(NewsUSA) - Children are returning to school and fall is fast approaching, which means respiratory illness season is right around the corner. Health experts urge that now is the time to think about how you will reduce your risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and flu in the months ahead, including staying up to date with the latest vaccines. Health officials also underscore that COVID-19 and flu are both serious illnesses that rank among the leading causes of infectious disease deaths in the United States.

Experts with Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity, and Progress (CVEEP), a coalition dedicated to promoting vaccine education and access, echo this guidance, underscoring that timely vaccination is the most effective defense against severe illness and hospitalization. "Receiving the latest COVID-19 and flu vaccines when they become available this fall is crucial," notes HealthyWomen CEO and CVEEP convener Beth Battaglino. "Viruses like those that cause COVID-19 and flu mutate over time and vaccines are specifically updated on a regular basis to counter these newly circulating variants.”  

This summer, the nation has experienced a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, attributed to an evolving virus. To survive, the COVID-19 virus is constantly changing, leading to the emergence of new variants. These new variants can escape our natural immune response, and the protection provided by previous vaccines.

As new variants arise, the protection provided by vaccines can wane.  That’s why staying up to date on your COVID-19 and flu vaccines is critical. Like flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines are regularly updated to protect against the variants predicted to circulate during the upcoming respiratory illness season, typically spanning from September to March.

Staying current with COVID-19 and flu vaccines significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. In fact, recent studies have shown that flu shots reduce the risk of illness by up to 60% and COVID-19 vaccines lower the risk of hospitalization by 80% and death by 90%.

The updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines are expected to be available in the coming weeks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all individuals aged 6 months and older receive these vaccines. Consult your healthcare provider or local pharmacy to learn more about availability.

Visit CVEEP.org/stayupdated for additional information and vaccination resources.

(NewsUSA) - Say hello to the uninvited guest: toenail fungus, the ultimate party crasher for your confidence! It’s not just about feeling uneasy; it’s like a fashion police for your feet, dictating a strict ‘no’ to those fabulous sandals and making you think twice before exposing your toes. And let’s talk about those doctor discussions - brace yourself for some seriously cringeworthy moments!

Identifying signs of toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is essential. Look out for discolored or yellowed nails, nails that are brittle, cracked, or broken, thickened nails, or nails that have separated from the nail bed.

Did you know that toenail fungus affects around 10%-12% of the general population? It's even more prevalent among older adults and diabetics, with a whopping 20% in those over 60 and 50% in those over 70, according to Dr. Neil Sadick, a world-renowned dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer of STRIDETM, available at getmystride.com. While toenail fungus often targets the big toenail, any nail can fall victim to it.

"In general, clinical data strongly supports a combination of prescription antifungal medications as the most effective way to eliminate toenail fungal infections," advises Dr. Sadick. Dr. Peter Bregman, a board-certified podiatrist, has been treating toenail fungus for 25 years and echoes Dr. Sadick’s sentiment. He states, “The most effective treatment of toenail fungus is a combination of topical and oral medications in addition to treating your shoes with an antifungal spray to avoid recurrence. There are so many over-the-counter products that just do not work and patients are wasting their time and money with the vast majority of them.”

Dr. Sadick frequently recommends this combination approach for optimal results. The STRIDE DUOTM toenail fungus treatment boasts an impressive 89% clinical effectiveness rate, with noticeable improvements in appearance in just days. Thanks to STRIDETM, backed by Dr. Sadick, patients can now manage their condition entirely online, from the comfort of their home and on their own schedule. After creating a profile, a licensed clinician reviews the condition and provides a personalized diagnosis. Safe and effective FDA-approved prescription medications are then delivered to your door. Healthcare can be stressful, but STRIDETM takes the stress out of toenail fungus treatment.

For more information, visit getmystride.com. Say goodbye to toenail fungus without leaving your home!

(NewsUSA) - State fairs are an opportunity for families, friends and communities to celebrate on an annual basis. Along with the yearly tradition, the state fair is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the important role U.S. agriculture plays in the global economy. The state fair is a place for young farmers to showcase their expertise in the food and farm industry while also learning the value and role of risk management.

At this year’s Governor’s Sale of Champions, CME Group presented each of the nine champion livestock exhibitors with $5,000 scholarships that will be used to advance their education. This was the ninth year CME Group has provided scholarships at the Illinois State Fair, bringing total contributions to over $500,000. CME Group also purchased the Grand Champion Barrow at the Governor’s Sale of Champions, which was exhibited by Olivia Shike.

 Recipients of the 2024 CME Group scholarships included: Bryce Clayton (Scott County); Kade Gensini (Putnam County); Nora Hoge (McDonough County); Kadie Hummel (Ford County); Karly Reel (LaSalle County); Chase Riley (Grundy County); Olivia Shike (Champaign County); Chesney Thorton (Piatt County); Oakley Yard (McDonough County).   

“We are proud to support scholarship programs that help the next generation of agriculture leaders to pursue their education,” said John Ricci, Managing Director and Global Head of Agriculture, CME Group. “The agriculture industry has not evaded the uncertainty faced within the global economy. It is as important as ever for the future leaders of agriculture to find new and innovative ways to continue feeding the world. We applaud all the scholarship recipients and are excited to see what their futures have in store.”

CME Group sponsored this year’s 4-H Illinois Superior Young Livestock Producers Contest at the fair. Nine 4-H members from across Illinois have competed in this year’s skillathon and have engaged in hands-on challenges in livestock management, livestock marketing and hedging, breed identification and use, quality assurance and equipment identification and use.  The contest promotes youth development, career development, and personal growth through increased knowledge of the livestock industry.

The nine skillathon champions each received a $1,000 CME Group scholarship to continue their education. The 2024 scholarship recipients were: Ryker Beckmier (Christian County); Kaylee Blackford (Vermilion County);  Morgan Crouch (Macon County); Taylor Crouch (Macon County); Gwen Hall (Ogle County); Blaine Homann (Coles County); Kadie Hummel (Ford County); Molly McCalla (Madison County); Hayden Miller (Livingston County).

(NewsUSA) - Although most Americans recognize the benefits of spending time outdoors, 57 percent say that they don’t spend as much time in nature as they need and want, according to research from RVshare, the largest online community for RV owners and renters in the United States.

Following these insights, RVshare embarked on a second extensive research campaign to identify where Americans are participating in outdoor recreation and where they are not. In partnership with Cairn Consulting Group, RVshare developed a ranking of the “10 Most (and Least)  Outdoor-Friendly Cities” in the United States. The rankings were based on a range of factors including the behavior or residents in each city, access to outdoor recreation, and how each city is perceived in terms of outdoor spaces and activities by residents and visitors.

Based on their findings, Seattle, Washington, got the nod as the top Outdoor-Friendly City in the United States. Rounding out the top ten were Denver, Colorado; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Miami, Florida; Portland, Oregon; Nashville, Tennessee; San Francisco, California; Richmond, Virginia; Los Angeles, California, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

With a central mission to get people outdoors and exploring the unbridled freedom of an RV trip, RVshare is highlighting these rankings to flip the script and prove that despite preconceived notions, it’s possible to get outside and explore the great outdoors from just about anywhere. The full report reveals the fully ranked list, and RVshare has gone the extra mile to encourage city-dwellers to get outdoors by providing RV rental options available in all of the markets.

For city-dwellers seeking more outdoor time, an RV trip could be the perfect solution. RVshare wants to help and encourage residents of all cities to experience more outdoor recreation, and wants to make it easy to explore all of the outdoor options that are available, regardless of their destination.

Please visit https://pages.rvshare.com/outdoor-friendly-cities/ for the full report. To book your RVshare rental today and to learn more about RVshare, please visit rvshare.com. 

(NewsUSA) - The average military family moves three times as often as their civilian peers, and most of these permanent change of station (PCS) moves occur during the summer, according to Blue Star Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, supporting, and connecting military families in communities around the world.

Many military families live in their local civilian communities. However, military families whose lives are often disrupted by deployments and frequent moves often struggle to feel part of these communities, according to Blue Star Families’ 2023 Military Family Lifestyle Survey. Blue Star Welcome Week is a new American tradition spearheaded by Blue Star Families to create a greater sense of belonging and community for everyone.

Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families, says, “It’s time for a new tradition where we make military families feel valued and included. Welcome Week connects military families with their civilian neighbors. Whether it’s a simple message or a community event, every gesture builds a stronger, more inclusive community. This is how we honor their sacrifices and show our gratitude.”

Blue Star Welcome Week happens every year during the last week of September – this year’s event is scheduled for September 21-29, 2024.

As we gear up for Welcome Week, here are four ways you can ‘do your part’. And, you can check out more inspirational ideas here!

• Host a Blue Star Family Welcome Week Block Party. Welcome the newest military families to your neighborhood by hosting a festive gathering where military and civilian families can connect and make memories. If hosting solo feels overwhelming, team up with a local organization or form a block party host group. With events happening around the world, your volunteer efforts help bridge the gap between military and civilian communities. Let's make a difference together!
   
• Every Little Bit Helps. Support military families in your neighborhood through small thoughtful actions. Make a meal, bring up trash cans, help find a babysitter (or babysit), cut their grass, or invite them to your next holiday gathering. These simple gestures can make a significant impact in helping our military families feel connected to their community.
   
• Educate Yourself on Their Unique Challenges. Military families face unique challenges that impact their daily lives. The 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey (MFLS) by Blue Star Families highlights key issues like financial strain, underemployment of spouses, mental health concerns, and feeling disconnected from their communities. These quality-of-life concerns have led to fewer service members recommending military service, threatening the future of our All-Volunteer Force. By understanding these challenges, you can better support and advocate for military families in your neighborhood!
   
• Support Companies That Hire Military Spouses. For decades, military spouses have endured an unemployment rate of 20% or higher, three to four times higher than their civilian counterparts – this remains the top concern for active-duty spouse respondents for the sixth consecutive year. The 4+1 Commitment is a way for employers to voluntarily commit to improving military spouse employment outcomes – extend your support by patronizing those who have made this commitment, like Starbucks, T-Mobile, PenFed Credit Union, USAA, Nextdoor, Navy Federal Credit Union, Comcast NBCUniversal, Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe’s, Johnson & Johnson, and Humana.

Blue Star Welcome Week is more than just a series of events – it's a movement to build stronger, more inclusive communities for our military families. By participating, you play a vital role in making every military family feel valued and supported and help lay the foundation for a new tradition.

Join us from September 21-29, 2024, and make a difference in the lives of those who serve our nation.

(NewsUSA) - It's that time of year again! The time between summer and fall when some people start thinking about leaves and football, while others aren’t quite ready to trade in their flip-flops for flannel.

Join us in raising a glass to "sum-all" season! It's the perfect time to enjoy the best of both worlds, blending the warmth of summer with the crispness of fall. Whether you’re clinging to those last beach days or eagerly anticipating cozy evenings by the fire, this season lets you do it all. So, grab your drink of choice, fire up the grill, and make the most of this special time of year.

Check out this sampling of sum-all favorites made at the Genesee Brewery in Upstate New York and available at select retailers across the U.S.  

-Black Cherry flavor provides bridge to fall. Genesee Black Cherry Vanilla Kellerbier continues the Genesee tradition of releasing seasonal beers on the cusp between seasons. The Black Cherry Vanilla Kellerbier combines the tart sweetness of black cherry with a hint of smooth vanilla that is refreshing on a warm summer day and also a perfect complement to a brisk fall game day afternoon.

-Light beer wins through late summer. Labatt Blue Light Grapefruit, a summer seasonal beer, is perfectly suited to shift into fall and enjoy on the golf course.

-Green and citrusy “sum-all” to a T. Nothing says summer like iced tea, but the right tea flavors span the seasons. Lipton Hard Iced Tea Citrus Green Tea works on the patio by the pool, or at an early fall outdoor concert or sporting event.

-Kick off the fall with pure refreshment. Made with real cane sugar and fruit juice, Seagram's Escapes Refreshers are available in fruit flavor combinations including Strawberry Acai, Pineapple Cherry, Mango Orange and Kiwi Lime. Refreshers are a perfect ready to enjoy option for any social gathering.  

Visit Fifcousa.com and Genesee Brewery (geneseebeer.com) for more information on these and other “sum-all” drinks made at the brewery. Also, be sure to share your sum-all moments with #GennySumAll and be part of the “sum-all” celebration.

(NewsUSA) - For Donald Denihan, it was supposed to be the fishing trip of a lifetime. Instead, it ended up nearly costing him his life in a hard bargain he made with the sea.

Denihan’s story is documented in riveting detail in his new book HARD BARGAIN (Stillwater River Publications). The book is best described as part gripping true adventure story and part self-reflection on how being on the doorstep of death helped him get a better grasp on what is really important in life.

According to Reader’s Digest, “The dominant waterlogged parts strike the same salt-drenched chords as ‘The Perfect Storm’ and ‘In the Heart of the Sea,’ as harrowingly visual as they are shatteringly visceral. A stunning tale of survival at sea, HARD BARGAIN is a riveting and relentless read of rare depth and pathos that is not to be missed.”

Near-death experiences were nothing new to this successful entrepreneur, who has held leadership positions in the real estate and hospitality industries for more than 30 years. At the age of sixteen, a hunting accident had nearly cost him his foot. A lengthy hospital stay, followed by an equally lengthy rehabilitation, filled Donald with resilience and made him think he could overcome anything.

That is, until he was struck by the same aggressive form of prostate cancer at the age of only thirty-five that had killed his father. Once again, Donald prevailed and even overcame the side effects of surgery which he celebrated by learning how to fly fish.

A decade later, that new avocation brought him to the Bahamas with his closest friends and college student son, specifically to waters rich with the schools of bonefish fly fishermen long for. The one ill-fated boat trip confronted him with his own mortality yet again, when a violent storm capsized his ill-prepared boat and left him clinging to life.

“A helpless feeling comes over you when you’re on the water getting battered by a storm. You start to grasp the awesome power of the sea…I felt the first twinges of despair creep into my heart…With no other options, I began to pray quietly.”

Through a long night of pounding rain and storm-swept winds, Donald faced off against everything the sea could throw at him. With the odds of survival dimming by the moment, his own desperate efforts at sea are mirrored on land by the resourcefulness of friends and family who will stop at nothing to save him before it’s too late.

But even that might not be enough, because some bargains are better off never made.

Later on, the traumatic incident prompted Denihan to want to help others in dire straits, in situations and conditions that might have been out of their control. So he created The God Is Good Charitable Fund (https://www.thegodisgoodcharitablefund.com/) to help people in need.

The entire experience helped Denihan put things in their proper perspective.

“Too many people want to put a dollar sign on everything, perceiving  everything as transactional instead of placing the greatest value in the relationships and interactions that define us as people. You can’t put a dollar sign on love, or happiness, or family, or friendship, or loyalty, but they are worth more than anything that comes with a price tag attached.”

Learn more about HARD BARGAIN at https://bit.ly/3UeYw7t.

(NewsUSA) - Threats to global stability continue to evolve to include greater use of artificial intelligence (AI) to promote disinformation, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a mission of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI.

The need for NATO member countries to keep hostile regimes from using AI disinformation to manipulate public opinion is becoming increasingly important.

This “cognitive warfare” or information warfare, is not a new concept, but the digital revolution and use of AI allows bad actors to disseminate deepfakes and AI-augmented content at a previously unfathomable speed.

SCSP experts offer several strategies for how NATO countries can confront the threat of AI-augmented disinformation head-on. “This requires moving beyond the current reactive approach, which focuses on debunking falsehoods,” according to SCSP.

-Monitor disinformation in real-time. Investing in open-source intelligence tools and working with tech companies can help develop the expertise to identify and counter malevolent disinformation campaigns. Also, better authenticity tools are needed to identify altered or AI-generated content.

-Discredit disinformation immediately. NATO must proactively promote its own interests and mission. NATO should provide its own positive narrative to get out ahead of disinformation, and highlight failures of authoritarian regimes, especially on their own digital platforms.

-Initiate partnerships. Establishing and strengthening collaborative relationships with governments, private companies, and civil-society organizations can help NATO develop early warning systems and coordinate stronger and faster responses to disinformation campaigns.

-Foster healthy skepticism. Supporting programs to promote media and digital literacy can help reduce the impact of disinformation. Educating the public to apply critical thinking skills to online information can help build societal resilience against propaganda and voter manipulation.

To achieve these goals, SCSP experts recommend the creation of a disinformation unit within NATO responsible for coordinating intelligence, spearheading counter-messaging efforts, and building strategic partnerships. “Such a unit could leverage the Five Eyes intelligence alliance (the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada), as well as the work of Europol – the European Union’s law-enforcement agency – to bolster and expand information-sharing networks,” according to SCSP.

Visit scsp.ai for more information about the importance of strengthening America’s competitiveness as AI and other emerging technologies are reshaping our national security, economy, and society.

(Amy Pisani) - The summer heat still lingers, but parents and caregivers have embarked on the annual ritual of preparing children for the school year ahead. Store shelves overflow with school supplies, and dorm décor, a clear sign of this busy season. Amidst the hustle, one crucial task often gets overlooked: ensuring children are up to date on their recommended immunizations. This is especially vital for students heading to college or living in group settings, where reminders or school-entry vaccination requirements may be lacking.

Meningococcal meningitis is a serious bacterial infection that can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. While many parents have heard of this disease, they may not fully understand the risks.  It spreads easily through respiratory droplets, like those produced when coughing or sneezing, and close contact, such as kissing or sharing drinks, e-cigs, vapes and utensils.

One alarming aspect of meningitis is its similarity to the flu in its early stages, often delaying diagnosis. By the time the disease is identified, it may be too late for effective treatment. Meningitis can progress rapidly, leading to severe consequences within hours, including brain damage, organ failure, limb loss, and even death.

There are five serogroups of meningococcal disease: A, B, C, W, and Y. Each year, hundreds of people in the United States contract this vaccine-preventable disease and since 2021, cases of meningococcal disease have increased sharply, now exceeding pre-pandemic levels. While rare, the statistics are sobering: 10-15 percent of those infected will die, and 20 percent of survivors will suffer permanent disabilities such as brain damage, hearing loss, kidney dysfunction, or limb amputations. As our family advocates attest, their children’s illnesses progressed like wildfire, too often resulting in death. 

While anyone can contract meningococcal disease, it is most prevalent among infants under one year old (who are too young to be vaccinated), individuals aged 16-23, and adults over 85 years of age. Meningitis B accounts for about 60 percent of cases in individuals under 24 years of age.  

For years, vaccines have been available to protect against four of the five serogroups: A, C, W, and Y. In 2014, new vaccines covering the meningitis B strain were approved. While about 89 percent of teens have been vaccinated for meningitis ACWY, rates for meningitis B vaccination are far lower at about 30 percent. This is particularly concerning since meningitis B has been responsible for every college outbreak since 2011.

Fortunately, late last year, a new vaccine combining all five serogroups was approved by the FDA. This fall will be the first back-to-school season with this simplified option, which should reduce confusion about the vaccines and increase the likelihood that older teens are fully protected against this disease. But a flag for parents—to please make a proactive ask of your provider about the vaccines to protect against meningitis B, as many young adults are not up to date.

As the school year approaches, parents and caregivers must prioritize their children’s health by ensuring they are fully vaccinated, including the meningococcal vaccines. Colleges and group living situations are breeding grounds for diseases, making immunization essential.

To learn more about meningitis and other back-to-school vaccine resources visit https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/firstdayvax/. 

Amy Pisani, MS, is the CEO of Vaccinate Your Family, an organization whose mission is to ensure the timely immunization of people of all ages.

(NewsUSA) - The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is national call center that helps people with disabilities get connected to information about local community resources that support independent living. DIAL also provides information about essential services such as transportation, housing support, disability rights and more. Additionally, DIAL has information on COVID-19, flu and other adult vaccines and can help you find how to access vaccines in your community.

DIAL serves people with disabilities across the country who have a variety of needs. DIAL Referral Specialists are trained to work with people with various communication abilities and will spend as much time as needed to ensure effective communication. For example, DIAL has enhanced accessibility with options for people to text or communicate through American Sign Language direct video call.

DIAL is managed by USAging, which represents the national network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocates for Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Through DIAL, USAging partners with disability organizations to ensure that people are referred to the appropriate disabilities services.

The training and expertise of DIAL Referral Specialists enables them to focus on and respond to the unique needs of each caller. Said one caller, “The specialist connected me with the person I needed to speak to. She went above and beyond, and I appreciate her so much.”

To find local services, you can contact DIAL in several different ways. To speak with a Referral Specialist by voice, videophone call or text use 888-677-1199. You can chat online with a Referral Specialist at dial.acl.gov. And Deaf and hard-of-hearing callers who use American Sign Language can contact DIAL by clicking here.