(NewsUSA) - Cryptocurrency, NFT, Web 3.0; these buzzwords have gained popularity in recent years. But what do all these terms have in common? They all have the same underlying technology, blockchain.   

Although blockchain-related projects such as NFT collections have been heavily criticized for their extensive energy consumption and negative environmental impact, a new entry into the blockchain space aims to show the world how blockchain technology can be used to benefit the environment.     

Komori, developed by Eco Labs, Inc., is on a mission to utilize NFT technology to drive environmental change on a mass scale through their global ecosystem of sustainability partners. The project follows the ancient creatures known as the Komori, awakening after millions of years, to help save our planet.     

The Komori community is a purpose-driven collective of passionate individuals who want to leave a positive mark on the planet. A primary goal for the Komori project is to help eliminate the environmental misconceptions surrounding blockchain technology, and to encourage businesses, NGOs, and individuals to embrace this technology and leverage it in their own missions to incite social and environmental change.     

“The Komori are here to serve as a clear and powerful representation of how NFTs can restore and protect our planet through direct, mass-scale, real-world impact,”. says Eco Labs founder Kiro Akira.     

“By challenging the traditional ideas and models for driving environmental change, we aim to not only empower the NFT space to adopt more sustainable practices, but to inspire the world to utilize the unprecedented levels of scalability and transparency that blockchain technology provides for social and environmental good,” Akira emphasizes.     

In alignment with Komori’s focus on education, the project intends to spotlight environmentally friendly blockchains, such as Solana.     

Solana is a notably-energy-efficient blockchain which is a key reason why Komori is being built on it and encourages others to do the same. In fact, one Solana transaction uses only 1,939 Joules, which is less than the amount of energy required to complete two Google searches, according to the Solana Foundation. The Solana Foundation, which has offset the entire carbon footprint of the Solana network and has pledged to remain carbon neutral in perpetuity.     

Visit komori.io for more information on how Komori is driving environmental change with blockchain technology.

(NewsUSA) - In the wake of the ongoing pandemic, a majority of Americans report pain, but most are smart about safety when it comes to pain relief, including products with acetaminophen, a common active ingredient in many over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.     

Approximately two-thirds of American adults report ongoing pain in 2022, up 12 percent since 2019, according to results of a new survey conducted by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) Educational Foundation.     

Nearly 80 percent of the survey respondents report that their usage of OTC pain relievers has either stayed the same or increased over the past two years. Additionally, nearly 90 percent say they “always check the label of acetaminophen products to find the maximum daily dose,” an increase from 85 percent in 2019.     

The CHPA Educational Foundation has conducted a survey about consumers’ knowledge of acetaminophen safe use and the risks of misuse every three years since 2010. The survey results are being released in June to coincide with National Safety Month for an added opportunity to encourage and practice medicine safety with products containing acetaminophen.   

“With self-reported pain on the rise, consumers are turning to safe pain relief options now more than ever,” says Mary Leonard, managing director of the CHPA Educational Foundation. “It is encouraging to see consumers understanding how to safely choose and use products containing acetaminophen, and we know that educational initiatives have played a critical role in this increasing awareness,” she adds.     

“These efforts are bolstered by our long-standing participation in the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition (AAC),” according to Leonard, which is a group of leading health, healthcare provider and consumer organizations, including the CHPA Educational Foundation. The AAC established the “Know Your Dose” campaign in 2011 to educate consumers on how to safely use medicines containing acetaminophen. “We are thrilled to see education appears to be working,” she adds.     

Other encouraging findings from the survey show that nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of adults in 2022 agree with the statement “two different acetaminophen medicines should never be taken together,” an increase from 56 percent in 2019. Also, 91 percent of respondents strongly agree they “Carefully consider how many acetaminophen pills or doses to take,” an increase from 89 percent in 2019.     

The results reflect the efforts of the AAC and the Know Your Dose campaign, which have reached millions of consumers and healthcare providers since 2011 with safe-use messages and free educational resources in both English and Spanish.   

 For more information, visit knowyourdose.org.

(NewsUSA) -  

“Almost a Serial Killer”
by Margaret Lashley       

She took a stab at stardom. It stabbed back.  

“The Golden Girls” meets “Married to the Mob” in this madcap mystery series packing Mafioso-style mayhem peppered with a generous dollop of Southern-style sarcasm. A laugh-out-loud treat sure to satisfy fans of cozy mysteries and women’s fiction alike.  

When wannabe actress Doreen Diller takes a job with her celebrity crush, his new acting gig takes them on location to St. Petersburg, Florida. What awaits Doreen in the Sunshine State will seal her fate -- in the form of a role she didn't see coming and a family she didn’t bargain for. “Almost a Serial Killer” is book one in a brand-new series by Margaret Lashley, author of the best-selling “Val Fremden Midlife Mystery Series.”

Purchase at https://amzn.to/38uxYJR

“Please Cooperate”
by Jeffrey Harper  

Sweet, funny and moving, “Please Cooperate” is a socially observant, emotionally warm, resonant and tartly wrought novel for fans of Tom Wolfe, Jay McInerney and Nick Hornby. The book is a lament for, a love letter to -- and a comedy of bad manners about -- middle-class life in New York and America.  

In exquisite, often hilarious, detail, the novel portrays how a once-happy building of caring, supportive neighbors come together for the wedding of a resident. But the recent arrival of rich young owners changes everything.  

Friendships and love relationships fray until acts of betrayal and hostility -- and the demonstrations of the power of money and social class -- transform forever the lives of the characters and their once-perfect lives together.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3uq2r4f.

“My Name is Edward”
by Annmarie Topel  

In a chance meeting, a powerful businesswoman named Ann and a troubled homeless man named Edward take a journey together that is as heart-wrenching as it is heartwarming -- a work of passion inspired, in part, by true events.  

While Edward battles his inner demons and struggles to stay alive on the streets, Ann relentlessly works to gain his trust and find him a home to call his own. As she fights to save the man she barely knows, she’s forced to confront the wounds from her own past. Through the twists and turns of this unlikely friendship, we’re taken on an emotional ride that touches the heart and opens the eyes. One reviewer writes, “It was riveting. A new author with a great future!”  

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3j9Kwby.

“Forensic Data Collections 2.0”
by Robert Fried  

Modern-day investigations frequently require the identification, preservation and collection of electronic evidence from a variety of data sources. The field of digital forensics is constantly evolving, and it is vital for all parties involved to work together to understand where relevant data is stored, and how it can be accessed and collected, in a forensically sound manner that is defensible and efficient.  

Aspiring forensic practitioners, investigators and even those who have experience with eDiscovery as an attorney, litigation support specialist or professional services provider, are provided a clear and concise understanding of what to expect, and what may need to be asked of the parties involved, when encountering today’s most common data sources during an investigation.

Purchase at https://forensicsbook.com.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Does your pet race for the nearest corner, or hide under the bed when a thunderstorm strikes? Does he or she panic when it’s time to get in the car, or when  home alone for an extended time? Weather, travel, and separation are just a few of the possible causes of stress in pets.     

In addition, the celebratory 4th of July fireworks, while beloved by their owners, are cited as the top cause of stress in pets, according to a survey of approximately 1,000 pet-owning adults in the United States     

Pet stress is a common problem that leaves many pet owners puzzled and searching for solutions. However, homeopathic products that relieve stress in people can have a similar effect in pets. In a survey conducted by Wakefield Research, well over half (56 percent) say they would use a natural, herbal or homeopathic product to relieve their own stress, and more than half of them (51 percent) say they would offer such products to their pets, while 44 percent said they would use natural remedies for themselves and their pets.     

Bach Rescue Remedy Pet drops are a safe, simple option for relieving many types of stress in pets. The homeopathic formula is designed for use before, during and after a potentially stressful event, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, visits to the vet and groomer or a trip on an airplane.     

Bach Rescue Remedy Pet contains a blend of five flower essences selected for their stress-relieving properties:     

• Cherry Plum: for composure & holding back on impulses     
• Clematis: for livelier, focused behavior when inattentive     
• Impatiens: for calm & composure when lacking self-control     
• Rock Rose: for courage during times of panic or terror     
• Star of Bethlehem: for easing after effects of trauma or mistreatment     

Formulated with just flower essences, vegetable glycerin, and water, Bach Rescue Remedy Pet drops are free of sedatives, CBD/hemp, sugar and artificial flavors and colors. One dose (four drops) can be given with food, treats or water as often as needed, and used alongside other pet health and wellness products including prescription medications.    “It’s important to anticipate the stress your pets may feel in certain situations and get out ahead of it,” says Cathy Madson, a pet expert at Preventive Vet and spokesperson for Bach Rescue Remedy Pet.     

“We all know what will be happening the evening of July 4th, which means we can be proactive in reducing noise-related stress. I recommend offering Bach Rescue Remedy Pet starting several days in advance in your pet’s water, on treats or directly in the mouth to begin the calming effect before the fireworks ever begin,” she advises.     

“This also holds true for preparing for an impending thunderstorm, grooming or vet visit, leaving them home alone or while traveling.”     

Bach Rescue Remedy Pet drops can be used by dogs, cats, horses, birds, rabbits and lizards of all ages, weights and breeds. The duration of stress relief depends on the pet and the situation. Stress relief for sudden situations, such as neighborhood fireworks, may be immediate, while relief from separation anxiety may take longer. For extended periods of stress relief, the company recommends adding drops to your pet’s water.     

Bach Rescue Remedy Pet is regulated by FDA, categorized under homeopathic drug, and is manufactured to comply with the Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines.     

Don’t let your pet suffer from stress this summer, or at any other time of year.     

Visit rescueremedy.com to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Making sense of your personal finances can feel overwhelming for anyone, but for LGBTQ+ couples, financial planning can be particularly complex. A patchwork of state and federal policies can make it difficult for couples to understand all the benefits and challenges the law presents for them. Many LGBTQ+ couples also invest considerable time and resources toward  ensuring that their assets are secure, and their families are protected, should the political landscape change.     

Here are five strategies that LGBTQ+ couples can use to help manage their money and reach their financial goals:     

1. Reimagine your retirement plan. LGBTQ+ couples can work together to fund their retirement in ways you might not have considered. For example, for married couples, a spouse with eligible compensation could make an IRA contribution on behalf of their nonworking spouse. Couples should also make sure their spouse, partner or loved one is named as the beneficiary on their retirement plan.     

2. Make your partnership official. The legalization of same-sex marriage means LGBTQ+ couples might gain financial benefits from getting married, such as federal protection for certain asset types. If you decide not to get married, you may want to consider creating a domestic partnership agreement that incorporates financial planning strategies to protect your assets and your loved one.     

3. Plan for your future family. If you’re interested in having children, you may need to save more and budget for adoption agency fees or fertility treatments, as well as increased health coverage for your growing family.       

4. Create an estate plan. This is particularly important if you own significant assets, such as multiple retirement accounts or real estate. You may want to establish an irrevocable trust for some or all these assets to ensure seamless wealth transfer to your loved ones. Your financial planner will walk you through estate planning to ensure your loved ones are protected. In addition to living wills, LGBTQ+ couples should have documents such as health care proxies and medical powers of attorney in place to support end-of-life decision-making.     

5. Meet with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional. CFP® professionals have the education and experience to help LGBTQ+ couples navigate their unique and complex financial situations. Working with a CFP® professional can help you focus on your financial goals and priorities, whether you want to create a holistic financial plan or just want some financial guidance on a specific topic.     

For more financial planning resources and to find a CFP® professional near you, visit LetsMakeAPlan.org. Use the LGBTQ+ Individuals/Couples filter to narrow your search to CFP® professionals who are allies or members of the LGBTQ+ community.     

By exploring your financial situation together and mapping out a path to follow, you and your loved one will feel more confident about your financial choices.

(NewsUSA) -  

“For the Love of Buddy”
by Dyanna Morrison       

“For the Love of Buddy” is a whimsical and heartfelt, true tale that highlights the journey of a girl and her cat, from the East Coast to the West Coast and from asthma to diabetes. It will serve as a touching and frequently humorous reminder of how our pets experience the same medical ailments that we, as humans, face over the course of our lifetimes. It is a poignant story of love and remembrance, even when confronted with the inevitable pain of loss.  

The book will bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye, and will be embraced by children and readers of all ages, as you recount and celebrate memories from your lifelong journeys with members of your own furry families.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3JEMf3u.

“The Friendship Pact”
by Jill Shalvis  

New York Times best-selling author Jill Shalvis returns to Sunrise Cove with a powerful, moving story about a young woman on a quest to find the truth about her father who learns the meaning of true love along the way. Alone in the world, Tae Holmes and her mother April pretty much raised each other, but as Tae starts asking questions about the father she’s never met, April goes silent.  

Then Tae finds herself face-to-face with Riggs Copeland, whom she hasn’t seen since their high school fling, but who comes to her aid to help track down her father. On a hunt to unlock the past, the two of them learn a shocking truth, while also reluctantly bonding in a way neither had seen coming.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3jHkf4V.

“Riding the Executive Roller Coaster: Medical Staffing Cases”
by Kelli Christina  

The author creatively uses real-life events and court cases unnoticed by the public eye over a decade and fictionalizes them in a compelling story of the tribulations of professional offices at their highest and lowest moments.  

Handling business or professional issues improperly or illegally has consequences that can escalate and destroy lives along the way. Too often, bosses and employees learn the hard way about employment laws that were designed to help businesses. And when business goes wrong, you can expect to find yourself in attorneys’ offices and court proceedings.  

This book is geared to help business leaders learn employment laws as well as necessary life lessons that can affect our well-being, families, friends, relationships, and love life.

Purchase at https://bit.ly/37P2SfB.

“Living and Leaving My Legacy”
by Merle Saferstein  

A serious journal writer, the author has filled more than 380 journals since 1974 and undertook a legacy journal project. She sorted through thousands and thousands of pages and found meaningful excerpts to share with others. Somewhere along the way, this morphed “Living and Leaving My Legacy (Volumes 1 and 2).”  

When she began, she chose 70 relevant topics, eventually narrowing it down to 22. After careful editing, she chose to include the excerpts that best capture her thoughts, feelings, conversations, encounters, memories, dreams, travel adventures, and more. She has been teaching a course, “Living and Leaving Your Legacy,” since 2012. She has taught 61 classes and speaks on the subject of legacy to a wide range of audiences locally, nationally, and internationally. Learn more at https://merlersaferstein.com.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3MFpzTj.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Most people think of Marine Toys for Tots as the flagship Children’s Christmastime charity, but it is much more. The organization continues to seek more ways to support children in need throughout the year.     

“Toys for Tots distributed three million toys, games and books to COVID-19-impacted families through its DoGoodNow campaign over the past two years. Our support was desperately needed and so well received that we want to continue to do more --  at Christmastime and beyond. For the third year in a row, we’ll be partnering with our friends at Good360 and will expand upon our DoGoodNow initiative by distributing another one million toys, books and games to families with children in need,” says LtGen Jim Laster, President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.     

He continues, “Our support doesn’t stop there. We want to be able to reach even more underprivileged children through other avenues. This summer, Marine Toys for Tots expands the DoGoodNow campaign with Summer of Smiles. One way Toys for Tots delivers summertime smiles is by providing support to children in the foster care system.”     

On June 3rd, staff members from the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation teamed with Wendy Chadwell, local Coordinator for Middle Georgia, to distribute educational gifts and bring hope to children in Georgia’s foster care system. The Foundation provided educational toys, books, games, and school supplies, and volunteers filled 476 brand-new backpacks to the brim to provide to local foster care children! The gifts were received by the local District Foster Care Coordinators who represented eleven surrounding counties and will be given directly to children in the local foster care program.     

This initiative is just one of many that allows the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to provide support to underprivileged children beyond the holiday season.     

“It is Marine Toys for Tots’ mission to bring hope and joy to more children in need every year -- even beyond the holidays,” explains LtGen Laster. “That is why we distributed educational toys, books, games,school supplies and backpacks to the local District Foster Care Coordinators in Middle Georgia. This initiative was our first step in supporting children in foster care,” LtGen Laster adds.     

“These children leave their homes with only a small plastic bag of their belongings. Marine Toys for Tots wants to give foster care children not only something tangible to take with them as they move, but also some tools and hope for a brighter tomorrow.”   

Visit toysfortots.org for more information on how to help Toys for Tots support children year-round. Follow Marine Toys for Tots on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn to learn about the year-round impact you’re making for our Nation’s children in greatest need.

(NewsUSA) - ­­­­

“Iris in the Dark”
by Elissa Grossell Dickey       

A single mother faces her worst fear -- the past -- in a provocative novel of suspense by the author of “The Speed of Light.” Iris Jenkins knows that bad things happen. She’s tried to escape these things for years.  So when she is entrusted to house-sit at a lodge on the South Dakota prairie, she thinks she’s prepared for anything.  

But one surprise is Sawyer Jones, the property’s neighbor and caretaker, and a caring, reassuring presence. Then late one night, Iris hears a chilling cry for help coming from a walkie-talkie buried in a box of toys. As the calls get more desperate, personal and menacing, Iris realizes the person on the other end isn’t reaching out for help, but to terrorize her. Purchase at https://amzn.to/37PteOI.

“Monkey Business”
by Carleton Eastlake  

When TV writer William Fox is dragged by his show’s toxic producers to a “gentleman’s club,” he meets Nicole, a mysterious dancer who claims to be an anthropologist searching for signs of rational life on Earth.   Enchanted by her playful and serious ideas, Will falls in love -- and his ever-more troubled, love-struck behavior and the acidly destructive battles during the production of his show begin to illustrate Nicole’s theories.  

Nothing about Nicole seems authentic. After she warns she’ll soon leave and his producers are humbled by an uncanny encounter with the police, Will begins to wonder whether Nicole is staging real world events with him and the producers as her experimental subjects? And if so, can he learn the lessons she’s trying to teach and earn her love? Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ruWDoh.

“Crazy to Leave You”
by Marilyn Simon Rothstein  

From the author of “Husbands and Other Sharp Objects” comes a witty, big-hearted novel about the happy accidents that lead to love and second chances.  

Forty-one years old, the last of her friends to marry, and down to a size 12, Lauren Leo is in her gown and about to tie the knot. There’s just one thing missing: the groom. With one blindsiding text, Lauren is unceremoniously dumped at the altar.  

Picking her heart up off the floor, Lauren turns to her work and plans her next step, finding a second chance in the most unexpected place. “A heartfelt, delicious story,” says Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnolia Palace. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3Eeeg0S.

“A Letter in the Wall”
by Eileen Brill  

It’s 1971, and Joan Dumann fears her former business partner wants her dead. As she constructs a letter about her predicament, she revisits her past.   Born into a prominent Philadelphia Quaker family in 1915 and raised with privilege, Joan wrestles with her turbulent thoughts and unfulfilled desires. When she attempts to push against the norms for women of her time to forge her own identity, she is met with resistance.  

Inspired by a letter written by the real Joan, found hidden in the wall of a Pennsylvania home more than half a century later, this is a fictionalized imagining of who she was and what motivated her. Moving through several decades, the book examines the factors that influence one woman’s journey toward independence and empowerment.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3vkCUZN.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - The ongoing pandemic has highlighted the importance of keeping your immune system strong and healthy, according to Leonard A. Farber, MD, a healthcare executive and expert in emerging technologies and their impact on public health.     

A weak immune system increases your risk not only for developing illness, but for a more severe case if you do become ill with something such as COVID-19, says Dr. Farber, who also serves as a spokesperson for nutritional supplement manufacturer Quadramune.     

Fortunately, there are many ways the average person can strengthen his or her immune system. In many cases, following the obvious and well-known advice to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly can help boost your immune system. Other factors include avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and incorporating ways to relieve stress, such as with yoga, tai chi, or other mindfulness-related activities.     

In addition, the right nutritional supplements can play an important role in reducing inflammation in the body and supporting a healthy immune system, says Dr. Farber. “At early stages, our bodies’ inflammatory response can fight off infection as well as play an integral role in injury repair. When inflammatory cells reach an unhealthy level such as in chronic inflammation, they can trigger your body’s immune system to attack healthy tissues and organs,” Dr. Farber explains.     

Nutritional supplements, such as those developed by Quadramune, are designed to help keep the immune system in balance. Anti-inflammatory foods such as salmon, tofu, walnuts, grapes, and olive oil can have a positive effect on the immune system, and many of the active ingredients in these foods are actually found in Quadramune supplements.     

The Quadramune supplements provide the benefits of infection-fighting power and protection against chronic inflammation, according to the company website. Several key ingredients in Quadramune supplements include:     

• Pterostilbene. A natural dietary compound that has shown antioxidant activity and inflammatory properties.     
• Epigallocatechin gallate. This powerful antioxidant plant compound boasts antioxidant properties and potential ability to help protect the lungs and promote healthy T cell activity.     
• Sulphoraphane. This natural plant compound has been shown to help reduce inflammation, which may help protect your lungs and reduce your vulnerability to respiratory infections.     
• Thymoquinone: phytochemical compound found in the plant Nigella sativa.  This active ingredient is chemically related to hydroxychloroquine, but with no prescription needed. It has demonstrated to stimulate natural killer (NK) cells which are antiviral, and is a potential antiviral itself based on its mechanistic effects on cells.     

This combination of ingredients “can be immune stimulating or boosting and preventative of an unhealthy immune response,” says Dr. Farber. “This allows the body a better chance not only to fight the onset of an infection or inflammatory reaction but also to lessen the severity of certain illnesses, especially those that are inflammatory-based in nature,” he adds.     

For more information, visit buyquadramune.com. 

(NewsUSA) - Colorectal cancer remains the third most common non-skin cancer in American adults, according to the American Cancer Society. Regular screening is essential to identifying colorectal cancer early, so it can be effectively treated. If colorectal cancer is caught early, five-year survival rates are as high as 90 percent. However, many people do not seek routine screening, and don’t experience symptoms until their cancers are advanced and harder to treat.     

The American Cancer Society recommends that adults at average risk for colorectal cancer should be screened every five years starting at age 45. Unfortunately, the disparities that persist in many areas of health care continue to affect colorectal cancer screening.     

For example, according to the Ohio Department of Health, colorectal cancer is diagnosed in more than 5,200 Ohioans each year, and the state’s colorectal cancer mortality rate among Blacks from 2012 to 2016 was 20% higher than that of whites.     

Strategies to reduce these disparities include offering more options for screening.     

“I believe that it is important to not pressure people to use one particular screening approach. It is up to them and their doctor to determine the method and frequency that is best in their case,” says AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio Market Chief Medical Officer Steven Spalding, M.D. “The important thing is that everyone get regularly screened.”     

Screening methods, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) recommended frequency for those at average risk, include:     

• Every Year: A fecal occult blood test or fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Both check for blood in your stools. These tests can be done in your own home, and require no advance preparation or dietary restrictions.     

• Every 1-3 Years: A FIT-DNA test, which combines FIT with a test that looks for altered DNA in the stool. This test also can be done at home without advance preparation.     

• Every 5 Years: A flexible sigmoidoscopy, in which a doctor puts a short, thin, flexible tube into your rectum and the lower third of the colon. The device allows the doctor to remove most polyps and take biopsies.     

• Every 10 Years: A colonoscopy, which is similar to a flexible sigmoidoscopy but examines the entire colon. Your doctor also will conduct a colonoscopy if any of the other screening methods reveal anything unusual.     

AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, a Medicaid managed care organization that is slated to begin serving Ohio Medicaid enrollees later this year, will cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests on the CDC’s schedule from ages 45 to 75, and earlier and/or more frequently for members considered to be higher risk. However, other Medicaid plans can have different policies, so be sure to check with your health plan.   

 For more information about AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, visit www.amerihealthcaritasoh.com.