity to ensure optimal performance.

sParticularly at risk are dogs that are shortlegged, older, or sick, say the dog-walking experts at Wag!

Tests verify every function that a customer can use (camera, audio, SIM, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) is in 100 percent working order and connectivity tests ensure wireless devices deliver a consistent quality of connection and do not drop available signals.

For winter dog safety tips and to find dog walkers in your area, visit wagwalking. com.

When it comes to mobile upgrades, replacements and tech items, being willing to forgo the newest models can stretch your budget further without sacrificing on quality. (StatePoint)

While dogs have fur coats, they can still get too cold in the snow, frigid temperatures, and severe storms.

This winter, take precautionary measures to keep dogs healthy and happy, no matter what the weather brings. (StatePoint)

Recycle Old Batteries

Is it time to finally declutter your junk drawers, closets, attic and basement? If these areas of your home contain used batteries, you’re in good company.

efforts, experts say it’s worthwhile to take the time to gather used batteries and properly recycle them. “Responsible ownership of technology products extends to end-of-life management of the batteries that power those products,” says Carl Smith, CEO and president of Call2Recycle, Inc.

One in five consumers store some or all of their used batteries from the past year, according to a recent Nielsen study conducted on behalf of Call2Recycle. Whether it’s electronics packed away in the attic or boxed toys in the basement, old batteries are everywhere.

“By properly recycling those old batteries, consumers can help protect people and property.” From old power tools to cordless telephones, cameras, e-readers, tablets and cellphones, many people don’t know what to do with the dead batteries inside their electronics. Indeed, more than half of individuals throwing away battery-operated electronic devices leave the battery attached. To safely and easily recycle the batteries you find, Call2Recycle recommends the following steps:

As part of your de-cluttering

1. Tape:

Protect the ends/terminals with non-conductive electrical, duct or clear packing tape. 2. Bag: Store the taped batteries in a clear plastic bag that closes. 3. Drop: Recycle your rechargeable batteries at a convenient Call2Recycle drop-off location, including retail partners The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Staples. It’s an easy task to complete while running everyday errands. Eighty-six percent of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Call2Recycle drop-off location. More information about proper battery disposal can be found by visiting call2recycle.org. To protect your family and home, take the step of recycling your used batteries. It’s a simple way to make a positive impact on the environment and keep the people and property you love safe. (StatePoint)

Gum Infection May Be Behind Alzheimer’s Disease: Study A new study published in the journal ‘Science Advances’ found that gum infection could be a potential risk factor of Alzheimer’s disease.

CNN. The same bacteria was further found in 51 out of 53 brain au-

The pharmaceutical company, which is focused on developing therapeutics to alter the course of Alzheimer’s disease, funded the research. The team also tested blocking the bacteria in mice by injecting small molecules targeting Pg, to inhibit it and found that it could reduce neurodegeneration in the brain, showing a potential new way to tackle Alzheimer’s disease. According to Lynch, her team’s publication “sheds light on an unexpected driver of Alzheimer’s pathology -- the bacterium commonly associated with chronic gum disease.”

The bacteria, Porphyromonasgingivalis, known as Pg, causes the gum infection chronic periodontitis, causing chronic inflammation and potential loss of teeth, reported

topsies of Alzheimer’s disease patients, according to new research by Dr. Stephen Dominy and Casey Lynch, founders of the pharmaceutical firm Cortexyme.

Lynch further added that it also shows a “promising approach” to address the disease. (Courtesy: https://www.thehansindia.com)

Austin South Asian | February 2019

Saint For The New Millennium

HH Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja “Chinna Jeeyar” Swami is one of the world’s most enlightened spiritual and humanitarian leader. Chinna Jeeyar Swami’s vision is to empower the impoverished communities across the world to have equal access and opportunities to quality education, healthcare, and self-confidence to live a life filled with dignity and pride. Swamiji works to promote harmony and peace by following two principles: 1. “Serve all beings as service to god” 2. “Worship your own, respect all” Swamiji is someone who practices first, then preaches. Along these lines he has led the effort to build an icon to promote equality, the Statue of Equality. The mission of the project is to inspire the world’s entire population, 7.6 billion and counting, to help make the world a more equal place to live. The Statue of Equality is more than a monument. It’s a symbol. A movement. For people all over the world to come together in pursuit of a fairer, more compassionate place to live. Please visit www.statueofequality.org to learn more and follow the status of the project. With the goal of helping families live a balanced and fulfilling life, Swamiji has set up the Jeeyar Educational Trust (www.jetusa.org), an international non-profit organization that has chapters all over the globe. JET organizes few key programs to help families participate and live these principles Prajna - An education program for children and families that provides a modularized curriculum imparting rich knowledge of Sanathana Dharma. Children learn to live a spiritually enriching life and also practice the highest principles. Please email prajna.austin@gmail.com for more information on local learning opportunities. Raganjali - A team of amateur and professional music lovers who come together to perform devotional songs and bhajans. No prior music experience is necessary. Please contact our local chapter at austinraganjali@ gmail.com for more information. Additionally, to improve the world around us, Swamiji has set up a global non-religious service organization, VT Seva. The mission of the organization is to promote understanding and tolerance in society by empowering our youth and adults with the value of volunteering and philanthropy. Primary focus areas are: 1.Education: provide education to underprivileged children and visually challenged children/youth 2. Health care: spread awareness about cancer and provide facilities for early cancer detection & treatment in improvised communities. 3. Environment protection: spread awareness about being environmentally friendly and protecting our mother earth. 4. Disaster relief Please contact our local chapter at vtseva.austin@gmail.com. Local Opportunity Learn more and Get involved JET Austin would like to invite and welcome the community to take part in the grand Kalyanaotsavam of Lord Ranganatha and Sri Goda Devi under the leadership of Sri Sri Ahobila Jeeyar Swamy, a disciple of Chinna Jeeyar Swami. When: February 17th, 2019 from 5pm onwards Where: Murchison Middle School Jai Sriman Narayana!

Austin South Asian | February 2019

Women Gain Weight In High Demand Jobs Women who face heavy psychological pressures at work are more likely to gain weight, a study claims. The study, published in the journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, included data from over 3,872 participants in Sweden.

age 30 to 50 or from 40 to 60. To estimate the level of job demands, the respondents were asked about their work pace, psychological pressures, whether there was enough time for their duties and how often the demands made were contradictory.

often they learned something new; whether the job called for imagination or advanced skills; and whether the respondent was personally able to choose what to do and how to do it. The results show that the respon-

“We were able to see that high job demands played a part in women’s weight gain, while for men there was no association between high demands and weight gain,” said Sofia Klingberg, a researcher at University of Gothenburg in Sweden. The participants in the study were investigated on three occasions over a 20-year period with respect to such variables as body weight and demands and control at work. They were followed either from

gained considerable weight, defined as a weight gain of 10 per cent or more, in the course of the study. This applied to women and men alike. On the other hand, longterm exposure to high job demands played a part only for women. In just over half of the women who had been subjected to high demands, a major increase in weight took place over the 20 years. This gain in weight was some 20 per cent higher than in women subject to low job demands. “When it came to the level of demands at work, only the women were affected,” Klingberg said. “We haven’t investigated the underlying causes, but it may conceivably be about a combination of job demands and the greater responsibility for the home that women often assume.

The questions about control at work covered such matters as how

dents with a low degree of control in their work more frequently

This may make it difficult to find time to exercise and live a healthy

life,” Klingberg said. Having had or not had an academic education does not explain the associations in the study. Neither do quality of diet or other lifestyle factors. However, the information about dietary intake comes from the respondents themselves, with a certain risk of incorrect reporting. At the same time, given the problems associated with work-related stress, the study is relevant in terms of public health. The researchers think identification of groups who are susceptible to stress and efforts to reduce workrelated stress would likely achieve a decrease not only in weight gain but also in the incidence of ill health, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. (Courtesy: https://www.thehansindia.com)

Birds Can See A ‘Colour’ Humans Can’t Birds see a very different world to the one we’re familiar with, and now we can get a hint of what that looks like thanks to a specially designed camera that simulates birdo-vision. Apart from being fascinating, the resulting images also explain why birds can navigate so accurately through dense foliage. Behavioural biologist Cynthia Tedore formerly from Lund University in Sweden explains that the team wanted to look for patterns in nature that birds see, but scientists have not yet thought to look for. They chose to explore bird vision because birds are very visually orientated - they use their sight to forage and hunt for food - and unlike human eyes, bird eyes can detect a fourth colour. In our eyes, we have three types of colour receptors, or cones - they are sensitive to red, blue and green frequencies of light. Birds have a fourth receptor that varies across species in the type of frequency it can detect.

Some birds, like Australian honeyeaters, have their fourth colour receptors sensitive to violet light; in others, such as parrots, these cones can detect light further into the UV part of the spectrum. To find out how these violet- and UV-sensitive cones translate visually, researchers photographed dense forest habitat in both Sweden and Australia using a multispectral camera with specially designed filters to mimic what a bird can see. What they discovered was quite striking. The multispectral images clearly show how UV sensitivity detects a greater contrast between the upper and lower surfaces of leaves, making each leaf’s position and orientation stand out in a very clear, 3D way. “What appears to be a green mess to humans are clearly distinguishable leaves for birds. No one knew about this until this study,” said biologist Dan-Eric Nilsson, also from Lund University. Both the upper and lower leaf surfaces reflect similar levels of UV

light, so the researchers think the differences are due to how much UV the leaves reflect versus transmit. UV light was reflected off the leaves more than 25 times the amount that was transmitted through them. In comparison, our beady eyes can’t tell the difference because green light is both transmitted and reflected around the same amount, creating far less contrast when viewed through green frequencies. “[UV vision] likely helps birds fly and hop through dense foliage with greater agility,” Tedore told ScienceAlert. “Many birds search for insects and spiders hiding on the lower surfaces of leaves, and being able to quickly pinpoint these surfaces should enhance their foraging efficiency.” Using computer modelling, Nilsson and Tedore also worked out that the maximum leaf contrast is seen at short UV wavelengths in well-lit, open canopies and at longer UV wavelengths in lower-lit,

closed canopies. This may explain why the fourth colour birds detect varies. Of course, what we see in the visualised UV images is only a simulation of bird vision because our eyes are sadly not fully up to the task. “Since birds have four cone classes (red, green, blue, and UV), and we only have three (red, green, blue), we can only visualise three of birds’ cone channels at a time,” Tedore explains. “It is impossible for us to generate a realistic representation of what vision with four cone channels might look like.” But even if we can’t truly see these extra colours ourselves, we could still make use of bird super-colourvision through technology. “The enhanced 3D structure in the UV could be visualised by remotely-controlled or autonomous vehicles to help them better navigate complex forest environments without becoming entangled by leaves,” Tedore suggests. As amazing as seeing in four co-

lours sounds, it probably also comes with some drawbacks. “One disadvantage of having a fourth cone class is that it takes up space in the retina that could have been occupied by more of the other three cone classes,” says Tedore. “This can have detrimental effects on resolution and on sensitivity under dim light conditions.” Tedore says the next step in understanding bird vision will be to see how their food sources display in UV. And they could also further explore how bird vision varies across species and environments. “We may have the notion that what we see is the reality, but it’s a highly human reality. Other animals live in other realities, and we can now see through their eyes and reveal many secrets. Reality is in the eye of the beholder,” Nilsson concludes. Their paper was published in Nature Communications. (Courtesy: cealert.com)

https://www.scien-

Austin South Asian | February 2019

Dance Reflecting Feminism, Empowerment And Diversity

(Continued From Page 01) Dance is a fantastic medium for feminism as it touches everyone in a much deeply emotional place than dialogues or discussions. Sneaking a powerful message into a stage performance or into a dance class is a great tool and outlet to express empowerment. Much too often society tries to tell women how they should look and behave. But the reality is, that women should be happy the way that they are. There is no doubt that dance is liberating, it advocates self-expression, it frees women from constraint in their physical movement and it encourages them to put themselves at center stage. The burgeoning dance classes everywhere dares women to live life with fierce authenticity and enhances self-discovery through movements and music to create conscious community of women all around. 2500 years ago, dance in India was temple based, female classical dancers aspired to evoke a spiritual consciousness rather than simply flaunt the female figure. But they were still judged and confronted with conventions of how women were supposed to dress and behave. From temples dancing flowed into royal court of the kings and the purpose slowly became more exhibitionistic and intended primarily for men. Even if the dance was meant for a sense of joyfulness and togetherness, society was still locked into their limited expectations of seeing it as tease, a diminishment of the very respect for women. Colonial India saw dancers and dancing as a complete violation of society’s norms, a public voice, which was speaking through the body rather than hiding it. But there were several brave women not only in India but also in the West who were committed to changing audience focus from objectifying female performance to instead admiring the strength and ability exhibited in the dance. Says, Sneha Sachin whose family forbade her to dance during her school years, “ I was not allowed

to dance or perform as dancing was viewed as being too liberal and fearing that it create free will in me and I will began to take my own decisions. But now I am a successful dance teacher and encourage love of dancing in my students. For me dance is not an art, it is way of life. “ In modern India, parents are proud to have their kids be accomplished in classical dance forms or Bollywood, but less than 100 years ago, it was deemed improper for daughters and wives to dance let alone learn the art form. In the US dance is now valued as both an acknowledgement of and commitment to disciplined training and respect for traditional culture even though many of us still abruptly end our dance lives for better jobs prospects or marriage. Now with the “me too “movement

and equal opportunity everywhere, when we are pushing for more job opportunities, more personal freedom, and more sexual freedom for women, dancing gives us the freedom to exemplify these goals. Empowerment Empowerment through dance classes is a multi-dimensional personal and social process that helps women gain control over their own lives. In a positive social setting you are better aware of yourself, your true needs and goals, and the ways to fulfill them. For me and so many other wives who come to US as migrants, moving here was such a lonely experience. You are lost, you don’t have family support; you don’t know many people. Your husband is on an H1B visa, which is granted to “highly skilled” workers, but

spouses are on H4 visa, which makes us ineligible to work, drive or obtain a Social Security number in the United States. We are unemployed and sitting at home. A dance classes provides us a place to go where you can find community based on shared passion for dancing. For these wives who are often reduced to childlike helplessness in a foreign country, completely dependent on their partners for everything, from their social to economic needs, these classes provide balance, strength, flexibility, self-esteem and confidence. Divya Bharal was new to Austin four years ago and she made a beeline for a dance class, she says.” It was the best way to meet new people and get information about schools, areas to live, things to do and more”. Women who are stuck in life situation with no say, feel more com-

fortable expressing their emotions through movement. Dancing is a healthy self-esteem builder for them, regardless of their age and body type Women going through trying times like divorce or work stress, eroded self-esteem or loss of a loved one find dance classes healing and a place that offers sisterhood. Through dance many women find a way to escape, for the class hour from societal bonds that restrict them from power, adventure, exploration and claiming a public voice. Says Jyoti Mistry .” It has empowered me to express to my family my battles, my trials and how I overcame all. Dancing is an emotional release and heals my emotional scars.” (Continued On Page 25)

Tips For Choosing A Pacifier For Your Baby For many parents, a pacifier is an essential product for soothing baby. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that parents consider giving a child a pacifier at night and for naps during the first year. But how can you be sure you are choosing the right type of pacifier?

ket, Christiane Heitbrink, director of brand development at NUK shares the following tips to help you find the best pacifier for your little one. • Consider the pacifier shape: Look for an orthodontic pacifier that’s shaped like mom to emulate a natural sucking motion, such as

nipple. Modeled after the natural shape of mom’s nipple while breastfeeding, they are accepted by 95 percent of babies, according to market research, and won’t cause nipple confusion. The new design is narrower, slimmer and flatter to also help prevent teeth misalignment and reduce pressure on the jaw and teeth. • Think about baby’s comfort: New pacifiers are putting baby’s comfort at the forefront. For example, the new NUK Space Pacifier is designed with extra-large openings in the shield to maximize airflow and allow baby’s gentle skin to “breathe” and minimize saliva build-up which can cause irritation or a rash. For more information on the latest pacifier innovations visit: nuk-usa.com/pacifiers. • Prioritize easy cleaning:

With so many options on the mar-

NUK’s

reinvented

orthodontic

Look for a pacifier that can be

cleaned quickly and easily. Some of the newest pacifiers are sold in a reusable case that can be microwaved for an easy clean -- a convenient feature that any parent will value. • Regard its condition: Take a look at your current set of pacifiers. Are they worn down? Have they seen better days? Replace your pacifiers every two months, but especially when you notice any sign of deterioration and when your little one has outgrown it. Just check the age limits on the pacifier for the right size. New pacifier options are offering babies and parents more benefits than ever. It can be helpful to try a few different styles to see which pacifier your baby likes best; but before purchasing any pacifier, make sure it will encourage a better soothing experience for baby. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | February 2019 THEME: CIVIL RIGHTS

DOWN

ACROSS

1. *”The ____ of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice” 2. Lena Dunham or Allison Williams, 2012-2017 3. Red carpet purse 4. The Brady Bunch children, e.g. 5. Permission for absence from a college 6. Smart ____, pl 7. Be dependent 8. *____ Housing Act 9. Climber’s destination 10. “____ the season ...” 12. *Mandela presided over its southernmost country 13. Perpendicular to the keel 14. French bun 19. Authoritative proclamation 22. Not to be given to those in authority 23. Manhattan Project invention 24. Chocolate tree 25. “Dear Diary...” note 26. Cup of joe 27. Happen again 28. Do like Demosthenes 29. What moon did 32. Not this 33. Bupkis 36. Oscillator, e.g. 38. ‘70s Ford model 40. Farm pen 41. Meat grinder, e.g. 44. For all to see 46. Model-builder’s wood of choice, pl. 48. *____ on Washington 49. Blue-Green scum 50. *Nobel Peace Prize winner 51. Light bulb 52. Necessary thing 53. Office dispatch 54. Roentgen’s machine 55. Langley, VA org. 58. “Eureka!”

1. Forever and a day 5. Organ of balance 8. What Jack Sprat couldn’t eat 11. Quinceanera or bat mitzvah 12. Wagon part 13. You can count on these 15. Heart of the matter 16. Perceive by touch 17. Fedora part, pl. 18. *Voter test, now illegal 20. Ireland’s other name 21. Written corrections 22. One from Laos 23. Kind of acid 26. *Segregation laws 30. *Stop segregation, e.g. 31. 40 winks 34. Zeus’ wife 35. Nadya Suleman’s children, e.g. 37. Subject of “Philadelphia” movie 38. Kind of southern pie 39. Chico or Groucho 40. Cured sausage 42. Member of Shoshonean people 43. *Montgomery Bus ____ 45. Produced by inbreeding 47. Brown league 48. Kind of ray 50. Flying toy 52. *He challenged nonviolence 55. Juice alternative 56. Craving 57. Evening in Italy 59. Dead to the world 60. Harry Potter’s mark 61. Wet nurse 62. Ottoman officer title 63. Café alternative 64. Kind of bean

SUDOKU Sudoku

Please email your sudoku answers to info@austinsouthasian.com. Name and photo of the inviduvidual with first correct answer will be published in March 2019 issue.

To Advertise In ASA Call 512-828-6709

Austin South Asian | February 2019

How The Opioid Overdose And Death Epidemic Can Be Reversed

Opioid-related overdoses have reached epidemic proportions, claiming more than 42,000 lives in the U.S. in 2016 alone.

Why? Experts say no single policy approach can stop the epidemic. Physicians are reducing the prescription opioid supply.

Physicians on the front lines are working in their communities and with their patients to reverse this public health crisis.

But policies must also focus on prevention and treatment. About

services can help patients with substance use disorder lead satisfying and productive lives. “The numbers speak to a national tragedy. We need to act with resolve as we have with other public

Specific actions that should be taken, according to Dr. Harris include:

• Patients and physicians should have conversations about safe storage and disposal of opioids and all medications. • All Americans can help remove the stigma around this epidemic, advocating for comprehensive care for patients in pain and those with opioid use disorder.

• Policymakers and regulators should enforce laws that require mental health benefits to be on par with other health benefits. This gives patients access to treatment related to mental health and opioid use disorders.

For example, the task force urged physicians to enhance their education.

Despite such progress, opioidrelated deaths are still increasing.

scribing decisions. When clinically appropriate, physicians should also co-prescribe naloxone, a life-saving drug that can reverse an opioidrelated overdose.

• Insurance providers should immediately remove barriers so patients can obtain affordable medication treatment combined with counseling.

The American Medical Association (AMA) created an Opioid Task Force in 2014, bringing together national and state medical organizations to come up with ways that practicing physicians could play a role in ending the epidemic.

The latest AMA report shows a remarkable response. Last year, more than a half million physicians and other health care providers took courses related to opioid prescribing, pain management, treatment and related areas. Opioid prescribing decreased by 22 percent between 2013 and 2017.

This epidemic will not be reversed until we deal with access issues and stigma associated with opioid misuse.”

90 percent of those needing addiction treatment are unable to get it. The science shows what works: certain medications prescribed by a physician or dispensed at federally certified opioid treatment programs. Combining that treatment with medical care, counseling and other

health epidemics. Our patients diagnosed with a substance use disorder deserve no less,” says AMA president-elect Patrice A. Harris, MD. “Most people agree that we need access to treatments that include medication but that is not readily available for many patients.

To learn more about efforts to end the opioid epidemic, visit end-opioid-epidemic.org. “There are many reasons to be optimistic. Physicians are leading in the areas where we can have an influence, but unfortunately, we cannot bring an end to the epidemic alone,” says Dr. Harris.

• Health insurance providers and pharmacy benefit managers should ensure that patients have access to affordable, non-opioid pain care. • Physicians should register for and use electronic databases that track controlled substance prescriptions in their state.

“Much work remains to be done and we’ll continue to work with federal and state governments, law enforcement, insurers, educators and others to make headway.” (StatePoint)

Using these databases allows physicians to make more informed pre-

January 2019 Sudoku Answer Mrs. Prema Raghavan

Mr. Yudhveer Bagga

Ms. Prithika Reddy

Austin South Asian | February 2019

Addressing Chronic Pain Amidst A National Opioid Crisis prescribed class of medications that are frequently relied on for the management of chronic pain. The high risk for dependence on these drugs and their frequent abuse has results in a national epidemic. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a proven, non-addictive, FDA-approved therapy available to help patients manage chronic pain. To learn more about SCS, visit www. ControlYourPain. com.

Chronic pain is among the most prevalent and debilitating medical conditions in the U.S. and opioids are the most commonly

Awareness of drugfree treatment alternatives for chronic main management is more important than

ever. (StatePoint)

Southwestern National Bank Scholarship 2019 $1,000 Scholarship Awards About The Southwestern National Bank Scholarship Program Southwestern National Bank Scholarship Program is funded by Southwestern National Bank (Member FDIC) to recognize and assist outstanding high school graduates reduce the financial burden for college. Southwestern National Bank Scholars are selected on the basis of their financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement. Each year a total of $5,000.00 will be awarded to five selected scholars. Each scholar will be awarded $1,000.00. Eligibility 1. Demonstrates financial need for college tuition, book & supplies and expenses 2. U.S. high school graduating seniors 3. Has a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (un-weighted) 4.Will enroll in an accredited U.S. college full-time for the entire academic year 2018/2019 Documents Required (To be considered, all of the following documents must be submitted) 1. A completed Southwestern National Bank Scholarship Application Form 2. An official high school transcript 3. Copies of the most recent document(s) demonstrating the financial need (Family’s 1040 Federal Income Tax Return Form, qualification for School Free/Reduced Lunch Program, etc.)

4. Two letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, and/or other advisors 5. A two-page typed essay stating why you should be awarded a scholarship. Please include: • Financial need for this scholarship for educational purposes • Personal and academic achievements. Give specific examples. • Academic plans and career goals. Give specific examples. • Past and current involvement, as well as future plans, towards making a difference in your community Application Process & Award Announcement 1. Please send your application package to Southwestern National Bank, Attention Scholarship Program-Ling Chuang, 6901 Corporate Drive, Houston, Texas 77036. 2. Applications and all supporting documents must be received by April 30, 2019 for application to be considered. 3. An interview may be part of the application process for all semi-finalists. 4. Scholarships for the 2019 Scholarship program will be announced by mail in May 2019. Please Contact Us For scholarship application and information will be at Southwestern National Bank all the branch, or please contact the Scholarship Coordinator by e-mail at ling.chuang@ swnbk.com , 713-272-5045

Chickens Genetically Modified To Lay Eggs Containing Cancer Drugs In Latest Breakthrough Researchers from the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute believe the technique could offer a cost-effective way of producing drugs in the near future. Scientists have genetically modified chickens to lay eggs containing high quality cancer drugs, in the latest breakthrough. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute believe the technique could offer a cost-effective way of producing drugs in the near future. The chickens were genetically modified to produce drugs in their eggs, and amazingly, the researchers found that the drugs worked just as well as ones produced using existing methods. Amazingly, just three eggs were enough to produce an adequate dosage, with hens able to lay up to 300 eggs a year.

Professor Helen Sang said: “We are not yet producing medicines for people, but this study shows that chickens are commercially viable for producing proteins suitable for drug discovery studies and other applications in biotechnology.” Eggs are already used for growing viruses used as vaccines, such as in the flu jab. But in this case the chicken’s DNA was encoded with proteins produced as part of the egg white - a human protein called IFNalpha2a, which has powerful anti-viral and anticancer effects, and the human and pig versions of a protein called macrophage-CSF.

Dr Lissa Herron, head of the avian biopharming business unit at Roslin Technologies, said: “We are excited to develop this technology to its full potential, not just for human therapeutics in the future but also in the fields of research and animal health.” Dr Ceri Lyn-Adams, head of science strategy, at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, added: “These recent findings provide a promising proof of concept for future drug discovery and potential for developing more economical proteinbased drugs.” The research is published in BMC Biotechnology. (Courtesy: https://www.mirror.co.uk)

Austin South Asian | February 2019

The Digital Drug: Internet addiction Spawns US Treatment Programs

(Continued From Page 01)

But he was not using drugs. He was hooked on YouTube and video games, to the point where he could do nothing else. As doctors would confirm, he was addicted to his electronics. “After I got my console, I kind of fell in love with it,” Danny, now 16 and a junior in a Cincinnati high school, said. “I liked being able to kind of shut everything out and just relax.”

Nothing worked, until they discovered a pioneering residential therapy center in Mason, Ohio, about 22 miles (35 km) south of Cincinnati.

The “Reboot” program at the Lindner Center for Hope offers inpatient treatment for 11 to 17-year-olds who, like Danny, have addictions including online gaming, gambling, social media, pornography and sexting, often

Danny was different from typical plugged-in American teenagers. Psychiatrists say internet addiction, characterized by a loss of control over internet use and disregard for the consequences of it, affects up to 8 per cent of Americans and is becoming more common around the world. “We’re all mildly addicted. I think that’s obvious to see in our behaviour,” said psychiatrist Kimberly Young, who has led the field of research since founding the Center for Internet Addiction in 1995. “It becomes a public health concern obviously as health is influenced by the behaviour.” Psychiatrists such as Young who have studied compulsive internet behaviour for decades are now seeing more cases, prompting a wave of new treatment programs to open across the United States. Mental health centres in Florida, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and other states are adding inpatient internet addiction treatment to their line of services. Some skeptics view internet addiction as a false condition, contrived by teenagers who refuse to put away their smartphones, and the Reagans say they have had trouble explaining it to extended family. Anthony Bean, a psychologist and author of a clinician’s guide to video game therapy, said that excessive gaming and internet use might indicate other mental illnesses but should not be labelled independent disorders. “It’s kind of like pathologizing a behaviour without actually understanding what’s going on,” he said.

‘Reboot’ At first, Danny’s parents took him to doctors and made him sign contracts pledging to limit his internet use.

to escape from symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Danny was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder at age 5 and Anxiety Disorder at 6, and doctors said he developed an internet addiction to cope with those disorders. “Reboot” patients spend 28 days at a suburban facility equipped with 16 bedrooms, classrooms, a gym and a dining hall. They undergo diagnostic tests, psychotherapy, and learn to moderate their internet use. Chris Tuell, clinical director of addiction services, started the program in December after seeing several cases, including Danny’s, where young people were using the internet to “self-medicate” instead of drugs and alcohol. The internet, while not officially recognized as an addictive substance, similarly hijacks the brain’s reward system by triggering the release of pleasure-inducing chemicals and is accessible from an early age, Tuell said. “The brain really doesn’t care what it is, whether I pour it down my throat or put it in my nose or see it with my eyes or do it with my hands,” Tuell said. “A lot of the same neurochemicals in the brain are occurring.” Even so, recovering from internet addiction is different from other addictions because it is not about “getting sober,” Tuell said. The internet has become inevitable and essential in schools, at home and in the workplace. “It’s always there,” Danny said, pulling out his smartphone. “I feel it in my pocket. But

I’m better at ignoring it.”

ing” initiative.

Is it a real disorder?

WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said internet addiction is the subject of “intensive research” and consideration for future classification.

Medical experts have begun taking internet addiction more seriously. Neither the World Health Organization (WHO) nor the American Psychiatric Association recognise internet addiction as a disorder. Last year, however, the WHO recognized the more specific Gaming Disorder following years of research in China, South Korea and Taiwan, where doctors have called it a public health crisis. Some online games and console manufacturers have advised gamers against playing to excess. YouTube has created a time monitoring tool to nudge viewers to take breaks from their screens as part of its parent company Google’s “digital wellbe-

The American Psychiatric Association has labelled gaming disorder a “condition for further study.” “Whether it’s classified or not, people are presenting with these problems,” Tuell said. Tuell recalled one person whose addiction was so severe that the patient would defecate on himself rather than leave his electronics to use the bathroom. Research on internet addiction may soon produce empirical results to meet medical classification standards, Tuell said, as psychologists have found evidence of a brain adaptation in teens who compulsively play games and use the internet. “It’s not a choice, it’s an actual disorder and a disease,” said Danny. “People who joke about it not being serious enough to be super official, it hurts me personally.” (Courtesy: https://indianexpress.com)

Dance Reflecting Feminism , Empowerment And Diversity (Continued From Page 21) Dancing has been proven to raise testosterone and lower cortisol levels, changing brain chemistry and resulting in strengthened confidence, self-perception, and chances for success. Recent studies have shown women feel chronically less powerful than men, and this can be tackled through joining dance classes that improves self-confidence, and positive relationships between women. This reconnects them with their own bodies, each other, and the outside world, promoting individual and communal peace among women. Dance class creates a safe space self-identity, stress reduction, relaxation, and healing from painful experiences. This positive and inclusive experience is now being turned into something wonderful. Dancing is now a fun and effective way to raise money for charity and fundraisers. Raising money for social causes is a great way to strengthen ties between dance school, the community and your inner self. To give is to be healed. We should all share the gift and blessings of dance, including the deep belief that dance can free us from prejudices regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation or religion and more importantly help bring about a more compassionate world. Diversity We live in a highly globalized world today, and although we are more connected than ever, it is imperative especially in today’s times to promote cross-cultural understanding. Dancing is a common ground for diverse audiences to come together and let go. Bollywood dancing has especially become an effective method both of spreading the art of dance and of creating a sense of multiculturalism in the US. It is a great introduction to Indian culture and provides opportunities for everyone to learn more about Indian tradition and the country itself. As Bollywood films and dance become more popular, the dance form itself has taken on many forms and adaptations. Now, the dance style can be used as an element for musical films, taught in classes, performed in competitions, or used as a form of exercise, as shown by the recent popularity of Bollywood Zumba across the nation. Dancing together fosters better understanding and respect for other cultures. If dance helps us build social cohesion and trust, then it is probably one thing we should all do more.

Austin South Asian | February 2019

Why Do Hindi Cinema Superstars Flounder In Their Fifties? Asks Vanita Kohli-Khandekar Amitabh Bachchan And Parineeti Chopra On Kaun Banega Crorepati? Shah Rukh Khan And Salman Khan In Zero

In 2000, after he hosted Kaun Banega Crorepati, as himself, a 57-year-old, writers rediscovered

Dilip Kumar did some of his major flops such as Bairaag (1976) and Sagina (1974) among others soon after he entered his 50s. He finally got roles which had him playing his age in several 1980s hits such as Mashaal, Mazdoor, Shakti or Karma.

Bachchan. Baghban (2003), Piku (2015), Pink (2016) -- are among a dozen examples of the resurrection of Bachchan’s career.

These were strong authorbacked roles, but the ‘hero’ of the film was always a younger person. The whole idea of doing stories around a bunch of characters all of who have a role to play in how

the story moves, is now coming to fore.

The economics of film-making has changed moving away from the one revenue stream (box office), one man, hero-dependent (Dilip Kumar or Bachchan) times.

Shah Rukh Khan’s Zero, released late in December 2018, hasn’t done well.

-- are among the biggest grossers in Indian cinema; so a couple of unprofitable films isn’t a big deal.

The story of a vertically challenged

The real question it throws up is

Also, there is no longer any stigma attached to playing a father, brother, mother et al. One of the biggest hits of 2018 is Badhaai Ho that is about a middleaged couple’s accidental pregnancy.

Aamir Khan And Amitabh Bachchan In Thugs Of Hindostan The only difference is it hits women in their late 30s, early forties. It is probably an area of study for a cinema scholar but here are my two bits.

It was critical to have a Bachchan to get the audience in the theatre -- that is why he was called a oneman industry. It worked till he was

young and the stories made sense. By the time cable television came and options increased, Bachchan had aged. He struggled with heroines like Meenakshi Seshadri in f o rg e t t a b l e films such as Shahenshah (1988) and Toofan (1989).

Indian cinema was too dependent on the hero-heroine story. There had to be a leading man and it had to be a saleable actor. Dilip Kumar or Bachchan were well past their 50s when writers continued to pair them with women who looked way younger on screen. Because there were no other saleable stars.

man in love with a scientist with cerebral palsy is about imperfect people and how they find completeness. It is Khan’s third film after Fan and Jab Harry Met Sejal to meet with a tepid response. The 53 year old is India’s biggest star. His body of work spans more than 100 films with over 60 as a leading man. Many of these -- Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

why do Indian superstars flounder in their 50s? From Dilip Kumar (96) and the late Rajesh Khanna to Amitabh Bachchan (76) and Shah Rukh Khan every one of them has gone through this -- they hit 50 and their films start going all over the place. Even their good films, say Fan for Khan, can’t seem to find a market. This is true even for female superstars in Hindi cinema such as Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi.

Gajrao Rao And Neena Gupta In Badhaai Ho

You could argue that Tom Cruise

(56) is edging towards 60, but no-

body expects him to not be Ethan Hunt (in the Mission Impossible series) or Jack Reacher, roles that are full of action and stunts that Cruise insists on doing himself. That is where a comparison with superstars from South India is useful. Sreedhar Pillai is a Chennai-based film critic and expert. He reckons that Hindi superstars are largely romantic ones, but the ones in the South are more action oriented -like Chiranjeevi in Telugu cinema and Rajinikanth in Tamil. “Action

heroes survive (the scourge of the 50s),” thinks Pillai. That explains why Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar are not having as bad a time as Shah Rukh seen as a romantic hero. But it doesn’t explain why Bachchan, who was seen as the original angry young man and action hero, struggled. Much of this throws up a piquant question -- does the market tend to punish superstars who experiment beyond their core proposition?

So Shah Rukh is finding it difficult to get audiences to watch him as a crazed fan (Fan), a bootlegger (Raees) or a robot (Ra.One). His earlier attempts at breaking out of the romantic mould -- Swades, Paheli (both 2004), Chak De India (2007) or My Name is Khan (2010) -- too had mixed results. Let us wait till his next big hit when the new theories will be written.

Austin South Asian | February 2019

The New Songs Of Patriotism

‘Patriotism isn’t (or shouldn’t) be an unquestioning love for one’s nation.’

Immensely popular across the country with educational institutions, NGOs and civil society or-

Bharwada and Mahajan, under the banner of Loknaad, voice of the people, often spend months study-

‘It is love for a nation in throes of change, love with a heart full of questions,’ says Geetanjali Krishna. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Consequently, thanks to their awareness generation and the efforts of NGOs working on behalf of the Agariya, their eviction has now been stalled. “For me, the concept of azaadi, stands for the ideal that all human beings are equal, and are equally accorded the fundamental right to lead dignified lives,” says Mahajan.

In the run up to Republic Day, I find I’ve been humming the desh bhakti songs we learnt in school, all week. They seem slightly faded now, jingoistic even. Still the same old songs play at the Wagah border and in school assemblies with hardly any new additions. Isn’t anyone composing new patriotic songs anymore? Then I remember the compositions of the Ahmedabad-based singing duo, Charul Bharwada and Vinay Mahajan, and realise that perhaps songs celebrating love for one’s country and people are robustly alive today -- but perhaps the idiom of patriotism has changed a little. “Our music is born, first and foremost, out of love,” says Vinay Mahajan. “We highlight social issues through them, hoping that they would encourage our audience to reflect upon them and effect social change.”

ganisations, the duo performs an average of one concert a week, and some of their songs have become classics. Consider the lyrics of Jaanne Ka Haq, their composition that has become an anthem of sorts for the Right to Information movement in India today: My legs have the right to know why they walk from village to village. Why is there no trace of a bus? My hunger has the right to know why there are foodgrains rotting in the godowns. Why I don’t even have a handful of grain?

ing a social problem before composing a song about it. For example, their song Zero BHK Bungalow emerged from a sixmonth study of the Agariya, traditional salt panniers of Little Rann of Kutch. Faced with eviction notices as the forest department alleged that their salt panning was disturbing the endangered wild ass habitat, they were faced with the loss of home as well as livelihood. “We studied their way of life and found it had little impact on the ecology of Little Rann,” says Mahajan. They composed a song about

Janhvi Kapoor Is An Ultimate Foodie And Here Is The Proof! Looks like young and vivacious

the plight of this community, and spoke about their research findings every time they sang it.

In her pictures on Instagram, the

Their anthem Azaadi, the lead song of their eponymous album, has the following verse that expresses this: Freedom is the dream in every eye, freedom Freedom is the toil of every hand, freedom Freedom, sings every heart with fervor, Freedom Loknaad does not like to classify their music as protest music. It is more in tune with a non-violent satyagraha than a revolutionary

Vicky Kaushal-starrer Uri: The Surgical Strike is the talk of the town at the moment and is garnering rave reviews from all around. Directed by Aditya Dhar, Uri re-

From ice cream to burgers to a sumptuous meal, the actress seems to have a liking for all. Be it alone or with family and friends, it is clear from the photos that Janhvi never misses an opportunity to relish different delicacies.

young lass can be seen gorging on yummy food without a care around

Their ode to the Preamble We The People, is a good example. At an event, a thousand people sang it with candles in their hands, and there wasn’t a dry eye around. “It is extraordinarily moving for us to get the audience to sing along with us,” says Mahajan. As I listen to Loknaad’s music, I realise that patriotism isn’t (or shouldn’t) be an unquestioning love for one’s nation. It is love for a nation in throes of change, love with a heart full of questions. The more I think of it, that is the only kind of patriotism worth practicing anyway.

role. The film is going great guns at the box office and has already crossed the Rs 150-crore mark. Besides great business, Uri has impressed many celebrities including politicians who are using the tagline ‘How’s the Josh?’ at many events. And joining the party is a Tamil star who is mighty impressed with the film. Suriya Sivakumar took to his Twitter page and revealed how much he liked the film and thanked the makers for setting high standards.

The actress would be next seen in a biopic on India’s first female combat pilot Gunjan Saxena.

Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor is a big food junkie.

“Our songs are meant to make audiences think of peaceful and constructive solutions to the problems around them...” says Mahajan. “They are composed to appeal to the emotions.”

Suriya Reveals How High His Josh Is After Watching Vicky Kaushal’s Uri

the world.

She is also a part of the Dharma Productions’ much talked about multi-starrer ‘Takht’.

call to action.

volves around the surgical strike conducted by the Indian Army in retaliation of the attacks that Pakistan carried out a few months ago and Vicky Kaushal plays the lead

“#URITheSurgicalStrike What a fabulous film! Thank you #URI team for again setting the standards so high! @vickykaushal09 you are an awesome actor!!” tweeted Suriya Sivakumar.

Austin South Asian | February 2019