U.S.A.'s interesting latest..

Influenza (flu) is a contagious disease that can be serious. Every year, millions of people get sick, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and thousands to tens of thousands of people die from the flu. You have the power to protect yourself and your family this season with these three actions to fight the flu. Learn more about how you can fight the flu this season at www.cdc.gov/fightflu The difference in wage, safety and benefit protections between employees and contractors can vary considerably. If your employer has classified you as a contractor, but you're actually an employee, you’re missing out on protections that you're entitled to—and that’s bad news for everyone. Read this fact sheet to learn more about misclassification. Find out more about how misclassification affects employees and employers. Learn more about labor laws. If you’ve been misclassified, select your state on this map for more information. You can also file a complaint with the Department of Labor today.   Σήμερα στις 5:45 μ.μ. Participation is voluntary, but live up to what you promise By Lesley Fair To facilitate the transfer of data, many U.S. companies that do business internationally participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) system. It’s voluntary, of course, but if companies say they participate, that representation – like other objective claims – must be truthful. That’s the lesson of three proposed settlements just announced by the FTC. Read more > Σήμερα στις 5:36 μ.μ. Three Companies Settle FTC Charges that They Deceived Consumers About Participation in International Privacy Program Three U.S. companies have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they deceived consumers about their participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) system. In separate but similar complaints, the FTC charged that Sentinel Labs, Inc., which provides endpoint protection software to enterprise customers; SpyChatter, Inc., marketer of the SpyChatter private message app; and Vir2us, Inc., which distributes cyber security software; falsely represented in their online privacy policies that they participated in the APEC CBPR system.  The APEC CBPR system facilitates privacy-respecting data transfers between APEC member economies through a voluntary, enforceable mechanism, which certifies companies as being compliant with APEC CBPR program requirements. The APEC CBPR system is based on nine data privacy principles: preventing harm, notice, collection limitation, use choice, integrity, security safeguards, access and correction, and accountability. Companies that seek to participate in the APEC CBPR system must undergo a review by an APEC-recognized accountability agent, which certifies companies that meet the standards. The three companies, however, were not and had never been certified, according to the complaints. “Cross-border commerce is an important driver of economic growth, and our cross-border privacy commitments help enable U.S. companies to compete around the world,” said Acting Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen. “Companies, however, must live up to the promises they make to protect consumer data.” The complaints allege that the companies violated the FTC Act by making deceptive statements that they participated in the APEC CBPR. The Commission also alleges that SentinelOne falsely claimed that it was a participant in a TRUSTe privacy program. Under the terms of the settlement with the FTC, the three companies are prohibited from misrepresenting their participation, membership or certification in any privacy or security program sponsored by a government or self-regulatory or standard-setting organization. The Commission vote to issue administrative complaints and to accept the consent agreements related to the three companies was 2-0. The FTC will publish a description of the consent agreement package in the Federal Register shortly. The agreement will be subject to public comment for 30 days, beginning today and continuing through March 23, 2017, after which the Commission will decide whether to make the proposed consent order final. Interested parties can submit comments electronically by following the instructions in the “Invitation To Comment” part of the “Supplementary Information” section. NOTE: The Commission issues an administrative complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. When the Commission issues a consent order on a final basis, it carries the force of law with respect to future actions. Each violation of such an order may result in a civil penalty of up to $40,654. The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).  Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources. MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program XtraHRD Natural Male Enhancement Capsules by Organic Herbal Supply, Inc.: Recall - Undeclared Drug Ingredient AUDIENCE: Consumer ISSUE: Organic Herbal Supply, Inc. is conducting a voluntary nationwide recall of all lots of XtraHRD Natural Male Enhancement capsules. FDA analysis has found the product to contain Tadalafil. Tadalafil is a FDA-approved drug used as treatment for male Erectile Dysfunction (ED). The active drug ingredients are not listed on the label for this product. Use of this product may pose a threat to consumers because the undeclared active ingredients may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates. ED is a common problem in men with these conditions, and consumers may seek these types of products to enhance sexual performance. BACKGROUND: XtraHRD Natural Male Enhancement capsules are marketed as a dietary supplement for erectile dysfunction. It is packaged in 2, 4 and 10 count packages and sold nationwide. RECOMMENDATION: Organic Herbal Supply, advises any customers in possession of the XtraHRD to stop using and return any unused product for a full refund to the company directly. Customers can call 855-429-7328 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time for instructions on the return and refund process. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this product. Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program: Complete and submit the report Online:www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178 Read the MedWatch safety alert, including a link to the press release, at: https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm542591.htm

AHEPA's newest..

Call for Applications | 2017 AHEPAcademy Session Join a select group of Greek American students from across the country for AHEPAcademy, June 25 - July 1, 2017, at George Mason University, outside Washington, DC. AHEPAcademy is a leadership and professional development program that identifies, educates, inspires, mentors, advances, and networks exceptional Greek American high school students as they progress through their high school, college, graduate and professional careers. AHEPAcademy is looking for exceptional Greek American high school juniors during the 2016-2017 school year with top grades (minimum 3.5/4.0 GPA or equivalent, or Top 10% of Class), who exemplify scholarship, leadership, character, participation in extracurricular activities, community service, and involvement in the Greek American community to apply for selection to this summer's AHEPAcademy on Campus program. Early Application Deadline: April 1, 2017 Final Deadline: April 15, 2017 DOWNLOAD:  AHEPAcademy application AHEPA Happenings | Supreme President Visits District 21 Supreme President Andrew C. Zachariades visited Golden Gate District 21 (northern California), Feb. 18.  In San Ramon, Calif., Supreme President Zachariades visited with Ahepans representing eight AHEPA chapters for a town hall-style briefing and Q&A session.  He also presented Years of Service pins to brothers, including a Life Member; and he assisted Supreme Governor George Booras in the presentation of a Service Award to two-term Past District 21 Governor William Anton.  Book Your Room! | 2017 Supreme Convention! ICYMI:  Disney Theme Park Ticket Price Change (Grace Period) REBUILD SAINT NICHOLAS SHRINE CAMPAIGN     THANK YOU! AHEPA is determined to meet its Saint Nicholas Capital Campaign fund raising goal of $1 million. Donations--large and small--keep pouring in for AHEPA's #RebuildStNicholas capital campaign.   AHEPA Chapter 41, Brooklyn, N.Y. announces its $20,000 donation for the campaign to help rebuild Saint Nicholas. NEW! | A big "Tip of the Fez" and thank you to Mother Lodge Chapter 1, Atlanta, for its $20,000 donation to AHEPA's campaign to help #RebuildStNicholas! Our campaign continues to make great strides thanks to hard work and diligent efforts of AHEPA districts, chapters, and AHEPA family members all over the globe.  Thank you!

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION:Climate: emissions trading system (ETS) review

Agenda highlights

Climate: emissions trading system (ETS) review

Ministers will discuss the revision of the ETS with the aim of agreeing the Council's position. The ETS is one of the main EU's tools to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Its review is part of EU's climate action to fulfil its commitment under Paris Agreement.

• Reform of the EU emissions trading scheme

Sustainable development

Ministers will exchange views on what sustainable development means for the EU's environmental policy. In particular, they will focus on how to put in practice the sustainable development goals, what should be the priorities and how to involve citizens and companies.

European Semester

In the context of the greening of the European Semester, the Council will look at the environmental implementation review, a tool to address implementation gaps on environmental legislation and policy.

Under any other business, the Council will be informed among others about the action plan for circular economy, aviation emissions and the follow-up to the Paris Agreement.

• Timeline - Paris Agreement

Ο Τομεάρχης Υγείας της Νέας Δημοκρατίας, βουλευτής Επικρατείας, κ. Βασίλης Οικονόμου, έκανε την ακόλουθη δήλωση..

BOYΛΗ ΤΩΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΩΝ

ΒΑΣΙΛΗΣ ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΥ

Βουλευτής Επικρατείας-ΝΕΑ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ

                     Αθήνα, 22 Φεβρουαρίου 2017

Ο Τομεάρχης Υγείας της Νέας Δημοκρατίας, βουλευτής Επικρατείας, κ. Βασίλης Οικονόμου, έκανε την ακόλουθη δήλωση:

            «Eίναι απορίας άξιον, την ώρα που το Εθνικό Σύστημα Υγείας ισορροπεί σε τεντωμένο σχοινί, ότι το Υπουργείο Υγείας προχωρά σε μαζικές αντικαταστάσεις προϊσταμένων στα δημόσια νοσοκομεία. 

            Σύμφωνα με τα όσα καταγγέλλουν οι εργαζόμενοι στον χώρο της Υγείας, περίπου 700 καθαιρέσεις και αντικαταστάσεις προϊσταμένων οργανικών τμημάτων νοσοκομείων σημειώθηκαν τον τελευταίο χρόνο. 

            Τι κρύβεται πίσω από την κίνηση αυτή; Μήπως μοναδικός στόχος είναι η δημιουργία ενός κομματικού Κράτους; Η Υγεία πρέπει να είναι πάνω από Κόμματα και μικροπολιτικές σκοπιμότητες. 

            Περιμένουμε από την  επικίνδυνη ηγεσία  του Υπουργείου Υγείας  να απαντήσει και να σταματήσει τα “πογκρόμ” και τις πολιτικές διώξεις μέσω των κομματικών διοικητών, που τοποθέτησε πριν ένα χρόνο. 

            Όλες αυτές οι ενέργειες δεν θα γίνουν ανεκτές χωρίς να δοθούν οι κατάλληλες απαντήσεις».