(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.

(NewsUSA) - When I Stop Fighting by Daryl Dittmer

“Just like water seeks its own level, so does everything else, including idiots. I was one of those at that point in my life.”

Here’s an eye-opening, honest, unapologetic take on life -- about overcoming obstacles, overcoming addictions, and taking risks. The author is a regular guy with a regular upbringing. He was not living anything close to a productive, happy, fulfilling life. He was digging himself deeper into the quagmire of dysfunction, addiction to drugs and alcohol, hiding, fears, and dishonesty.

A moment of honesty and clarity shone a flicker of hope and opened his eyes to the potential for a different way of approaching life. This is a must-read if you or someone you know is struggling, stuck, scared, unsure, or in need of a brand-new way of perceiving themselves, their world, and this journey we call life.  Purchase at https://bit.ly/3Y4DMBG.

Peach Tea Smash by Laura Childs

Murder at an Alice in Wonderland–themed event threatens to send Theodosia Browning through the looking glass in the latest entry in this New York Times bestselling series.

During the Mad Hatter Masquerade, a fundraiser hosted by the Friends of the Opera on the grounds of the old Pendleton Grist Mill, Harlan Sadler, husband of Cricket Sadler, the chairwoman, is killed. He’s been hit in the head with a croquet mallet, and his body hung on the chains and paddles of the grist mill.

Nobody can figure out why since Harlan was much beloved by everyone. It’s only after Cricket and Delaine beg Theodosia to investigate that she realizes the killer might have mistaken Harlan for his crazy son, Duke. After all, Duke is a slum landlord and recently injured a woman in a boating accident. Includes delicious recipes and tea time tips! Purchase at https://bit.ly/3VathuV.

Vermilion Harvest by Reenita M. Hora

“A stunning love story amidst one of the darkest moments in modern Indian history.”

In a politically tense Amritsar in 1919, an Anglo-Indian schoolteacher and a feisty Muslim student activist fall in love, but find that courting openly is easier said than done. Not only are they from different communities but his political activism comes at the cost of their romance.

Against the deadline of a ticking timebomb, the schoolteacher must find her lover to warn him about General Dyer’s impending attack on Jallianwallah Bagh. But will she succeed in getting to the venue on time? “Playtime at the Bagh” during Baisakhi is a metaphor for General Dyer’s game of bullets in Jallianwallah Bagh on April 13, 1919.

Love, hate, denial and betrayal are wrapped inside a single love story capturing today’s hope with yesterday’s despair. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3W0P5bd.

500 Ways to Eat Like a Local by Jon Douglas

Hungry readers will delight in the intriguing stories behind the Philly cheesesteak, the Chicago-style hot dog, Nashville hot chicken and hundreds more of the best regional foods in the United States. Explore dishes that are only found in certain parts of the country or are connected to a particular place where they originated – including 16 different styles of pizza, 17 kinds of pie and 18 types of burgers.

Buy a copy for yourself (or a friend) if you’re fascinated by culinary history, planning a trip to an unfamiliar part of the U.S. or a fan of Roadfood. Includes more than 1,000 restaurant suggestions, and available in both paperback and ebook formats. Readers say: “A must for your next cross-country sojourn … thoughtful and well-researched … hugely detailed and entertainingly well-written.” A #1 Amazon bestseller! Purchase at bit.ly/eatlikealocalus.

(NewsUSA) - Newly diagnosed college student Trevor Dixon shows that managing diabetes doesn’t get in the way of an active life at the transition to adulthood

Trevor was in his second semester of his senior year in high school, when he found himself feeling abnormally thirsty and needing to use the bathroom excessively. He first dismissed it as a symptom of all the exercise he was doing. However, after his mother encouraged him to pay a visit to the family doctor, it was clear all was not well.

Trevor commented; “Born in Arizona, you would think I would drink a lot of water, as it’s usually hot most of the year. But I never really did drink a ton of water or need the bathroom so frequently, so this was strange for me.”

The doctor ran some tests and Trevor’s blood glucose levels were far too high. After being rushed to the ER, Trevor was shocked to learn that he had type 1 diabetes.

The time after the diagnosis was a frightening and confusing period for Trevor and his mother, especially since he was preparing to attend college out-of-state in a matter of weeks. Suddenly, passing finals, enjoying summer and setting up a new life in Southern California seemed more daunting than ever.

Trevor would have to adapt to managing a condition that he knew little about, quickly. Thankfully, there is diabetes education available to people who need support.

One of the big changes Trevor had to make was to his diet and nutrition. He was always partial to sweet things and sodas, but all that had to change; “the biggest thing for me, was I had a sweet tooth, like my mom. After my diagnosis, sweets became a rare treat on occasion,” Trevor said.

Trevor and his mom spoke to their doctor to learn about all the options available to help reduce the burden of managing diabetes effectively. He tried a range of traditional short-term continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), but found them bulky and felt they didn’t work for his lifestyle. He had trouble with the accuracy of some CGMs and felt frustrated that others would be easily knocked off.

Trevor wanted to manage his diabetes and not the limitations of his CGM. He wanted to live his life without worry and pursue his passion of swimming. He wanted to feel comfortable managing his diabetes as he left home for college.

After returning to the doctor for more answers, Trevor’s mom spotted a poster for Eversense and they decided to give it a try. Eversense is the world’s first and only fully implantable long-term CGM and the latest version, Eversense E3, lasts for 180 days vs. just a week or two for other available CGMs.

Trevor acquired his Eversense E3 and began studies at a University in Southern California.

The unique design of the Eversense E3 CGM simplified Trevor’s diabetes management, allowing his life as a college student to be less interrupted by diabetes. The implantable sensor, paired with the removable smart transmitter, is an especially useful feature for Trevor, as it makes swimming for the college team easier.

Trevor also appreciates several other features of Eversense that make his life easier and reduces the burden on him day-to-day, including the discrete on-body vibrations, which don’t draw attention during his college classes.

“Eversense has on-body vibration alerts, which means I can choose to have cell phone notifications either on or off and still manage my diabetes. This is nice because my phone isn't going off all the time in situations like classes where that would be embarrassing to me personally.” Trevor said.

Eversense makes it easy for Trevor to check his real-time glucose readings, glucose trends, as well as receive alerts that predict hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, all while maintaining his active, busy life. This has been particularly reassuring for Trevor’s mom, who worried about him looking after himself away from home for the first time – and that was before he was diagnosed with diabetes!

Trevor is now a college sophomore, majoring in business and finance. He is on his fourth 180-day Eversense sensor, and doesn’t let diabetes slow him down from swimming, studying and spending time at the beach with friends.

“Make sure some of your friends know about your condition, so they can offer support if you need it,” says Trevor. But overall, Trevor says he has been able to incorporate diabetes management into his life without much fuss, thanks to Eversense.

The Eversense E3 is broadly covered for people living with diabetes across the United States. For more information about successfully managing diabetes, visit EversenseDiabetes.com/get-started-today.

Trevor Dixon is an Eversense brand ambassador and this article was sponsored by Ascensia Diabetes Care

(NewsUSA) - Buying over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or dietary supplements online can be easy and convenient, but how can you be sure that you know and trust the seller? As the number of counterfeit OTC products sold online has grown in recent years, along with scammers’ abilities to mimic legitimate products, experts at the Health In Hand Foundation, a non-profit with 20 years of helping consumers safely choose and use consumer healthcare products, are here to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of counterfeit and resold OTC products.  

Honest consumer healthcare companies ensure the safety and quality of their products in many ways, including using regulated factories that follow strict safety standards and verified manufacturing practices. However, some individuals produce counterfeit versions of these same medicines in facilities with little or no regulation, quality control, or safety standards. 

When you purchase products online, the options can seem endless. One option is buying directly from a manufacturer’s website ([BRAND].com), where products are sold and shipped directly to you from the manufacturer. 

Alternatively, you may purchase products from an online retailer that sells multiple brands and products (e.g. Amazon, Walmart, Costco, or a pharmacy retailer). But make sure to look carefully because well-known e-commerce websites can have different sellers offering what seems to be the same product on the same results page. So. how can you be sure you’re purchasing from a legitimate seller? Keep these tips and red flags in mind the next time you plan on buying an OTC product online: 

• Prices that are too good to be true. Sellers of fake OTC medicines will often offer them at prices much lower than businesses selling the genuine product. Although the products may be fake, these sellers can still appear at the top of search results.  

• Photos that do not match the product. A low-quality image or an image that differs from the advertised item is another sign of a fake product. Some sellers will alter a photo by blurring or blocking the brand to avoid counterfeit detection. 

• Wording that doesn’t describe the product. If the brand name is missing from the listings, be cautious. Some sellers don’t mention the brand name in the listing to avoid counterfeit detection, and they may have an image of a branded product with a nonspecific description. 

• Unclear or confusing reviews. Reviews that don't match the product listed or comments that are confusing or inauthentic are red flags alerting you to a possible fake. 

• No contact information. If the seller doesn't have a physical address or telephone number listed within the United States, the business could be fake. 

• Poor or non-existent customer service policies.* Beware of companies with no return and/or refund policy. Also, avoid sellers who don’t have secure payment protocols in place to protect your financial information when you purchase from them online.  
   

*Important note: Genuine sellers often do not allow returns on OTC medications, so please review all factors mentioned before buying. 

If you have already placed an online order for an OTC product, inspect it closely when it arrives to ensure it has not been damaged or disturbed. Trust your instincts. If the packaging or labeling looks off or if the product itself does not look right, return it and report it. Becoming an informed shopper helps you find the legitimate and trustworthy products you need to help you feel your best. 

Visit healthinhand.org  for more tips and advice about choosing and using consumer healthcare products safely.  

(NewsUSA) - In today’s increasingly fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and tranquility at home is more important than ever. Here are four simple ways to turn your backyard into a serene sanctuary:

1. Curtained Comfort

For a versatile and stylish solution, outdoor curtains are ideal for enhancing privacy and adding flowy flair. Whether you prefer light, airy fabrics for a breezy feel or heavier materials for added protection from the sun (or nosy neighbors), curtains offer flexibility and charm. If you have a two-story deck, consider installing a drainage system, like Trex^® RainEscape^®, to divert water and keep the space beneath the deck dry and usable as a bonus living area.

2. Botanical Barrier

Bring yourself closer to nature by bringing nature closer to you. Strategically placed potted plants and trees are ideal for blocking views both outward and in. If you’re looking for a little more privacy, try adding a living wall or vertical garden. The plants will grow vertically, creating a natural barrier while also serving as a lush and lovely focal point in your yard. As an added bonus, plants also absorb sound so you can enjoy enhanced privacy with limited interruptions.

3. Canopied Comfort

Define the parameters of your outdoor space with the addition of a Trex Pergola topped with retractable drapes or decorative shade panels. These architectural structures marry form with function to deliver style, shade and a sense of seclusion.

4. Serene Screening

Privacy screens are a classic and effective way to establish boundaries. Available in freestanding panels or wall systems, these screens come in a wide array of designs and colors and are easy additions to any deck, patio or outdoor area.

These creative solutions not only add a sense of intimacy but transform your outdoor space into a peaceful, private oasis. For more information and inspiration, visit TrexRainEscape.com.

(NewsUSA) - Over the past three years, 25 states have expanded school choice options, and families need accessible, straightforward information on how to access these choices. As we head into another school year, many parents are grappling with an important question: will my child be at the best school for them this fall?

Choosing the right school is monumental for families, and a very different process than it was a generation ago. With a range of options – including traditional public, public charter, public magnet, private, online, home, and nontraditional choices – parents have a lot to consider as they find the best fit for their child’s education.

A recent survey from our organization - the National School Choice Awareness Foundation - showed that 72% of parents looked into new school options for their children last year, yet 64% wanted more detailed information. Fifteen years of raising awareness about school choice options during National School Choice Week has inspired our team to create a new program called Navigate School Choice, which will serve as a hub for any family exploring any type of school.

Parents can navigate school choice at myschoolchoice.com, a new website with roadmaps to education policies in each state, tips about how to approach the school search process, and a customized school search tool. The goal is to make sure parents stay up to speed when things change in their state and are able to cast a wide net in considering schooling options for their children. With all tools available on-demand, year-round, parents can feel sure that they've fully considered all the options they have for their children and made an informed choice.

Imagine the relief of knowing you have explored all the options and found the right school for your child. It’s about more than just academics; it’s about finding a place where your child feels supported, understood, and able to grow.

Shelby Doyle is the vice president of public awareness at the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, which helps U.S. families explore their K-12 education options and choose a great school for their children.

(NewsUSA) - President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Hugh Jackman, Diane Keaton, Melanie Griffith, Richard Simmons and Caitlyn Jenner have all had nonmelanoma skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States. More than 3.3 million Americans are diagnosed with this disease every year, and most undergo Mohs surgery, which can be painful and disfiguring. Seattle-area resident Cheryl Cayford was happy to find an FDA-cleared device providing a nonsurgical cure.

“I’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer twice before and treated successfully with Mohs surgery, so I am certainly familiar with that procedure,” she says. “When my doctor subsequently told me a sore on my nose was malignant, thoughts of those surgeries with the accompanying discomfort and scarring came flooding back. There was a real bit of panic as well. Surgery on my nose with plastic surgery to follow seemed way more daunting than the previous surgeries on my shoulder and arm.”

But this time, her dermatologist told her there was a noninvasive option that delivers the same 99%-plus cure rate as Mohs surgery, with no pain, surgical scarring or need for reconstructive surgery. Cheryl chose that alternative, called image-guided SRT or the GentleCure Experience. It involves the use of low-level x-rays precisely targeted with the aid of high-resolution ultrasound imaging. Cheryl sat for a series of 15-minute treatment sessions in her dermatologist’s office over the course of six weeks. 

“I was in and out in minutes,” she says, “and during each visit my provider showed me ultrasound images of the cancer cells shrinking away. Today, I’m cancer-free with no visible signs of having had any medical procedure at all.”

For Cheryl, GentleCure had additional meaning. “I have two daughters and I think their noses are adorable,” Cheryl notes with a laugh. “Thanks to my dermatologist, mine still is as well.”

Jacob Scott, MD, president and chairman of Dermatology Association of Radiation Therapy, noted, “The sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays are a leading cause of nonmelanoma skin cancer, and the cellular damage is cumulative over time. That explains why we see more of this type of cancer in seniors. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, but there are other factors that put some of us at higher risk, such as having fair skin, red or blond hair, or green, blue or gray eyes. For those who fear surgery or who are, due to medical conditions, poor candidates for Mohs surgery, image-guided SRT can be a life-changing alternative.”

Image-guided SRT, the essence of the GentleCure Experience, is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. It is available in select dermatology practices around the country. Information about the treatment is available at www.gentlecure.com. 

(Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) - Due to a new law, more people qualify for more prescription drug savings with Medicare’s Extra Help program, so it could pay to apply even if you don’t think you qualify or if you were denied before. Many people qualify for Extra Help and don’t know it. 

You may be able to save money on your Part D prescription drug costs through Medicare’s Extra Help program, including $0 drug plan premiums, $0 deductibles, and lower out-of-pocket costs. With Medicare’s Extra Help, you’ll pay no more than $4.50 for generic drugs and $11.20 for brand-name drugs. The savings can really add up.

Apply for Extra Help if you have income below these limits:

• Individuals—Your yearly income is less than $22,590.
• Married and living with your spouse—Your yearly income is less than $30,660.

Apply through the Social Security Administration by visiting ssa.gov/extrahelp where you can complete and submit your application.

Need help applying? Access personalized health insurance counseling in your community at no cost, available from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Visit shiphelp.org or call 1-800-MEDICARE for locations near you.

Even if you don’t qualify for Extra Help now, you can reapply for Extra Help any time if your income and resources change.

To learn more about Medicare’s Extra Help program, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

(AI) continues to transform the United States and the world. To promote and inform rapid advancements in AI and maintain America’s global competitiveness, the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI, announces the AI+ Summit Series.

The series kicks off with the topic of energy. The AI + Energy Summit, scheduled for September 26, 2024, in Washington, D.C., will bring together policy makers, energy industry leaders, top government and academic energy researchers, and technologists to address the challenges of AI’s energy consumption and develop solutions for a resilient and abundant energy future. The event also aims to address the implications of AI and energy for national security and promote partnerships between AI and energy stakeholders.

AI and other emerging technologies can help the United States take the lead in energy areas including maximizing energy efficiencies, discovering new materials, and enabling new forms of power generation. AI also has a role to play in overcoming energy challenges. The Department of Energy (DOE) already uses AI in several areas including advanced computing, emergency response, environmental modeling, climate forecasting, and materials research.

SCSP’s recent “Action Plan for U.S. Leadership in Next-Generation Energy,” raises many issues related to AI and energy, including recommendations for the government to bring America forward. The AI+ Energy Summit will highlight these and other issues, and promote collaboration to solve problems. The stakes are high; if the U.S. falls short on energy, American adversaries could gain the upper hand in AI leadership, according to SCSP experts.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more about the AI+Energy Summit and the SCSP’s Next-Generation Energy Action Plan.

(NewsUSA) - When you spend time outdoors, you feel better, physically and mentally, and a growing body of medical evidence supports the value of being in nature. For families in particular, outdoor time is a great way to build memories and share experiences.  

Time outdoors is scientifically linked to healthier brain function, reduced stress, increased physical activity, and overall improvements in well-being for individuals of all ages, according to multiple studies. Outdoor experiences can be especially valuable for military families, whose lives are often disrupted by deployments and frequent moves, according to Blue Star Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, supporting, and connecting military families in communities across the United States.  

Blue Star Families has partnered with funders such as REI, the Defense Health Agency and the National Park Service to create Blue Star Outdoors. 

The Blue Star Outdoors website features a park locator to help families find outdoor spaces near them, as well as calendars of local outdoor events, specific activities and adventures for families, and resources on the benefits of outdoor time. Those seeking to connect with other military families for outdoor adventures can use the website to join Outdoor Explorers for All club, which organizes events for military families at parks such as fishing clinics, park and waterway stewardship activities, and nature observation hikes.  

Blue Star Families first started to engage active duty military service members and their families in park- and nature-based programs in 2019 through “Blue Star Parks.” In 2021-22, the program was rebranded to Blue Star Outdoors to be more inclusive of all outdoor spaces that offer respite and community for military families. Blue Star Families partnered with the National Park Service and corporate and foundation partners to deliver fishing and other outdoor recreation programs at park sites.

Today, Blue Star Outdoors consists of two programming types: Blue Star Connect Outdoors and Outdoor Explorers for All (OEA). Both programs build community to address social isolation, a root cause of mental and physical health challenges.

As a result of the work with the military family community and the strong outcomes, in 2023, DHA and NPS selected Blue Star Families as the Prime Awardee for a $4.475 million appropriation to implement outdoor programming and subgrant to Wilderness Inquiry (WI), YMCA of the USA, and Texas A&M University’s Center for Health & Nature.

Ford Motor Company recently teamed up with Blue Star Families' Do Your Part initiative to host the first-ever "Proud to Honor: Bronco Off-Roadeo" experience. It was a powerful display of support for military families, Veterans, and survivors. The event was held at Horseshoe Bay, Texas, in June and brought 150 participants together for an exhilarating off-roading adventure.

Representatives from esteemed organizations such as Guitars 4 Vets, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Travis Manion Foundation, Team Rubicon, and Ford's Veteran Employee Resource Group were in attendance. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also provided valuable support and resources on-site. Beyond a fun day, this partnership underscores a shared commitment to community building and camaraderie in the great outdoors.

Visit bluestarfam.org for more information about community building and support for military families.