upi--2020-03-24--Deaths from high blood pressure skyrocket, especially in the South

There 's been a sharp increase in high blood pressure-related deaths in the United States , particularly in rural areas , a new study says .
Researchers analyzed data on more than 10 million U.S. deaths between 2007 and 2017 and found that death rates linked to high blood pressure , or hypertension , rose 72 percent in rural areas and 20 percent in urban areas .
The increase was highest in the rural South , which had more than twice the rate of high blood pressure-related deaths than other regions .
Age-adjusted rates increased in the rural South from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2007 to 39.5 per 100,000 in 2017 .
A combination of poor diet , high rates of obesity and diabetes , and a lack of access to health care may play a part in the regional differences , according to lead author Dr. Lakshmi Nambiar , a cardiovascular disease fellow at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine .
Public health measures that target some of these factors could help narrow regional gaps , she added .
The findings are scheduled to be presented March 28-30 at an online meeting of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at meetings are typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal .
`` This is a public health emergency that has not been fully recognized , '' Nambiar said in a meeting news release .
`` Hypertension-related cardiovascular deaths are rising in the U.S. across all age groups , all regions and in both urban and rural populations .
These findings are alarming and warrant further investigation , as well as preventative efforts , '' she added .
The findings contrast with recent declines in deaths due to coronary heart disease -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially the widespread use of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs .
The steep rise in hypertension-related deaths was , therefore , unexpected , Nambiar said .
`` Since hypertension is a leading risk factor for coronary heart disease -- for which death rates have improved -- I thought we 'd see an improvement in hypertension in conjunction with that overall trend , '' she said .
`` But we 're just seeing it get worse and worse . ''
Nambiar said the findings could suggest an increase in heart failure , in which the heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the body .
The U.S. National Heart , Lung , and Blood Institute has more on high blood pressure .

There's been a sharp increase in high blood pressure-related deaths in the United States, particularly in rural areas, a new study says.
Researchers analyzed data on more than 10 million U.S. deaths between 2007 and 2017 and found that death rates linked to high blood pressure, or hypertension, rose 72 percent in rural areas and 20 percent in urban areas.
Advertisement
The increase was highest in the rural South, which had more than twice the rate of high blood pressure-related deaths than other regions. Age-adjusted rates increased in the rural South from nearly 24 deaths per 100,000 people in 2007 to 39.5 per 100,000 in 2017.
A combination of poor diet, high rates of obesity and diabetes, and a lack of access to health care may play a part in the regional differences, according to lead author Dr. Lakshmi Nambiar, a cardiovascular disease fellow at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine.
Public health measures that target some of these factors could help narrow regional gaps, she added.
The findings are scheduled to be presented March 28-30 at an online meeting of the American College of Cardiology. Findings presented at meetings are typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Advertisement
"This is a public health emergency that has not been fully recognized," Nambiar said in a meeting news release.
"Hypertension-related cardiovascular deaths are rising in the U.S. across all age groups, all regions and in both urban and rural populations. These findings are alarming and warrant further investigation, as well as preventative efforts," she added.
The findings contrast with recent declines in deaths due to coronary heart disease -- a trend linked to improved treatments, especially the widespread use of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs.
The steep rise in hypertension-related deaths was, therefore, unexpected, Nambiar said. "Since hypertension is a leading risk factor for coronary heart disease -- for which death rates have improved -- I thought we'd see an improvement in hypertension in conjunction with that overall trend," she said. "But we're just seeing it get worse and worse."
Nambiar said the findings could suggest an increase in heart failure, in which the heart becomes too weak to adequately pump blood through the body.
More information
The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has more on high blood pressure.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-03-24--IMF: Pandemic to cause global recession

IMF: Pandemic to cause global recession

March 24 ( UPI ) -- The International Monetary Fund said it expects the coronavirus pandemic to cause a global recession this year on par with or worse than the one experienced during the global financial crisis .
Kristalina Georgieva , IMF managing director , said Monday in a statement following a Group of 20 ministerial phone call on the coronavirus emergency that the outlook for 2020 was negative and there would be `` a recession at least as bad as during the global financial crisis or worse . ''
On the positive , she said they expect a recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and strengthening health systems worldwide .
`` The economic impact is and will be severe , but the faster the virus stops , the quicker and stronger the recovery will be , '' she said .
Some 80 countries have requested assistance from the IMF , she said , and investors have already removed a record capital outflow of $ 83 billion from emerging markets since the beginning of the crisis .
She reiterated the IMF 's concern for low-income countries in debt distress that will be handcuffed compared to advanced economies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major central banks to ease monetary policy have been welcomed by the IMF , she said , but `` even more will be needed , especially on the fiscal front . ''
In order to help , she said the IMF is on standby to deploy its $ 1 trillion lending capacity while it was working to replenish the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust to help the poorest nations .
`` Let us stand together through this emergency to support all people across the world , '' she said .
The warning came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement it was deploying sweeping support for the U.S. economy during the pandemic that allows for the unlimited buying of Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities .

A woman wearing a face mask surrounded by almost no other foot traffic walks by the New York Stock Exchange before the opening bell on Wall Street in New York City on Monday, March 16. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 24 (UPI) -- The International Monetary Fund said it expects the coronavirus pandemic to cause a global recession this year on par with or worse than the one experienced during the global financial crisis. Kristalina Georgieva, IMF managing director, said Monday in a statement following a Group of 20 ministerial phone call on the coronavirus emergency that the outlook for 2020 was negative and there would be "a recession at least as bad as during the global financial crisis or worse." Advertisement
On the positive, she said they expect a recovery in 2021 if countries prioritize containing COVID-19 and strengthening health systems worldwide.
"The economic impact is and will be severe, but the faster the virus stops, the quicker and stronger the recovery will be," she said.
Some 80 countries have requested assistance from the IMF, she said, and investors have already removed a record capital outflow of $83 billion from emerging markets since the beginning of the crisis.
She reiterated the IMF's concern for low-income countries in debt distress that will be handcuffed compared to advanced economies to respond to their epidemics.
Moves by major central banks to ease monetary policy have been welcomed by the IMF, she said, but "even more will be needed, especially on the fiscal front."
Advertisement
In order to help, she said the IMF is on standby to deploy its $1 trillion lending capacity while it was working to replenish the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust to help the poorest nations.
"Let us stand together through this emergency to support all people across the world," she said.
The warning came as the Federal Reserve announced in a statement it was deploying sweeping support for the U.S. economy during the pandemic that allows for the unlimited buying of Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities.


upi--2020-03-24--Sarah Wayne Callies: ‘Council’ message is ‘We’re going to be OK’

NEW YORK , March 24 ( UPI ) -- Sarah Wayne Callies said she was ready for an uplifting project after years of starring in tension-charged thrillers like Prison Break and The Walking Dead .
NBC 's new family drama , which is based on Bruce Feiler 's book , Council of Dads , offered Callies the change she was looking for .
`` I 've put a lot of violence into the world with the content I 've created , and there was a time when our world felt so safe that that kind of exploration had so much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Callies recently told UPI during a press junket in New York .
But the actress is now , personally , at a place where almost all she watches is standup comedy .
Professionally , she wants to tell stories about decent , everyday people trying to do the right thing .
`` Things are bleak and they are scary and they are overwhelming , so this to me is a show for people who are looking for something that gives you an hour a week where you can come out of it at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do this .
We can get through this .
We 're going to be OK , ' '' Callies said .
Council of Dads stars Tom Everett Scott as Scott Perry , who sets up a network of surrogate fathers -- including his oldest friend , his doctor and his Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor -- to look out for his kids after he is diagnosed with cancer .
Callies plays his wife , Robin .
With an ensemble that also includes Michele Weaver , Michael O'Neill , Clive Standen , J. August Richards , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tran and Steven Silver , the series is set to debut Tuesday .
`` I fell in love with this pilot from the word 'go , ' partly because having talked to the showrunners , it is very personal for them , so they are writing about these things from a first-person perspective , '' Callies said , referring to married writer-producers Joan Rater and Tony Phelan .
`` It 's about a family that lives in Savannah , Ga. , with five kids and basically the father , Scott Perry , gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family navigate what the diagnosis changes about day-to-day life and how to prepare for the future and what does it look like now ? ''
Michele Weaver added .
`` The writing is incredible on this show .
They dive deep into every single storyline .
This show has so many different characters and every character has such dynamic conflicts , internal conflicts , '' Weaver said .
`` It was very meaty for all of us and delicious and fun . ''
O'Neill said audience members will likely see themselves reflected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scott gets his diagnosis , and he is at the end of his treatment , and he calls together his three best friends to form this 'council of dads ' and says , 'If I do n't make it , mentor my children .
Make sure they are going to be OK. ' If people ca n't recognize that in themselves as a father , I 'd be very , very surprised . '
'' `` And we look like America ! ''
Callies chimed in , referring to the cast , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ages .
`` I feel like we are part of this era of television where we have decided we have to tell stories that represent the country and what the country looks like and feels like .
That 's exciting .
I have not been a part of something like this in a very , very long time , '' Callies said .
Despite the cancer plot , its stars insist the show is n't a downer .
`` There 's a lot of hope , '' Weaver said .
`` Every single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fight the good fight .
Choose to be happy .
Happiness is a choice .
Every day , you see these characters face life , but you see them choose to put a smile on , to not give up . ''
Callies added : `` The more dire life gets , the more our need for humor kicks up .
Otherwise , you 'd spend all day face-down in a pillow . ''
Speaking during a panel at the recent SCAD aTV Fest in Savannah , Rater said the show is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge differences exist .
`` Bruce survived , but we had to kill our dad because then there would n't be a series .
We had to activate the council , '' she said .
`` Then we were able to take that idea and graft a little of our own family on to it , '' Phelan said .
`` We have a son who is trans and a daughter we adopted from China .
We also thought if we are going to be telling this story about this kind of blended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in America that you would n't expect to see that story . ''
Council of Dads premieres Tuesday at 10 p.m. EDT on NBC .

1/3
Sarah Wayne Callies, Michael O'Neill and Michele Weaver from "Council of Dads" arrive on the red carpet at the NBC Midseason New York Press Junket on January 23. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
NEW YORK, March 24 (UPI) -- Sarah Wayne Callies said she was ready for an uplifting project after years of starring in tension-charged thrillers like Prison Break and The Walking Dead. NBC's new family drama, which is based on Bruce Feiler's book, Council of Dads, offered Callies the change she was looking for. Advertisement
"I've put a lot of violence into the world with the content I've created, and there was a time when our world felt so safe that that kind of exploration had so much merit and it still does," Callies recently told UPI during a press junket in New York.
But the actress is now, personally, at a place where almost all she watches is standup comedy. Professionally, she wants to tell stories about decent, everyday people trying to do the right thing.
"Things are bleak and they are scary and they are overwhelming, so this to me is a show for people who are looking for something that gives you an hour a week where you can come out of it at the end and go, 'We can do this. We can get through this. We're going to be OK,'" Callies said.
Advertisement
Council of Dads stars Tom Everett Scott as Scott Perry, who sets up a network of surrogate fathers -- including his oldest friend, his doctor and his Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor -- to look out for his kids after he is diagnosed with cancer. Callies plays his wife, Robin.
With an ensemble that also includes Michele Weaver, Michael O'Neill, Clive Standen, J. August Richards, Blue Chapman, Emjay Anthony, Thalia Tran and Steven Silver, the series is set to debut Tuesday.
"I fell in love with this pilot from the word 'go,' partly because having talked to the showrunners, it is very personal for them, so they are writing about these things from a first-person perspective," Callies said, referring to married writer-producers Joan Rater and Tony Phelan.
"It's about a family that lives in Savannah, Ga., with five kids and basically the father, Scott Perry, gets diagnosed with cancer, so you see the family navigate what the diagnosis changes about day-to-day life and how to prepare for the future and what does it look like now?" Michele Weaver added.
"The writing is incredible on this show. They dive deep into every single storyline. This show has so many different characters and every character has such dynamic conflicts, internal conflicts," Weaver said. "It was very meaty for all of us and delicious and fun."
Advertisement
O'Neill said audience members will likely see themselves reflected in the show's characters.
"Scott gets his diagnosis, and he is at the end of his treatment, and he calls together his three best friends to form this 'council of dads' and says, 'If I don't make it, mentor my children. Make sure they are going to be OK.' If people can't recognize that in themselves as a father, I'd be very, very surprised.'"
"And we look like America!" Callies chimed in, referring to the cast, which is multicultural and includes actors of all ages.
"I feel like we are part of this era of television where we have decided we have to tell stories that represent the country and what the country looks like and feels like. That's exciting. I have not been a part of something like this in a very, very long time," Callies said.
Despite the cancer plot, its stars insist the show isn't a downer.
"There's a lot of hope," Weaver said. "Every single day we have to make a choice to fight the good fight. Choose to be happy. Happiness is a choice. Every day, you see these characters face life, but you see them choose to put a smile on, to not give up."
Advertisement
Callies added: "The more dire life gets, the more our need for humor kicks up. Otherwise, you'd spend all day face-down in a pillow."
Speaking during a panel at the recent SCAD aTV Fest in Savannah, Rater said the show is inspired by the book, but some huge differences exist.
"Bruce survived, but we had to kill our dad because then there wouldn't be a series. We had to activate the council," she said.
"Then we were able to take that idea and graft a little of our own family on to it," Phelan said.
"We have a son who is trans and a daughter we adopted from China. We also thought if we are going to be telling this story about this kind of blended family, let's put it someplace in America that you wouldn't expect to see that story."
Council of Dads premieres Tuesday at 10 p.m. EDT on NBC.


upi--2020-03-24--Medical marijuana 'essential' in some states during coronavirus outbreak

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Medical marijuana dispensaries on some states ' `` essential services '' lists , like grocery stores and pharmacies , are adjusting to new systems as local governments declare measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
Dispensaries are rushing to figure out ways to get medicinal cannabis to patients , some of whom are immunocompromised or at-risk for coronavirus .
`` What 's important is that cannabis is considered medicine , and people need access to medicine during this time , '' said Chanda Macias , of the Washington , D.C. , -based National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member of the National Cannabis Roundtable advocacy group .
Medical marijuana users often fall into in health categories , including cancer patients , those with multiple sclerosis , post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain , Macias said .
Her advocacy group is pushing for quicker licensing of caregivers authorized to pick up medical marijuana or work for multiple patients .
Dispensaries on state `` essential businesses '' lists are developing protocols for minimizing risk of COVID-19 , said Ellen Komp , deputy director of California NORML , a marijuana advocacy organization .
Industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for sanitizing and to limit the number of people in the store at one time .
Dispensaries are asked to minimize their displays and stop customer handling of products .
`` They 're using social-distancing guidelines for grocery stores , and not letting people smell the containers anymore , '' Komp said .
Because of federal banking prohibitions , most dispensary transactions have to be conducted with cash , which is a germ-spreader , Komp said .
Some dispensaries require employees to wear gloves when touching cash and ask them to use hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , medical marijuana dispensaries are temporarily permitted to offer curbside service for licensed med marijuana patients and their caregivers , according to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation .
Patients or caregivers must scan identification cards and pay cash on the sidewalk outside the dispensaries , a notice from the state regulations department said .
Recreational dispensaries are not included in the order .
Delivery is not permitted , Illinois ' regulatory agency said .
`` Our top priority is to minimize the risk of and protect as many people from exposure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior adviser for cannabis control , said in a statement Thursday .
In California , where recreational and medical cannabis are sold from the same dispensaries , local health departments are evaluating cannabis county by county , Komp said .
For example , San Francisco County health authorities backed down from closing cannabis dispensaries as non-essential businesses , issuing a clarification that `` Cannabis is an essential medicine for many San Francisco residents . ''
The California Bureau of Cannabis Control said Friday that `` licensees may continue to operate at this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local rules and regulations . ''
In some states in which only medical marijuana is legal , drive-through and delivery options are permitted .
For example , at Florida 's AltMed 's 18 dispensaries , patients picking up medical marijuana may be asked to check in and then wait in their cars , according to the company 's website .
Delivery is permitted for online or phone orders .
Patients are encouraged to use drive-through facilities at some locations .
Dispensaries will be closed Sundays for deep-cleaning and sanitizing , the company said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permitted to renew their doctor recertifications remotely via telemedicine instead of in person , according to the Florida Surgeon General 's office .
In New York , Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said the state 's registered medical marijuana dispensaries are `` essential medical providers and will [ be ] allowed to remain open . ''
The governor 's New York State `` on PAUSE '' order Friday included medical providers as essential businesses .
The New York Department of Health issued rules that allow dispensaries to sell from their doorways and allow deliveries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be encouraged to arrive by appointment .
`` This is a fluid situation that is changing day by day , '' said Washington , D.C.-based Justin Strekal , political director for NORML .
`` We hope those who consume cannabis for therapeutic purposes can continue to get access to medicine during this time . ''

Some marijuana dispensaries, like this one in San Francisco, will be allowed to remain open as an "essential business" in spite of statewide lockdowns to combat the spread of COVID-19. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI
March 24 (UPI) -- Medical marijuana dispensaries on some states' "essential services" lists, like grocery stores and pharmacies, are adjusting to new systems as local governments declare measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. Dispensaries are rushing to figure out ways to get medicinal cannabis to patients, some of whom are immunocompromised or at-risk for coronavirus. Advertisement
"What's important is that cannabis is considered medicine, and people need access to medicine during this time," said Chanda Macias, of the Washington, D.C.,-based National Holistic Healing Center, and a board member of the National Cannabis Roundtable advocacy group.
Medical marijuana users often fall into in health categories, including cancer patients, those with multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain, Macias said. Her advocacy group is pushing for quicker licensing of caregivers authorized to pick up medical marijuana or work for multiple patients.
Advertisement
Dispensaries on state "essential businesses" lists are developing protocols for minimizing risk of COVID-19, said Ellen Komp, deputy director of California NORML, a marijuana advocacy organization.
Industry groups are encouraging dispensaries to regularly close for sanitizing and to limit the number of people in the store at one time. Dispensaries are asked to minimize their displays and stop customer handling of products.
"They're using social-distancing guidelines for grocery stores, and not letting people smell the containers anymore," Komp said.
Because of federal banking prohibitions, most dispensary transactions have to be conducted with cash, which is a germ-spreader, Komp said. Some dispensaries require employees to wear gloves when touching cash and ask them to use hand sanitizers, she said.
In Illinois, medical marijuana dispensaries are temporarily permitted to offer curbside service for licensed med marijuana patients and their caregivers, according to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Patients or caregivers must scan identification cards and pay cash on the sidewalk outside the dispensaries, a notice from the state regulations department said.
Recreational dispensaries are not included in the order. Delivery is not permitted, Illinois' regulatory agency said.
"Our top priority is to minimize the risk of and protect as many people from exposure to COVID-19," Toi Hutchinson, senior adviser for cannabis control, said in a statement Thursday.
Advertisement
In California, where recreational and medical cannabis are sold from the same dispensaries, local health departments are evaluating cannabis county by county, Komp said.
For example, San Francisco County health authorities backed down from closing cannabis dispensaries as non-essential businesses, issuing a clarification that "Cannabis is an essential medicine for many San Francisco residents."
The California Bureau of Cannabis Control said Friday that "licensees may continue to operate at this time so long as their operations comply with local rules and regulations."
In some states in which only medical marijuana is legal, drive-through and delivery options are permitted.
For example, at Florida's AltMed's 18 dispensaries, patients picking up medical marijuana may be asked to check in and then wait in their cars, according to the company's website. Delivery is permitted for online or phone orders.
Patients are encouraged to use drive-through facilities at some locations. Dispensaries will be closed Sundays for deep-cleaning and sanitizing, the company said.
Existing Florida medical marijuana patients are permitted to renew their doctor recertifications remotely via telemedicine instead of in person, according to the Florida Surgeon General's office.
In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state's registered medical marijuana dispensaries are "essential medical providers and will [be] allowed to remain open." The governor's New York State "on PAUSE" order Friday included medical providers as essential businesses.
Advertisement
The New York Department of Health issued rules that allow dispensaries to sell from their doorways and allow deliveries to be temporarily expanded. Patients are to be encouraged to arrive by appointment.
"This is a fluid situation that is changing day by day," said Washington, D.C.-based Justin Strekal, political director for NORML.
"We hope those who consume cannabis for therapeutic purposes can continue to get access to medicine during this time."


upi--2020-03-24--'One Day At a Time' will continue addressing serious issues

LOS ANGELES , March 24 ( UPI ) -- One Day At a Time makes its debut on Pop on Tuesday after three seasons on Netflix .
The 2016 series reinvented Norman Lear 's original sitcom with a Cuban-American family .
Episodes dealt with such issues as workplace sexism , immigration , coming out to one 's parents and post-traumatic stress disorder .
Series creators Gloria Calderon Kellett and Mike Royce promised to continue to address such issues .
They hope Pop 's weekly format , versus Netflix 's season-long binge , will make One Day At a Time the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they 're not in the workplace .
`` We are going to buy America a water cooler for each home because we want that to be the kind of show , '' Royce said on a Television Critics Association panel .
Past `` water cooler shows '' would encourage co-workers to discuss them the following morning at work around the literal or metaphorical water cooler .
Dallas ' `` Who shot J.R. ? '
provoked water cooler discussion , and episodes of Friends and Seinfeld did , too .
Were Ross and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or George win the contest ?
The streaming world made water cooler shows a bit redundant .
Which episode did one discuss at work when you 'd binged 10 to 13 of them over the weekend ?
What did you talk about when your co-workers had n't caught up .
Kellett hopes One Day At a Time brings water cooler talk back .
`` We want the week for the conversation , '' Kellett said .
`` Mike and I would always joke that at 6 a.m. the following morning after launch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ binged the season .
When is the next season ? '
We 're like , 'What ?
It took so long to make that ! '
Circumstances will make Season 4 of One Day At a Time last even longer .
Producers had to shut down tapings due to the novel coronavirus and California 's stay-at-home order .
However , some episodes are in the can to run on Pop .
`` We feel like we get to sit in the yumminess of each episode week to week and have a conversation just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Our fan base is largely social media based , so we get to stop and talk about each episode with them and then with each other . ''
Episodes of One Day at a Time are inspired by the writers ' families .
Those families may be dealing with relevant topical issues , but Kellett does not begin looking for issues to address .
`` People are talking about what is happening in their homes , and that 's what we reflect on the show , '' Kellet said .
`` So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it 's mostly always something that really happened to us or one of the writers in the room . ''
Justina Machado plays Penelope Alvarez , the mother of Elena ( Isabella Gomez ) and Alex ( Marcel Ruiz ) .
Penelope is a military veteran and Machado got to portray her struggle with PTSD and medication for it in past seasons .
She also relies on the writers to prepare for her scenes .
`` Whenever I have questions , I go and I talk to the person who the story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Todd Grinnell plays the Alvarezes ' landlord and handyman Schneider .
Schneider is a recovering alcoholic , which Grinnell , also a recovering alcoholic , gets to explore in One Day At a Time .
`` [ Kellett and Royce ] are incredibly sensitive and caring and nurturing when it comes to all these stories , '' Grinnell said .
`` I admire how diligent they are about making sure that we get it right whenever we talk about any of these things . ''
Machado will make her directorial debut with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a special episode for Rita Moreno , who plays Penelope 's mother , Lydia .
`` It 's the episode where Lydia is having a religious crisis , '' Machado said .
`` I 'm very excited to direct this incredible woman and all of these incredible people .
I hope they all listen to me . ''
Kellett added that she assigned Machado a Lydia-centric episode to direct so that they could write Penelope out of much of the episode 's action .
`` She 's also the lead of the show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ episode where we could write her out of it largely , '' Kellett said .
Moreno teased that an upcoming episode would show the Alvarez family 's life in Cuba .
`` I can not wait to see what happens in Cuba , '' Moreno said .
`` We are going to get to see Cuba . ''
Season 4 will also continue to explore the romance between Lydia and Berkowitz ( Stephen Tobolowsky ) , Penelope 's boss .
`` The course of true love never runs smooth , '' Tobolowsky said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward to what bumps we 'll find along the road still to come . ''
One Day At a Time returns Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. on Pop .

1/2
Justina Machado (L) returns for Season 4 of "One Day At a Time," based on the original series from Norman Lear (R). File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
LOS ANGELES, March 24 (UPI) -- One Day At a Time makes its debut on Pop on Tuesday after three seasons on Netflix. The 2016 series reinvented Norman Lear's original sitcom with a Cuban-American family. Episodes dealt with such issues as workplace sexism, immigration, coming out to one's parents and post-traumatic stress disorder. Series creators Gloria Calderon Kellett and Mike Royce promised to continue to address such issues. They hope Pop's weekly format, versus Netflix's season-long binge, will make One Day At a Time the subject of conversations every week, even if they're not in the workplace. Advertisement
"We are going to buy America a water cooler for each home because we want that to be the kind of show," Royce said on a Television Critics Association panel.
Past "water cooler shows" would encourage co-workers to discuss them the following morning at work around the literal or metaphorical water cooler. Dallas' "Who shot J.R.?' provoked water cooler discussion, and episodes of Friends and Seinfeld did, too. Were Ross and Rachel on a break? Did Jerry or George win the contest?
Advertisement
The streaming world made water cooler shows a bit redundant. Which episode did one discuss at work when you'd binged 10 to 13 of them over the weekend? What did you talk about when your co-workers hadn't caught up. Kellett hopes One Day At a Time brings water cooler talk back.
"We want the week for the conversation," Kellett said. "Mike and I would always joke that at 6 a.m. the following morning after launch, people would be, like, 'We binged the season. When is the next season?' We're like, 'What? It took so long to make that!'
Circumstances will make Season 4 of One Day At a Time last even longer. Producers had to shut down tapings due to the novel coronavirus and California's stay-at-home order. However, some episodes are in the can to run on Pop.
"We feel like we get to sit in the yumminess of each episode week to week and have a conversation just about that," Kellett said. "Our fan base is largely social media based, so we get to stop and talk about each episode with them and then with each other."
Episodes of One Day at a Time are inspired by the writers' families. Those families may be dealing with relevant topical issues, but Kellett does not begin looking for issues to address.
Advertisement
"People are talking about what is happening in their homes, and that's what we reflect on the show," Kellet said. "So if it feels organic, it's because it's mostly always something that really happened to us or one of the writers in the room."
Justina Machado plays Penelope Alvarez, the mother of Elena (Isabella Gomez) and Alex (Marcel Ruiz). Penelope is a military veteran and Machado got to portray her struggle with PTSD and medication for it in past seasons. She also relies on the writers to prepare for her scenes.
"Whenever I have questions, I go and I talk to the person who the story is about," Machado said.
Todd Grinnell plays the Alvarezes' landlord and handyman Schneider. Schneider is a recovering alcoholic, which Grinnell, also a recovering alcoholic, gets to explore in One Day At a Time.
"[Kellett and Royce] are incredibly sensitive and caring and nurturing when it comes to all these stories," Grinnell said. "I admire how diligent they are about making sure that we get it right whenever we talk about any of these things."
Machado will make her directorial debut with a Season 4 episode. It will be a special episode for Rita Moreno, who plays Penelope's mother, Lydia.
Advertisement
"It's the episode where Lydia is having a religious crisis," Machado said. "I'm very excited to direct this incredible woman and all of these incredible people. I hope they all listen to me."
Kellett added that she assigned Machado a Lydia-centric episode to direct so that they could write Penelope out of much of the episode's action.
"She's also the lead of the show, so we needed to find an episode where we could write her out of it largely," Kellett said.
Moreno teased that an upcoming episode would show the Alvarez family's life in Cuba.
"I cannot wait to see what happens in Cuba," Moreno said. "We are going to get to see Cuba."
Season 4 will also continue to explore the romance between Lydia and Berkowitz (Stephen Tobolowsky), Penelope's boss.
"The course of true love never runs smooth," Tobolowsky said. "I am very much looking forward to what bumps we'll find along the road still to come."
One Day At a Time returns Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. on Pop.


upi--2020-03-24--On This Day, March 24: Germanwings flight crashes, killing 150

March 24 ( UPI ) -- In 1603 , Queen Elizabeth I of England died after 44 years of rule .
She was succeeded by King James VI of Scotland , uniting England and Scotland under a single British monarch .
In 1934 , the United States granted independence to the Philippine Islands , effective July 4 , 1946 .
In 1975 , the beaver became the official symbol of Canada .
In 1989 , the Exxon Valdez hit a reef in the Gulf of Alaska , spilling 11 million gallons of crude oil in the largest oil tanker spill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four girls and a teacher at Westside Middle School in Jonesboro , Ark.
, were killed by bullets fired from a nearby wooded area .
The shooters were two boys , ages 11 and 13 , who were convicted as juveniles and served prison time .
In 1999 , NATO airstrikes hit military targets across the Yugoslav union of Serbia-Montenegro after ethnic cleansing launched by Serbian forces against Kosovar Albanians .
In 2004 , the European Commission fined software giant Microsoft $ 613 million for EU antitrust violations .
In 2012 , former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , underwent heart transplant surgery at a hospital in Falls Church , Va .
In 2014 , a court in Minya , Egypt , sentenced 529 members of the Muslim Brotherhood to death on charges including murder and attempted murder .
Most of the suspects were tried in absentia .
In 2015 , a Germanwings plane carrying 150 people , including German high school students , crashed in the French Alps in southern France .
Everyone on board died .
In 2018 , student activists pushed for an end to gun violence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country less than two months after a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglass High School in Parkland , Fla. , left 17 people dead .
In 2019 , Attorney General William Barr released a summary of special counsel Robert Mueller 's Russia investigation , finding that though Moscow interfered in the 2016 presidential election , there was no evidence President Donald Trump colluded .
Later details from the report found there was evidence Trump attempted to obstruct the investigation .

1/4
On March 24, 2015, a Germanwings plane carrying 150 people, including German high school students, crashed in the French Alps in southern France. Everyone on board died. Photo by Francis Pellier/MI DICOM | License Photo
March 24 (UPI) -- In 1603, Queen Elizabeth I of England died after 44 years of rule. She was succeeded by King James VI of Scotland, uniting England and Scotland under a single British monarch. In 1934, the United States granted independence to the Philippine Islands, effective July 4, 1946. Advertisement
In 1975, the beaver became the official symbol of Canada.
File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI
In 1989, the Exxon Valdez hit a reef in the Gulf of Alaska, spilling 11 million gallons of crude oil in the largest oil tanker spill in U.S. history.
In 1998, four girls and a teacher at Westside Middle School in Jonesboro, Ark., were killed by bullets fired from a nearby wooded area. The shooters were two boys, ages 11 and 13, who were convicted as juveniles and served prison time.
In 1999, NATO airstrikes hit military targets across the Yugoslav union of Serbia-Montenegro after ethnic cleansing launched by Serbian forces against Kosovar Albanians.
In 2004, the European Commission fined software giant Microsoft $613 million for EU antitrust violations.
Advertisement
In 2012, former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, 71, underwent heart transplant surgery at a hospital in Falls Church, Va.
File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
In 2014, a court in Minya, Egypt, sentenced 529 members of the Muslim Brotherhood to death on charges including murder and attempted murder. Most of the suspects were tried in absentia.
In 2015, a Germanwings plane carrying 150 people, including German high school students, crashed in the French Alps in southern France. Everyone on board died.
In 2018, student activists pushed for an end to gun violence in the March for Our Lives protests across the country less than two months after a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglass High School in Parkland, Fla., left 17 people dead.
In 2019, Attorney General William Barr released a summary of special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation, finding that though Moscow interfered in the 2016 presidential election, there was no evidence President Donald Trump colluded. Later details from the report found there was evidence Trump attempted to obstruct the investigation.
Advertisement


upi--2020-03-24--China makes largest U.S. grain purchases since start of trade war

EVANSVILLE , Ind.
, March 24 ( UPI ) -- China in the last week made several large purchases of American grain , sparking hope in the farming sector that the nation intends to make good on its promise to buy billions of dollars worth of U.S. agricultural products this year , industry groups say .
`` It is great to see China back in the market , '' said Ryan LeGrand , the president and CEO of the Washington , D.C.-based U.S. Grains Council , a trade group that represents corn , sorghum , barely , distillers grain and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of many more purchases . ''
Chinese buyers ordered more than 750,000 metric tons of American corn Thursday and about 1 million metric tons of sorghum earlier in the week , LeGrand said .
On Friday , the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced China also bought about 340,000 metric tons of wheat .
These are the largest single purchases of wheat and sorghum China has made since imposing high retaliatory tariffs on U.S. farm goods in summer 2018 , the groups say .
`` The market has been waiting for this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman for U.S .
Wheat Associates , a trade organization for the wheat industry based in Arlington , Va. `` We 'll see where it goes . ''
Following the purchase , the price for wheat spiked from under $ 5 per bushel to more than $ 5.50 , according to Chicago Mercantile Exchange figures .
The three crops are grown across the United States .
Wheat is grown in several regions , including North Dakota , Kansas and Oklahoma , and Washington state .
Sorghum is grown mostly in Kansas , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And corn -- America 's largest crop according to USDA -- is grown across the Midwest and Great Plains .
Concern arose earlier in the year that the coronavirus pandemic in China would hamper the nation 's ability to buy an agreed-to $ 80 billion in agricultural products over the next two years , according to phase one of the trade deal with the United States .
In an effort to halt the virus spread , China closed businesses and quarantined individuals .
Shipping ports backed up as workers stayed home .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of new coronavirus cases dropped in China , officials have eased travel and quarantine restrictions , and people are returning to work .
`` Our team on the ground in China is kind of getting back to normal , '' said Jim Sutter , CEO of the U.S .
Soybean Export Council , a trade group based in Chesterfield , Mo .
`` People there are going back to work .
They are ramping up production again .
Demand is pretty good in China . ''
China has not yet made any large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That most likely is because Brazil , China 's other main soybean supplier , is in the middle of its harvest .
The market is flush with Brazilian soybeans , which are cheaper than American soybeans .
`` We just have to wait for Brazil to sell all of its beans , '' Sutter said .
`` Then the U.S. will get our turn . ''

China made large purchases of American corn, wheat and sorghum in the last week. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
EVANSVILLE, Ind., March 24 (UPI) -- China in the last week made several large purchases of American grain, sparking hope in the farming sector that the nation intends to make good on its promise to buy billions of dollars worth of U.S. agricultural products this year, industry groups say. "It is great to see China back in the market," said Ryan LeGrand, the president and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Grains Council, a trade group that represents corn, sorghum, barely, distillers grain and ethanol. "We hope it is the start of many more purchases." Advertisement
Chinese buyers ordered more than 750,000 metric tons of American corn Thursday and about 1 million metric tons of sorghum earlier in the week, LeGrand said.
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced China also bought about 340,000 metric tons of wheat.
These are the largest single purchases of wheat and sorghum China has made since imposing high retaliatory tariffs on U.S. farm goods in summer 2018, the groups say.
"The market has been waiting for this," said Steve Mercer, a spokesman for U.S. Wheat Associates, a trade organization for the wheat industry based in Arlington, Va. "We'll see where it goes."
Advertisement
Following the purchase, the price for wheat spiked from under $5 per bushel to more than $5.50, according to Chicago Mercantile Exchange figures.
The three crops are grown across the United States.
Wheat is grown in several regions, including North Dakota, Kansas and Oklahoma, and Washington state. Sorghum is grown mostly in Kansas, with fields appearing in many other states. And corn -- America's largest crop according to USDA -- is grown across the Midwest and Great Plains.
Concern arose earlier in the year that the coronavirus pandemic in China would hamper the nation's ability to buy an agreed-to $80 billion in agricultural products over the next two years, according to phase one of the trade deal with the United States.
In an effort to halt the virus spread, China closed businesses and quarantined individuals. Shipping ports backed up as workers stayed home.
In the last weeks, as the number of new coronavirus cases dropped in China, officials have eased travel and quarantine restrictions, and people are returning to work.
"Our team on the ground in China is kind of getting back to normal," said Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, a trade group based in Chesterfield, Mo. "People there are going back to work. They are ramping up production again. Demand is pretty good in China."
Advertisement
China has not yet made any large purchases of American soybeans, Sutter said. That most likely is because Brazil, China's other main soybean supplier, is in the middle of its harvest. The market is flush with Brazilian soybeans, which are cheaper than American soybeans.
"We just have to wait for Brazil to sell all of its beans," Sutter said. "Then the U.S. will get our turn."


upi--2020-03-24--Famous birthdays for March 24: Peyton Manning, Alyson Hannigan

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Aries .

1/3
Peyton Manning speaks at his retirement announcement press conference at Denver Broncos Dove Valley headquarters in Englewood, Colo., on March 7, 2016. The former quarterback turns 44 on March 24. File Photo by Eric Bakke/DENVER BRONCOS | License Photo
March 24 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Aries. They include: Advertisement
-- Financier Andrew Mellon in 1855
-- Magician and escape artist Harry Houdini in 1874
-- Silent film star Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle in 1887
-- Baseball Hall of Fame member George Sisler in 1893
-- Pioneer Disney film animator Ubbe "Ub" Iwerks in 1901
-- Republican U.S. presidential candidate Thomas Dewey in 1902
-- Notorious bank robber Clyde Barrow in 1909
-- Poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1919 (age 101)
-- Actor Steve McQueen in 1930
-- TV personality Mary Berry, born Mary Hunnings, in 1935 (age 85)
-- Dress designer Bob Mackie in 1939 (age 81)
-- Musician Nick Lowe in 1949 (age 71)
-- Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger in 1951 (age 69)
-- Comedian Louie Anderson in 1953 (age 67)
File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
-- Actor Robert Carradine in 1954 (age 66)
-- Actor Donna Pescow in 1954 (age 66)
-- Actor/model Kelly LeBrock in 1960 (age 60)
-- Television personality Star Jones in 1962 (age 58)
Advertisement
-- WWE wrestler The Undertaker, born Mark William Calaway, in 1965 (age 55)
-- Actor Lara Flynn Boyle in 1970 (age 50)
-- Actor Megyn Price in 1971 (age 49)
-- Actor Jim Parsons in 1973 (age 47)
-- Actor Alyson Hannigan in 1974 (age 46)
File Photo by Gregg DeGuire/UPI
-- Former football star Peyton Manning in 1976 (age 44)
-- Actor Jessica Chastain in 1977 (age 43)
-- Actor Lake Bell in 1979 (age 41)
-- TV personality/dancer Val Chmerkovskiy in 1986 (age 34)
-- Actor Finn Jones in 1988 (age 32)


upi--2020-03-24--Seven states order residents to stay home; Trump says U.S. will reopen 'very soon'

March 23 ( UPI ) -- The governors of at least seven states have issued stay-at-home orders , preventing their residents from going outdoors unless necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic as President Donald Trump suggested an easing to federal guidelines to lessen the shutdown 's impact on the economy .
Hawaii , Indiana , Massachusetts , Michigan , Oregon , Washington and West Virginia on Monday added their names to a growing list of states that have ordered their non-essential businesses to close and their residents to stay home amid the COVID-19 outbreak that has killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 46,000 since the first patient was identified in the country on Jan. 21 .
The orders will be in place for a minimum of two weeks with Hawaii 's lasting the longest from Wednesday to April 30 .
`` The threat of COVID-19 is unprecedented and requires aggressive action , '' Hawaiian Gov .
David Ige said in a press release .
California , Connecticut , Delaware , Illinois , Louisiana , New Jersey , New York and Ohio have previously announced stay-at-home orders with Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers saying he plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
The orders follow President Donald Trump issuing guidelines , including limiting non-essential gatherings to fewer than 10 people , on March 16 .
Trump said the social distancing guidelines would be in place for 15 days , but on Sunday he tweeted that `` we can not let the cure be worse than the problem itself '' and that when the deadline is up `` we will make a decision as to which way we want to go . ''
On Monday , when asked about this comment during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country will be reopened `` very soon . ''
`` I 'm not looking at months , I can tell you that right now , '' he said , adding , `` you ca n't keep it closed for years . ''
`` This is going away , '' he said .
`` We 're going to win the battle but you have tremendous responsibility .
You have jobs .
People have anxiety and depression .
You have suicides over things like this when you have terrible economies . ''
Trump 's comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams telling NBC 's Today that the situation in the United States is only going to worsen .
`` I want America to understand this week , it 's going to get bad , '' he said , adding , `` Everyone needs to act as if they have the virus right now .
Test or no test , we need you to understand you could be spreading it to someone else .
Or you could be getting it from someone else . ''
`` Stay at home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , R-S.C. , a noted Trump ally , agreed with the president that the United States was fighting `` a two-front war '' with the virus on one side and floating the economy on the other but that he hoped the guidelines would not be cut .
`` President Trump 's best decision was stopping travel from China early on , '' Graham said via Twitter .
`` I hope we will not undercut that decision by suggesting we back off aggressive containment policies within the United States . ''

1/3
President Donald J. Trump participates in a news briefing by members of the Coronavirus Task Force in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on Monday. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
March 23 (UPI) -- The governors of at least seven states have issued orders preventing residents from leaving home unless necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic as President Donald Trump suggested an easing to federal guidelines to lessen the shutdown's impact on the economy. Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon, Washington and West Virginia on Monday joined a growing list of states that have ordered their non-essential businesses to close and their residents to stay home amid the COVID-19 outbreak that has killed nearly 600 Americans and infected more than 46,000 since the first patient was identified in the country on Jan. 21. Advertisement
The orders will be in place for a minimum of two weeks with Hawaii's lasting the longest from Wednesday to April 30.
"The threat of COVID-19 is unprecedented and requires aggressive action," Hawaiian Gov. David Ige said in a press release.
Advertisement
California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Ohio have previously announced stay-at-home orders with Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers saying he plans to make the declaration for his state on Tuesday.
The orders follow Trump issuing guidelines, including limiting non-essential gatherings to fewer than 10 people, on March 16.
Trump said the social distancing guidelines would be in place for 15 days, but on Sunday he tweeted that "we cannot let the cure be worse than the problem itself" and that when the deadline is up "we will make a decision as to which way we want to go."
WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF. AT THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD, WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO GO!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 23, 2020
On Monday, when asked about this comment during a coronavirus press briefing, Trump said the country will be reopened "very soon."
"I'm not looking at months, I can tell you that right now," he said, adding, "you can't keep it closed for years."
Advertisement
"This is going away," he said. "We're going to win the battle but you have tremendous responsibility. You have jobs. People have anxiety and depression. You have suicides over things like this when you have terrible economies."
Trump's comments came on the heels of U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams telling NBC's Today that the situation in the United States is only going to worsen.
"I want America to understand this week, it's going to get bad," he said, adding, "Everyone needs to act as if they have the virus right now. Test or no test, we need you to understand you could be spreading it to someone else. Or you could be getting it from someone else.
"Stay at home," he said.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a noted Trump ally, agreed with the president that the United States was fighting "a two-front war" with the virus on one side and floating the economy on the other but that he hoped the guidelines would not be cut.
"President Trump's best decision was stopping travel from China early on," Graham said via Twitter. "I hope we will not undercut that decision by suggesting we back off aggressive containment policies within the United States."
Advertisement
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-03-24--Weight-loss surgery may cut risk for heart attack, stroke

Weight-loss surgery is associated with a significantly lower risk of heart attack , stroke , heart failure and death , a new study reveals .
The study included more than 7,400 severely obese people , average age 36 , in Denmark who had not suffered a heart attack or stroke .
Half of the participants had weight-loss , or `` bariatric , '' surgery and half did not , as the `` control '' group .
Over an average follow-up of 11 years , there were 37 fatal or non-fatal heart attacks or strokes in the weight-loss surgery group , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 60 percent difference .
New diagnoses of heart failure during follow-up were 60 percent lower in the weight-loss surgery group than in the control group -- 22 versus 46 -- and death from any cause was 80 percent lower in the surgery group than in the control group -- 45 versus 182 .
The researchers also found that those who had weight-loss surgery lost much more weight -- an average of more than 10 kilograms , or 22 pounds , or more -- and their type 2 diabetes was more likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer needed medications to maintain normal blood sugar levels .
The study was published March 19 in the European Heart Journal .
The findings show that `` bariatric surgery was associated with a 1.5 percent reduction in the absolute risk of heart attacks or strokes ; 62 patients would need to have bariatric surgery to prevent one heart attack or stroke .
As this was a young group of patients , in whom we would expect to see fewer such events than in older patients , the reduction in the absolute risk has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-first author Maddalena Ardissino , an academic foundation trainee at Imperial College London .
According to study co-author Peter Collins , `` It 's important to emphasize that this is a retrospective study and can only show there is an association between bariatric surgery and a reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes , not that the surgery causes the reduction in risk .
Large , prospective trials are required to show causation . ''
Collins is a professor of clinical cardiology at the college 's National Heart and Lung Institute .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journal news release , `` the difference observed in cardiovascular events is striking , and it indicates that if a causative effect does indeed exist , its size has the potential to be very large and important . ''
The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has more on weight-loss surgery .

Weight-loss surgery is associated with a significantly lower risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and death, a new study reveals.
The study included more than 7,400 severely obese people, average age 36, in Denmark who had not suffered a heart attack or stroke. Half of the participants had weight-loss, or "bariatric," surgery and half did not, as the "control" group.
Advertisement
Over an average follow-up of 11 years, there were 37 fatal or non-fatal heart attacks or strokes in the weight-loss surgery group, and 93 in the control group, a 60 percent difference.
New diagnoses of heart failure during follow-up were 60 percent lower in the weight-loss surgery group than in the control group -- 22 versus 46 -- and death from any cause was 80 percent lower in the surgery group than in the control group -- 45 versus 182.
The researchers also found that those who had weight-loss surgery lost much more weight -- an average of more than 10 kilograms, or 22 pounds, or more -- and their type 2 diabetes was more likely to improve to the point where they no longer needed medications to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Advertisement
The study was published March 19 in the European Heart Journal.
The findings show that "bariatric surgery was associated with a 1.5 percent reduction in the absolute risk of heart attacks or strokes; 62 patients would need to have bariatric surgery to prevent one heart attack or stroke. As this was a young group of patients, in whom we would expect to see fewer such events than in older patients, the reduction in the absolute risk has important clinical implications," said study co-first author Maddalena Ardissino, an academic foundation trainee at Imperial College London.
According to study co-author Peter Collins, "It's important to emphasize that this is a retrospective study and can only show there is an association between bariatric surgery and a reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes, not that the surgery causes the reduction in risk. Large, prospective trials are required to show causation." Collins is a professor of clinical cardiology at the college's National Heart and Lung Institute.
"Nonetheless," he said in a journal news release, "the difference observed in cardiovascular events is striking, and it indicates that if a causative effect does indeed exist, its size has the potential to be very large and important."
Advertisement
More information
The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has more on weight-loss surgery.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-03-23--Trudeau warns of further restrictions if Canadians don't stay home

March 23 ( UPI ) -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a stern warning to his citizens on Monday to stay home amid the coronavirus pandemic or stricter measures will be put in place to ensure they do .
Trudeau , who has been in isolation in his Ottawa home since March 12 after his wife , Sophie Trudeau , tested positive for COVID-19 , told Canadians that if they do not stay home they will be endangering their communities .
`` Enough is enough .
Go home and stay home , '' he said in the uncommonly stern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all need to be doing . ''
If they do not , he added , the government will `` enforce the rules . ''
`` Nothing that could help is off the table , '' he said .
Trudeau has so far been reluctant to issue a state of national emergency as health officials have urged people to stay home and bars and restaurants have been ordered to close .
The prime minister said that despite the restrictions being put in place to save lives , people have been flouting them .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people who seem to think they 're invincible , '' he said .
`` Well , you 're not . ''
The message came as Canada 's Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam said Canada must slow community spread of the virus through `` unrelenting social distancing . ''
The coronavirus has infected 1,474 people in Canada and caused 20 deaths , she said , adding Yukon has reported its first two cases , both linked to travel .
However , Canada is seeing more cases of community spread , she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and flatten the epidemic curve to buy time for research and innovation .
`` Everyone who is practicing self-isolation is giving a chance for researchers around the world to develop novel solutions , '' she said .
On Sunday , Canada became the first country to pull out of the Olympic this summer .
The message followed British Prime Minster Boris Johnson issuing a sweeping stay-at-home order for the entire nation , limiting people to their homes for at least three weeks .

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to the Canadian people outside of Rideau Cottage in Ottawa where he has been quarantined since March 12. Photo courtesy of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
March 23 (UPI) -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a stern warning to his citizens on Monday to stay home amid the coronavirus pandemic or stricter measures will be put in place to ensure they do. Trudeau, who has been in isolation in his Ottawa home since March 12 after his wife, Sophie Trudeau, tested positive for COVID-19, told Canadians that if they do not stay home they will be endangering their communities. Advertisement
"Enough is enough. Go home and stay home," he said in the uncommonly stern message. "This is what we all need to be doing."
If they do not, he added, the government will "enforce the rules."
"Nothing that could help is off the table," he said.
Trudeau has so far been reluctant to issue a state of national emergency as health officials have urged people to stay home and bars and restaurants have been ordered to close.
The prime minister said that despite the restrictions being put in place to save lives, people have been flouting them.
"We've all seen the pictures online of people who seem to think they're invincible," he said. "Well, you're not."
Advertisement
The message came as Canada's Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam said Canada must slow community spread of the virus through "unrelenting social distancing."
The coronavirus has infected 1,474 people in Canada and caused 20 deaths, she said, adding Yukon has reported its first two cases, both linked to travel.
However, Canada is seeing more cases of community spread, she said, and they are seeking to delay and flatten the epidemic curve to buy time for research and innovation.
"Everyone who is practicing self-isolation is giving a chance for researchers around the world to develop novel solutions," she said.
On Sunday, Canada became the first country to pull out of the Olympic this summer.
The message followed British Prime Minster Boris Johnson issuing a sweeping stay-at-home order for the entire nation, limiting people to their homes for at least three weeks.


upi--2020-03-23--Pennsylvania prison defies order to release death row inmate for coronavirus testing

March 23 ( UPI ) -- Prison officials in Pennsylvania have defied a judge 's order to take a death row inmate to be tested for COVID-19 .
Lawyers for the Department of Corrections challenged the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas ' jurisdiction to interfere with prison system operations after they ruled last week that Walter Ogrod , 55 , should be transferred to a local hospital for testing and treatment .
They said that Ogrod is being adequately monitored at State Correctional Institution Phoenix in Montgomery County and treated in prison medical facilities .
`` Two medical doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently reviewed Mr. Ogrod 's condition , have conferred with each other and have found absolutely no indication for testing Mr. Ogrod for COVID-19 at this time , '' attorney Timothy A. Holmes said .
One of Ogrod 's attorneys , James Rollins , said his legal team is `` deeply troubled '' by the Department of Corrections ' refusal to allow their client to be tested and described its argument as a `` legal technicality . ''
`` There is no legal or moral position that can support a failure to test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rollins .
`` Given the unprecedented circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic , including limited access to courts across the Commonwealth , the Court 's order was a proper exercise of the Court 's emergency authority . ''
Ogrod has had symptoms consistent with COVID-19 , including cough , difficulty breathing and a 106-degree fever .
He was placed on death row after being convicted of assaulting and killing a 4-year-old girl in 1988 and in February the Philadelphia District Attorney 's Office filed briefs in court saying Ogrod is `` likely innocent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flawed evidence .
`` To make an innocent man remain even one extra day on death row is unjust , '' Rollins said .
`` To leave him on death row showing symptoms of COVID-19 without adequate medical treatment would be unconscionable . ''

Prison officials in Pennsylvania have defied an order to release death row inmate Walter Ogrod, who prosecutors have said is likely innocent, for COVID-19 after he has exhibited symptoms. File Photo courtesy of attorneys for Walter Ogrod
March 23 (UPI) -- Prison officials in Pennsylvania have defied a judge's order to take a death row inmate to be tested for COVID-19. Lawyers for the Department of Corrections challenged the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas' jurisdiction to interfere with prison system operations after they ruled last week that Walter Ogrod, 55, should be transferred to a local hospital for testing and treatment. Advertisement
They said that Ogrod is being adequately monitored at State Correctional Institution Phoenix in Montgomery County and treated in prison medical facilities.
"Two medical doctors employed by the Department of Corrections have recently reviewed Mr. Ogrod's condition, have conferred with each other and have found absolutely no indication for testing Mr. Ogrod for COVID-19 at this time," attorney Timothy A. Holmes said.
One of Ogrod's attorneys, James Rollins, said his legal team is "deeply troubled" by the Department of Corrections' refusal to allow their client to be tested and described its argument as a "legal technicality."
"There is no legal or moral position that can support a failure to test Mr. Ogrod for COVID-19," said Rollins. "Given the unprecedented circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic, including limited access to courts across the Commonwealth, the Court's order was a proper exercise of the Court's emergency authority."
Advertisement
Ogrod has had symptoms consistent with COVID-19, including cough, difficulty breathing and a 106-degree fever.
He was placed on death row after being convicted of assaulting and killing a 4-year-old girl in 1988 and in February the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office filed briefs in court saying Ogrod is "likely innocent" and the conviction was based on flawed evidence.
"To make an innocent man remain even one extra day on death row is unjust," Rollins said. "To leave him on death row showing symptoms of COVID-19 without adequate medical treatment would be unconscionable."


upi--2020-03-23--Ex-Tennessee Titans RB Dion Lewis signing one-year deal with New York Giants

March 23 ( UPI ) -- The New York Giants reached an agreement with former Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis on Monday .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Lewis agreed to a one-year contract with the Giants .
Financial details of the deal were n't disclosed .
The Titans released Lewis on March 12 , making him a free agent .
The veteran tailback previously signed a four-year , $ 19.8 million contract with the franchise in 2018 and was scheduled to hold a $ 5.1 million cap figure this season , according to Spotrac .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was used primarily as a third-down specialist in a receiving role out of the Titans ' backfield .
In two seasons in Tennessee , he recorded 726 yards and one touchdown on 209 carries , while adding 84 receptions for 564 yards and two scores .
In 86 career games between the Philadelphia Eagles , New England Patriots and Titans , Lewis has notched 3,591 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns .
He also had brief stints with the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts but never appeared in a game with @ @ @

Former Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis rushed for 209 yards in 16 games last season. File Photo by Ian Halperin/UPI | License Photo
March 23 (UPI) -- The New York Giants reached an agreement with former Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis on Monday. League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Lewis agreed to a one-year contract with the Giants. Financial details of the deal weren't disclosed. Advertisement
The Titans released Lewis on March 12, making him a free agent. The veteran tailback previously signed a four-year, $19.8 million contract with the franchise in 2018 and was scheduled to hold a $5.1 million cap figure this season, according to Spotrac.
Lewis, who turns 30 in September, was used primarily as a third-down specialist in a receiving role out of the Titans' backfield. In two seasons in Tennessee, he recorded 726 yards and one touchdown on 209 carries, while adding 84 receptions for 564 yards and two scores.
In 86 career games between the Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots and Titans, Lewis has notched 3,591 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns. He also had brief stints with the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts but never appeared in a game with the franchises.


upi--2020-03-23--United States cuts aid to Afghanistan after Mike Pompeo's unannounced  visit to Kabul

March 23 ( UPI ) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday that the United States will immediately cut $ 1 billion in assistance to Afghanistan and threatened a further $ 1 billion reduction next year as the country 's political rivals have failed to form a new government .
Pompeo made the announcement in a statement after he made an unannounced visit to Kabul to hold separate and combined talks with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah , a candidate for president last year who has disputed the results of the election .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeply regrets '' that the political rivals have informed him of their inability to agree to an inclusive government that would break a political dispute that has gripped the government and stalled peace talks with the Taliban .
`` The United States is disappointed in them and what their conduct means for Afghanistan and our shared interests , '' Pompeo said .
`` Their failure has harmed U.S.-Afghan relations and , sadly , dishonors those Afghan , Americans and coalition partners who have sacrificed their lives and treasure in the struggle to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' As the failure directly threatens U.S. national interests , the Trump administration will be slashing assistance to Afghanistan and initiating a review of all U.S. programs and projects to find areas for additional reductions , he said .
`` Should Afghan leaders choose to form an inclusive government that can provide security and participate in the peace process , the United States is prepared to support these efforts and revisit the reviews initiated today , '' he said .
Pompeo later told reporters that neither Ghani nor Abdullah have been able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're hopeful they 'll get their act together . ''
Asked what the Afghan leaders ' reaction to the cuts were , Pompeo said , `` their reaction was they understand that we are serious in this . ''
The disagreement between Ghani and Abdullah has hampered the Kabul government and fanned fears that the window to implement a historic peace deal between the United States and the Taliban is quickly closing .
According to Ghani 's spokesman , Sediq Sediqqi , Ghani and Pompeo discussed the Afghan peace process and its next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Afghan peace and current and political security issues .
Abdullah said he and Pompeo talked `` about the critical significance of the Afghan peace process as well as the need to resolve the current political crisis rooted in the recent election . ''
The trip is the first venture abroad for Pompeo since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease .
The political crisis in Kabul has prevented the government from appointing a negotiating team to begin intra-Afghan peace talks with the Taliban -- a primary objective of the Qatar agreement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a State Department official told NBC News .
`` The fear is that unless this crisis gets resolved and resolved soon , that could affect the peace process , which was an opportunity for this country that [ has ] stood in this 40-years-long war . ''
U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad last week urged the two sides to come to a political agreement , as did NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg .
Ghani has balked at part of the deal that requires releasing 5,000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for 1,000 government security officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to happen by March 10 , but was delayed after the Afghan government proposed freeing 1,500 prisoners in increments , and then only after the talks had begun .
The Taliban rejected the proposal , which prompted Kabul to suspend the entire process .
Hopes that a prisoner exchange could be accomplished were rekindled over the weekend when Khalilzad said the United States and Qatar had `` facilitated the first Afghan government to Taliban technical talks on prisoner releases , via Skype video conferencing . ''
Meanwhile , the Taliban have resumed attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday at a security checkpoint killed more than two dozen soldiers and police officers in Zabul province .
Investigators said it 's believed several members of the Afghan security forces aided in the attack .

1/2
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (L) and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani meet in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Monday. Photo courtesy of Sediq Sediqqi/Afghan government
March 23 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday that the United States will immediately cut $1 billion in assistance to Afghanistan and threatened a further $1 billion reduction next year as the country's political rivals have failed to form a new government. Pompeo made the announcement in a statement after he made an unannounced visit to Kabul to hold separate and combined talks with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, a candidate for president last year who has disputed the results of the election. Advertisement
In the statement, Pompeo said he "deeply regrets" that the political rivals have informed him of their inability to agree to an inclusive government that would break a political dispute that has gripped the government and stalled peace talks with the Taliban.
Advertisement
"The United States is disappointed in them and what their conduct means for Afghanistan and our shared interests," Pompeo said. "Their failure has harmed U.S.-Afghan relations and, sadly, dishonors those Afghan, Americans and coalition partners who have sacrificed their lives and treasure in the struggle to build a new future for this country."
As the failure directly threatens U.S. national interests, the Trump administration will be slashing assistance to Afghanistan and initiating a review of all U.S. programs and projects to find areas for additional reductions, he said.
"Should Afghan leaders choose to form an inclusive government that can provide security and participate in the peace process, the United States is prepared to support these efforts and revisit the reviews initiated today," he said.
Pompeo later told reporters that neither Ghani nor Abdullah have been able to find a compromise but now "we're hopeful they'll get their act together."
Asked what the Afghan leaders' reaction to the cuts were, Pompeo said, "their reaction was they understand that we are serious in this."
The disagreement between Ghani and Abdullah has hampered the Kabul government and fanned fears that the window to implement a historic peace deal between the United States and the Taliban is quickly closing.
Advertisement
According to Ghani's spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi, Ghani and Pompeo discussed the Afghan peace process and its next steps as well as the regional consensus on Afghan peace and current and political security issues.
Abdullah said he and Pompeo talked "about the critical significance of the Afghan peace process as well as the need to resolve the current political crisis rooted in the recent election."
The trip is the first venture abroad for Pompeo since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease.
The political crisis in Kabul has prevented the government from appointing a negotiating team to begin intra-Afghan peace talks with the Taliban -- a primary objective of the Qatar agreement.
"We are in a crisis," a State Department official told NBC News. "The fear is that unless this crisis gets resolved and resolved soon, that could affect the peace process, which was an opportunity for this country that [has] stood in this 40-years-long war."
U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad last week urged the two sides to come to a political agreement, as did NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
Ghani has balked at part of the deal that requires releasing 5,000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for 1,000 government security officers held by the Taliban. It was to happen by March 10, but was delayed after the Afghan government proposed freeing 1,500 prisoners in increments, and then only after the talks had begun.
Advertisement
The Taliban rejected the proposal, which prompted Kabul to suspend the entire process.
Hopes that a prisoner exchange could be accomplished were rekindled over the weekend when Khalilzad said the United States and Qatar had "facilitated the first Afghan government to Taliban technical talks on prisoner releases, via Skype video conferencing."
Meanwhile, the Taliban have resumed attacks on Afghan government forces.
An attack Friday at a security checkpoint killed more than two dozen soldiers and police officers in Zabul province. Investigators said it's believed several members of the Afghan security forces aided in the attack.


upi--2020-03-23--Carolina Panthers to trade QB Kyle Allen to Washington Redskins

March 23 ( UPI ) -- The Carolina Panthers agreed to trade backup quarterback Kyle Allen to the Washington Redskins @ @ @ @ @ told ESPN and NFL Media that Washington will acquire Allen in exchange for a fifth-round @ @ @ @ @ agreement came hours after the Panthers signed XFL standout signal-caller P.J .
Walker , making @ @ @ @ @ remain committed to second-year quarterback Dwayne Haskins , according to ESPN .
The team wanted @ @ @ @ @ with the former Ohio State star but would know how to handle a backup role @ @ @ @ @ free agent out of Houston in 2018 , previously signed a one-year deal with the @ @ @ @ @ The 24-year-old gunslinger will rejoin new Redskins offensive coordinator Scott Turner , who served as @ @ @ @ @ the Panthers in the last two seasons .
In 13 games ( 12 starts ) @ @ @ @ @ a 5-7 record and completed 62 percent of his passes .
He threw 17 touchdowns @ @ @ @ @ with an 80.0 passer rating .

Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen (7) posted a 5-7 record and threw 17 touchdowns to 16 interceptions last season. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
March 23 (UPI) -- The Carolina Panthers agreed to trade backup quarterback Kyle Allen to the Washington Redskins on Monday. League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Washington will acquire Allen in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. The trade agreement came hours after the Panthers signed XFL standout signal-caller P.J. Walker, making Allen expendable. Advertisement
The Redskins remain committed to second-year quarterback Dwayne Haskins, according to ESPN. The team wanted a quarterback who could compete with the former Ohio State star but would know how to handle a backup role.
Allen, an undrafted free agent out of Houston in 2018, previously signed a one-year deal with the Panthers earlier this month. The 24-year-old gunslinger will rejoin new Redskins offensive coordinator Scott Turner, who served as Allen's quarterbacks coach with the Panthers in the last two seasons.
In 13 games (12 starts) last season, Allen posted a 5-7 record and completed 62 percent of his passes. He threw 17 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, finishing with an 80.0 passer rating.


upi--2020-03-23--Two winning lottery tickets sold at one New Jersey convenience store

March 23 ( UPI ) -- A pair of winning lottery tickets were sold at the same New Jersey convenience @ @ @ @ @ said Monday .
The two tickets winning the New Jersey Lottery 's Jersey Cash 5 @ @ @ @ @ Morlot Food & News in the city of Fairlawn .
Each winning ticket was worth @ @ @ @ @ winners split the $ 54,294 from the drawing on Saturday .
Morlot Food & News @ @ @ @ @ each winning lottery ticket purchased at the store .

Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe
March 23 (UPI) -- A pair of winning lottery tickets were sold at the same New Jersey convenience store, the state lottery said Monday.
The two tickets winning the New Jersey Lottery's Jersey Cash 5 game were both sold at Morlot Food & News in the city of Fairlawn.
Advertisement
Each winning ticket was worth $24,147 as the two winners split the $54,294 from the drawing on Saturday.
Morlot Food & News will receive $2,000 for each winning lottery ticket purchased at the store.


upi--2020-03-24--Clippers owner Steve Ballmer reaches agreement to buy the Forum for $400M

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer reached an agreement with The Madison Square Garden Company to purchase the Forum in Inglewood , Calif. , for $ 400 million in cash , the franchise announced Tuesday .
`` This is an unprecedented time , but we believe in our collective future , '' Ballmer said in a statement .
`` We are committed to our investment in the City of Inglewood , which will be good for the community , the Clippers , and our fans . ''
The deal clears a major obstacle in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new arena in Inglewood , which Ballmer has pushed for since purchasing the franchise for $ 2 billion in 2014 .
League sources told the Los Angeles Times and ESPN that the agreement will resolve existing litigation brought by MSG surrounding plans for the Clippers ' new NBA arena , clearing the way for a new state-of-the-art , 18,000-seat home for Ballmer 's team .
The Madison Square Garden Company , whose executive chairman is New York Knicks owner James Dolan , previously attempted to block the construction of the Clippers ' proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proximity to the Forum .
The Forum will continue to operate as a music venue and current employees at the arena will be extended job offers by CAPPS until a new arena is built , according to ESPN .
The Clippers said the purchase of the Forum will be made through a new entity , CAPSS LLC , and is expected to close during the 2020 second quarter .

Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer purchased the Clippers for $2 billion in 2014. File Photo by UPI | License Photo
March 24 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer reached an agreement with The Madison Square Garden Company to purchase the Forum in Inglewood, Calif., for $400 million in cash, the franchise announced Tuesday. "This is an unprecedented time, but we believe in our collective future," Ballmer said in a statement. "We are committed to our investment in the City of Inglewood, which will be good for the community, the Clippers, and our fans." Advertisement
The deal clears a major obstacle in the Clippers' mission to construct a new arena in Inglewood, which Ballmer has pushed for since purchasing the franchise for $2 billion in 2014.
League sources told the Los Angeles Times and ESPN that the agreement will resolve existing litigation brought by MSG surrounding plans for the Clippers' new NBA arena, clearing the way for a new state-of-the-art, 18,000-seat home for Ballmer's team.
The Madison Square Garden Company, whose executive chairman is New York Knicks owner James Dolan, previously attempted to block the construction of the Clippers' proposed privately funded, billion-dollar arena over its proximity to the Forum.
Advertisement
The Forum will continue to operate as a music venue and current employees at the arena will be extended job offers by CAPPS until a new arena is built, according to ESPN.
The Clippers said the purchase of the Forum will be made through a new entity, CAPSS LLC, and is expected to close during the 2020 second quarter.


upi--2020-03-24--Federal judge rejects Michael Cohen's request to reduce, alter sentence

March 24 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge on Tuesday denied a request by President Donald Trump 's former attorney Michael Cohen to reduce or modify his three-year prison sentence .
U.S. District Court Judge William Pauley shot down Cohen 's request to reduce his three-year sentence to one year or serve the entirety in home confinement , saying Cohen 's motion had a `` fatal flaw '' as only prosecutors can file to reduce or alter a sentence .
`` Ten months into his prison term , it 's time that Cohen accept the consequences of his criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ institutional harms .
For these reasons , Cohen 's application to reduce or modify his sentence is denied , '' Pauley wrote .
Cohen began his prison sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Otisville , N.Y. , in May after pleading guilty for arranging a hush money scheme in the final days of the 2016 presidential campaign to pay two women who said they had affairs with Trump .
Pauley 's order stated that Cohen made `` material and false statements '' in his post-sentencing proffer sessions , including alleging that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Those ad hominem attacks lack any substance and do not trigger the right to a remedy or a hearing before this Court , '' the judge wrote .
Cohen last week asked the court to allow him to serve the remainder of his sentence in home confinement , citing the potential risk of COVID-19 spreading among prisoners .
`` That Cohen would seek to single himself out for release to home confinement appears to be just another effort to inject himself into the news cycle , '' Pauley wrote .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 'manifestly ineligible ' for compassionate release and has not exhausted his administrative remedies . ''

Michael Cohen asked to have his three-year prison sentenced reduced or moved to home confinement, citing the coronavirus outbreak. File Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
March 24 (UPI) -- A federal judge on Tuesday denied a request by President Donald Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen to reduce or modify his three-year prison sentence. U.S. District Court Judge William Pauley shot down Cohen's request to reduce his three-year sentence to one year or serve the entirety in home confinement, saying Cohen's motion had a "fatal flaw" as only prosecutors can file to reduce or alter a sentence. Advertisement
"Ten months into his prison term, it's time that Cohen accept the consequences of his criminal convictions for serious crimes that had far-reaching institutional harms. For these reasons, Cohen's application to reduce or modify his sentence is denied," Pauley wrote.
Cohen began his prison sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Otisville, N.Y., in May after pleading guilty for arranging a hush money scheme in the final days of the 2016 presidential campaign to pay two women who said they had affairs with Trump.
Pauley's order stated that Cohen made "material and false statements" in his post-sentencing proffer sessions, including alleging that the Department of Justice was biased against him.
Advertisement
"Those ad hominem attacks lack any substance and do not trigger the right to a remedy or a hearing before this Court," the judge wrote.
Cohen last week asked the court to allow him to serve the remainder of his sentence in home confinement, citing the potential risk of COVID-19 spreading among prisoners.
"That Cohen would seek to single himself out for release to home confinement appears to be just another effort to inject himself into the news cycle," Pauley wrote. "As the government points out, he is 'manifestly ineligible' for compassionate release and has not exhausted his administrative remedies."


upi--2020-03-24--Carolina Panthers release former NFL MVP Cam Newton

March 24 ( UPI ) -- The Carolina Panthers officially released former NFL MVP quarterback Cam Newton , the team announced Tuesday .
`` Cam has meant a lot to this organization and the Carolinas , '' Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said in a statement .
`` Everyone saw his performances on the field .
I had the privilege of seeing how hard he worked off the field , and his commitment to this team when no one was watching .
He 's the ultimate competitor and it physically hurts him to lose .
`` He willed this team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always be considered one of the greatest players in the history of this franchise .
His contributions to this team , this community and the game of football will leave a lasting impact on our organization . ''
The release of Newton concludes the star quarterback 's nine-year tenure with the franchise .
Last week , the Panthers signaled the end of his time in Carolina by giving him permission to seek a trade .
Newton disputed that , writing on social media that the team `` forced me into this . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ surfaced that the Panthers agreed to terms with former New Orleans Saints backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater .
Newton was scheduled to count $ 21.1 million against the salary cap this season , according to Spotrac .
The release of the 2015 NFL MVP saves the franchise $ 19.1 million in cap space with only $ 2 million in dead money .
Newton , who underwent foot surgery in December , missed 14 games last season because of a Lisfranc injury .
He also sat out the final two games of the 2018 campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surgery .
League sources told ESPN that Newton underwent a physical in Atlanta on Monday that was coordinated by the Panthers and his representatives .
According to ESPN , his shoulder and foot are healthy and he passed the physical .
The Panthers cut Newton after failing to find a trade partner .
Other NFL teams were unable to bring him in for a physical or workout because the league has halted those activities during the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Right now , he 's worth nothing until such time as people can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical -- their own doctors give him a physical and then work him out , '' Pro Football Hall of Fame executive Bill Polian told ESPN .
`` It 's unfortunate .
He 's got to prove he 's healthy for a number of reasons , and right now he ca n't do that , for a number of reasons . ''
The three-time Pro Bowl signal-caller has played in 125 career games ( 124 starts ) with the Panthers .
Newton has completed 59.6 percent of his passes for 29,041 yards , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was selected by the Panthers with the No .
1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft , was named first-team All-Pro in 2015 and guided the franchise to a Super Bowl appearance that season .
Carolina suffered a 24-10 loss to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 .

Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was selected by the franchise with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft. File Photo by Nell Redmond/UPI | License Photo
March 24 (UPI) -- The Carolina Panthers officially released former NFL MVP quarterback Cam Newton, the team announced Tuesday. "Cam has meant a lot to this organization and the Carolinas," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said in a statement. "Everyone saw his performances on the field. I had the privilege of seeing how hard he worked off the field, and his commitment to this team when no one was watching. He's the ultimate competitor and it physically hurts him to lose. Advertisement
"He willed this team to victory on many occasions and will always be considered one of the greatest players in the history of this franchise. His contributions to this team, this community and the game of football will leave a lasting impact on our organization."
The release of Newton concludes the star quarterback's nine-year tenure with the franchise. Last week, the Panthers signaled the end of his time in Carolina by giving him permission to seek a trade. Newton disputed that, writing on social media that the team "forced me into this."
Advertisement
Shortly after Newton's response, reports surfaced that the Panthers agreed to terms with former New Orleans Saints backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
Newton was scheduled to count $21.1 million against the salary cap this season, according to Spotrac. The release of the 2015 NFL MVP saves the franchise $19.1 million in cap space with only $2 million in dead money.
Newton, who underwent foot surgery in December, missed 14 games last season because of a Lisfranc injury. He also sat out the final two games of the 2018 campaign due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.
League sources told ESPN that Newton underwent a physical in Atlanta on Monday that was coordinated by the Panthers and his representatives. According to ESPN, his shoulder and foot are healthy and he passed the physical.
The Panthers cut Newton after failing to find a trade partner. Other NFL teams were unable to bring him in for a physical or workout because the league has halted those activities during the coronavirus pandemic.
"Right now, he's worth nothing until such time as people can work him out and give him a physical -- their own doctors give him a physical and then work him out," Pro Football Hall of Fame executive Bill Polian told ESPN. "It's unfortunate. He's got to prove he's healthy for a number of reasons, and right now he can't do that, for a number of reasons."
Advertisement
The three-time Pro Bowl signal-caller has played in 125 career games (124 starts) with the Panthers. Newton has completed 59.6 percent of his passes for 29,041 yards, 182 touchdowns and 108 interceptions.
Newton, who was selected by the Panthers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, was named first-team All-Pro in 2015 and guided the franchise to a Super Bowl appearance that season. Carolina suffered a 24-10 loss to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50.


upi--2020-03-24--Letting babies 'cry it out' teaches them to self-regulate, study shows

Could letting your baby cry it out mean less crying later ?
A new British study suggests that 's the case .
Researchers from the University of Warwick investigated the issue : They followed 178 infants and their moms over 18 months , assessing how soon and how often moms intervened when their babies cried .
The result ?
Babies that were left to cry it out a few times had shorter crying duration at 18 months .
For a behavioral development assessment , a psychologist observed play with the mother and a parent-report questionnaire was analyzed at 18 months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moms parent intuitively , learning from their infants ' ability to calm themselves , so babies can learn self-regulation .
Making distinctions with different kinds of crying can allow babies to learn how to self-regulate during daytime and nighttime , the researchers said .
`` We have to give more credit to parents and babies , '' said lead author Dieter Wolke , a professor of developmental psychology .
`` Most parents intuitively adapt over time and are attuned to their baby 's needs , wait a bit before intervening when crying , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn to self-regulate , '' he said in a university news release .
`` Most babies develop well despite their parents intervening immediately or not to crying . ''
The study was published recently in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry .
Mayo Clinic has more on what to do when your baby cries .

Could letting your baby cry it out mean less crying later?
A new British study suggests that's the case.
Advertisement
Researchers from the University of Warwick investigated the issue: They followed 178 infants and their moms over 18 months, assessing how soon and how often moms intervened when their babies cried.
The result? Babies that were left to cry it out a few times had shorter crying duration at 18 months.
For a behavioral development assessment, a psychologist observed play with the mother and a parent-report questionnaire was analyzed at 18 months.
The findings revealed that two-thirds of moms parent intuitively, learning from their infants' ability to calm themselves, so babies can learn self-regulation. Making distinctions with different kinds of crying can allow babies to learn how to self-regulate during daytime and nighttime, the researchers said.
"We have to give more credit to parents and babies," said lead author Dieter Wolke, a professor of developmental psychology.
"Most parents intuitively adapt over time and are attuned to their baby's needs, wait a bit before intervening when crying, and allow their babies the opportunity to learn to self-regulate," he said in a university news release. "Most babies develop well despite their parents intervening immediately or not to crying."
Advertisement
The study was published recently in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
More information
Mayo Clinic has more on what to do when your baby cries.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.