(NewsUSA) - Painting bridges. Teaching kids to fish. Shining up an airplane museum. The 120 volunteer projects that took place across 19 states during Williams Volunteer Week this April were as varied as the employees who initiated them.

Williams is an energy infrastructure company that provides one third of the nation’s natural gas used every day to generate electricity and power America. From the Gulf Coast to the Northeast and all the way to the Pacific Northwest, more than 1,100 Williams employees fanned out in communities where they live and work to lend a hand on projects that mattered most to them.

“It’s always a pleasure to serve and I think more and more people at Williams are getting that opportunity and getting that mindset to really make a footprint in the community,” said employee Carlos Hopkins, a lead pipeline controller, who spent a morning painting a handrail across a bridge in Tulsa, Okla. along with about 25 other employees.

Each project was identified and led by individual employees. In Salt Lake City, Utah, dozens of employees packaged 1,200 bags of healthy snacks for students at Parkside and Mountain View elementary schools.

“Williams loves to connect with the communities where we live and work,” said Candyce Fly Lee, vice president and general manager of the company’s operations in the Rocky Mountains. “This also was a great opportunity for our employees to get together and bond in a different way outside of work.”

Projects ranged from picking up trash, volunteering at schools, spending time with veterans and swinging hammers with Habitat for Humanity.

“When people like our good friends at Williams invest their energy and time to build with Habitat, they help build much more than a house—Habitat volunteers help families build brighter futures and help whole communities build strength and stability that lasts,” said Beth Lechner, CEO of Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio.

At an airplane museum in Tulsa, Williams employees moved planes and other exhibits to ready for the nonprofit’s annual fundraising event. Mike Mansur, the employee who organized the project, said he was thrilled to volunteer at the museum, where he was inspired as a teen to enter the field of aviation.

“It’s fabulous to have Williams employees here to prepare the space,” said museum executive director Tonya Blansett. “We are a small staff with limited resources. Without these volunteers, it would be almost an impossible task to complete this work.”

Williams Volunteer Week, which coincides with National Volunteer Week, builds on the company’s long tradition of being a good neighbor through employee volunteerism and financial support. Last year, employees recorded more than 20,000 volunteer hours, serving as advocates, youth mentors, coaches, nonprofit board members and volunteer firefighters.

“As a company, we relish these opportunities to go out into the communities where we operate and demonstrate how much we can accomplish when we work together,” said Williams President and CEO Alan Armstrong. “But perhaps what makes me most proud is that these Volunteer Week activities are projects that our employees have identified as important and have volunteered to lead.”

To learn more about Williams and its tradition of community giving, visit Williams.com.

(NewsUSA) - If you’re getting ready to graduate from college, congratulations! After years of dedication and hard work, your future awaits! And while it’s an exciting time, it can also be challenging if you haven’t yet decided on a clear career path.

Consider becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ professional. Financial planning is one of the fastest-growing career fields in the country and obtaining CFP^® certification can accelerate your career. As part of a profession focused on helping people, financial planners rely on their analytical and interpersonal communication skills — and they report high career satisfaction. As a college graduate, you’re in the perfect spot to get started. You don’t need to be a math or finance major; all you need is a bachelor’s degree in any discipline to start pursuing CFP^® certification.

The benefits of becoming a CFP^® professional are many and include:

High Salary Potential 

CFP^® certification is the standard of excellence in financial planning and paves the way for an exceptional career with wide-ranging income potential. While salaries vary, experienced financial advisors earn $192,000 on average, with a $50-70K starting salary.

Opportunities for Growth and Advancement

As a financial planner, you can work for a large national financial services firm, bank, credit union, or independent firm; develop your own niche; or establish your own firm. You choose how to carve out your own career path. Many firms also provide professional development programs, including assistance for those pursuing advanced training such as CFP^® certification.

Job Security

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that demand for financial planners will increase at a faster than average rate of 15% over the next eight years. Financial planners can find plentiful career opportunities at firms of many types and sizes.

Scheduling Flexibility

Whether you have your own practice or work for a large firm, financial planners have a lot of flexibility in terms of schedules. You could tailor your financial services career and create a schedule allowing for balanced work and personal life.  

Ability to Help Others

CFP^® professionals change lives and help people achieve their financial goals. It can be extremely satisfying to know you’re helping your clients pay for college for their children, build an investment portfolio, or plan for retirement.

Continued Professional Development

Once you’ve attained your CFP^® certification, you’ll continue to stay current by building knowledge through ongoing education, professional memberships, and more. There are many opportunities to continuously build your expertise in financial planning.

Becoming a CFP^® professional offers personal, professional, and financial rewards, as well as exciting opportunities for a strong future. Learn more and start your journey to CFP^® certification today.

(NewsUSA) - Angels and Bandits by Brodie Curtis

The battle of Britain rages, and two young RAF pilots from very different stations in life must somehow find common ground -- and stay alive.

On the eve of World War II, working-class Eddy Beane is a flight instructor in London. He successfully completes dangerous espionage missions for Air Commodore Keith Park and takes on society-girl June Stephenson as a student. Her ex-fiancé, Dudley Thane, is also a flyer, but upper-class and Cambridge-educated.

When the German Luftwaffe attacks England in 1940, Eddy and Dudley end up serving in the same Spitfire squadron. Aerial combat is intense, and both men show their skills and courage, but can they set aside jealousy and class differences to become fighting brothers for the defense of Britain? Purchase at https://bit.ly/3FWH5AT.

Her Deadly Game by Robert Dugoni

A defense attorney is prepared to play. But is she a pawn in a master’s deadly match? A twisting novel of suspense by New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni. Keera Duggan was building a solid reputation as a Seattle prosecutor, until her romantic relationship with a senior colleague ended badly. Returning to her family’s failing criminal defense law firm is the best shot she has.

Keera’s chance to play in the big leagues comes when she’s retained by Vince LaRussa, an investment adviser accused of murdering his wealthy wife. The prosecutor is equally challenging: Miller Ambrose, Keera’s former lover, who’s eager to destroy her in court on her first homicide defense. Keera and her team uncover a complicated and deadly game that’s more than Keera bargained for. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3n7Aptd.

Stalked by Revenge by Lynn Lipinski

In Zane Clearwater Mystery Book 3, Clyde Doom wants his half-brother, Zane Clearwater, and Zane’s sister Lettie dead. It was their testimony that landed him behind bars after Zane killed his father in self-defense. Clyde’s violent fantasies may finally become reality when the court overturns his conviction. Lettie is pregnant. Zane is almost finished with his police academy training. Neither is prepared for the storm cloud of darkness roiling in.

Running isn’t an option, but standing their ground has never seemed more terrifying. While Zane’s friends at the police academy offer to help, they are limited by the boundaries of what is legal and just -- until Zane meets Loris Trapper, a former cop who has no problem toeing the gray areas outside the law. Will Clyde’s brutal vengeance be carried out? Purchase at https://bit.ly/3XYC4hF.

Gut Driven by Ellen Postolowski

Embrace the idea that self-care goes beyond food, water, and exercise, and take a moment to think about what healthy means to you. You are only as healthy as the food you can digest. What you put into your body is essential—but unless your digestive system can effectively process the fuel you give it, even the most nutritious foods can go to waste or cause digestive issues. Our resilient gut microbiome is fundamental to the harmony and balance of cognitive and physical functions.

Jump-start optimal well-being with integrative health coach and nutritional food chef Ellen Postolowski, working from the inside out. With a focus on improving gut health—a vital component of whole-body wellness—Gut Driven helps you heal your body, achieve balance, and reset your relationship with what you eat. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3IrMfWg.

(By S. Phillips) - The era of digital geopolitical competition has arrived, and the widespread use of personal electronic devices, digital platforms, and communication infrastructure creates opportunities for citizens and countries alike to reach large segments of populations within seconds.

However, the global digital reach is not always benign. Since 2018, the video platform TikTok has provided the People’s Republic of China (PRC) with an unprecedented opportunity for access into the United States and our allies and partners.

Unfortunately, TikTok is likely the tip of the iceberg, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a bipartisan nonprofit organization.

TikTok presents a unique challenge for policymakers because of its origin in the PRC, its complex corporate governance leadership and oversight, and its ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

National security concerns related to TikTok include:

CCP Control and Corporate Governance: TikTok’s corporate relationship to its China-based parent company, Bytedance, remains murky. As a PRC-based firm, Bytedance is ultimately subject to the rules and regulations of the CCP.

Data Security & Privacy: Despite denials that TikTok’s PRC-based developers can access TikTok’s U.S. user data, several instances have been reported of non-public U.S.-based user data being accessed by PRC-based engineers.

Malign Influence: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned that TikTok could be used by CCP authorities to execute influence operations, including the ability to influence potentially high-impact and senior U.S. Government officials.

Other societal and health concerns are associated with the platform as well, including polarization, addiction, and psychological well-being.

Other platforms that could pose similar challenges, particularly with respect to data harvesting, data exploitation, and potentially covert influence include WeChat (social media), Shein (fast fashion e-commerce), Temu (discount shopping), Capcut (video editing) and Tencent (gaming).

According to the SCSP, there are steps the U.S. government could consider mitigating the security risks associated with TikTok and similar platforms.

The most comprehensive solution to TikTok, and similar challenges for that matter, would be federal legislation. State level bans also could decrease the platform’s user base among state employees and contractors, although enforcement is unlikely.

A long-term and sustainable solution is a systemic approach to all foreign digital platforms from countries of concern. Such a solution would need to address current challenges in the e-commerce and social media domains, as well as prospective risks. Strategies include the adoption of comprehensive federal data privacy laws.

No matter how the United States deals with TikTok in the near-term, the risks extend beyond TikTok alone, and so must the solutions, according to the SCSP.

Visit http://www.scsp.ai to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - The number of deaths from heart disease in America may be rising due in part to a Medicare coverage technicality. Home-based, virtual cardiac rehabilitation is popular nationwide and has proven to reduce the risk of death. In 2018, the American Heart Association and other professional societies endorsed virtual cardiac rehab as an effective option for patients. In fact, a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed a 36% lower risk of death for those adults participated in a home-based, cardiac rehab program versus those who did not.

Despite these positive results, Medicare coverage of home-based cardiac rehab will end with the May 11, 2023 expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency unless Congress takes action.

During the public health emergency, Medicare allowed home-based, virtual cardiac rehab programs to provide patients with access to heart care when centers were closed. However, virtual cardiac rehab is not technically classified as “telehealth,” so the program was not included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act that Congress passed in 2022, extending telehealth services through the end of 2024. 

Many patients and providers are now skipping these virtual, home-based programs entirely, since the average length of a cardiac rehabilitation program is four-months and Medicare coverage would end in the middle of the program.

Cardiac rehabilitation continues to be the standard of care for many heart conditions and procedures. These programs include lifestyle issues that doctors aren’t able to monitor, including not only exercise and diet, but also depression, stress, tobacco use reduction, and medication adherence. Unfortunately, only 8% of eligible patients complete these programs due to low awareness and distance from cardiac rehab facilities.  Virtual options have helped improve access.

Patients who have gone through home-based, virtual cardiac rehab have reaped clinical and convenience benefits. Georgianna Darmento of Dade City, Florida, started a facility-based cardiac rehab program after several surgeries and multiple health issues, but was frustrated with transportation issues.

After switching to a virtual program by Recora at Tampa General Hospital, she completed the program and has been able to attend her in-person doctor visits more regularly.

While Congress extended telehealth coverage in late 2022, home-based virtual cardiac rehab was not included in these extensions.  The good news is that a bipartisan House bill, H.R. 1406, was recently introduced by Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) and Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA) to continue Medicare reimbursement for virtual cardiac rehabilitation.  More details about the bill and this critical patient access crisis can be found at The Coalition to Protect Cardiac Rehab Access, www.heartrehabcare.org. 

Hospitals, physicians, and patients have written to Congress to sound the alarm on this issue to keep patients out of the hospital and living longer. The Coalition to Protect Cardiac Rehab urges Congress to act now to prevent Medicare coverage for virtual cardiac rehab from ending; patients’ lives are at risk.

(NewsUSA) - Despite increased interest rates and inventory challenges, you can still be a homeowner this year.

Many first-time homebuyers may not realize that there are many ways to make home ownership happen, and not all of them involve a 20% down payment.

The need to put down 20% of the cost of a home is a general misconception according to Freedom Mortgage, a residential mortgage lender with experience originating conventional, FHA and VA loans. They are an independent, non-bank, full-service, residential lender whose mission is to expand opportunities for first-time homebuyers, especially military personnel and consumers with low down payments.

One secret to securing a successful loan is to work with a loan officer who is experienced in the wide range of available home loans, especially those backed by the U.S. government. That way, homebuyers are aware of all potential financing opportunities and companies who offer those options. A good loan officer will walk you through the process and find a loan that works for your budget. Remember—even if your credit history is less than stellar, or if your resources for a down payment are limited, owning a home is still within reach.

Government-insured loans for first-time homebuyers that don’t require a 20% down payment include:

• VA loans. If you are a Veteran—either active military or retired—you may be eligible for a VA purchase loan through the federal government with no down payment.
• FHA loans. A Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan allows for lower rates, flexible credit terms, and low minimum down payments (approximately 3.5%). FHA loans are designed for individuals with lower credit scores (minimum 550) and can be used for refinancing, too.
• USDA loans. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans help people seeking to buy homes in rural (and some suburban) areas. USDA loans are not available everywhere, but they are an option in many states. Benefits include competitive interest rates and, in many cases, no down payments. USDA loans have no limits on the loan, and low mortgage guarantee fees. The minimum credit score is 620.

For homebuyers with good credit and finances, a conventional loan may be a good bet, because these loans allow you to finance a wider range of houses than other mortgage types do. Conventional loans also may allow you to borrow more money to finance a more expensive home.

The bottom line is that home ownership can—and should—be available to everyone. A lender such as Freedom Mortgage can help identify the best loan that lets you purchase a home sooner and start to build wealth through home equity.

Visit www.FreedomMortgage.com for more information or call 833-687-1212 for assistance.

(NewsUSA) - Dangerous Blues by Stephen Policoff

A dark yet comic storm of family relationships laced with a buzz of the supernatural, where the fleeting light of the present must constantly contend with the shadows of the past.

Paul and daughter Spring sublet a New York apartment after the death of Paul’s wife Nadia. Paul meets the mother of one of Spring’s new friends, Tara, a blues singer and perhaps the spark Paul needs. But Paul fears he is being haunted by Nadia. Tara, who grew up in a New England cult, is haunted, too.

“Wildly creative, the absolute perfect chord of magic, a wifely ghost, a bit of shamanism and a lot about human bonds and beliefs, all set against the backdrop of a Greenwich Village blues club,” says Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3YC953J.
 

Dinosaurs Like Bananas Too! by Erin Ciaravino

An exciting, illustrated children's book for ages 2 to 8 that explores the beauty of unexpected adventure in the most unlikely of places.

Young Logan Ciaravino created the story as a tool of self-expression when suffering from a speech delay. By using his imagination, he was able to articulate his first creative thought, which is the story of “Dinosaurs Like Bananas Too!”

Logan, the story's main character, encounters a new friend, T-Rex, and the two embark on an imaginary journey through Logan's home. Each room transforms into a magical place where new friends teach the pair exciting new things, encouraging us to be unassuming in how we approach the world. The key message: When you are open to adventure, there are lots of new things to try!" Purchase at https://bit.ly/3lkcNRc.

Perfectly Imperfectly YOU by Jamie James

Have you ever wanted to fit in? Maybe wished you could change something about yourself? How about being a little embarrassed of something you feel is out of place? Although it may not always feel like it, all your "imperfections" make you perfect! YOU, as you come, are exactly who our world needs!

Through her deep love and commitment to give her children what her childhood didn't have, Jamie James wrote some stories that would not only be easy to read but contain simple understanding to help children through their questions and concerns. Not only did she fall in love with writing, she saw the beautiful emotion and reactions from children close to her. Jamie's passion is once again shown through this reignited fire. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3S2CphW.

Simplify: Powerful Words for Life’s Complicated Situations by Susan Pazak, PhD

Simplify your day by using these powerful words, scriptures, and thoughts to shift your perspective, mood, and outlook. Life doesn't need to be terribly complicated.

Negative words and thoughts complicate everyday life, especially during difficult times. Core beliefs and negative words and thoughts can be changed to create a simple life. Simplify contains 90 sayings and scriptures that give specific ways to change our words and thoughts during any of life's situations and circumstances.

Discover how changing what we say and think allows us to have peace amidst life's storms. Over time, or maybe immediately, you will experience a simplified perspective. You will discover how to change the way you speak and think, and the shift in belief will be life-changing. Purchase at https://bit.ly/40kngff.

(Revised 4/19)

 

BookTrib’s Bites is presented by BookTrib.com, where readers come to discover new and emerging authors.

(NewsUSA) - Spring and warmer weather means more time outside, and finding the right swing set for your yard is a great way to get your kids and their friends (parents, too!) energized and enjoying outdoor play.

When choosing a swing set, several factors to keep in mind include safety, convenience, and style.

Backyard Adventures has been providing premium, wooden modular swing sets for more than 40 years. The company’s continuing mission is to help families discover the joys of simple outdoor play through fresh air, friendship, exercise, and imagination. The company offers customizable outdoor playsets that enable hundreds of different configuration possibilities to suit a range of tastes and yard sizes.

“Outdoor playtime is critical to the healthy development and growth of kids, and we have continued to innovate and offer new designs and playsets that appeal to homeowners,” according to the company. “The customization of our back yard swing sets coupled with the unmatched quality is what continues to set us apart.”

Backyard Adventures’ new Treehouse Peak Series, for example, is designed for larger spaces. Special features include high-quality forts, swings, and customizable accessories such as slides, playhouses, and monkey bars with ninja style training features. Best of all, the Treehouse Peak Series is designed for parents and children to play together!

Other series of swing sets include the Peak Playsets, which can be customized with rope ladders, climbing walls, and classic style tire swivel swings. Bridged swing sets allow even more options with the ability to combine two fort structures or more into huge backyard playscape.

For smaller spaces, the Space Savers playsets don’t compromise on quality or fun, and can also include climbing walls, picnic table, gang planks, and sandboxes that bring adventure to any backyard.

With prices starting at $2,500 for smaller swing sets to upwards of $50,000 for deluxe models, there is a swing set for every family, backyard, and budget. All swing set models feature an attractive two-toned stain and natural cedar wood.

Backyard Adventures wooden playsets are available through trusted dealers across the country, and the company website helps families locate the dealer nearest to them. In addition, check out the online playset designer and create your family’s one-of-a-kind outdoor play space.

Visit www.backyardadventures.com for more information, or follow Backyard Adventures on Facebook and Instagram.

(NewsUSA) - Despite having a standard of living among the highest in the world, the maternal mortality rate in the United States has increased over the past 25 years, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The numbers are especially poor for Black women, who are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts, while black infants are more than twice as likely to die as white infants. These disparities persist regardless of level of education.

“Infant and maternity mortality rates are regarded as measures of the health of a society. The racial and ethnic disparities in our current rates reflect longstanding biases that challenge our very basic capacity to offer fair and ethical health care,” said Dr. Lenaye Lawyer, an OB-GYN and medical director for AmeriHealth Caritas, a national leader in Medicaid managed care and other health care solutions for those most in need. “The provider community should be aware of these disparities and recommendations for reducing them.”

According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Georgia tops the list as the state with the highest rates of maternal mortality, 46.2 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births for all women. The rate is even higher--66.6 deaths per 100,000 live births--for African American women.

The National Partnership for Women & Families has noted some of the broader problems in the health care system and in the delivery of maternal care that disproportionally affect Black women, including lack of access to care, low income, and being uninsured.

A 2018 article in the journal Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology offered a model to help address these disparities. The model includes:

-Promoting a culture of equity for all women from preconception care through prenatal care and postpartum care.

-Educating doctors and medical staff about health care disparities in Black women during pregnancy and in general.

-Engaging patients in shared decision making.

AmeriHealth Caritas Corporate Chief Medical Officer, Population Health, Dr. Lily Higgins added that, Dr. Lily Higgins, an AmeriHealth Caritas market chief medical officer, added that improving health literacy and self-advocacy skills can also help more black women have healthy pregnancies, deliveries, and babies.

“If the health care system can foster a culture of health equity, literacy, and advocacy, we will take a big step towards eliminating maternal health disparities in this country,” said Dr. Higgins.

AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation’s leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. Operating in 13 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves approximately 5 million Medicaid, Medicare, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Health Insurance Marketplace® members. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.

(NewsUSA) - Spring and warmer weather means more time outside, and finding the right swing set for your yard is a great way to get your kids and their friends (parents, too!) energized and enjoying outdoor play.

When choosing a swing set, several factors to keep in mind include safety, convenience, and style.

Backyard Adventures has been providing premium, wooden modular swing sets for more than 40 years. The company’s continuing mission is to help families discover the joys of simple outdoor play through fresh air, friendship, exercise, and imagination. The company offers customizable outdoor playsets that enable hundreds of different configuration possibilities to suit a range of tastes and yard sizes.

“Outdoor playtime is critical to the healthy development and growth of kids, and we have continued to innovate and offer new designs and playsets that appeal to homeowners,” according to the company. “The customization of our backyard swing sets coupled with the unmatched quality is what continues to set us apart.”

Backyard Adventures’ new Treehouse Peak Series, for example, is designed for larger spaces. Special features include high-quality forts, swings, and customizable accessories such as slides, playhouses, and monkey bars with ninja style training features. Best of all, the Treehouse Peak Series is designed for parents and children to play together!

Other series of swing sets include the Peak Playsets, which can be customized with rope ladders, climbing walls, and classic style tire swivel swings. Bridged swing sets allow even more options with the ability to combine two fort structures or more into huge backyard playscape.

For smaller spaces, the Space Savers playsets don’t compromise on quality or fun, and can also include climbing walls, picnic table, gang planks, and sandboxes that bring adventure to any backyard.

With prices starting at $2,500 for smaller swing sets to upwards of $50,000 for deluxe models, there is a swing set for every family, backyard, and budget. All swing set models feature an attractive two-toned stain and natural cedar wood.

Backyard Adventures wooden playsets are available through trusted dealers across the country, and the company website helps families locate the dealer nearest to them. In addition, check out the online playset designer and create your family’s one-of-a-kind outdoor play space.

Visit www.backyardadventures.com for more information, or follow Backyard Adventures on Facebook and Instagram.