Latest news with #Zapata
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Nutritionist's 'simple yet powerful' daily diet habits
The nutritionist said that it's a "simple yet powerful" thing to incorporate into your diet A nutritionist and internist has shared a simple yet powerful tip for boosting your brain, heart, and gut health. In a recent Instagram post, expert Carlos Andrés Zapata highlighted how easy it can be to make a meaningful impact on your overall well-being - simply by eating a small portion of fruit. In his video, Zapata emphasises the health benefits of blueberries, sharing his advice is grounded in "the latest science." He encourages everyone to incorporate them into their daily routine and poses a thought-provoking question: "What if a handful of blueberries a day could protect your heart, your mind and even your gut?". He continued: "As an internist and clinical nutritionist, I want to tell you what the latest science says about eating blueberries every day" with him coming to the "medical conclusion" that if we can we should be "including 1 cup of fresh, frozen or freeze-dried blueberries a day" to our diet as this is a "simple yet powerful decision for your overall health." Benefits of blueberries - and why they should be in your daily diet 1. Heart strong and blood pressure under control The expert explained: "Consuming between 1 and 2 cups a day can improve endothelial function, reduce total cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure, and improve glass elasticity. And it's all thanks to your anthocyaninas!" 2. Lower risk of type 2 diabetes The nutritionist also revealed it could help people at risk of diabetes. He revealed: "People who consume two or more servings of blueberries per week have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and in some studies, daily consumption improves insulin sensitivity, especially in those who already have prediabetes." 3. Brain health and cognition Not only can it help your heart, but it can help your brain too. "Eating blueberries is associated with better memory, faster processing, and lower risk of cognitive impairment", Zapata said, adding that "this has been observed in healthy older adults and those with mild impairment." 4. Faster muscle recovery If you love to hit the gym:, "eating blueberries before and after exercise can reduce inflammation, oxidative damage, and post-workout muscle pain. Ideal for those who train hard." 5. Healthier gut and balanced microbiome In his fifth and final benefit, Zapata explained that the blueberries bioactive compounds modulate the gut microbiota, improves the intestinal barrier and reduce inflammation. Improvements in functional gastrointestinal symptoms have also been observed." Backing up what the expert said, one study has revealed: "mounting evidence indicates that blueberry consumption is associated with a variety of health benefits. It has been suggested that regular consumption of blueberries can support and/or protect against cardiovascular disease and function, pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes, and brain and cognitive function in individuals with health conditions and age-related decline."
Business Journals
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Verizon Business report reveals tech investments propel SMBs towards greater efficiency and growth
A recent study by Verizon Business into the actions and attitudes of decision-makers at small and midsize businesses nationwide shows that SMBs are continuing to invest in technology to improve efficiency and better connect with customers. Decision-makers view new technology adoption as key for achieving their goals, with survey respondents continually adding or upgrading their technologies. In fact, two of three businesses enhanced internet bandwidth and speeds. 'Small businesses need to stay nimble in today's fast-changing market and new tools allow SMBs to pivot quickly when customer needs shift or new opportunities emerge,' said Jorge Zapata, senior director of retail and SMB business sales at Verizon Business in South Florida. The survey revealed that 70% of decision-makers said technology upgrades have led to cost savings, while 62% cited incremental revenue as a benefit. 'Using new tech is vital for small businesses to compete today because it can level the playing field with larger competitors and boost efficiency and value,' said Zapata. 'For businesses scaling fast or leveraging seasonal demand, embracing digital tools enables them to automate routine tasks, gain deeper customer insights through data analytics and create seamless experiences across all touchpoints.' Efficiency and flexibility allow SMBs the ability to customize their tech Businesses that added or upgraded point-of-service systems in the past year noted an increase in the speed and efficiency of payments, managing inventory and improving payment security. Most decision-makers (58%) reported they will evaluate or upgrade their payment processing systems within the next six months. There has also been an increase in the number of retail, restaurant and food-and-beverage industries using 5G networks to support contactless payments. The most-used form of digital payment is PayPal, accepted by three in four SMBs, while over half accept payment from Google Wallet and Apple Wallet. Due to the varying priorities in technology needs, SMBs do not have identical tech stacks, valuing flexibility in services like wireless business plans. For example, MyBizPlan from Verizon Business allows SMB customers to create and customize their wireless business plans based on their needs. In addition to unlimited calling, data and texting, customers can choose from business add-ons like mobile security, 50-gigabyte hot spots and unlimited individual cloud storage. 'Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, My Biz Plan allows businesses to customize connectivity services for their specific requirements, eliminating the waste of paying for unused features. The plan's predictable monthly costs improve budgeting accuracy, while its scalability means businesses can easily adjust services as they grow,' Zapata said. 'We're especially excited about the competitive international connectivity My Biz Plan brings to small businesses.' Adopting AI to improve customer engagement, increase productivity and reduce cyberattacks Four in 10 small and midsize businesses now use artificial intelligence (AI), according to the survey, often to increase engagement with customers. AI can provide around-the-clock access for routine service requests while freeing up team members to focus on more complex matters. For example, Business Assistant from Verizon Business enables SMBs to engage with customers through text messages. The AI handles routine inquiries and can seamlessly transfer the conversation to a human representative when needed. A comparison of Verizon Business' latest survey results with those from its 2024 survey showed that fewer decision-makers are concerned about integrating AI into their business or that leveraging it opens them up to cybersecurity risks. While 55% believe leveraging Al tools opens their businesses to more cybersecurity risks, 25% are using it to prevent cybersecurity attacks. More than half (56%) believe that Al can increase productivity by helping their businesses offset impacts from reducing or freezing their headcount. Providing tech solutions based on local needs While improving efficiency, connecting with customers and strengthening cybersecurity are common priorities for SMBs nationwide, businesses may have different goals locally. Other reasons for technology upgrades include improving customer acquisition, driving employee retention and meeting demands created by new working models like hybrid and remote environments. 'Throughout South Florida, we're seeing a few key trends,' Zapata said. 'First, the major tourism industry requires enhanced connectivity, which increases the need for business continuity solutions due to seasonal weather challenges. 'Additionally, there's growth in hybrid retail models that blend physical and digital experiences for SMBs in major shopping areas. 'Verizon addresses these challenges by providing SMBs with storm-ready business continuity solutions. This includes backup internet options and specialized support for seasonal hospitality and tourism businesses that are adapting to digital customer expectations. In addition, flexible connectivity packages like My Biz Plan support seamless omnichannel retail experiences,' he said. 'We're also significantly expanding our 5G infrastructure throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, enabling Florida SMBs to leverage cutting-edge technologies that enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency.' Whatever the local trends may be, SMBs remain collectively optimistic. As the recent Verizon Business survey shows, most decision-makers have positive goals – and technology will be key to bringing them to fruition. Empower your small business with Verizon Business. Discover solutions that enhance connectivity, security, and efficiency. Explore how our innovative tools can support your growth and streamline operations. Take the next step towards a more connected and secure future for your business. Verizon Business provides solutions to help small businesses stay connected and secure. With a focus on reliable network services, cybersecurity, and innovative tools, Verizon Business supports growth and efficiency for companies of all sizes.
Belfast Telegraph
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Late ex-UDA boss inspired Give My Head Peace's Uncle Andy… and wanted to be on hit BBC show
...and the terror chief even wanted to be on the show, reveals one of its co-creators The late UDA chief Andy Tyrie was the inspiration for the hapless loyalist and Elvis obsessive Uncle Andy in the hit series Give My Head Peace, one of its creators has revealed. Not only was the terror boss's distinctive tinted sunglasses and Zapata moustache the source of the character's look — he loved the show so much he even wanted to make a guest appearance.
Belfast Telegraph
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Late ex-UDA boss inspired Give My Head Peace's Uncle Andy… and even wanted to be on hit BBC show
...and the terror chief even wanted to be on the show, reveals one of its co-creators The late UDA chief Andy Tyrie was the inspiration for the hapless loyalist and Elvis obsessive Uncle Andy in the hit series Give My Head Peace, one of its creators has revealed. Not only was the terror boss's distinctive tinted sunglasses and Zapata moustache the source of the character's look — he loved the show so much he even wanted to make a guest appearance.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Everything is so expensive': Bolivians tighten belts as new inflation reality bites
By Monica Machicao LA PAZ (Reuters) - In Bolivia's highland city La Paz, homemaker Angelica Zapata is coming to terms with a new inflation reality as prices rise at the fastest speed in almost two decades, propelled by shortages of fuel and dollars in the Andean country. The landlocked natural gas and grain producer is facing its most acute economic plight since the global financial crisis, with foreign currency reserves sliding on stalled energy production and exports, which have stoked political unrest and protests. The dollar shortage has stymied imports, pushing up farmers' costs and leading to long lines for gasoline and diesel at the pump. It has also strained a state subsidy system that for years helped keep fuel prices low. "Everything is so expensive, there's no money left," said Zapata at a food market in political capital La Paz, a rocky city ringed by Andean peaks. "I used to go to the market with 100 bolivianos ($14.58) and buy everything. It was enough for more than a week. I have several daughters, and what I buy isn't enough anymore. At most, these vegetables will last me one or two days." She added the cost of meats such as beef, chicken and pork had risen even more and prices were now "sky-high." Bolivia, one of South America's poorest nations, grows much of its own produce and historically had a surplus of natural gas, keeping energy costs down. Producers have not found new gas fields to replace those that have been tapped out, however, reducing exports and an important source of foreign income. The socialist party that has dominated politics since 2006 has subsidized certain goods but is now struggling to keep the economy afloat, denting President Luis Arce's popularity ahead of general elections in August. Bolivia's inflation rate, one of the lowest in Latin America over the last decade, has shot past regional peers such as Brazil, Mexico and Peru. It now lags only Argentina and Venezuela, and even those countries are seeing inflation cool. Dwindling gas production has forced the country to import more costly oil and gas, a key input for farmers and businesses, which in turn has pushed up other prices. "Food inflation is 17%, but there are foods that have risen even more significantly in recent months and the last year," said La Paz-based economist Jose Luis Evia, adding that rice prices rose 58% in the last 12 months, meat prices climbed 30% and fish prices spiked over 40%. 'ONE MEAL A DAY' In the Zapata household, inflation has forced the family to tighten their belts. "We've been forced to cut down on food. I have to give my daughters only one meal a day, just lunch, but no longer dinner," Zapata said. "Many families with lots of children are also going through this. The money we get is no longer enough." The crisis has generated long fuel lines, with some people calling for the government to remove controls and increase subsidies to encourage more production, even if that means prices rise further. "I would like them to lift the fuel subsidy so there will be more gas and we can stop waiting in lines and fill up normally," said taxi driver Samuel Castillo as he lined up to buy gas. Bolivia's government did not respond to a request for comment on what it was doing to bring down inflation. It has taken steps to import more fuel, including allowing firms to pay for imports with cryptocurrency. Castillo has taken on extra jobs to make ends meet. "I have to work as a driver, as a wood and aluminum carpenter, as a painter. I have to work doing a bit of everything to earn more money," he said. ($1 = 6.86 bolivianos)
