(NewsUSA) - The holidays are right around the corner, and so are the Black Friday deals you want. Check out this guide for details on this year’s must-have gifts from Spin Master.

Monster Jam Grave Digger Trax. Monster Jam fans have their eyes on the latest remote-controlled vehicle, the Grave Digger Trax. The unique body design and rugged treads are engineered for epic Monster Jam stunts, including back wheelies and donuts. The all-terrain Grave Digger Trax conquers mud, rocks, dirt, and snow, and even floats through water.

$69.99 – 36 % off on Amazon starting November 24th

Batman Gotham City Guardian Playset. Unleash the ultimate Batman experience: a massive two-and-a-half-foot tall playset that transforms into three vehicles (the Batwing, BatTank, and Batcycle) plus a Bat Computer and Mobile Command Center. When combined, the elements form a giant Mech Batman, ready to defend Gotham City against the forces of evil. Other special features include lights, sounds, and an exclusive four-inch armored Batman figure that fits into any of the vehicles.

$99.99 – 32% off on Amazon starting November 24th

Kinetic Sand Deluxe Beach Castle. Bring the beach home with the all-new Kinetic Sand Deluxe Beach Castle playset. This set features two and a half pounds of Kinetic Sand, and everything you need to create a unique sand kingdom, including a multi-tier tray for dynamic beach builds and 9 new, multi-purpose tools and molds to for custom decorating. Once you're done playing, seal the play tray with the innovative easy-seal lid. 

$24.99 - 54% off on Amazon now!

Cool Maker PopStyle Bracelet Maker. Make bracelets in a snap with the PopStyle Bracelet Maker; no knots, clasps, or cuts needed. Choose from 170 gorgeous beads, place them on the elastics, and pop the top to reveal your custom bracelet. The fun doesn’t stop there—you can make and remake up to 10 different bracelets easily by popping off and swapping the beads whenever you want. Bead designs include emojis, stripes, and letter stickers for the ultimate personal touch.

$24.99 - 38% off on Amazon starting November 24th

Rubble & Crew Bark Yard Crane Tower Playset. The Bark Yard Playset is inspired by the construction yard and home base for the pups in the popular series Rubble & Crew. This playset includes lights, sounds, music, and phrases that fans will recognize from the show. The playset stands more than 2 feet tall and comes with 12 ounces of Kinetic Sand Build-It Sand, four molds, interchangeable tools and a Rubble vehicle and pup to encourage open-ended building and sensory play for preschoolers.

$79.99 – 33% off on Amazon now!

(NewsUSA) - With the holiday season upon us and Small Business Saturday around the corner, many small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) want to utilize their time efficiently more than ever. Equipping your teams with the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled business technology solutions will allow them to efficiently tackle creative tasks and save time on administrative work so they can maximize time with the people who matter most.

AI continues to drive conversations and decisions for businesses of all sizes, with a recent study showing 68% of IT leaders across the globe saying AI will define business strategy by the end of 2024. Furthermore, research shows the global AI market size was valued at USD 136.55 billion in 2022 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.3% from 2023 to 2030. This points to the rising influence of AI being viewed as the key to improving efficiencies and enhancing use cases across verticals.

AI can be a lifesaver for small businesses as it can help save time, improve workflows and power technology solutions to provide greater performance for a business’ needs. As the adoption of AI expands across industries, so does the need for high-performing and secure solutions.

The era of AI adoption

Now is the time for small businesses to invest in AI-enabled solutions as recent industry reports share that approximately 45% of small businesses are considering AI solutions to help allocate more time to core business operations. Another small business report indicated 91% of small businesses that use AI said it has helped make their business more successful and 60% said that AI saves time and promotes efficiency.

AI can benefit small businesses in several ways, including streamlining workflows, using AI-powered visual enhancements and noise cancellation features to keep meetings running smoothly and effectively. Incorporating AI-enabled hardware and software with intelligent cooling features and adaptive performance management can help tackle heavy workloads, enhance privacy and improve protection against cyber threats.

AI also promotes the creation of personalized services for customers as well as employees, and the implementation of data-driven insights to improve experiences inside and outside of the business. This allows businesses to stand apart from their competitors as they cater to their consumers' needs by providing them with personalized experiences.

Since small businesses may not have the budget to invest in multiple fail-safe business solutions, AI can save small businesses money by predicting and preventing device downtime through intelligent predictive analytics.

Taking advantage of AI-ready servers, cutting edge smart devices, and versatile hardware simplifies the adoption and use of AI by businesses and organizations of all sizes. Procurement and capital expense can be further managed by the adoption of as-a-service models that can include AI solutions to support public or private cloud AI models.  

How Lenovo is supporting SMBs with AI-enabled technology solutions

To help small businesses thrive, there are numerous business solutions available such as the latest Lenovo ThinkPad commercial laptops which offer AI-enabled features such as computer vision technology with enhanced video image quality and human presence detection, and self-healing BIOS for added protection. For businesses seeking immersive solutions, the ThinkReality XR solution helps users access deeper, captivating simulations, an ideal solution for remote job training or diagnostic services. In addition, SMBs can optimize AI-assisted functionality with devices within Lenovo’s ThinkBook line purpose-built for SMBs. They offer the latest collaboration technology with AI Meeting Manager, and include scalability and robust security features, such as a mechanical camera shutter and fingerprint-activated power button.

Ultimately, by learning how to harness the capabilities of AI to bring the most value to their business, small businesses can enable transformative intelligence across all industries.

Visit Lenovo.com for more information.

(NewsUSA) - A Reaction to Messianic Missionaries by Cheryl Simani

A fresh, exciting perspective on the missionary/counter-missionary controversy. Appalled by the nefarious tactics of Christian missionaries disguised as Jews, Rabbanit Simani pens a personal letter to those misled by their wiles. She addresses the “Jews for Jesus” organization head-on and dives deep into the characters and sources for Jewish and Christian Messianic claims.

The book addresses the development of the “Messianic Jewish” movement and the “Isaiah 53 Campaign” – an aggressive effort targeting Jews with misinformation to convert them to their disguised form of Christianity. It also outlines the conflicting historical paths of Judaism and Christianity.  This is a dynamic perspective of the origins of Early Christianity, a must-read for anyone interested in who was or will be the Messiah. A perfect gift for the “truth-seekers” among family and friends, and that special rabbi. Purchase at https://bit.ly/45OLZue.

The Coppinville Experience by Frederick Hamilton

This book is a testament that it's not where you start, but how you reach your potential. Frederick L. Hamilton was born into poverty, but by God's favor is led to a public service career improving the lives of low-income persons that mirror his childhood. His story starts with his great, great, great, great, grandparents being born into slavery. It follows his genealogy through Coffee County and Enterprise, Alabama and presents the genesis of education for Blacks in Enterprise.

At an early age, he developed a powerful relationship with God. He understood his family was poor, but God was still present and his family is blessed with love. This book is A historic, comical, spiritual, and triumphant example of how God can use anybody to do His Will! Purchase at https://bit.ly/3QYXgUg.

Diplomats & Admirals by Dale A. Jenkins

Was the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor inevitable? It’s November 1941. Japan and the U.S. are teetering on a knife-edge as leaders on both sides of the Pacific strive to prevent war between them. But failed diplomacy, foiled negotiations, and possible duplicity in the Roosevelt Administration thwart their attempts.

 Drawing on now-declassified original documents, here’s the inside story, including:

• How hidden agendas of powerful civilian and military leaders pushed the two nations toward war
• Miscommunications, misjudgments, and blunders that doomed peace efforts
• China’s role in the U.S. ultimatum that triggered the Pearl Harbor attack
• Why the carrier-to-carrier showdown at Coral Sea proved a fatal mistake for Japan
• How U.S. navy pilots snatched victory from defeat at the Battle of Midway

Combining perspectives from military and civilian leaders, here are new insights into the Pacific naval battles that shaped the world. Purchase at https://bit.ly/48stnCw.

The Future King: Return of the Once Monarch by Vishnul Jain

Plunge into a modern world full of magical creatures and sorcery in this Amazon bestselling novel, as Merlin grapples with the insidious Order of Rhamnusia in a race to control the return of the Once and Future King. Will the Order free Morgana and control the fate of the king’s return? Or will Merlin rise to redemption after the tragedy that befell him centuries ago and become the hero this world so desperately needs?

 "The fanciful illustrations lend a storybook ambiance to the novel. The prose reads at a young adult level but with enough flourishes and spark to fire adult readers' imaginations too...A remarkable, inventive tale combining elements of two very different cultures with ancient traditions...Devotees of the Arthurian legend will appreciate this modern spinoff of a classic tale," says The US Review. Purchase at https://bit.ly/40lQjzW.

(NewsUSA) - As the holiday season approaches, more people are out shopping, searching crowded stores and online promotions for the best discounts, and using their credit cards to pay for it all. But beware the financial dangers of credit use — how you pay for these deals could safeguard your budget or lead to debt.

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ professional can help you guard against costly credit mistakes, paving the way for a financially sound festive season and beyond. Learn more about how to use credit in a way that works for you with the insights below.

Choose Your Credit Card Wisely

Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts or purchasing necessities like groceries, the credit card you use can make a big difference. There are several factors to consider:

• Interest Rates. Rates generally run from 21-33%. The standard bank card charges at the low end of the range, and retailer credit cards (those typically with the store’s name on them) charge as much as 33%.
• Cash Back. Among the best deals are bank cards that offer cash back ranging from 1-4% of your purchase.
• Rewards Points. Some cards have rewards programs where you earn points that you can redeem for products or services. They may seem attractive but are worthwhile only if you’re actually interested in the rewards offered.
• Cash Discounts. While retailer credit cards have the highest rates, some offer big cash discounts at the point of purchase. That may be the only time they’re worth using.

Improving Your Credit Score

Boosting your credit score can help you qualify for the lowest available interest rates on auto loans, personal loans and mortgages. If you can, pay the full balance when your credit card bill arrives. But most importantly, never miss a payment. Paying on time not only avoids late fees, but also is a key factor in improving your credit score. The easy way to ensure timely payment is to set up automatic online payments.

A CFP^® professional can help you develop other strategies to save money while improving your credit profile, including the following:

• Identifying which debt to pay down first.
• Switching to balance transfer cards that don’t charge interest for a year or longer.
• Converting high-interest debt with interest payments that are not tax-deductible to lower-interest debt whose interest payments are tax-deductible.

Establishing Credit

Lenders offer credit to people with a long and reliable credit history. Most young adults don’t have one. There are various ways to obtain credit, but steer clear of debit cards that claim they can help you build a credit history. When you consider the costs and requirements, they’re usually no bargain. You have better and cheaper options for establishing credit. Here are three of them:

• Get a secured credit card.
• If you have a student loan, make sure you’re up-to-date with payments.
• If you pay rent, ask your landlord to report your on-time payments to the credit bureaus.

The choices we make in managing credit can have a lasting impact on our financial journey. As you navigate the complex credit landscape, remember that CFP^® professionals can offer tailored guidance for your unique circumstances. Whether it's identifying strategic debt payments, exploring balance transfer options or establishing credit responsibly, a CFP^® professional can provide a roadmap for achieving your financial goals. Find a CFP^® professional today.

(NewsUSA) - November 15 is America Recycles Day – a day to celebrate recycling and encourage people to be mindful of what they consume and where and how to recycle. While it seems like an easy task, only 32 percent of waste is recycled, according to the EPA. Barriers to recycling include limited access to recycling bins, lack of recycling facilities and not knowing what can and can’t be recycled.

Regarding that last point, did you know that pet food cans, which are made from aluminum and steel, are recyclable? No need to peel off the label; just rinse the can and put the lid inside. However, recycling pet food cans is important because using recycled aluminum cans to make new aluminum cans takes 95 percent less energy than making new cans from raw materials.  

“Making a difference can be easy, and Purina has launched the #PurinaRecyclesChallenge to encourage pet owners to help make an impact by recycling their pet food cans,” says Gopi Sandhu, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability at Purina. “Aluminum and steel cans can be reused over and over when recycled, but we need pet owners’ help to get pet food cans into the recycling bin. We want to help create a healthier planet for pets and people for generations to come, and recycling pet food cans is a small step that we can take.”

To participate in the #PurinaRecyclesChallenge, pet owners can upload their best recycling trick shot video to Instagram and/or TikTok using the hashtag #PurinaRecyclesChallenge. Trick shots can be as simple as tossing a pet food can into the bin or as elaborate as the use of a Rube Goldberg machine. Through December 15, 2023, Purina will donate $10 for every original video posted using the hashtag and $1 for every engagement (like/share/comment) for a total donation of up to $100,000 to The Recycling Partnership to help increase access to recycling across the country.

Beyond participating in the challenge, keep these simple tips in mind to make a difference through recycling:

-Check the labels: Look on product packaging for specific recycling instructions. On Purina products, for example, look for the How2Recycle icon. Ask local waste haulers or community recycling centers to verify if a specific material is acceptable for single-stream recycling. 

-Check the dates: Know the recyclable collection days in your neighborhood and note that holidays may affect these days and times. For updated information, visit your local recycling programs’ website.

-Shop sustainably: Many brands use recycled materials in their packaging or design packaging with recycling in mind. Currently, nearly 90 percent of Purina’s plastic packages are designed for recycling. In addition, nearly half of Purina’s Tidy Cats litter jugs are made with 60 percent post-consumer resin.

-Share and simplify: Keep recycling bins visible during gatherings, especially for guests; this makes recycling easy and encourages others to recycle at home.

For more information, visit https://www.purina.com/about/recycling/recycling-challenge.

(NewsUSA) - Creating a healthier planet for pets and people starts with us and recycling is one act that makes a positive impact. While it seems like an easy task, only 32 percent of waste is recycled, according to the EPA. Barriers to recycling include limited access to recycling bins, lack of recycling facilities and not knowing what can and can’t be recycled.

Regarding that last point, did you know that pet food cans, which are made from aluminum and steel, are recyclable? No need to peel off the label; just rinse the can and put the lid inside. However, recycling pet food cans is important because using recycled aluminum cans to make new aluminum cans takes 95 percent less energy than making new cans from raw materials.  

“Making a difference can be easy, and Purina has launched the #PurinaRecyclesChallenge to encourage pet owners to help make an impact by recycling their pet food cans,” says Gopi Sandhu, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability at Purina. “Aluminum and steel cans can be reused over and over when recycled, but we need pet owners’ help to get pet food cans into the recycling bin. We want to help create a healthier planet for pets and people for generations to come, and recycling pet food cans is a small step that we can take.”

To participate in the #PurinaRecyclesChallenge, pet owners can upload their best recycling trick shot video to Instagram and/or TikTok using the hashtag #PurinaRecyclesChallenge. Trick shots can be as simple as tossing a pet food can into the bin or as elaborate as the use of a Rube Goldberg machine. Through December 15, 2023, Purina will donate $10 for every original video posted using the hashtag and $1 for every engagement (like/share/comment) for a total donation of up to $100,000 to The Recycling Partnership to help increase access to recycling across the country.

Beyond participating in the challenge, keep these simple tips in mind to make a difference through recycling:

-Check the labels: Look on product packaging for specific recycling instructions. On Purina products, for example, look for the How2Recycle icon. Ask local waste haulers or community recycling centers to verify if a specific material is acceptable for single-stream recycling. 

-Check the dates: Know the recyclable collection days in your neighborhood and note that holidays may affect these days and times. For updated information, visit your local recycling programs’ website.

-Shop sustainably: Many brands use recycled materials in their packaging or design packaging with recycling in mind. Currently, nearly 90 percent of Purina’s plastic packages are designed for recycling. In addition, nearly half of Purina’s Tidy Cats litter jugs are made with 60 percent post-consumer resin.

-Share and simplify: Keep recycling bins visible during gatherings, especially for guests; this makes recycling easy and encourages others to recycle at home.

For more information, visit https://www.purina.com/about/recycling/recycling-challenge.

(NewsUSA) - “My name is Tigress and I am immortal. This is my story.”

Michael Crichton meets Bruce Lee in THE GIRL FROM WUDANG (Tuttle Publishing), a gripping story for fans of legendary cyberpunk novels and gritty sci-fi thrillers. Author PJ Caldas, an Emmy Award winning advertising executive and martial artist with 40 years of experience, gives us a cinematic and thought-provoking technothriller shrouded in immortality. Through his unique storytelling prowess, Caldas, named by the Dictionary of Brazilian Literature as one of the most important writers of the twenty-first century, brings the essence of old kung fu movies that inspired generations into the new world of modern fighting, artificial intelligence, and neuroscience in a timely story that will stick with you long after you reach the end. 

Headstrong, untameable—a beast—Yinyin defies the warnings of her late shifu, her martial arts master, and carries her ferocity from the kung fu school in the mountains of Wudang to the mixed martial arts fighting cages of California. There, surrounded for the first time by Western technology, she ignores voices of reason when offered an implant that could end her crippling headaches. It could end her pain. It could even make her . . . more. All she has to do is allow the doctors to implant tiny, super intelligent nanobots directly into her brain.

Making her mark as an MMA fighter in California, Yinyin is poised to become part of something big. But what that “big” turns out to be is beyond her imagining when the scientific experiment she participated in makes her—unbeatable.

It feels like a dream, but nothing comes without a price. This experimental neuro-connection could give others access to family secrets buried deep within her mind—secrets Yinyin has sworn to protect. Secrets that, in the wrong hands, could be very dangerous.

The key brain tech described in THE GIRL FROM WUDANG is inspired by real studies reportedly being developed in labs at companies like Google and Elon Musk’s Neuralink, and studies originally proposed by scientists like Ray Kurzweil, cofounder of Singularity University. According to researchers, connected brains are still 30 years from being a reality, but they are coming.

Fans of the legendary cyberpunk novels and gritty sci-fi thrillers of William Gibson and Stieg Larsson will be captivated by this new techno-thriller--a fast-paced blend of action, neuroscience, spirituality and martial arts.

The book is receiving high accolades:

"An interdisciplinary brewing of ideas and imagination, packed with futuristic brain science tech, martial arts action, and Asian culture,” says Professor Paul Li, faculty and author in Cognitive Science at UC Berkeley.

Monica Rector, professor emeritus of Literature, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, calls the book “unpredictable, disorienting and wonderfully absorbing. A meditation on life, consciousness and letting go, in the form of a book you can't stop reading.”
Eduardo Capeluto, third degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, calls the book “a mosaic full of bright colors and vivid details, a voyage into the imaginary that will keep you looking forward to the next page."

In short, THE GIRL FROM WUDANG is one of the year’s most addictive new thrillers.

Visit www.pjcaldas.com.

(NewsUSA) - There’s something about hosting family and friends for the holidays — it creates space for joy and togetherness, laying the foundation for new memories and stories for a lifetime to come. However, all hosts know — putting together the perfect holiday does not come without the stress of planning.

Fortunately, no host must prepare alone, especially with a trusted source in homestyle cooking and hospitality in their back pocket. Cracker Barrel has just the right tips for you to prepare a warm, comforting meal, that will leave your guests feeling like they’re right at home.   

Preset the Table. First thing’s first, preset your table the night before to allow more time for day-of preparations. Simple table settings are beautiful, elegant and won’t get in the way of the food platters. If your table needs a little something extra, shop Cracker Barrel’s retail store online to pick out this year’s festive setting and have décor shipped directly to you.

Make a Playlist. Music is the key to setting your holiday ambiance. Create a playlist ahead of time to ensure your guests are in the holiday spirit. Need inspiration? Cracker Barrel’s online music section has all the new and classic holiday albums.

Simplify the Apps. You know your guests are coming hungry, so keep your appetizers quick and simple! Opt for starters like chips and salsa, cheese and crackers, popcorn or nuts. Or, cater Cracker Barrel and choose from a menu of shareable sides and appetizers that are sure to provide the “wow” factor in no time.

Let Someone Else Do the Heavy Lifting. Let’s face it, holiday meal prep is a lot of work. Ordering a prepared Thanksgiving meal — complete with turkey and all the best sides — can allow you to spend quality time with family and friends. Consider Cracker Barrel’s Thanksgiving Heat n’ Serve Meals as a time-saving, stress-free option this year. Available in two sizes, these full meals go from oven to table in just 2-3 hours.

With these simple tips, hosts can spend extra time making memories with loved ones. Whether setting up on the front porch for family portraits, or sitting and connecting over conversation, just as many memories are made on the front porch as at the dinner table.

This season, members of Cracker Barrel’s new rewards program, Cracker Barrel Rewards™, can make their holiday hosting moments even more special with a custom rocking chair co-designed with Dolly Parton. To celebrate the launch of the new program, the brand is teaming up with Dolly on a “Rewards That Rock” campaign and giving rewards members a chance to win one of 667 limited-edition rockers now through December 4, currently showcased on Cracker Barrel front porches nationwide.

Sign up for Cracker Barrel Rewards in-store, online or through the app to start earning rewards that can help make this year’s gathering the best yet. Not only is Cracker Barrel your home away from home, it can also help you make your house a home this holiday season.

(NewsUSA) - Clara’s Secret by Stephan R. Frenkel

This critically acclaimed Amazon Bestseller begins with the captivating story of Clara Prinz, a remarkable woman forced to leave her native Berlin in 1939. As Clara embarks alone on a voyage into the unknown, she turns to memories of her adolescence during LaBelle Époque – the Beautiful Era filled with optimism and cultural transformation at the dawn of the twentieth century.

As Clara’s recollections unfold, readers are transported to a time of elegance and grandeur immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the Prussian capital and invited to witness the pivotal moments that shaped Clara’s life. Through Clara’s encounters with luminaries from Mark Twain to Theodore Roosevelt, Clara’s Secret weaves an unforgettable tapestry of historical events.

Clara’s Secret is ultimately a compelling story of the advancement of humankind and the survival of its decline. Described by Kirkus as “a tender personality-centered biography of golden age Berlin.”  Purchase at https://bit.ly/3LyN81z

Blind Faith by Patrick Girondi

In another riveting tale by entertainer and eccentric author and CEO Patrick Girondi, greed and desperation drive brother to challenge sister's competency. Believers line up against non-believers in the circuit court in Chicago to decide if there is a God. 

Aaron needs Trish’s inheritance. As a blue blood, he knows the damage created when important resources are not held by the cream of society. Trish taught retarded kids. When her boyfriend, Hat, dies in a car accident, she reverts to her hermit-like self. Who better to assist Aaron than Sebastian Sherwin, a famously unscrupulous, atheist attorney?
Judge Cohen is up for re-election. There is zero public appeal gained by declaring a young woman incompetent. Unfortunately, the story is picked up by a blog and gains national attention. Overnight, his courtroom turns into an unruly zoo with believers and non-believers. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3NKUnos.

Nightweaver by R.M. Gray

Set in an alternate world that combines the Gilded Age with the Golden Age of Piracy, where what remains of humankind has been driven out to sea, Nightweaver tells the story of 17-year-old Violet Oberon, a cursed pirate with a mysterious past. After a lifetime of hiding from bloodthirsty monsters, Violet is captured and forced to team up with the notorious Nightweaver, Will Castor, a magic-wielding lord and the heir to the estate where Violet and her family are hired into service.

Together, Violet and Will set out to hunt her eldest brother’s killer, a shadow creature known as an Underling. But when strange things start happening at Bludgrave Manor, Violet discovers the killer is already hunting her—and it’s leaving a trail of bodies in its wake. Learn more at www.rmgraybooks.com/nightweaver.

The Pillars of Legacy by Joginder Singh Kalsi

There are some who live extraordinary lives, not necessarily because they set out to become remarkable, but because of the choices they make and by the way they live their lives. Jogi Kalsi is one of those people.

The incredible life he’s built is a result of the decisions he’s made and the values that have guided him on his journey. From his early family life in Pakistan and India to a relocation to the U.S., he’s found success and abundance by always remembering the legacy he wants to leave behind.

Now he shares that legacy, focusing on the pillars of education, faith, and positivity and how these factors have influenced his life. Through his real-life example, he shows others how to create a meaningful legacy of their own, with gratitude and love at the forefront. Purchase at https://a.co/d/bVn68pP.

(Kim Norris, LCFA President) - Veterans who have selflessly served our country face a higher risk of developing lung cancer because of their exposure to environmental hazards such as asbestos and burn pits during their time in service and combat zones. Also, many Veterans enter occupations with a higher risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials when they leave the military. 

Fortunately, the Veterans Administration Health System, Medicare, and most private insurance companies now pay for annual lung cancer screening. Early detection and improved access to advanced diagnostic tools and treatments are essential to saving more Veterans’ lives. If caught early, the 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is approximately 60%, according to Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA).

Jim Pantelas is one of those warriors, and he has been living with lung cancer for 18 years. He says that lung cancer screening is one of the easiest screenings you can get.

“It's a whole lot easier than an endoscopy or colon cancer screening. It takes less than two minutes, and you’re done. It's probably the least invasive of the screenings that I'm aware of.”

To call attention to the high rates of lung cancer among Veterans and to honor their service, LCFA has launched a new campaign called Breath of Honor: Lung Cancer Screening for Veterans during Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November.

The Breath of Honor campaign identifies seven lung cancer risk factors that Veterans should know. “Understanding the unique lung cancer risks for military personnel is crucial. Military warriors know the value of prior planning and early detection improves outcomes,” according to the LCFA. The risk factors are radon exposure, asbestos exposure, air pollution, family history of lung cancer, previous lung disease, smoking, and secondhand smoke, and for Veterans, you can add unique environmental risk factors.

“Nearly 8,000 Veterans are diagnosed and treated by the Veterans Administration for lung cancer each year, but that is only a fraction of the estimated 1.5M who are eligible for lung screening with annual low-dose chest CT scans,” says Dr. Drew Moghanaki, Chief of Thoracic Oncology in the UCLA Department of Radiation Oncology and Co-Director of the Greater Los Angeles VA Lung Precision Oncology Program. These scans are simple, painless, and effective; they have shown to be the most effective way to detect lung cancer at a time when it is most easily treated.”

Pantelas says getting the word out about screening as well as research is key to improving the lives of Veterans living with lung cancer.

“It is about the next guy. I mean, you don't get people functioning in a war zone because they want to be there. You get them functioning in the war zone because they want to make sure somebody else doesn't have to.” Jim Pantelas, a veteran and lung cancer patient.

Don’t wait—ask your doctor to get screened today!  For more information go to ScreenAVet.org or LCFAmerica.org.