Come & Celebrate VivaLaredo 1st Year Anniversary!!

Come and Celebrate VivaLaredo.Net 1st Year Anniversary this Thursday Dec 3rd @ El Maguey Lounge and Friday Dec 4th @ E-Bar Lounge(Nightlife Party)!! This Thursday at El Maguey Lounge Mr. 210 Dj Necio from San Antonio,Tx also Laredo’s favorite band playing the best of live music Banda Revolucion and Mariachi Arrieros, you sure can’t miss out on this 2 great events. On Friday the Party continues @ E-Bar Lounge with Monterrey,Mex finest Dj Piolo celebrating VivaLaredo Nightlife and Special Vip Guest Fermin aka Miami!! For Reservations Call Veronica @ El Maguey Lounge at (956)744-0466. At E-Bar you can call Maribel @ (956)324-0927 !! See you all There!!!

Two H1N1 Flu Suspects confirmed in Webb County

The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) has received confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on two (2) positive Influenza A H1N1 suspect cases. Both students, 13 and 14 years of age attend Washington Middle School. Both have fully recovered and there are no secondary cases as all preventive treatment and precautions were provided.
Since both students were out during their infectious period due to the school closing, there is no concern on additional spread at this time. We will remain vigilant working closely with school officials excluding any student that is sick as is normal and customary. Parents at Washington Middle School will be provided information through their school officials. If any parent has any questions they can call the Health Department as well. All schools will continue to work with the Health Department to monitor all flu like illness.

Public health officials will continue to monitor vulnerable and susceptible populations to ensure positive outcomes if someone is exposed and/or infected. Again knowing what we now know, this novel Influenza A H1N1 virus now seems to be acting just like seasonal Flu. Because of the widespread throughout the United States, as well as the region, it now seems as if there is another flu season with this new H1N1. Therefore, all should remain cautious and alert, but not alarmed or panicked.

Individuals should continue practicing preventive measures with hygiene and respiratory precautions (cover mouth when cough and wash hands, cover with tissue and wash hands, cough into your elbow and wash hands, wash before and after using bathroom facilities and before you handle food). Schools are no longer any more at risk than the rest of the community however school officials and nurses have been advised to continue monitoring for flu like illness and if meets the case definition,we ask that you exclude children from school for 7 days as per CDC/DSHS guidance.
Summary of H1N1 Laredo activities:

… Received alert on April 24, 2009 from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
… Notified and provided status to city, county, state and federal partners, entities, and leadership.
… Notified and provided ongoing recommendations and guidance to schools, hospitals, and physicians
… Opened and MOC/Incident command.
… Answered and/or screened over 2000 persons at the Health Department.
… Gave out 350 doses of antivirals
… Distributed 125 rapid tests, culture media, N95 masks for medical personnel for both Laredos.
… Had instant radio communication with Dr. Campbell from Nuevo Laredo.
… All physicians and hospitals saw a major rise of the worried well, medical community provided a
great service to address patient care and report to the Health Department.

Backlog in testing for Laredo.

24 (sent Monday, April 27, 2009)

Verbal Confirmation Received Wednesday, May 6, 2009:
13 samples-unable to test 11 Negative

Additional Samples based on priority (received late Saturday, May 9, 2009):
2 confirmed
3 pending to be tested
32 Negative

Total: 62 samples–Includes 1 probable (pending confirmation from CDC and was sent from
Baylor Medical Center to DSHS)

All preventive and precautionary measures have been taken to prevent secondary spread of any suspect.

For further information please contact our hotline at (956) 795-4921.

Schools re-open May 11, 2009

With new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of State Health Services information on Influenza A novel (new) H1N1 virus, City of Laredo public health officials now know this virus is acting just like seasonal flu. Even though it is also widespread in the U.S., as well as our region. it is not as virulent as once originally thought. In Laredo, there is a probable case of a 13-year boy whose confirmation is pending from CDC. The boy has fully recovered and there is no spread because all preventive measures were taken. In addition, there are 59 suspects that are waiting testing in Austin, but all have recovered and have no secondary spread. Of these, 9 were hospitalized for respiratory illness, 2 remain hospitalized but are recovering and pending testing results. All current suspects (not cases) have recovered well, have no secondary spread and the virus seems to be acting like seasonal flu; it is safe to send children back to school.
Therefore, the City of Laredo Health Department has recommended to all closed schools to return no later than Monday, May 11, 2009. All UISD, LISD and Catholic schools have taken the recommended precautions, sanitizing and disinfecting all their school buildings and buses as an extra precaution. .
Why are schools safe?
… The H1N1 virus seems to be acting just like seasonal “flu” and individuals should act and take care of ourselves just the way one does during regular flu season from (December-February).
… The virus is widespread but not as virulent (strong) as originally thought.
… One (1) probable case that was treated. There are no new suspects so the potential of infection is not present.
… All 59 suspects have been treated, have no secondary spread and recovered well. There is no potential of further spread from these persons.
What is being done to make sure we are safe? Follow Advanced Hygiene Practices.
… Continue with advanced precautionary measures.
… If you are sick with fever and flu-like symptoms stay home and call your physician.
… Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
… If you cough, cough into your elbow, sleeve, or into tissues. Wash your hands.
… Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
… Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
… Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
… Do not share personal items that may be contaminated with respiratory germs.
… Do not share food and/or drinks especially at gatherings.
Finally, this year, there has been two (2) flu seasons with two (2) different viruses: seasonal flu A and B in winter and New Flu A H1N1 in the spring.

The City of Laredo Health Department continues with its hotline (956) 795-4921 and pre-recorded message (956) 795-4954. Additionally, we have a 24-hour pager where the public can call for any emergency situation, which is (956) 344-1569.

Influenza “Swine” Flu in Texas

Although at this time there are no confirmed cases of “Swine” Flu in Laredo, TX, there have been 20 cases of “Swine” Flu confirmed in the U.S. spanning 5 states, one of which is Texas. The CLHD will be issuing information as it becomes available to us. Additionally, we are recommending that the public stay informed with the latest information. Presently, there are no additional precautions or travel restrictions.
The City of Laredo Health Department is taking all the necessary precautions. We have enhanced surveillance monitoring and are continuing to investigate any new cases.
Currently, in both Laredo, Texas and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico we have not seen any increase in respiratory illnesses nor confirmed any “flu” cases. However, we want to inform the public on normal respiratory precautions and flu symptoms.

Signs & Symptoms:
Fever greater than 101, dry cough, extreme muscle aching, headache and lethargy, lack of appetite. If someone has these symptoms, they should see their physician immediately and report it to the Health Department.

The Health Department is strongly encouraging everyone who has not been vaccinated with their regular flu vaccine to do so. Currently, there is no swine flu vaccine. Additionally, we recommend taking the following precautions recommended by the Center for Disease Control.

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
4. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

People with flu-like symptoms stated above should stay home to avoid infecting colleagues or classmates and parents should try to keep babies and young children away from people who have flu-like illnesses. School children who have “flu” symptoms should be excluded from school until they see their physician and has verified it is not “flu”.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has a flu hotline in place for the general public. The number is 888-777-5320. Additionally, the City of Laredo Health Department has created a Hotline providing information about the “swine” flu. To reach the hotline, please call 956-795-4954 or call 956-795-4951.

Update:

The swine flu hotline phone number for the City of Laredo Health Department has changed.  If anyone has questions, concerns or needs clarification regarding swine flu, symptoms, preventive measures or other issues, please call (956) 795-4921.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has a flu hotline in place for the general public.  The number is 888-777-5320.

“La Mission” sneek peak in San Francisco

Hello Viva Laredo fans, Gina Hughes from Techie Diva here. I am the web designer for Viva Laredo, and part-time contributor to the site.  I just wanted to share with you guys a video I made especially for you. I live in the  San Francisco Bay Area, so I get to attend some really cool events and do interviews with celebrities. This past Thursday I attended the after party for the cast and crew of the movie ” La Mission.” I didn’t get to see the movie premier here in San Francisco, but I got to interview the cast including Benjamin Bratt, Jeremy Valdez, and Erika Alexander. The movie was directed by Peter Bratt (Benjamin’s Brother) and is a movie that was filmed here in the San Francisco Mission district.  “La Mission” won’t be out until September, so mark your calendar, because you won’t want to miss out on this story about an ex-con who has turned his life around and now devotes his himself to his lifelong Mission Boyz friends, building classic lowrider cruisers, and his son who turns out to be gay. This revelation causes Che to lash out at those around him, and he finds himself emotionally broken and isolated, before beginning a hard climb toward understanding and acceptance.

Azteca Splash Park GB Ceremony

The City of Laredo continued their celebration of CDBG Week with a groundbreaking ceremony today for the Azteca Zero Depth Splash Park.  Council Member Cindy Liendo Espinoza led the effort to bring the water park to the neighborhood after witnessing kids bringing water to help cool off themselves – and the play equipment – in the hot summer months.  Joining Liendo at the ribbon cutting were residents, and Ronnie Acosta, Community Development Director; Cynthia Collazo; Deputy City Manager; Judge Hector Liendo, Espinoza’s father; more residents; Jesus Olivares, Assistant City Manager; and Arturo Garcia, Assistant Director of Community Development, while Judge Oscar J. Liendo, Espinoza’s uncle, and more residents and City of Laredo staff, look on.

Veronica Meza debuts her first single

Singer/songwriter Veronica Meza is debuting her first single “Amor Como El Mio”, a catchy, radio-friendly tejano track which was produced by Abraham Quintanilla and Grammy-award winning producer Brian “Red” Moore. “Amor Como El Mio”, written by the singer herself, is the first single off of her much anticipated yet-to-be released album.

In addition, her follow-up single “El Jardin”, set to be released in March, is a beautifully crafted bolero-ranchero, also produced by Quintanilla and Moore, featuring an arrangement by Ricky Vela, the composer behind tejano superstar Selena’s smash hit, “No Me Queda Mas”.

Veronica Meza was born in El Salvador but because of the adversities facing her country during the mid 80’s, her family decided to move to Toronto, Canada to begin a new life. It wasn’t until her early teen years that Veronica discovered her love of singing and performing. Having grown up in such a multicultural city, surrounded by the sounds of salsa, merengue, cumbia, and bachata, it was her love of tejano music that motivated Veronica to pursue her dreams and to introduce the genre to Canadian audiences. Her very first performance was at her family’s restaurant where she would entertain customers with her renditions of Selena and Grupo Limite songs. She soon began performing in various events across the city and even entered and won two singing competitions. From then on, she was a regular in festivals and was featured in various local radio shows, newspaper articles and television programs. Soon thereafter, she joined her first band, Grupo Kaliente whom she performed regularly with and had even earned a loyal following in the surrounding cities. After the band members went their separate ways, Veronica continued working in the music scene in Toronto and soon was accepted into the Humber College Music Program, one of Canada’s most prestigious music schools where she had the opportunity to explore Jazz, R&B and Latin Jazz. It was there that Veronica explored composition and arranging and worked with many of Canada’s top musicians and orchestras, including the Luis Mario Ochoa Latin Big Band.
In 2007, Veronica formed her own band, Veronica & The Latino Beat and performed in various events such as Salsa on St. Clair, one of Toronto’s most popular events, where she was featured as the closing act and performed in front of thousands of onlookers. With the release of her first album, Veronica hopes to captivate the hearts of thousands more to come! For more information, please visit www.myspace.com/veronicameza

WALK TO CURE DIABETES ON SATURDAY APRIL 4

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (Road Trip to A Cure)

Diabetes affects millions of people each year, especially in the Latino community. To raise awareness, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) organizes a yearly worldwide event called Walk to Cure Diabetes where local families, communities, and businesses gather to help raise funds that go towards finding a cure for juvenile diabetes. Border Media will be part of the event this year, and they’re asking for your help. We at VivaLaredo.net, support this cause whole-heartedly as well being that diabetes runs in our families and we too would like to see a cure to this devastating condition that affects our loved ones. We ask you, our dear readers, to join us in spreading the word about this awesome event. Here’s an opportunity to reach out to the community and encourage Laredoeans to take part in this event this Saturday April 4 at Texas A&M University. Your presence at the walk will send out a positive message to the community, so bring out your family, kids, aunts, uncles, and neighbors to the TAMIU grounds at 9am this Saturday. Onsite registration for the 3 mile hike will be possible, but if you don’t want to stand in line, make sure you register online at WWW.JDRF.ORG. Just click on the register link that is under the sneaker and follow instructions there. Donations are accepted, and anyone who donates more than $100 gets a free shirt from JDRG. I know times are tough, but this is for a good cause, so get your sneakers, your wallet, and start walking!

About Diabetes

Diabetes affects 194 million people worldwide
Nearly 21 million Americans have the disease
6.2 million remain undiagnosed
Diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce sufficient amounts of insulin, the hormone that allows the body to metabolize sugars
The most severe type of the disease is called Type 1 or Juvenile diabetes, it usually strikes in childhood but lasts a lifetime
To stay alive those with Juvenile Diabetes must take multiple insulin injections daily or continually infuse insulin through a pump, and test their sugar by pricking their fingers for blood six or more times a day
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, adult blindness, and non-traumatic amputations and leading cause of nerve damage, stroke, and heart attacks.
Diabetes kills one American every three minutes and is the sixth leading cause of death reported in the U.S.

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