(NewsUSA)

 "Brain Storm"
by Shelley Kolton, MD

The sad 7-year-old girl. The aggressive 14-year-old boy. The terrified 3-year-old child. The cult leader. She lived with these, and over 30 other parts of her mind throughout endless cycles of deepest depression, paralyzing panic, thoughts of suicide, and a revolving door of psychotherapists.

Dr. Shelley Kolton tells the story of a childhood marked by unimaginable abuse and the distinct parts her brain created to hold those memories and protect her. She balanced the demands of medicine, marriage and family as new parts emerged while grueling therapy sessions consumed her.

 The heartbreaking account of a mind, fragmented and broken, ultimately made whole by one woman's incomparable strength and courage. Purchase at shelleykoltonmd.com.

"The Lost Diary of Anne Frank"
by Johnny Teague

"The Diary of Anne Frank" is a seminal piece of twentieth century literature recounting the tragic and moving story of a young Jewish teenager faced with the horrors of Nazism. Anne establishes a bond with her readers that transcends both time and space, making them her friends and confidants.

Her diary ended, but her story did not. This book picks up where her original journal left off, taking the reader on a credible journey through the tragic final months of her life, faithfully adhering to her own, very personal, diary format in the process. Anne's vaulted dreams for fame and notice are ultimately traded in for the true longings of life, love, and peace. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2RKjH3N.

 "Blind Vision"
by Nina Blakeman

"Blind Vision" is a cozy mystery with a fervent zing! The unexpected death of a patient of young neurologist Dr. Callie Wallace throws the overachieving physician into a tailspin. Her mother wants to help, but a dark family secret keeps their relationship contentious and distant. A long-time boyfriend also wants to be there, but she keeps him at arm's length and turns to her business partner Dr. Richard Cortez, causing strain. It all comes down to who exactly Callie can trust.

There's charm and Rockwellian atmosphere, but instead of cupcakes, tea parties, and antiquing, there's sexual undercurrent, drug deals, domestic abuse and a bit of profanity. A medical suspense novel for mystery lovers. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3cfAFhz.

 "Suffer Less in Death"
by Vincent Dodd, R. N.

The process of dying and the choices we make for our own death and others is not a clear-cut topic. Raw and informative, this book explores the truth and asserts your right to knowledge and your right to say "no" to medical procedures that prolong suffering once imminent and inevitable death arrives.

The author cares deeply about your awareness, knowledge, and choices, and his perspectives come from 21 years of bedside emergency and intensive care nursing in teaching hospitals, followed by 14 more years of advocating for both the dying and the living to pilot their own health care. He takes a look at a difficult subject and turns it into a highly informative, easy, and, at times, even a funny read. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3wkHvK1.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA)

"Hollywood to the Himalayas: A Journey of Healing and Transformation"
by Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati

The enlightening memoir of a reluctant spiritual seeker who finds much more than she bargained for when she travels to India.

As a Stanford grad getting her PhD in Psychology, Sadhvi Saraswati was comfortable with her life. When she agrees to travel to India to appease her husband, Sadhvi would have never imagined that she would be embarking on a journey of healing and awakening.

The book describes Sadhvi's odyssey toward divine enlightenment and inspiration through her extraordinary connection with her guru and renewed confidence in the joy that life can bring. Now one of the world's preeminent female spiritual teachers, Sadhvi recounts her journey with wit, honesty, and clarity. Says Deepak Chopra, "Her inspiring wisdom illuminates the path to healing, happiness, and inner peace." Purchase at https://amzn.to/3hGY0uD.

"The Dreamcatcher Codes"
by Barbara Newman

"This book is a homecoming. It is medicine for the soul and it is frankly glorious. Savor it, share it, be touched deeply by it."

Four girls. Four directions. One purpose. A YA novel filled with imagination, adventure and hope.

Powered by the elements earth, air, fire, and water, and secret messages from mystical dreamcatchers, four girls begin a quest to recover the stolen piece of the sacred Crystal Horseshoe. Snatched by a giant raven, this ancient talisman holds the Codes of Nature and is the key to its survival. The four girls bravely face what lies ahead. But time is running out. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3uip5Jn.

"The Essence of Nathan Biddle"
by J. William Lewis

This timeless coming-of-age tale has been likened to "discovering 'The Catcher in the Rye' all over again." Kit Biddle, a rising prep school senior, finds himself tangled in a web of spiritual quandaries and intellectual absurdities, compounded by his Uncle Nat's unspeakable acts which he claims were direct orders from God.

The tragedy haunting his family follows Kit like a dark cloud. When the brilliant Anna dismisses him, Kit spirals into self-destruction. But when his irrational decision to steal a maintenance truck and speed aimlessly down the highway ends in a horrific accident, Kit is forced to examine his perceptions of his life. Beautifully written and profoundly moving. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2SNarfw.

"Sugar Birds: A Novel"
by Cheryl Grey Bostrom

Harris Hayes has taught his daughter, Aggie, the ways of the northern woods. When her mother's depression worsens, Harris shows the girl how to find and sketch the nests of wild birds as an antidote to sadness. Aggie is in a tree far overhead when her unpredictable mother spots her and forbids her to climb. Angry, Aggie accidentally lights a tragic fire, then flees downriver. She lands her boat near untamed forest, where she hides among the trees and creatures she considers her only friends.

Perfect for fans "The Scent Keeper," "The Snow Child," and "The Great Alone," this is a layered, evocative coming-of-age story set in the breathtaking natural world where characters encounter the mending power of forgiveness. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3stiDyA.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Home offices are personal spaces that reflect the user's personality. Whether you work in a room with a closed door, a nook in the kitchen, or a corner of the family room, home offices are becoming a part of life.

Furniture that fits, figuratively and literally, into our homes and lives can make working from home a more pleasant, productive, and comfortable experience.

In addition, consumers are more conscious of the environmental and economic impact of large purchases such as furniture.

Custom furniture company Baru not only creates pieces that fit your needs and your space exactly, they work with trusted furniture makers in your community. Once you experience customized furniture for your home office, your relationship with your work space will change.

Not only will you have a unique furniture from top-quality materials, you will have supported the local economy and helped cut down on the waste associated with overseas manufacturing supply chains. Baru's network of skilled woodworkers can turn your order around quickly, and for a fraction of the cost of typical "custom-made" items.

Several more reasons to choose custom furniture for your home office include:

- Investing in quality. Custom furniture from Baru is designed and built to last so you can maximize your investment. Local manufacturing avoids long-distance shipping, so the money can be put towards higher-quality materials and components to make your investment worthwhile.

- Showing your style. Even if you are the only one who sees your home office, you have the ability to customize a desk with drawers just where you need them, and choose custom finishes and colors that bring pleasure as well as function to your workspace.

- Saving you time. Baru's sustainable manufacturing practices allow the company to know the sources of all materials and where the pieces are made (in the U.S.A.). Local production means a shorter wait time for your furniture to reach your door, and reduced carbon emissions associated with long-distance shipping.

Baru's top design and manufacturing engineer, Leland Thomasset, is an artist in his own right, with an extensive career in woodworking.

One of his designs was a walnut sideboard with a wireless charger and built-in mini speakers. But wait, there's more -- the sideboard had no bottom, so those seeking unobtrusive "instant office space" can pull up a chair, open the doors, and get to work, then close it all up for an "out of sight, out of mind," aesthetic.

Visit hellobaru.com for more information about how you can change your relationship with your furniture, and feel good about it.

(NewsUSA) - Whether you are returning to an office or upgrading a home office, nothing refreshes a business or residential space like new, high-quality flooring. The right flooring can help add style and warmth to a kitchen, infuse energy into a workout room, and lend an air of professionalism to an office.

Now is the perfect time to enhance your space with new flooring as you welcome more guests to your home, or welcome more clients to your office. Some popular types to consider for your floor installation or replacement include laminate and vinyl. Both are attractive, cost-effective, and easy to install. Here's a quick rundown to help you decide which is best for you:

- Laminate: Several key features make laminate flooring stand out from other types. Laminate flooring is made by taking an ultra-high-definition image of the material, whether it is wood, tile, or stone, and printing that image within the plastic material of the flooring.

"Laminate flooring used to have a reputation for being slippery; however, modern manufacturing methods have enabled designers to use slip-resistant material and increase the texture gravure depth allowing for better traction," according to HomeSolutionz, a licensed, bonded, and insured flooring company based in Phoenix, Ariz.

Laminate flooring can be used in any area of a home or office, including kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, living rooms, and even home workout rooms or art studios.

"Using Click and Lock Technology at the seams, new laminate flooring is designed to be easy to install," according to Home Solutionz experts.

- Vinyl: Luxury vinyl plank is an elegant and popular flooring choice that has the added benefit of being easy to clean and care for, a bonus for busy homes and offices. A skilled contractor will ensure that the vinyl plank floor in a home or office lasts as long as it should. High-traffic areas may require more frequent replacement, but a reliable flooring company, such as Home Solutionz, can install a luxury vinyl plank floor with seamless spot treatments or more complete replacements when needed to keep your home or office looking fresh and appealing.

Call 1-602-610-1636 or visit homesolutionz.com to learn more about the many ways to refresh your home or business with new or replacement flooring.

(NewsUSA) - Toys for Tots is the Nation's flagship children's Christmastime charity, but the program offers more than holiday hope. Toys for Tots has expanded its reach to help families in need throughout the year, and its services have been more valuable than ever in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The past year saw a huge increase in the number of families in need, and many are still struggling. In order to continue providing emotional relief, comfort, and a sense of normalcy to impacted families, Toys for Tots distributed one million toys, games, and books to COVID-19 impacted families through their DoGoodNow campaign. The generosity of the American public allowed Toys for Tots to source these gifts to children across the United States, but now they need help to refill "Santa's bag of toys" in preparation for what will likely be another busy holiday season.

"We didn't want to wait until the holidays to support families in need, so we provided one million toys throughout the spring and summer," says LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "Through our DoGoodNow initiative, we depleted our emergency supply of toys originally reserved to kick off our holiday campaign. The primary goal of our Christmas in July campaign is to restock our inventory of toys after our second special COVID distribution, and we could use everyone's help in preparing for a busy holiday season," he emphasizes.

The impact of Toys for Tots' DoGoodNow campaign has been extremely successful thanks to the generosity of the American public. The support has reached nearly 400,000 children from coast-to-coast with help from our partner Good360 and their network of hundreds of local non-profits distributing toys in areas still reeling economically from the pandemic.

The emotional support offered to these families is made possible by the kindness and generosity of Toys for Tots supporters whose donations make a real and genuine impact on families in need. Visit toysfortots.org/ChristmasinJuly for more details or to make a donation. Be sure to follow Toys for Tots on Facebook and Instagram, where Toys for Tots spokesbear "Gunny Bear" shares examples of the impact your support makes.

(NewsUSA) - Lung cancer kills more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. To address this, new federal recommendations have nearly doubled the number of Americans eligible for lung cancer screening.

Increased use of these annual CT scans, which detect the disease early, can save up to 60,000 lives in the United States each year.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends screening people ages 50-80 with a 20 "pack-year" or more smoking history. If you smoke, or used to smoke, a pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years, or two packs per day for 10 years, that's a 20 pack-year smoking history. Insurers must cover USPSTF-recommended exams.

"Lung cancer screening and improved therapies save lives," says American Cancer Society Senior Vice President of Cancer Screening Robert Smith, PhD. "Expanded screening coverage is a leap forward for lung cancer care."

The new guidelines nearly double the number of Black people eligible for screening. Black people get the disease earlier in life -- often with lighter smoking histories.

"Expanded coverage can address racial and regional disparities and spur lung cancer care equity," says Prevent Cancer Foundation Founder and Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Aldigé. "Black men are the most likely Americans to die from lung cancer."

Medicare covers screening for beneficiaries ages 55-77 with a 30 pack-year history, but is considering expanded coverage. Doctors and patients must discuss risks, benefits and smoking cessation (if the person still smokes) before a scan is ordered.

"Consistent Medicare and insurer coverage would boost screening and save lives," says GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer Co-Founder Laurie Fenton Ambrose. "Doctors, patients and insurers must make this happen."

If you think this screening can help you, talk to your doctor. Less than 15% of those eligible for screening are tested.

"This exam can save more lives than any cancer test in history. Doctors should talk to eligible patients today," says American College of Radiology® (ACR®) Lung Cancer Screening Committee Chair Debra Dyer, MD.

Screening is not an excuse to keep smoking, but a chance to help people who smoke to quit and reduce smoking's impact on them and those around them.

"Finally, we have a test that can change the face of lung cancer to a survivable one. More coverage means more people tested and saved," says National Lung Cancer Roundtable (NLCRT) Chair Ella Kazerooni, MD.

Visit NLCRT.org for more information.

(NewsUSA) - Getting vaccinated is the most important step we can all take to protect ourselves and our loved ones from COVID-19, but for many people with disabilities, getting vaccinated has proven to be difficult. The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL), a first-of-its-kind national call center, can help.

DIAL connects callers to information about local vaccination locations and can help with the often-complicated process of securing and getting to vaccination appointments. Trying to figure out if it is possible to get an in-home vaccination? DIAL can help look into this with you, and connect you to local advocacy organizations that have a better idea of which sites near where you live are the most accessible to people with disabilities. The hotline also can provide information and resources to answer questions, address concerns, and make informed choices about the COVID-19 vaccines that are available in their communities.

DIAL is a much-needed resource that people with disabilities can use to stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. And for those who may need additional support, DIAL can also direct callers to local disability organizations that may be able to help with other needs, such as access to safe and affordable housing, food and mental health support.

Ready to make a call for yourself or someone else? Connect with Information Specialists -- in any language -- at 888-677-1199 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET, Monday-Friday or email [email protected] for assistance.

(NewsUSA) - Following a significant drop in babies born in the last year, some forecasters are now predicting a 'mini baby boom' in 2022. If you are now considering starting or growing your family, maximizing fertility and learning about your health is a critical place to begin. The below Q&A will help guide you as you embark on your path to pregnancy.

How long will it take to get pregnant? What's normal, and what's not?

First, some basic guidelines: it is possible that you may get pregnant the first time you try -but it's unusual. Statistically, the chance of conceiving in any one month of trying-presuming regular intercourse (at least every other day around ovulation time) is about 15-20%. By the end of six months of trying, it's 50%. And by the end of a year of trying, it's 80%. So, don't be too concerned if it doesn't happen as quickly as you thought. However, if you are under the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for one year, or if you are 35 or older and have been trying for six months without luck, contact a healthcare provider who may recommend testing to evaluate why you might not be getting pregnant.

What do I need to know before I try to get pregnant?

Remember to maintain good health habits BEFORE you begin trying to conceive to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy outcome. Important lifestyle adjustments should include eliminating smoking and drugs, and limiting alcohol intake. Begin taking prenatal vitamins, such as vitafusion Prenatal gummy vitamins that provide sufficient folate and Omega-3 DHA to reduce the chances of a baby being born with a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida.

According to the March of Dimes, there is no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for your baby at any time during pregnancy, even before you know that you're pregnant. Not only is drinking during pregnancy dangerous, specifically for a baby's brain development, but studies have shown that significant alcohol consumption can also contribute to decreased fertility. So, even if getting pregnant is just an idea, and you are off birth control, be extremely mindful of alcohol intake.

Visit with your healthcare provider before trying to conceive to discuss alternatives for certain medications that are not recommended for pregnancy, such as medications for high blood pressure or seizures. And if you are diabetic, try to get your diabetes under control to minimize the chance of a baby being born with any birth defects that can be linked to diabetes.

How can I maximize my chances of conceiving?

You ovulate about 14 days before you get your period. So, if you experience a 28-day cycle, you are probably ovulating around day 14-15 (counting the first day of your period as day one). If you have a 35-day cycle, you are likely ovulating around day 21. To maximize fertile days, an ovulation test kit will tell you when your LH surge occurs (LH, or the luteinizing hormone, triggers ovulation and marks the begging of a fertile period), so you can make the most of your prime conception time. However, timing ovulation and rushing to have sex on demand can be stressful month after month. Stress and sex do not mix well and can lead to vaginal dryness and painful sex. Make sure to use a clinically tested, fertility-friendly lubricant like Pre-Seed, which mimics the body's natural fertile fluids and helps keep sperm healthy and strong on its way to meet the egg.

Tips for pregnancy testing?

The two-week wait to take a pregnancy test after ovulation can feel like an eternity for those who want to know whether or not their recent efforts to make a baby were successful. Luckily, some at-home pregnancy tests use advanced technology that is sensitive enough to detect tiny amounts of hCG, or the pregnancy hormone, in urine. An extremely sensitive test is the First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test, which can give an accurate result up to six days before the day of a missed period. Combo packs are also convenient when trying to conceive, such as the First Response Comfort Check Pregnancy Test kit that comes with three Early Result tests and five pregnancy test strips for added reassurance.

Try to test for pregnancy first thing in the morning, as this is generally when hCG is most concentrated. However, you can test for pregnancy any time of the day. Another pro-tip when testing, if you aren't sure whether or not you see a second line on the pregnancy test, or if the second line is faint, utilize an app such as EasyRead that can help you be certain of your result by scanning the analog test window on First Response tests. EasyRead will convert the lines into words on your phone: 'Pregnant' or 'Not Pregnant'.

Other words of advice?

Remember to follow good rules of health before, during and after your pregnancy journey. When trying to conceive, try to be as close as you can to your ideal body weight for a healthy pregnancy. Make sure to hydrate, get enough rest, and attend all check-ins with your healthcare provider as your journey progresses. And remember, try to relax and let the baby-making process be fun. Good luck!

# # #

Mary Jane Minkin, MD is Clinical Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine.

(NewsUSA) - Casi la mitad de los estadounidenses adultos presenta presión arterial alta y quizás usted no sepa que también la tiene hasta sufrir complicaciones, como un ataque cardiaco, un derrame cerebral insuficiencia renal, pérdida de la visión o problemas sexuales. Además, tener presión arterial alta puede empeorar un cuadro de COVID-19, según la Asociación Americana del Corazón.

"La mejor manera de saber si tiene presión arterial alta es controlándola. Controlarse la presión arterial con un profesional de la salud al menos una vez al año y regularmente en casa, por su cuenta, y consultar sobre las mediciones y planificar un estilo de vida saludable con un médico es una buena manera de mantener la presión arterial bajo control", dice Willie Lawrence, M.D., cardiólogo y voluntario experto de la Asociación Americana del Corazón.

Aprenda a medirla con precisión

Ya sea que la mida en casa, en el consultorio médico o en cualquier otro lugar, estos son aspectos importantes para saber para obtener una medición precisa de la presión arterial:

1. No fume, no consuma cafeína ni haga ejercicio dentro de los 30 minutos previos a tomarse la presión arterial. Vacíe la vejiga y permanezca en reposo al menos 5 minutos antes de tomarse la presión.

2. Siéntese derecho en una silla firme con respaldo. Apoye bien los pies sobre el suelo y no cruce las piernas. El brazo debe reposar sobre una superficie plana, con la parte superior a la altura del corazón. Coloque la parte inferior del brazalete del tensiómetro apenas por encima del pliegue del codo, directamente sobre la piel y no sobre la ropa.

3. Tómese la presión arterial aproximadamente a la misma hora, todos los días. Tómela dos o tres veces con un minuto de intervalo y registre las mediciones en un papel. Algunos tensiómetros guardan los resultados o permiten cargarlos a un sitio web seguro. Comparta los resultados con su médico.

Conozca el significado de sus valores

En la mayoría de los casos, la presión arterial normal es de 120/80 o menos. Si sus valores son constantemente superiores a 130/80, se considera presión arterial alta. ¡Valores como 180/120 o más podrían ser críticos! Espere cinco minutos y vuelva a controlarla. Si los valores no bajan, vea a un médico de inmediato. Si presenta síntomas como dolor de cabeza, debilidad, problemas de visión, dolores en el pecho, dolores en la espalda u otros problemas de salud, llame al 9-1-1 de inmediato. No espere a que la presión baje. Podría sufrir un problema de salud grave.

Sepa cómo reducir el riesgo

Para reducir el riesgo de padecer presión arterial alta procure mantener un peso saludable, hacer actividad física, comer de manera sana, reducir la ingesta de alcohol o no beber ni fumar por completo. Sin embargo, si tiene presión arterial alta, no se dé por vencido. Tener conocimiento de los valores de su presión arterial, controlarlos periódicamente, tomar la medicación según lo prescrito y elaborar un plan para mejorar su presión arterial y mantenerla bajo control con un profesional de la salud le ayudará a tener una vida larga y saludable.

Muchos negocios y organizaciones locales, como las iglesias, las barberías, los salones de belleza y los centros de salud de la comunidad están colaborando con la Asociación Americana del Corazón en el control de la presión arterial de las comunidades y son lugares adecuados para controlar su presión arterial y acceder a recursos e información sin costo que le ayudarán a llevar una vida saludable.

Para obtener más información, visite heart.org/hbpcontrol.

Acerca de la American Heart Association

La American Heart Association es una fuerza incansable para un mundo de vidas más largas y saludables Nos dedicamos a asegurar una salud equitativa en todas las comunidades. A través de la colaboración con numerosas organizaciones, e impulsados por millones de voluntarios, financiamos la investigación innovadora, abogamos por la salud pública y compartimos recursos que salvan vidas. La organización con sede en Dallas ha sido una fuente líder de información de salud durante casi un siglo. Conéctese con nosotros en heart.org, Facebook, Twitter o llamando al 1-800-AHA-USA1.