During the third quarter, we were again able to capture the benefits of AEGON’s strategic priorities, resulting in solid earnings growth, improved profitability of sales, lower expenses and a continued strong capital position. Our franchise remains healthy, as evidenced by the particularly high level of At-Retirement and pension sales. At the same time, we are making essential investments to reshape our businesses in both our established and developing markets to respond effectively to the changing conditions and new realities. Although there are signs of gradually improving market conditions, there remains considerable uncertainty in the general economic environment. Consequently, we believe it is prudent and necessary to maintain a sufficient financial buffer while at the same time adhering to our strict risk and pricing discipline. The steps we are taking across our organization to get closer to our end customers, combined with the strength of our current position, give us full confidence in the prospects for our business going forward.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58637-aegon-quarter-3-results
International research led by University College London (UCL) as part of the ‘Cities Changing Diabetes’ partnership programme challenges current scientific understanding of the rapid rise of diabetes in cities. The findings suggest that in cities around the world, social and cultural factors play a far more important role in the spread of the epidemic than previously thought.
More than two thirds of the world’s 400 million people with diabetes live in urban areas.1,2 The year-long study for Cities Changing Diabetes, a unique public-private-academic partnership, sought to better understand what makes people vulnerable to type 2 diabetes in cities in order to inform solutions for one of the most pressing modern-day public health challenges. To explore this complex issue, more than 550 interviews were undertaken with at-risk and diagnosed people in five major cities – Copenhagen, Houston, Mexico City, Shanghai and Tianjin.
“By largely focusing on biomedical risk factors for diabetes, traditional research has not adequately accounted for the impact of social and cultural drivers of disease,” says David Napier, Professor of Medical Anthropology, UCL. “Our pioneering research will enable cities worldwide to help populations adapt to lifestyles that make them less vulnerable to diabetes.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7690951-study-rethink-rise-diabetes-in-cities/
This weekend, more than twenty celebrated emerging contemporary artists transformed ordinary features of North 6th street in Brooklyn (Williamsburg), New York, into an extraordinary immersive and participative experience as part of ABSOLUT’s Open Canvas initiative. From wind art to crocheted fence tapestries and digital projections, the co-created interactive art exhibition celebrates the first iteration of ABSOLUT’s TRANSFORM TODAY™ global campaign, a movement inspiring creative risk-taking amongst today’s creative class.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/62253-absolut-open-canvas-initiative-interactive-art-exhibition-brooklyn
To coincide with the start of a new school year and Attendance Awareness Month, the Ad Council and U.S. Army are releasing a series of new public service advertisements (PSAs) addressing the importance of regular school attendance in middle school in order for students to stay on course to graduate high school. Created pro bono by Publicis Kaplan Thaler, the PSAs illustrate the fact that every absence, in any grade, excused or not, can negatively impact a child’s academic achievement and put their high school graduation at risk. To help parents keep track, two tools are being offered on the campaign website: a “Text2Track” mobile SMS program and a redesigned Attendance Calculator.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/63028-ad-council-boost-attendance-absences-add-up
Phenogen Sciences, Inc. [www.phenogensciences.com] today announced the immediate availability of BREVAGen™, a predictive risk test for the millions of women at above average risk of developing estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer. This first-in-class, scientifically-validated risk assessment test examines a woman’s clinical risk factors, such as her lifetime exposure to estrogen, combined with scientifically validated genetic markers to determine each patient’s personalized five-year and lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58399-phenogen-sciences-brevagen-breast-cancer-risk-assessment-test-availability
Adults over the age of 60 are at the greatest risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), a potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorder. Yet, according to a recent survey conducted by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), more than 25 percent of Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 have never heard of AF. Today marks the kick-off of HRS’ second annual “A-Fib Feels Like” campaign to help educate Americans about the symptoms and warning signs associated with AF and encourage those who suffer from the disorder to talk to their doctors about their risks and potential treatment options.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/57735-a-fib-feels-like-campaign-warning-signs-atrial-fibrillation
Imagine young, responsible men smiling on an operating theater bed as a team of surgeons cut off their foreskin; in a new effort to help them reduce their risk of acquiring HIV. Well, no need to imagine. See for yourself: In Swaziland, "Operation Abraham" supports the training of doctors in performing safe, effective and rapid circumcisions on men.
Bees are responsible for one in every three bites of food we eat, but their populations are in decline, threatening the food supply as we know it today. According to a recent survey conducted by Cascadian Farm, more than 60 percent of Americans are unfamiliar with colony loss, the phenomenon characterized by honey bees abandoning their hives, never to return. Beyond honey bees, one-third of America’s native bumble bee species are now at risk of extinction. Today, Cascadian Farm—in partnership with The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and the University of Minnesota Bee Lab—announced its ‘Bee Friendlier’ program to increase awareness of these critical issues and encourage simple actions to help bees thrive.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7330451-cascadian-farm-bee-friendlier-helps-bees-thrive/
This book of poetry is written to encourage a better dependence upon God and a greater solidarity to the poor and needy people of the world. It takes the risk to approach the problems of the poor from the viewpoint of the Sovereign God, and it does so with the intent to encourage a sense of compassion in our human societies. While the book speaks about the problems of the poor countries, it is a book for all people who love and value the teachings of God. For what gift is greater than teaching t. . .
Abila, the leading provider of software and services to associations, nonprofits, and government entities, announced today findings from its 2016 Nonprofit Finance Study: Compliance, People, and Process Complexities. This study explores the challenges and opportunities associated with rules and regulations changes, compliance, managing multiple revenue sources, audits, fraud, and staff turnover in the nonprofit finance department.
“Any time there are rules and regulations changes, there are added costs – both in terms of time and money – for nonprofit organizations,” said Dan Murphy, senior manager of fund accounting strategy for Abila. “Maintaining compliance, mitigating fraud, and preparing for audits add even more layers of complexity for organizations. We found there are a number of areas where nonprofit organizations need to sharpen their focus, better equip their teams with specialized training and technology, and ensure they are mitigating the risk of losing essential finance personnel.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7858252-abila-2016-nonprofit-finance-study/
Sixty-six vehicles earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s TOP SAFETY PICK award for 2011, including 40 cars, 25 SUVs, and a minivan. TOP SAFETY PICK recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on good ratings in Institute tests. Winners also must have available electronic stability control, a crash avoidance feature that significantly reduces crash risk. The ratings help consumers pick vehicles that offer a higher level of protection than federal safety standards require.
