(NewsUSA) -Right now, moving may be a little challenging as property value has gone up tremendously and the number of homes on the market is low. The next best option is to remodel and expand your home office, home gym, or add a patio for outdoor gatherings.

If you own your home and have a mortgage, a cash-out refinancing option may be an easy way to have the money to tackle your home improvement project. Since interest rates are still quite low now may be a good time to tap into your home's equity. Many homeowners may not realize that cash-out refinancing can help fund these projects. A cash-out refinance is not a second mortgage. It is borrowing against the equity in your home or money you have already paid towards your mortgage. A cash-out refinance will require that you refinance your home most likely at a lower rate. The new loan amount will be slightly more than the remaining balance of your home because it will include the amount of cash you take out for you or your family.

Cash-out refinancing is beneficial because it can increase monthly cash flow and allow you to make good use of the funds you take out, according to Freedom Mortgage, one of the nation's full-service mortgage lending company and a leader in FHA and VA loans according to Inside Mortgage Finance, 2020.

The benefits of cash-out refinancing aren't limited to home improvements. Funds from a cash-out refinancing also can be used to pay for a college education or to consolidate high-interest debts at a lower interest rate. Homeowners can typically borrow up to 80% of the value of their homes without paying the private mortgage insurance (PMI) required by some lending situations. That means if you have more than 20% equity in your home, you can use that equity to get cash now.

To help homeowners explore their options and determine how much cash they can obtain, Freedom Mortgage offers a free cash-out refinancing calculator that enables the user to determine what makes sense and the amount of their new monthly payment.

For more information, visit https://www.freedommortgage.com/cash-out-refinance.

By Maria Sophocles, MD 
For NewsUSA

(NewsUSA) - The pandemic created a major shift in the way people consume - and, more importantly, trust - information, especially as it relates to vaginal health. In fact, a new survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of RepHresh of 2,000 American women age 24-34 reveals that two in five women named Google as their go-to source of information over a physician when experiencing discomfort or vaginal health symptoms.

Many women are also turning to social media for health advice. For example, on TikTok, hashtags relating to the words "sex education" have over 70 million views. A now infamous TikTok video, providing a tutorial on how to relieve constipation through "vaginal splinting" has racked up over 3 million views and the latest popular #icecubechallenge claims to tighten the vagina and curb bacterial overgrowth.

While these trending DIY/at-home medical hacks can be entertaining, many of these practices are not only ineffective at controlling the natural balance of good and bad bacteria, but can be dangerous and cause more harm than good. Melting an ice cube in the vagina can elevate the natural pH balance and trigger a bacterial infection as the pH of water (7.5-8) is higher than the normal vaginal pH (3.5-4.5). And, while vaginal splinting is a scientific method used by medical professionals, experts caution trying it at home as it poses a risk of bacterial spread if not done properly.

The RepHresh survey found that over half (51%) thought a vagina should have a neutral pH, and only 12% correctly identified "moderately acidic" as the ideal pH balance. In addition, the top three most Googled phrases and questions respondents needed answers about included "vaginal discharge" (44%), "do I have a yeast infection?" (39%) and "vaginal odor" (37%).

With an uptick in misinformation, most women frequently misdiagnose their vaginal symptoms. That's why it's more critical than ever that women turn to trusted health care professionals for advice, proper diagnosis and remedies for the actual problem.

Here are a few important things women might not know, but need to know to maintain good vaginal health:

1. Vaginal odor is completely normal and should not be a cause for alarm. Refrain from using unnecessary scented products, including wipes and washes that claim to eliminate odor with fruity or flowery fragrances, as this will not solve the root cause of the issue, which is an unbalanced pH. Do look for clinically-backed and doctor-recommended products for vaginal health, such as over-the-counter RepHresh Gel, which rebalances pH to a healthy range, eliminates odor, and lasts up to three days.

2. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections can present similar symptoms, such as unusual vaginal discharge and discomfort, so when women run to the drug store and buy an OTC yeast medication such as Monistat, they are not addressing the root cause of the problem. Two out of three times it is BV, which must be treated with an antibiotic from their health care provider. But, antibiotics can kill the good and bad bacteria and cause a yeast infection, so make sure to take a vaginal probiotic once a day such as RepHresh Pro-B as it contains 2 strains of vaginal lactobacilli to keep the vaginal flora in balance and eat foods high in probiotics like a healthy no-sugar-added Greek yogurt, kefir, kimchi, or miso.

3. High sugar and alcohol intake can elevate pH imbalances and contribute to an overgrowth of yeast. Maintain a healthy moderation of sugary drinks and junk food as excess amounts not only impact vaginal health, but overall weight gain and wellness.

4. Vaginal discharge is a completely normal function in which the vagina naturally removes old cells to keep the environment healthy and clean. Some women have more discharge, while others might experience very little, and it can change in color and thickness depending on the ovulation cycle. However, discharge accompanied with itching, burning, fishy odor, swelling, unusual color, or pelvic pain should be brought to a doctor's attention as it can be a bacterial infection or STI and must be treated appropriately.

Before trying something new, consult with your healthcare provider especially when things seem off to ensure the safety and efficacy of the method or product you are considering. And, don't miss your annual OB/GYN visit.

Maria Sophocles, MD, OB/GYN is the Medical Director of Women's Healthcare of Princeton in Princeton, NJ.

(NewsUSA)

"A Pastor's Pit"
by Judge Roy Sparkman

Religious liberty is under attack in the United States. Faced with legal challenges for the mere action of preaching from the Bible, Pastor Preston and his supporters confront a terrifying truth: the U.S. Constitution is no defense against a biased district attorney obsessed with sending him to prison.

A "Pastor's Pit" exposes the threat to the religious liberty that people of all faiths take for granted, as well as the crucial role that U.S. Supreme Court appointments and presidential elections play in maintaining the rights of all citizens. How can a pastor be indicted and tried for the "crime" of preaching from the Bible? Will the courts send him to prison or uphold his constitutional freedoms? Purchase at https://amzn.to/2NHapnh.

"Irina"
by Philip Warren

A masterfully detailed historical novel of culture, religion, history and politics of the times intertwined with a deeply moving portrayal of tragedy, hope and perseverance. This is Irina's journey from Polish serving girl to French businesswoman. Her determination and curiosity will make you cheer, and her harrowing escape from those who would thwart her progress will have you holding your breath.

Poznan, Poland 1378. Irina is dying. Despite her storied life, one loss is not accounted for: her only son. In a world dominated by men, Irina finds that she can thrive, having everything she could want but the answer to one question. A rich, wonderful saga. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3hQ859Y.

"On the Way to Casa Lotus"
by Lorena Junco Margain

This is a memoir of family, art, injury and forgiveness. The author -- a passionate art collector and devoted wife and mother -- is already shaken after abruptly fleeing Mexico and relocating in the USA with her family. Then, she learns she has a tumor, which simple surgery can mend. But to err is human -- even for surgeons. Rather than improve after surgery, her condition worsens.

Deeply compassionate, wise and poetic, the memoir lays bare some of the most poignant contradictions of the human condition, blurring the distinctions between guilt and neglectfulness, anger and sorrow, humility and shame, gratitude and despair. The book plants a seed of hope that loss and pain can serve a higher purpose. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3vYcbRf.

"Indecent Exposure"
by Viola Trivette 

Meera and Aaron have been pitted against each other since law school in their fight for a higher class rank and their ever-growing gap in political views. Apart from constant class bickering, Meera avoids Aaron after an awkward moment in an empty classroom their first year. However, as graduation approaches, she starts to regret all those nights she spent alone in the library and finally agrees to go out with her roommate where she bumps into Aaron at a noisy club.

Although both characters are undeniably drawn to one another, they refuse to admit what's between them. What ensues is a game of back-and-forth as they each try to force the other to concede. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3he4Xok.

NOTE: BookTrib's Bites is presented by BookTrib.com

(NewsUSA) - Financial planning can be complex, so when you seek guidance in planning your financial future, it's essential to work with someone you can trust.

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional makes a commitment to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary, which means acting in their clients' best interests at all times when providing financial advice. You should want a financial adviser who makes this commitment directly to you. Therefore, whomever you choose as your financial professional, including a CFP® professional, you should consider getting a written engagement that requires them to have a fiduciary obligation to you.

Professional standards are important to protect consumers. CFP Board's Code and Standards sets forth the commitment that all CFP® professionals make to CFP Board. This includes duties to maintain the confidentiality and protect the privacy of client information.

In addition, CFP® professionals commit to CFP Board to disclose any conflicts of interest that might affect the professional relationship and compromise the CFP® professional's ability to act in their clients' best interests.

Approximately one year ago, CFP Board updated its Code and Standards to mandate that all CFP® professionals commit to CFP Board to act as fiduciaries for their clients when providing financial advice.

"Simply put, someone acting as a fiduciary should deliver financial advice that is clear, specific, objective and thorough," says Dan Candura, a CFP Board Emeritus® member and Founder of Candura Group, LLC.

Professionals who follow CFP Board's Code and Standards commit to fulfilling three key duties as part of their fiduciary duty:

- Duty of Loyalty. This means putting their clients' interests first.

"Your interests should be placed above the interest of the CFP® professional and the CFP® professional's firm," according to CFP Board's website.

- Duty of Care. This means being careful, acting with prudence and diligence in making recommendations to clients.

For example, if you receive a sudden windfall of money that you want to delay investing, a CFP® professional who abides by a commitment to CFP Board will review the reasonable options and consider factors such as risks and interest rates in making the best recommendation.

- Duty to Follow Client Instructions. This means complying with all objectives, policies, restrictions, and other terms on which you have agreed, and "all reasonable and lawful directions of you, the client," according to CFP Board.

"Meeting these three duties enables CFP® professionals to honor their commitment to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary, in the client's best interest. Certainly, that is what every client deserves," Candura says.

To learn more about how CFP Board's Code and Standards for CFP® professionals help protect consumers, visit LetsMakeAPlan.org.

"Rene Descartes Does Not Exist"
by A.R. LaBaere 

One reviewer describes this most unusual work: "An audacious experiment in Cosmicism and disoriented terror. It repeats, falls over itself, reinvents, creates layers of complex meaning and uses grammatical mistakes in a creative way. At first it is truly maddening and seems as if it goes on forever, but by the time one is in the section about the King in Yellow, it really takes off and puts the reader in an absolutely cosmic sense of despair."

"This is for advanced readers in the Lovecraft-Chambers tradition, who will understand the subtle references and be able to read an unending stream of consciousness mode. I fell in love with it after a whole series of challenges to my sanity and ability to suspend disbelief." Purchase at https://amzn.to/3mYswCn.

"Ryder Stephens"
by Veronica L. Ventura

Ryder Stephens is a popular girl who tumbled through her 13 years with effortless ease -- until her center fell. After witnessing her mother's death, Ryder takes to the streets to right the wrongs thrust upon her by an unjust world. Hardships lead to foolish decisions. Starving and failing, pieces of Ryder's shattered ego spill onto the NYC streets. All is lost until that one freezing morning, she spots Jack.

Inviting her into his home, Ryder makes a decision: no more flashbacks, no more grief. With one click, she deletes her past. As different and complicated as Jack’s family is, a fake family is a good deal better than no family at all. Then, the unthinkable happens. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3h7G516.

"Legacy"
by Chris Coppel

In this spine-chilling, time-traveling horror, Craig Edmonds and his young family are awoken at 2 a.m. by someone banging at their front door. On their doorstep they find an unexpected delivery... a large crate with a generic label addressed to his family. Craig, a sheriff in southern Utah and former elite Marine sniper with psychological scars, opens the crate to discover an intricately carved wooden mirror.

Now Craig must fight an enemy and battle against the embodiment of evil in a desperate attempt to save his family. His mission will take him 25 years into the past and 6,000 miles from home in order to defeat the reanimation of a 16th century English witch. Purchase at https://amzn.to/31ylhHp.

"Rascal on the Run"
by Howard Tate Scott

Drawn into a web of small-town secrets, family drama, and the rusted tentacles of the Dixie Mafia, a young lawyer is forced to confront his own notions of justice, freedom, love, and sobriety. When an episode of Unsolved Mysteries leads to the capture of a murder suspect on the run for 25 years, the ominous pattern of facts drags a4ttorney Critter Stillwell into a hidden corner of his father Guy's past.

Attorney Guy had defended a black woman charged with the murder of a KKK thug. By the time it was over, Critter's world and the sleepy town of Athens, GA, were in flames. Now an older, wiser Critter discovers stunning connections between Guy's case and his own. He must choose between his duty to the law and an unwavering loyalty to his flawed but charismatic father. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2ROaAig.

NOTE: BookTrib's Bites is presented by BookTrib.com

(NewsUSA) -With the reopening of in-person events and activities comes a reassessment of how to carry the necessary gear for those activities.

For performing musicians or kids taking music lessons, the music stand has long been a sticking point. Many portable music stands are problematic, with sharp edges that can damage instruments, and pointy edges that poke through bags.

The Wee Stand by Noisy Clan is designed to tackle the main problems of portable stands.

Whether you are a musician on the go, or the parent of a music student, the Wee Stand's unique features and smooth design may be music to the ears of those who need to transport music stands.

The creators of Wee Stand are musicians and parents, and they were inspired to design the stand after frustration with the current options.

"Our kids had become experts at juggling it all - rucksacks, PE kits, instruments, music bags, and music stands - but it was always the stands that wouldn't fit," the inventors say on the company website.

"As parents and as lifelong musicians, we didn't want anything to get in the way of our children's joy in playing music," they explain.

Adult musicians will also appreciate the sleek design and features of the stand, which is durable, portable, and versatile. The stand is engineered to fold flat for easy packing into a bag or backpack, or even a pocket, with no rough edges.

- Size matters. Not only does the Wee Stand weigh in at less than 20 ounces, it expands from a compact tabletop mode of 11 inches to full standing height of 49 inches, with intermediate height options of 18 inches, 25 inches, 33.5 inches, and 41 inches.

- Easy reading. The Wee Stand includes sheet saver tabs to hold sheet music in place, but also features a pair of swing-out swivel clips that accommodate books or multiple sheets.

- Steady and Ready. The Wee Stand is simple to assemble, and the carbon fiber legs are easy to extend and retract, with rubber feet to hold the stand in place. A combination counterweight and carrying strap allows users to add stability.

Visit noisyclan.com for more information about the product and the company's kickstarter page.

(NewsUSA) -Durante la pandemia, Geraldine Bradshaw, directora de escuela en Durham, North Carolina, trabajó como voluntaria para un ensayo clínico que evaluaba una de las vacunas contra el COVID-19. Dice que sus estudiantes la motivaron a hacerlo y, a su vez, quiso motivar a los afroamericanos, como ella. "Me dio la posibilidad de ayudar a allanar el camino para que estos niños tengan un futuro mejor", dice Bradshaw, "y mostrarles lo importante que es que personas como ellos contribuyan con el progreso de la ciencia".

Ahora, Bradshaw puede ver cómo su participación dio frutos, dado que la mitad de los adultos se ha vacunado por completo.

"La ciencia es parte de la solución para poner fin a esta pandemia", dice Gary H. Gibbons, M.D., director del Instituto Nacional del Corazón, los Pulmones y la Sangre, que forma parte de los Institutos Nacionales de la Salud (NIH, por sus siglas en inglés).

Y a lo largo del camino, en cada paso hacia el descubrimiento científico, la seguridad está primero. La seguridad es una guía constante en el camino científico hacia las vacunas y los tratamientos. La seguridad marca la dirección para los líderes científicos, como Gibbons, que evalúan y financian la investigación. La seguridad y la ciencia, informa también el reclutamiento de voluntarios - como Bradshaw- quienes colaboran con los investigadores y participan en los ensayos clínicos, delimitan la supervisión rigurosa y continua de los estudios, determinan la aprobación reglamentaria, encaminan las iniciativas de participación en las comunidades y guían a los médicos, enfermeras y enfermeros que trasladan estos descubrimientos a los pacientes.

Sin embargo, los mitos y la información engañosa han generado dudas, confusión y desconfianza. Esto ha dado lugar a esfuerzos para que muchas comunidades, en especial las más afectadas por el COVID-19, hablen sobre por qué deben confiar en la ciencia detrás de las nuevas vacunas y tratamientos.

"Informar a la gente de mi comunidad sobre la seguridad y la eficacia de estas vacunas, y cómo funcionan, es mi pasión", dice Ian Moore, Ph.D., uno de los jefes de patologías infecciosas del Instituto Nacional de Alergias y Enfermedades Infecciosas, también parte de los NIH, quien supervisa la seguridad en las primeras fases de investigación de las vacunas en el laboratorio.

Moore no está solo. "Puedo decir con plena certeza que esta vacuna es segura y eficaz", dice Lisa A. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H., profesora de medicina y salud pública de la Universidad Johns Hopkins, quien evaluó y supervisó el ensayo clínico de la vacuna de Moderna contra el COVID-19, la cual probó ser segura y tener un 94% de eficacia para prevenir el desarrollo de una enfermedad grave. "Mi función me permite disipar cualquier preocupación que planteen familiares y amigos, y asegurarme de que sigan confiando en la ciencia".

Y para muchos otros que velan por la seguridad e integridad del proceso de investigación, es un tema personal.

"Parte de mi función como médica en enfermedades infecciosas es desarrollar determinados protocolos clínicos", dice Katya Corado, M.D., investigadora del Instituto Lundquist. "Puedo proporcionar información segura a nuestras comunidades que han sido devastadas por el COVID. Ya no quiero ver a mis padres, mis abuelos o mis primos morir a causa del COVID".

Nuestros esfuerzos de alcance a la comunidad han ayudado. De acuerdo con una encuesta realizada por el Pew Research Center en febrero, aproximadamente el 70 % de todos los adultos y el 61 % de los adultos afroamericanos tiene previsto vacunarse, en comparación con el 60 % de todos los adultos y el 42 % de los adultos negros encuestados en noviembre.

Y según los Centros de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades, de los más de 123 millones de adultos que fueron vacunados por completo en mayo, aproximadamente 1949, menos del .001 %, presentó un caso grave de COVID-19.

Como mensajero de confianza de su comunidad, Olveen Carrasquillo, M.D., M.P.H., jefe de medicina interna general de la Universidad de Miami, difunde este tipo de noticias a través de iniciativas de alcance a la comunidad. "Como médico de la comunidad latina, con más de 20 años de experiencia, es muy importante para mí que nuestras comunidades tan afectadas reciban la atención y la educación que necesitan y merecen", manifiesta. "Para asegurar que mi comunidad sobreviva al COVID-19, debo instruir a los pacientes, familiares y amigos sobre la ciencia relacionada con el COVID-19 y el desarrollo de las vacunas".

Y Chyke Doubeni, M.D., médico de familia de la Mayo Clinic y participante en el ensayo de la vacuna, expresa: "Ahora les digo a todos, con certeza, que vacunarse es seguro. Lo sé porque yo he estado involucrado."

Para más información acerca de la ciencia y los recursos relacionados con el COVID-19 en su comunidad, visite https://covid19community.nih.gov/espanol.

(NewsUSA) - During the pandemic, Geraldine Bradshaw, a school principal in Durham, North Carolina, volunteered for a clinical trial that tested one of the COVID-19 vaccines. She says her students inspired her to do so and she in turn wanted to inspire African Americans like herself. "It gave me the power to help pave a way for these children to have a better future," Bradshaw says, "and show them how important it is that people who look like them aid in the progression of science."

Now, Bradshaw can see how her participation paid off, as half of adults are fully vaccinated.

"Science is part of the solution to ending this pandemic," says Gary H. Gibbons, M.D., director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health.

And at every step on the pathway to scientific discovery, safety leads the way. Safety always guides the scientific pathway toward vaccines and treatments. Safety steers scientific leaders like Gibbons, who review and fund research. Safety, and science also inform recruitment of volunteers like Bradshaw, who partners with researchers and participate in clinical trials, frames the rigorous and continuous oversight of studies, determines regulatory approval, guides engagement efforts in communities, and directs doctors and nurses who bring these discoveries to patients.

Yet myths and misleading information have generated questions, confusion, and mistrust. This has spurred an effort for many communities, especially those hit hardest by COVID-19, to talk about why they should trust the science behind new vaccines and treatments.

"It is my passion to communicate the safety and efficacy of these vaccines, and how they work, to people in the community," says Ian Moore, Ph.D., a chief of infectious disease pathology at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, also part of the NIH, who oversaw safety at the earliest stages of vaccine research in the lab.

Moore's in good company. "I can say with the utmost confidence that this vaccine is safe and effective," says Lisa A. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H., a professor of medicine and public health at Johns Hopkins University, who reviewed and monitored Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine trial, which proved safe and 94% effective at preventing severe illness. "My role allows me to ease any concerns raised by family and friends and make sure they continue to trust the science."

And for many others on the scientific pathway, it's personal.

"Part of my role as an infectious disease physician is developing certain clinical protocols," says Katya Corado, M.D., a researcher at the Lundquist Institute. "I am able to confidently provide details to our communities which have been devastated by COVID. I no longer want to see my parents, my grandparents, or my cousins dying of COVID."

This type of outreach only seems to help. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in February, nearly 70% of all adults and 61% of Black adults planned to get vaccinated compared to 60% of all adults and 42% of Black adults polled in November.

And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among the more than 123 million adults who were fully vaccinated in May, approximately 1,949, less than .001%, reported severe COVID-19 illness.

As a trusted messenger within his community, Olveen Carrasquillo, M.D., M.P.H., a chief of general internal medicine at the University of Miami, shares this type of news through community-engaged outreach. "As a Latino physician, with more than 20 years of experience, it is very important to me that our hardest-hit communities receive the care and education they need and deserve," he says. "To ensure my community survives COVID-19, I educate my patients, family, and friends on the science surrounding COVID-19 and vaccine development."

And Chyke Doubeni, M.D., a family physician at the Mayo Clinic and a vaccine trial participant, shares, "I now tell everybody with confidence, that getting the vaccine is safe. I know, because I was involved."

To learn more about COVID-19 science and resources in your community, visit https://covid19community.nih.gov.

Even as the pandemic wanes and more workers return to in-person settings, employers and employees recognize that the workplace model has changed, and the demand for internet service will likely remain high.

However, reliable, affordable internet service remains a challenge in many parts of the country, notably in rural areas.

Companies such as Viasat have stepped up to connect unserved and underserved areas, and they have optimized their network based on customer needs and overall increased demand. Satellite internet service helps bridge the "digital divide" by providing service in remote areas that fall outside the zones where terrestrial providers are unable to serve.

Leading global consumer-technology media brand, CNET, recently named Viasat "best satellite provider" of 2021 for U.S. rural internet service because of its high speed, high data volume, and reasonable prices for Wi-Fi equipment rental costs. Many people living in remote regions before the pandemic, as well as those who moved from urban to rural areas seeking more space in the midst of the pandemic, discovered they can perform their jobs effectively without commuting when connected to reliable and quality internet.

In a recent survey conducted by Viasat, users in these remote regions responded that email was the most important internet service they needed to work from home, followed by the ability to make video calls, and satellite internet supports these functions.

In addition, many older residents in remote areas have discovered that reliable internet access brings safety and connection with family, friends, and medical care.

Moreover, 66% of respondents in these remote regions said that they plan to work from home in the future if given a choice. Satellite internet service makes it possible for residents in remote areas to work and remain productive from home.

For more information, visit https://www.viasat.com/home-internet/.

(NewsUSA)