Jobs & Recession

Give a Professional Impression

How do colleagues, employers and customers describe you? If your career is important to you, hopefully the words “true professional” are somewhere in their descriptions. We all want to be the best at what we do, and carrying ourselves in a refined way is important to that goal. The good news is that acting like a professional requires no intensive training or costly investments. Simple behaviors and actions can help you earn the respect of those around you.

Show Up On Time

One of the easiest ways to create and retain a professional reputation is to be punctual. Keep appointments, hit deadlines and show up to work early. Nothing says “true professional” like an employee who can churn out work on time and within expectations of quality. Look into digital tools that can help you seamlessly maintain your meetings, especially if your job requires numerous conferences, phone calls or online engagements with many clients. Track your time to make sure you’re giving enough of it to certain projects and you’re prioritizing the most important ones.

Be Friendly

This sounds simple, but being friendly in the workforce isn’t always an easy thing for people. Differing personalities and stressful deadlines can make this hard for colleagues to achieve on a regular basis. Your goal is to be the calming force in the face of changing work environments. Motivate your peers to do better, but in a way that is collaborative and positive. Take on extra work and avoid talking behind your bosses’ backs. Remember to make sure every team member feels valued and every customer feels important, and you’re on your way to making a strong professional reputation.

Dress Professionally

This tip may cost you a little money up front. It is important to look the part, so spending money on a few nice suits and dress clothes will be worth the investment. Dressing professionally gives you more confidence, which in turn positions you as a professional employee in the eyes of those around you. Employers will appreciate your professional attire because it creates a positive reflection on their business, as well. So update your wardrobe today, and don’t forget to keep it classy, professional and formal. p

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Governor Cuomo Signs Executive Order Extending Moratorium On COVID-Related Commercial Evictions Through January 1

Governor Andrew M. we can to support people who tended the eviction morato- do everything possible to keep Cuomo signed an Ex- are suffering," Governor rium for tenants until the New Yorkers in their homes. ecutive Order extend- Cuomo said. "We are going to Emergency expires. Addition- “Now that the Tenant Safe ing the state's moratorium on extend the commercial evic- ally Governor Cuomo signed Harbor Act has been signed COVID-related commercial tion and foreclosure morato- legislation to provide financial into law, those New Yorkers evictions and foreclosures rium through January 1st. assistance to residential most affected financially durthrough January 1. This meas- That will now align with our renters to provide relief dur- ing this pandemic will have ure extends protections al- residential eviction morato- ing the public health emer- immediate protection from ready in place for commercial rium so they are both ex- gency. Governor Cuomo also eviction. No single law can sintenants and mortgagors in tended to the same date." has provided additional pro- gle-handedly solve the evicrecognition of the financial toll Governor Cuomo first an- tections for residential renters tion crisis—but the Tenant Safe the pandemic has taken on nounced a State moratorium from charges for late payment Harbor Act is one crucial step business owners, including re- on residential and commercial of rent, and allowed tenants to to address the looming tidal tail establishments and restau- evictions on March 20 for a pe- use security deposits to pay wave of evictions. rants. The extension of this riod of 90 days to ensure no rent for residential tenants by “I’m grateful to Governor protection gives commercial tenant was evicted during the Executive Order. Cuomo for signing the Tenant tenants and mortgagors addi- height of the public health Safe Harbor Act into law tional time to get back on their emergency. The commercial About the Tenant Safe Har- Editorial credit: Hans Pennink / Shutterstock.com today, and for his leadership feet and catch up on rent or eviction and foreclosure mora- bor Act throughout the COVID-19 critheir mortgage, or to renegoti- torium was extended through The Tenant Safe Harbor Act— following statement at the sis. I also want to thank my colate their lease terms to avoid August 20, September 20 and sponsored by Senator Brad time, in response: leagues, Assembly Sponsor foreclosure moving forward. October 20 by Executive Hoylman and Assembly “There’s tidal wave of evic- Jeffrey Dinowitz and Senate "The health and economic Order. The Governor signed Member Jeffrey Dinowitz— tions looming over New York. Co-Prime Sponsor Liz Krueger impacts of this pandemic have the Tenant Safe Harbor Act on was signed into law by Gover- No one should be forced onto who were instrumental in been devastating, and we are June 30 which became effec- nor Cuomo. the street during a pandemic. helping craft this continuing to do everything tive immediately and ex- Senator Hoylman issued the We have a moral obligation to legislation.”p

How Trump’s COVID-19 Immigration Ban Has Impacted Family-Based Immigration

BY JORGE LOWEREE

The Trump administration is successfully using the COVID-19 pandemic as a pretext to alter the U.S. system of legal immigration. New government data makes clear that these changes will significantly increase employment-based immigration at the expense of people in the family categories—and without any involvement by Congress. On March 20, the administration suspended routine visa services at all U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. And on April 22, the president signed the COVID-19 immigrant visa ban that targets our family-based and diversity categories with precision. The immediate combined impact of both changes has been evident for months. The total number of visas–both immigrant and nonimmigrant–issued to noncitizens abroad declined by nearly 95% between January and May of this year. But the long-term impact has only recently been made clear by the end of the fiscal year (FY) and the Department of State’s October visa bulletin.

The COVID-19 Immigrant

Visa Ban The COVID-19 immigrant visa ban relies on the same authority President Trump used to implement the Muslim Ban and its subsequent expansion. While the prior bans were implemented on national security grounds, the COVID-19 immigrant visa ban was implemented with the stated purpose of preserving employment opportunities for Americans negatively impacted by the recent economic downturn – albeit without any meaningful economic analysis of its purported impact. And while the ban appears to apply to a combination of noncitizens in the family, diversity, and employment categories, it was drafted in a manner that creates the greatest consequences for those in the family and diversity categories while leaving noncitizen workers seeking to become permanent residents largely untouched. That is because the ban only suspends the issuance of new immigrant visas to people outside of the U.S., and not those who obtain green cards from inside the country through adjustment of status. The Department of Homeland Security’s own data from FY 2018 (the most recent year available) confirms that over 94% of noncitizens who obtained permanent residency through family ties did so from abroad, while 80% of those who applied for green cards through the employment-based categories did so from within the United States through adjustment of status. Collectively, this means that the consequences of the COVID-19 immigrant visa ban and the suspension of routine visa services abroad have sharply reduced the number of people who have obtained green cards through close family ties and the diversity category. And under current law, this reduction will result in a significant increase in employment-based immigration in FY 2021.

The October Visa Bulletin Shows the Impact the COVID-19 Immigrant Visa Ban

The allocation of immigrant visas under current law is complex. In general, the U.S. may grant up to 675,000 permanent immigrant visas each year. 480,000 are typically reserved for the family prefer-

continued on page 18

I’m Undocumented. When Should I Tell Him or Her?

BY DAISY CAMPBELL

When you meet someone and start the 'getting to know you' process, there are many issues that can hinder the formation of a beautiful relationship. Kim was an undocumented immigrant and had met Steven, a citizen of the United States. Both had met while at a public event one night. They both took a liking to each other and started dating. After a month into the relationship, Kim began to see Stephen's qualities that she admired, but there was an issue, she had kept her immigration status from him. She has become fond of him and now found herself in a predicament as to the right time to tell Steven about her situation. We use the trust to judge the relationship with each other and, in the process, determine how much we can give. Being an undocumented immigrant and the stigma attached to such a situation can often pose a challenge, especially when that individual enters the world of dating. Meeting people and forging meaningful and long-lasting relationships can undoubtedly be a painful experience. To determine the suitable time or whether or not to declare your immigration status can be quite burdensome as the risk of making it known is far greater than keeping it a secret. As adults, we know that relationships grow

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in stages. The more time that we spend to build the relationship, the more intimate and meaningful it becomes. At the beginning of the relationship, before the initiation of sexual contact, being an undocumented immigrant, makes the situation more complicated. It would be best to use that introductory period to get to know the person. Ask questions, try to get to know them, learn about the things they are passionate about, and talk about current events. If you decide to tell him or her, the upside to this is that he or she would appreciate the fact that you are sincere, and therefore trust would be cemented, and the relationship can grow. The downside could be that he or she, might not be prepared to undergo the challenges of the situation and may opt to end the relationship as they may find it challenging to endure. However, the greatest fear of any undocumented immigrant is revealing his or her status, and having that information used against them afterward. There is a fear that the partner might raise the alarm and notify the authorities, leading to deportation. Sharon, an undocumented immigrant, revealed her status to her boyfriend. At first, he was okay with it; then, things changed after a few months into the relationship. He became very verbally abusive, and she tried to defend herself, he made threats to call Immigration to send her home. She was devastated by the threat. He didn't make the call, but the relationship was never the same. They eventually parted ways. At the start of a new relationship, sex is a means to share intimacy and be playful while also building deeper trust and care levels. It is an excellent way for new couples to connect and learn about their passions and desires. Sexual intimacy and the connection that couples share can lead to both parties falling in love. When you are an undocumented immigrant, and your partner is a citizen, your partner deserves to know the truth. At this stage, the issue of trust is questioned, which may either make or break your relationship. Deciding about the right time to reveal your immigration status depends on you, the individual, and your comfort level with your partner. There is no hard or fast rule, and the final decision is yours to make.p

Trump’s COVID-19 Immigration Ban/

continued from page 17 ence categories, 140,000 for the employment-based immigrants, and nearly 55,000 (up from 50,000 in past years) for people in the diversity category. Under current law, any unused visas in the family preference categories become available on the employmentbased side in the next fiscal year, and vice versa. But the demand for immigrant visas from much of the world typically exceeds the supply, so this spillover is rarely significant. The COVID-19 immigrant visa ban has created a major exception. The Department of State’s October visa bulletin and related announcement from USCIS confirm that thousands of immigrant workers will be able to move forward with the last step in their green card process–adjustment of status. The visa bulletin notes that there will be 261,000 immigrant visas available for immigrant workers in FY 2021–nearly double the annual allocation, and a historically high number. And while this is certainly welcome news for many immigrant workers and their U.S. employers – including some who have been stuck in visa backlogs for years–this movement has only been made possible due to the sharp reduction in the issuance of visas to immigrant families who will either be subjected to further delays in obtaining permanent residency or lose the ability to do so altogether. Relief is certainly necessary for people stuck in the years or decades-long waiting lines in our legal immigration system. But the policies that have led to these changes are a cynical attempt to bypass Congress and to implement the president’s long-held immigration priorities through executive fiat. Cutting the visa numbers in some categories to boost others by presidential proclamation does not address the fundamental problem with our immigration system. We must make immigration to the U.S. more accessible and realistic by boosting the overall visa numbers–not by pitting groups of immigrants against each other.p

World Sight Day 2020: October 8

New York, NY: The video consultation until the COVID-19 pandemic pandemic flattens. He also enmay have changed courages people to wear face the way we visit our doctors, masks on visits and maintain but it shouldn’t prevent us social distancing, even if they from staying up-to-date with are in a health clinic. our usual health care appoint- “Eyesight or human vision is ments, including vision check- one of the most important ups. senses. As much as 80 percent “During the coronavirus of what we feel comes through pandemic, people should our sense of sight. By protectguard their eyes with glasses ing the eyes, people will reor face shields to protect their eyes from virus infection," says Dr. Daniel Laroche, Director of Glaucoma Services and President of Advanced Eyecare of New York. People also need to know, even though there are many concerns about COVID19, common-sense precautions can significantly reduce the risk of infection, he says, adding: “Wash hands frequently, follow good contact lens hygiene and avoid rubbing or touching our mouth, nose and especially our eyes.'' Dr. Laroche is also affiliated with the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, Island Eye Surgical Center and New York University. The COVID-19 pandemic has duce the chance of blindness and vision loss while also staying on top of any developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts. A healthy brain function requires a healthy vision. The brain is our most essential organ, and it allows us to control other organs. Normal and healthy vision contributes to improved learning and comprehension for a better quality of life,” says Dr. Laroche. Dr. Laroche says there is another critical issue that COVID19 has brought to the forefront and that is the issue of health care disparities among Black and Brown people. “Nationally, African American deaths from COVID-19 are nearly two Washington, D.C., Hispanics make up a greater share of confirmed cases than their share of the population. In eight states it’s more than four times greater,” he says, adding: “In stark contrast, white deaths from COVID-19 are lower than their share of the population in 37 states.” Dr. Laroche says there are several things that can be done to not only address but to help combat this issue: 1. Increase the number of Black and Afro-Latino physicians worldwide. 2. Implement universal health care. 4. Provide a living income stipend for poor people to access food and reduce malnutrition. 5. Eliminate racism to reduce stress. 6. Identify white supremacist organizations as terrorist groups. 7. Recommend all corporations have people of color in the top management and leadership positions. 8. Eliminate sole reliance on standardized testing as the criteria to be used at entry to magnet schools. also changed the way people visit their doctors. For patients over 60, Dr. Laroche advises it's better to stay home and do times greater than would be expected based on their share of the population. In four states, the rate is three or more 3. Increase wealth and education which produces better health. 9. Provide more funding to reduce homelessness and for mental health. telehealth over the phone or times greater. In 42 states, plus

Recall Widens for Metformin/

continued from page 1 Industries products, on Oct. 5. It involves the 500mg and 700mg tablets. More than 175 different drug combinations have been recalled since late May. Consumers can see all the recalled metformin products at the FDA website. The agency says that immediate-release metformin does not appear to have the same contamination problem. The FDA has been investigating the presence of nitrosamines, known to be a possible carcinogen, in the popular diabetes medications since December, when it was first discovered in drugs in other countries. The agency said this month they still do not know the source of nitrosamines in the medications. The investigation, and subsequent recalls, follows similar ones for contamination of popular heartburn and blood pressure drugs, also for nitrosamines, such as N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). The FDA says patients taking metformin products that have been recalled should continue taking the medication until a doctor or pharmacist gives them a replacement or a different treatment option. It could be dangerous for patients with type 2 diabetes to stop taking the medication without first talking to their doctor. The agency has asked drug manufacturers to test products before batches are released into the market. The companies must tell the FDA if any product shows levels of ni10. The government should also require medical school, research and hospital funding to diversify and benefit people of color. p

About Dr. Daniel Laroche Dr. Laroche is an exceptional glaucoma specialist in New York. He studied and received his bachelor's degree from New York University and a medical doctorate with honors in research from Weil Cornell University Medical College. He underwent a medical internship at Montefiore Hospital and finished his ophthalmology residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington D.C., where he was the chief resident in his third year. He later completed his glaucoma fellowship at New York Eye and Ear.

trosamines above the acceptable limit. The risks from nitrosamines is not clear. The FDA says they may increase the risk of cancer in people who are exposed to high levels over a long period of time, “but we do not anticipate that shorter term exposure at levels above the acceptable intake limit would lead to an increase in the risk of cancer.”l

WebMD Health News Brief Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on October 12, 2020

Breast Cancer Screening Is Still Important During the COVID-19 Pandemic

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, elective medical procedures, including cancer screening, were largely put on hold to prioritize urgent needs and reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 in healthcare settings. One consequence of this has been a substantial decline in cancer screening. As states re-open businesses and ease restrictions, many healthcare facilities are starting to offer elective procedures again, including cancer screening. Restarting cancer screening requires careful consideration of the risks and benefits of screening, along with ensuring safety for both patients and healthcare personnel. Decisions about restarting screening depend on many factors, and they may not be the same for every person. They will likely vary by community while the pandemic continues. If an appointment was made for screening that was postponed or canceled, patients should talk to their healthcare team about when to reschedule. Providers can discuss balancing the risks and benefits of being screened now or postponing for a later date, considering personal and family history, other risk factors, and the timing of the last screening test. "Finding breast cancer early and getting high-quality cancer treatment are the most important strategies to prevent deaths from breast cancer. Getting regular screening tests is a critically important part of finding breast cancer early," said Dr. Laura Makaroff, Senior Vice President, Prevention and Early Detection for the American Cancer Society. "Breast cancer screening disparities are already evident and without focused attention, are likely to increase as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to promote breast cancer screening and overcome barriers for populations with low screening prevalence must be at the forefront of our focus," said Makaroff. Many women get an annual mammogram for breast cancer screening. However, leading organizations that issue screening guidelines recommend that average risk women ages 55 and older can be screened every two years. Women 55 or older who had a normal mammogram within the last year could choose to have their next mammogram up to 24 months after your last one. As your regular facility for health care returns to providing cancer screening, it's important that it is done as safely as possible. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommendations for healthcare facilities to reduce the risk of COVID transmission: •Screening centers should be available to answer questions from patients via phone or web portal before and/or after the screening procedure. •Patients should be prescreened for COVID-related symptoms before screening appointments. •Scheduling of appointments should allow for physical distancing between patients, and longer appointment times, if needed, to avoid crowding in waiting rooms and patient care areas. •There should be limitations on visitors other than patients and/or their caregivers into the screening facility. •If not done in front of the patient, the screening center should be able to explain how often equipment and surfaces are disinfected and cleaned. •Everyone, including patients and staff, should wear a face covering or face mask, where appropriate. There should be frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizer by staff, patients, and visitors.p

—American Cancer Society