The Genesis Heart Institute recognized for creating an extraordinary patient experience by individualizing, personalizing and humanizing healthcare for women and their families

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- April 2, 2014 -- The Genesis Heart Institute is a winner of the Women's Choice Award as one of America's Best Hospitals in Heart Care.

As more women self-manage their care and seek providers they can trust, the Women's Choice Award is the only distinction that identifies the nation's best healthcare institutions and signifies the Genesis Heart Institute commitment and passion for creating an extraordinary healthcare experience.

It is more important than ever to raise awareness of heart care, as one in every four women dies from heart disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As the collective voice of female consumers, the Women's Choice Award provides women with recommendations they can trust, from other women. Eighty percent of women will choose a brand that is highly recommended by others and over 92 percent of women will trust a hospital more if it carries the Women's Choice Award seal, according to MedeliaMonitor , Independent Poll (2013).

"Heart disease is the greatest health threat women face. Through the efforts of our staff, we are helping the public become more aware of the gender-based differences in heart disease," said Nidal Harb, M.D., Chief Executive Medical Director, Genesis Heart Institute. "By recognizing that heart disease is different for women than men, we can improve treatment and save lives.

"This distinction recognizes our commitment to providing exceptional care for everyone."

"As the primary healthcare decision makers, women account for about 90 percent of all family choices when it comes to matters of health," added Passi. "Making quick decisions goes against her grain and women are seeking more information than ever before when making healthcare or hospital selections. Women appreciate learning from the experiences of others, as they take more time to identify the best hospitals and seek validation in their choices. Our mission is to reduce the risk for women and their families so they can make smarter healthcare choices. "

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April 2, 2014 - (Rock Island, IL) - Royal Neighbors of America has announced its new sponsorship of Soroptimist International of the Americas and its online volunteer portal, LiveYourDream.org. The organizations are combining resources to empower women with financial education to build more secure futures. Royal Neighbors will provide Soroptimist members appropriate insurance solutions and products to protect their lives and those of their families.

From the founding of the first club in 1921 to the present day with about 1,400 clubs and 33,000 members, Soroptimist works to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. The organization focuses on providing women and girls access to education as a way to achieve their full potential. Soroptimist also powers LiveYourDream.org, a burgeoning online community that encourages offline action on behalf of women and girls.  

"Tremendous synergy exists between Royal Neighbors and Soroptimist. We share values and a calling ingrained in us as women, particularly as it involves empowering women to pursue their best lives," said Elizabeth M. Lucas, CAE, MBA, executive director and CEO of Soroptimist.  "We are proud to join with Royal Neighbors to accomplish joint goals and look forward to a long and successful relationship."  

Royal Neighbors of America has protected women financially and empowered them to improve their lives, families, and communities since 1895. It offers life insurance and financial protection solutions for women and their families throughout their lives. As a not-for-profit life insurer, its philanthropic programs also provide opportunities for women and families to give back, connect, and empower others in their communities.  Royal Neighbors was one of the first to insure women and children. Today, it remains one of the nation's first and largest women-led insurers providing financial products, member benefits, and volunteer programs to its more than 200,000 members.   

"It is estimated that 35 percent of women today feel some measure of anxiety about their financial 

future," said Cynthia Tidwell, Royal Neighbors President/CEO. "With our knowledge of the women's financial market and Soroptimist's history of providing women educational opportunities, together we will empower women to build on their strengths and enjoy a secure financial future."

More about Royal Neighbors:

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance organizations, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance products to fulfill financial needs of growth, savings, and protection. Members receive valuable benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization's local chapters to help make a difference in their communities. The organization's philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through a variety of national programs, including the Nation of Neighbors^SM Program and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity. Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with a branch office in Mesa, AZ, Royal Neighbors serves more than 200,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more about Royal Neighbors, visit www.royalneighbors.org or call (855) 243-4823.

More about Soroptimist:

Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, Soroptimist (Soroptimist.org) improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Its major program, the Soroptimist Women's Opportunity Awards, provides cash grants for women seeking to improve their lives with the help of additional education and training. Since 1972, the award-winning program has disbursed more than $25 million to tens of thousands of women, helping them to achieve their educational goals and build better lives for their families. Soroptimist, a 501(c)(3) organization that relies on charitable donations to support its programs, also powers LiveYourDream.org?an online community offering offline volunteer opportunities in support of women and girls.

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Children (and adults) of all ages will enjoy the Tuesday, April 22, production of "The Snail and the Whale," at the Central Performing Arts Center at the high school in DeWitt.

This Tall Stories adaptation tells the story of a tiny snail who longs to see the world and hitches a ride on the back of a humpback whale. Together they go on an amazing journey, experiencing sharks and penguins, icebergs and volcanoes. But when the whale gets beached, how will the tiny snail save him? Follow the amazing adventure as seen through the eyes of an adventurous girl and her seafaring father.

The play is inspired by the book of the same name by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and includes storytelling, live music and lots of laughs.

Curtain time is 7 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students; children under age 4 are free. Tickets may be purchased at DeWitt City Hall, 510 Ninth St., or online at <www.midwestix.com>. Tickets at the door are $20 for adults and $5 for students.

A pre-show dinner that includes homemade mac and cheese, pigs in a blanket, a taco bar, fresh fruits and vegetables, cupcake and beverage is available for $10 per person in the atrium at 5:30 p.m. Dinner reservations must be pre-paid by April 18 and are not available at the door.

Top four affiliates begin regular season play this Thursday

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have set their preliminary 2014 minor league rosters for four of their affiliates, Triple A Oklahoma City, Double A Corpus Christi, Class A Advanced Lancaster and Class A Quad Cities. The announcement was made by Astros Director of Player Development Quinton McCracken.

These rosters are subject to change and will not be officially finalized until the minor league Opening Day. Rosters do not include Disabled List players.

Oklahoma City:

PITCHERS

Jake Buchanan

Jose Cisnero

Paul Clemens

Bobby Doran

Darin Downs*

Mike Foltynewicz

Chia-Jen Lo

David Martinez

Collin McHugh

Rudy Owens*

Jason Stoffel

Nick Tropeano

Pat Urckfitz*

Josh Zeid

CATCHERS

Ryan McCurdy

Carlos Perez

Max Stassi

INFIELDERS

Japhet Amador

Erik Castro*

Jonathan Meyer

Gregorio Petit

Jon Singleton*

Ruben Sosa#

Ronald Torreyes

OUTFIELDERS

Adron Chambers

Domingo Santana

George Springer

Austin Wates

* - denotes left-hander

# - denotes switch-hitter

Corpus Christi:

PITCHERS

Travis Ballew

Colton Cain*

Luis Cruz*

Jorge De Leon

T.J. Geith*

Matt Heidenreich

Jordan Jankowski

Andrew Robinson

Brady Rodgers

David Rollins*

Ross Seaton

Tommy Shirley*

Alex Sogard*

Aaron West

CATCHERS

Rene Garcia

Tyler Heineman#

INFIELDERS

M.P. Cokinos

Matt Duffy

Nolan Fontana*

Enrique Hernandez

Jio Mier

Joe Sclafani#

OUTFIELDERS 

Andrew Aplin*

Delino DeShields

Chris Epps*

Leo Heras*

Preston Tucker*

Lancaster:

PITCHERS

Mark Appel

Jamaine Cotton

Chris Devenski

Michael Dimock

Josh Hader*

Mike Hauschild

Mitchell Lambson*

Lance McCullers

Juan Minaya

Daniel Minor

J.D. Osborne*

Tyson Perez

Kyle Smith

Vincent Velasquez

Kyle Westwood

CATCHERS

Roberto Pena

Jake Rodriguez

INFIELDERS

Carlos Correa

Tony Kemp*

Brandon Meredith

Carlos Perdomo

Rio Ruiz*

OUTFIELDERS

Justin Gominsky

Dan Gulbransen*

Teoscar Hernandez

Jordan Scott*

Danry Vasquez*

Quad Cities:

PITCHERS

Tyler Brunnemann

Patrick Christensen

Chris Cotton*

Kent Emanuel*

Michael Feliz

Evan Grills*

Jandel Gustave

Adrian Houser

Chris Lee*

Albert Minnis*

Zach Morton

Gonzalo Sanudo

Andrew Thurman

Andrew Walter

CATCHERS

Brett Booth

Brian Holberton*

Jobduan Morales#

INFIELDERS

Austin Elkins#

Conrad Gregor*

Jack Mayfield

Chase McDonald

Chan Moon*

Tyler White

OUTFIELDERS

Jon Kemmer*

Tanner Mathis*

Brett Phillips*

James Ramsay*

Climbing the Charts:

Over the past two seasons, the combined record of the Astros minor league system has been the best in baseball (915-754, .548)...Houston set a franchise record when their top six minor league affiliates all qualified for the playoffs in 2013, and two clubs ended up winning championships (Class A Quad Cities, Class A Short Season Tri-City)...the Astros became the first organization to have six domestic affiliates qualify for the postseason since the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2003...along with the Royals and Mariners, the Astros were one of three organizations to have multiple championship teams in 2013.

The RANKINGS:

This Spring, the Astros minor league system was rated as the best in baseball by both ESPN.com and The Sporting News...Baseball America, who ranked the Astros system as the worst in baseball in both 2009 and 2010, tabbed Houston's system as the fifth-best in the Majors...seven Houston prospects made the 2014 MLB.com Top 100 Prospects list, which ranked tied for second among all 30 clubs...of the top 100 prospect lists put out by ESPN.com, Baseball Prospectus, Baseball America and MLB.com, the following Astros prospects made at least one of those lists: SS Carlos Correa, RHP Mark Appel, CF George Springer, 1B Jon Singleton, RHP Mike Foltynewicz, RHP Lance McCullers, OF Delino DeShields, RHP Vincent Velasquez.

The accolades:

There were 25 Astros prospects who were named All-Stars in their respective leagues across all eight levels of the minors in 2013...CF George Springer hit 37 home runs and stole 45 bases, becoming the first minor leaguer to reach the 30-30 plateau since Oakland's Grant Desme in 2009...Springer was named Minor League Baseball's 2013 Offensive Player of the Year and was named the Double A Texas League Player of the Year...at 18 years old, SS Carlos Correa was the second-youngest player in the Class A Midwest League but still led the league in OPS (.872) while finishing second in OBP (.405) and third in batting average (.320)...Correa led all Midwest League shortstops in fielding percentage.

the TALENT INFUSION:

Since Jeff Luhnow was appointed Astros General Manager in November of 2011, the Astros have acquired talent through the draft, trades and international signings...when looking at Baseball America's top 30 Astros prospects, 17 were acquired during Luhnow's current tenure with the club:

Through the Draft: SS Carlos Correa (#1), RHP Mark Appel (#3), RHP Lance McCullers (#5), 3B Rio Ruiz (#11), RHP Andrew Thurman (#15), OF Andrew Aplin (#19), SS Nolan Fontana (#20), LHP Kent Emanuel (#23), OF Brett Phillips (#30)

Via Trade: RHP Asher Wojciechowski (#10), C Max Stassi (#12), LHP Josh Hader (#14), LHP Kevin Chapman (#17), RHP Kyle Smith (#22), RHP Gonzalo Sanudo (#26), OF Danry Vasquez (#29)

International Signings: OF Leo Heras (#25)

The SYSTEM BY THE NUMBERS:

Last year, the Astros minor league system led all 30 organizations in OPS (.731) and on-base percentage (.342) while finishing second in walks (3208), homers (611) and runs (4101)...on the pitching side, Houston's minor league system ranked second among all 30 organizations in walks per 9.0 innings (3.1) and strikeout to walk ratio (2.53)...led by Domingo Santana (25 HR), George Springer (19 HR) and Max Stassi (17 HR), Double A Corpus Christi finished third in the minors with 158 homers...Class A Advanced Lancaster led all of the minors in runs, walks, OBP and OPS in 2013.

2014 breakdown - MLB.com astros top 20 prospects by team:

- Triple A Oklahoma City (6): Jon Singleton (#2), George Springer (#3), Mike Foltynewicz (#6), Domingo Santana (#9), Nick Tropeano (#17), Max Stassi (#18)

- Double A Corpus Christi (2): Delino DeShields (#7), Nolan Fontana (#18)

- Class A Advanced Lancaster (9): Carlos Correa (#1), Mark Appel (#2), Lance McCullers (#5), Vincent Velasquez (#9), Rio Ruiz (#11), Teoscar Hernandez (#13), Josh Hader (#15), Kyle Smith (#19), Danry Vasquez (#20)

-Class A Quad Cities (2): Michael Feliz (#10), Andrew Thurman (#16)