News, WinterizeCar

Text Box: TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. - One in three Asian-Americans surveyed in a recent poll reported they had lost a family member due to complications of chronic hepatitis B. These survey findings, released on October 31, 2005 from a study conducted among 805 Asian American adults, underscore the critical need for greater hepatitis B education in communities most vulnerable to the disease. The survey, conducted by TNS Market Development, a national research firm, randomly selected and interviewed more than 800 Chinese, Vietnamese and Koreans living in Los Angeles, San Francisco/Oakland, New York City, and Houston. Approximately 200 interviews were conducted in were male and female adults ages 18+ of Chinese (444), Korean (145) or Vietnamese (216) ancestry. Almost all of these respondents were foreign born. These cities were chosen based on their large Asian American populations. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) sponsored the survey to evaluate disease knowledge, incidence of infection, and understanding of preventative measures employed by Asian Americans concerning hepatitis B. "Simply being an Asian American is not a risk factor in and of itself; however hepatitis B continues to be an important and ongoing health problem in Asian American communities where a lot of immigrants are not screened and do not vaccinate their children, nor are they aware of the significant risks of hepatitis B," said Eddie Cheung, M.D., president of the Chinese American Physicians Society, Oakland, CA, and clinical professor of internal medicine and gastroenterology/hepatology at the University of California-Davis School of Medicine. Dr. Cheung also serves as the chair of the National Asian Leadership Advisory Council of the American Liver Foundation, as well as director of hepatology at the VA Northern California Health Care System. Hepatitis B is a virus that is acquired from an infected mother at the time of birth or is spread through direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids, in ways such as: IV drug use with contaminated needles, sharing toothbrushes or razors, getting tattoos, and having sexual relations with infected persons. Chronic infection with the virus can eventually lead to liver scarring, liver cancer and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in ten people of Asian/Pacific Islander descent in the US is infected with hepatitis B, one in four of whom, if left untreated, will die from the disease. Survey Results There were some slight variations in answers among sub-groups of the Asian American population and communities surveyed; indicating further investigation may be warranted.

Text Box: Hepatitis B Awareness Results of the survey indicate that: About one in five Asian Americans stated they were not aware of the risks of hepatitis B. While almost all Asian American adults were aware of some of the ways to spread hepatitis B, only about one in three were aware of all of the ways the virus is spread. Many still incorrectly believed that simply eating together and sharing work space and/or casual contact with infected persons are ways that hepatitis B is spread. Incidence and Treatment of Infection Respondents were asked if they were infected with the virus, or knew a family member infected with the hepatitis B virus: One in four answered yes to that question. However, the vast majority of those incorrectly mentioned at least one way that hepatitis B is spread. More than one in three of all respondents have had a family member die of causes related to hepatitis B. About six in ten respondents indicated they or their family members treated their chronic hepatitis B with prescription medications but approximately one in ten indicated they are treating their hepatitis B with a traditional Asian treatment regimen. Testing and Preventative Measures While almost all Asian Americans surveyed agreed there are ways to prevent becoming infected with the hepatitis B virus, survey results show preventative measures are not being taken: About three out of four have been tested yet only half reported that they had been vaccinated against the virus. Of the 128 adults who stated they had not been or would not be tested or vaccinated, nearly half felt they were not at risk of being infected with the virus. Of those who had not been or would not be tested or vaccinated, alarmingly, one in four responded that they did not want to know if they were infected with the virus. When asked about vaccinations for their children, about one in three of each group surveyed did not have all of their children vaccinated against hepatitis B. The Need For More Hepatitis B Education “These survey results show we need to help to educate these communities and their health care providers, using in-language materials and peer-to-peer interaction, about the dangers of untreated and unscreened chronic hepatitis B and the vaccination and treatment options available," said Dr. Cheung.

Text Box: FALLS CHURCH, VA - Three national Vietnamese American organizations received a $200,000 grant from Freddie Mac in an effort to break down cultural and language barriers separating public and private hurricane relief programs from hundreds of Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian families whose Gulf Coast homes and businesses were wrecked by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The three groups are the National Congress of Vietnamese Americans (NCVA), Boat People SOS, and the National Alliance of Vietnamese American Service Agencies (NAVASA). Freddie Mac’s $200,000 corporate grant will enable the three Vietnamese American groups to provide culturally adept and language proficient staff to bridge the gap between government resources and the Asian Americans who speak little or no English and have no understanding of how to access programs available to those impacted by the hurricanes. Assistance will help nearly 1000 families find temporary shelter and to apply for federal, state, local and private aid. In order to address the rebuilding/reconstruction phase and how to address the community’s intermediate and long-term housing needs, a critical assessment of housing needs will be conducted. “With the Asian American community’s infrastructure and resources limited throughout the Katrina storm area, many victims are relying on APIA community organizations that lack funding for an extended recovery effort,” said Congressman Mike Honda, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. “I want to thank Freddie Mac for their leadership in providing this grant which is the first step in providing an adequate response.” “I applaud Freddie Mac for the grant they awarded to the National Congress of Vietnamese Americans (NCVA), Boat People SOS (BPSOS), and the National Alliance of Vietnamese Americans Service Agencies (NCVA),” said Congressman Tom Davis, Chair of the House Committee on Government Reform. “I know firsthand these three highly regarded community organizations will work tirelessly to ensure this grant money helps Vietnamese Americans rebuild their homes and communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Rita.” “The devastation from Hurricane Katrina is a great challenge for our nation,” added Congressman Jim Moran, a member on the House Committee on Appropriations. “We will rebuild the Gulf Coast and bring New Orleans back as one of this country’s most vibrant, culturally infused cities. But it will take a collective effort, one in which people of all races, creeds and ethnicities must pitch in to help. I am especially concerned about helping state and local officials house

Text Box: those in need and applaud Freddie Mac for moving us in the right direction.” “By working with these three widely-respected organizations, we can provide an essential bridge between displaced Asian families and the hurricane relief efforts Freddie Mac and other organizations launched in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita,” said Dwight Robinson, Freddie Mac’s senior vice president of corporate relations and housing outreach. “Today’s announcement further underscores Freddie Mac’s mission to foster financial stability for America’s lenders, borrowers and communities in all kinds of weather.” Robinson added that the bi-lingual staff the three organizations can now deploy aim to place 700 Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Lao families in temporary housing in Bayou La Batre, Alabama and Biloxi, Mississippi, provide housing assistance to an estimated 250 additional families returning to New Orleans, and help the Vietnamese community assess its rebuilding needs in areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. “This timely grant will help us transition from emergency relief to recovery,” said Dr. Nguyen Dinh Thang, president of Boat People SOS, Inc. “One of our focuses in the recovery phase is temporary housing for hurricane victims. Due to language barrier, hundreds of Vietnamese, Cambodian and Lao families have not been placed into FEMA-provided trailers. They continue to live in their damaged residence under absolutely unhealthy conditions.” “Freddie Mac has taken great measures within the past months in responding, initiating and making timely contributions in efforts to aid the Asian American survivors of Hurricane Katrina and Rita. I strongly believe that by working together Freddie Mac Boat People S.O.S., NCVA and NAVASA will benefit thousands of displaced survivors,” Huy Vu Bui, Executive Director of NAVASA stated, “and I hope that this effort will encourage other corporations with Asian consumers and personnel to give support to our efforts.” “The rebuilding of the devastated Gulf region requires the cooperation of government, private and public entities. Vietnamese Americans should have a role in the rebuilding of their homes and communities,” said Hung Nguyen, president and CEO of the National Congress of Vietnamese Americans. “I applaud Freddie Mac for stepping forward and making this commitment to provide needed resources to our vulnerable communities. Through their continuing proactive engagement with the community, Freddie Mac is helping to make temporary and permanent homes possible for Americans of diverse backgrounds.”

Get Ready, Get Set, Go Winterize Your Car

AAA Offers Advice on Preparing Your Car for the Winter

Also, keep in mind that one of the most common causes of cold-weather breakdowns is a weak or dead battery. Good indicators that your battery is weak and may need replacement include a starter motor that cranks the engine slowly when the ignition key is turned or headlights that dim noticeably when the engine speed drops to idle.

If you are unsure about any aspect of your vehicle's condition, visit a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility for expert maintenance and repair services.

Go:

Now that your vehicle has the green light, here are some winter driving tips to get you to your destination safely.

* When driving in slippery and icy conditions, slow down and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Minimize your brake use and remember that traction is greatest just before the wheels spin. Applying gentle pressure on the accelerator pedal when starting is the best method for retaining traction and avoiding skids.

* The most effective way to stop on ice and snow is to apply your brakes gently, well in advance of the point where you intend to stop. If your car has an antilock braking system, do not pump your brakes; continue to apply firm pressure to the brake pedal until your vehicle comes to a complete stop.

* Keep your seatbelt fastened and make certain that all passengers are securely restrained.

* When driving in falling snow or fog, lower your speed, use your low-beam headlights or fog lights and keep a safe distance from vehicles in front of you.

* To help avoid gas line freeze up, keep your gas tank at least half full to minimize condensation.

For more automotive tips, visit www.aaa.com.

Winter's just around the corner and chances are your vehicle needs some preventive maintenance to get it ready for the cold weather ahead.

According to AAA, the most frequently uncovered problems in its annual vehicle inspections are improper tire pressure or low or dirty motor oil, anti-freeze, or other automotive fluids.

AAA offers the following advice for motorists preparing for the winter driving season:

Get ready:

Before you drive long distances, check the weather conditions along your route. Remember to bring a cellular phone and a winter driving kit that includes a flashlight with fresh batteries, a snow shovel and brush, traction mats, ice scraper, booster cables, a blanket, flares, heavy gloves, window washing solvent and a first-aid kit.

Get set:

Inspect your vehicle thoroughly before leaving your driveway. Ensure that your tires are properly inflated, fluid levels are full, front and rear lights are operating, and belts and hoses are in good condition.