(NewsUSA) - The COVID-19 pandemic and historically low mortgage interest rates have caused a flurry of home buying across the United States. Families are searching for more flexible work or learning spaces, larger homes and spacious yards for cooped up kids.

For those just getting started, an Arizona-based real estate rewards and referral network company, RBN (Real Buyer Network), offers homebuyers added value to their purchase through its relationship with American Express.

Here's how it works: Homebuyers use an RBN participating agent for their home purchase and they can earn American Express Membership Rewards® points up to the purchase price of the home.

Larry and Myra of North Carolina recently earned more than 500,000 reward points with RBN. "We enrolled with RBN and were put in touch with Thomas Wohl, Broker, Realtor and it's probably the best decision we ever made. Thomas was not just interested in us buying a house, but rather we bought the RIGHT house for us." The home purchase itself follows the traditional real estate process of cash or mortgage financing.

Founder Kipp Lassetter says, before prospective homebuyers get started, before touring any homes, before interviewing any other agents or doing anything in the home buying process, they need to visit RBN's site.

"Choose from the most qualified participating agents, buy their home through the traditional real estate process and earn rewards. Using an RBN participating agent is a no-brainer."

Lassetter was inspired to found RBN after his own home buying experience, in which he struggled to find a real estate agent with expertise in local neighborhoods and a willingness to go the extra mile on service and support.

RBN fills this niche by partnering with the best local agents and rewarding homebuyers for selecting these agents.

"Each participating agent endures a rigorous vetting process that includes a one-on-one interview and review of sales performance," Lassetter says.

Home purchasers have already earned millions of rewards points using RBN participating real estate agents. If you don't have an existing American Express account, don't worry. The RBN virtual wallet tracks and maintains your points until you connect to an eligible account.

Visit joinrbn.com for more information and to connect with an RBN participating real estate agent in your area.

(NewsUSA) -Students and educators alike have been facing increased hardship this school year, navigating hybrid and remote learning environments while balancing schoolwork and other priorities. While individuals of all ages struggle with stress, research shows that teenagers are experiencing more anxiety than other age groups due to the pandemic.

Even before COVID-19, many teens experienced difficulty coping with academic stress, which is now compounded by missing a year of critical developmental socialization. As a result, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 63% of young adults have reported feelings of anxiety and depression in the wake of COVID-19.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year the social-emotional wellness of America's youth has taken on even more importance. Hoping to reach those searching for guidance and needing a place to start, people across the country are sharing resources promoting self-care and wellness tips. In our classrooms, many educators are looking to provide support to their students as children and teens urgently seek resources to better cope with and understand their emotions.

Fortunately, there are proven programs and resources available to improve lifelong social and emotional well-being. One noteworthy nationwide initiative called "Life's Good: Experience Happiness" promotes social-emotional wellness and mental health education in youth. This science-based program is built on six teachable skills that can help individuals overcome adversity and build emotional resilience, according to John I. Taylor, senior vice president at LG USA, the lead sponsor of Experience Happiness.

Developed by researchers at The University of California, Berkeley, the skills are: mindfulness, human connection, positive outlook, purpose, generosity and gratitude. "To help bring these life-changing skills to America's youth, we worked with leading non-profits and educators," says Taylor. "And we're pleased to see positive results. Whether they experience social-emotional learning at school or at home, students who practice happiness skills are better able to cope with stress and demonstrate better behavior towards their work, their peers and their teachers."

The Experience Happiness program is available through digital, downloadable resources that help individuals develop tools for better lifelong wellness. Its social impact partners -- Be Strong, Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), Discovery Education, Inner Explorer, and The Greater Good Science Center -- and LG recognize the importance and urgency of delivering these resources. In fact, thanks to outstanding educators championing social-emotional learning, more than 4 million students across the country have already been taught these lifelong skills.

"In this unprecedented school year, it's essential to connect communities to resources that support all students in learning and practicing the necessary skills to build happiness in any learning environment," says Beth Meyer, Vice President of Corporate & Community Partnerships at Discovery Education. "Helping students cultivate self-confidence, manage stress and maintain their well-being so they can thrive has never been more critical."

On the front lines in today's youth mental health crisis are educators who embrace social-emotional learning as a vital part of their curriculum. In honor of their unparalleled impact in providing mental health tools to students, 50 "Superhero Teachers" across the United States were recognized this spring for their dedication to teaching the six sustainable happiness skills and going above and beyond to support their students especially during these challenging times.

"Teachers across the country are championing the use of practices such as mindfulness in the classroom, which remains instrumental in supporting students' ongoing mental health and wellbeing," adds Laura Bakosh, Ph.D., Co-Founder of Inner Explorer. "The LG Experience Happiness program will continue to be pivotal in helping reach more youth and educators with these skills."

Looking ahead, these students will have the tools to manage and improve their emotions as they grow into responsible, motivated, self-aware and (of course) happier adults. For more information, visit lgexperiencehappiness.com.

(NewsUSA) - THE ULTIMATE OFFICE FAN EXPERIENCE

Beginning on January 1, 2021, you can stream every episode of The Office only on Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming service. Whether you have watched the series ten times through, or have never seen a single episode, Peacock has every fan covered. Peacock provides a variety of ways to relive The Office's best pranks, romances, quotes and more.

Binge through every milestone in Jim and Pam's relationship and listen to Michael Scott utter the words "that's what she said" more times than you can count in the original series or enjoy these moments and more with The Office: Superfan Episodes that include never-before-seen footage and deleted scenes in extended cuts. See a sample of an extended cut clip from season 3 of The Office here.

Looking for more? Peacock offers fans behind-the-scenes content, including bloopers, featurettes, and interviews, as well as special curated, themed episode collections, clip playlists, and a 24/7 channel of ambient noise devoted to the sights and sounds of an office.

Just like the soft pretzels on Stanley's favorite day of the year, Pretzel Day, the first two seasons of The Office are completely free to enjoy. The remaining episodes from seasons 3-9 and The Office: Superfan Episodes are available for Peacock Premium subscribers. In February, Spanish-language streaming options will become available for the first time, too.

ENJOY COMEDY CLASSICS AND MORE ON PEACOCK

The Office joins Peacock's library of comedy classics and current hits from NBCUniversal and beyond, including Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock, Saturday Night Live, Cheers, Everybody Loves Raymond, George Lopez, The King of Queens, The Amber Ruffin Show, Saved by the Bell, and much more.

Peacock brings together everything people love about TV and streaming to deliver the best live and on-demand programming from NBCUniversal and beyond. Sign up for Peacock today -- completely free -- and enjoy thousands of hours of current and classic movies and shows, exclusive channels, timely news and sports, late-night, reality, and more. Or upgrade to Peacock Premium for just $4.99 per month and enjoy access to thousands of hours of movies, shows, originals, live news, and sports. You can also go ad-free for just $5 more per month.

HOW TO WATCH

Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Flex customers enjoy access to Peacock Premium, including all episodes of The Office, at no extra cost. X1 and Flex customers can also unlock an exclusive The Office surprise by repeating famous quotes from the iconic series into the Xfinity Voice Remote such as "Dunder Mifflin," "Bob Vance," "I'm not superstitious," and "Fool me once, strike one" to hear audio Easter eggs from Michael and the gang.

Peacock is available nationwide on the Roku platform; Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV 4K, and Apple TV HD; Google platforms and devices, including Android, Android TV devices, Chromecast, and Chromecast built-in devices; Microsoft's Xbox One family of devices, including Xbox One S and Xbox One X; Sony PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro; and VIZIO SmartCast TVs and LG Smart TVs. In addition to Comcast's Xfinity X1 and Flex customers, Cox Contour customers enjoy Peacock Premium with their service at no additional cost.

Visit Peacocktv.com to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - If you're looking for a rewarding career complete with growth potential, and the satisfaction of helping others, financial planning could be your perfect fit. From striking out on your own to working at firms big or small helping families and individuals meet their financial goals and plan for the future, there are a variety of career options within the profession.

Today more than ever, diverse candidates can find myriad opportunities to enter and flourish within the financial services profession. An increasing number of firms that hire financial planners have implemented robust initiatives to foster greater diversity among their workforce and alleviate barriers to entry. These hiring initiatives don't show signs of slowing, as demand for competent, ethical financial advice continues to grow. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for an additional 11,600 advisors by 2029.

By joining the field, diverse graduates can help ensure the workforce is more representative of the population it serves while also better reaching and assisting diverse communities. Monique Jones, a student at North Carolina State University, explains that these factors were key in her decision to work toward entering the financial planning profession. "I aspire to aid in improving the accessibility of the portfolio of services offered by the industry to underserved and under-sought communities," she says.

Those interested in pursuing the profession can further distinguish themselves with potential employers by becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional, also known as a CFP® professional. CFP® professionals must meet rigorous education, experience, and ethical qualifications, and employers are increasingly seeking out the certification as the most desired credential in the financial planning field.

What's more, 83% of today's CFP® professionals say they have a competitive edge over other financial advisors, while 86% report that certification has had a positive impact on their career satisfaction. William Ohakam, who received a 2019 Envestnet scholarship to help defray the cost of becoming a CFP® certificant, explains that "obtaining the CFP® certification will enable me to provide additional value and create a more in-depth wealth management experience for my clients."

According to Yorri Berry, a 2020 Facet Wealth Scholar, becoming a CFP® professional means more than just a boost in the hiring process. "This investment will allow me to spend my career working to build equity so all clients and financially vulnerable communities have access to wealth," Berry says.

Joining the financial planning profession can open the door to a fulfilling, lifelong career, and at the same time help increase diversity in the workforce so that it better serves the U.S. population. If you'd like to learn more about opportunities in financial planning or CFP® certification and scholarship opportunities, visit www.cfp.net.

(NewsUSA) - A healthy immune system has always been important, but now more than ever, the best products for immune system support are those that boost both respiratory health and heart health.

Consumers looking to make their immune system as strong as possible need to know about several key ingredients that support immune system function at both the heart and respiratory levels.

Most products have been designed to support the immune system by providing the recommended amounts of daily vitamins and minerals to help protect against colds and the flu. Only a few manufacturers have formulated products to meet today's challenging environment. These unique products are engineered to promote respiratory and heart health, to help protect against viruses, and to support the body's ability to reduce inflammation and speed recovery.

"It's like upgrading a black and white TV to a high-definition flat screen color TV," says Dr. James Rouse, a naturopathic family doctor and consultant to BergaMet North America, a manufacturer of exclusive natural supplements.

The Clinical IMMUNE™ supplement product is revolutionizing the immune industry by combining 11 key ingredients including BetaVia™ Complete and Citrus Bergamot SuperFruit™ that focus directly on respiratory and heart heath. BetaVia™ is a patented proprietary form of beta glucans that has been clinically proven to lower respiratory symptoms up to 80%, and Citrus Bergamot Superfruit™ has more than 17 clinical trials that confirm a unique ability to support healthy cardiovascular systems including but not limited to cholesterol and blood sugar.

"We know from the clinical trials that Clinical IMMUNE works. It offers three levels of support: the three P's, Protection, Prevention and Propel," says Dr. Rouse. "With the three P's, the immune system recovers faster and stronger," Dr. Rouse explains. "I speak with so many people who are exhausted and stressed with today's overwhelming challenges. My recommendation is to do everything you can to protect yourself and your loved ones by strengthening your immune system."

Mique, a mother, wife and entrepreur from Colorado says, "I decided to try Clinical IMMUNE for my family and myself. Within days, we noticed that our sinuses and lungs felt clearer. She adds, "I checked with my doctor and I am told that the combination of ingredients in Clinical IMMUNE can be effective immediately," she adds.

Clinical IMMUNE also contains other key ingredients to promote a strong immune system including vitamins C, D, E, and B, as well as zinc and selenium. The addition of natural immune-system boosters alpha lipoic acid, L-glutamine, and olive leaf extract also help defend the body against free radicals and support a healthy metabolism.

Clinical IMMUNE is free of wheat, gluten, fish, egg, dairy, and lactose, and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Visit tryclinicalimmune.com for more information about the supplement or call 1-855-556-2131 for more details. The BergaMet North America stock symbol is HYEX.

(NewsUSA)

"Veronica Viggle and the Bubble Gum Machine: A Mad Scientist Story"
by Louis Goldman

A graphic novel for children (and adults) "with illustrations that jump off the page and characters that you cheer for." After being trapped by Veronica Viggle and held in the Mad Scientist's deep and dark (yet freshly scented) laboratory, the Little Boy is in for a world of trouble, destined to be turned into grasshoppers … or marshmallows … or worse yet, bubble gum!

The Little Boy's friends team up to stage a daring rescue from the Mad Scientist's laboratory. But can they overcome Veronica's cunning and the Mad Scientist's crafty inventions? You are about to find out!

"Conveys some eternal truths in a highly accessible manner, in language that is simple and clear." Purchase at https://amzn.to/39V0oLz.

"The Mystery at Turkelton Manor"
by Kraig Dafoe

Twelve-year-old Nathaniel Jones wants to be a detective. Though his imagination tends to run wild, Nate knows something strange is going on and he is determined to figure it out. Hearing noises at night, the young detective sees a strange figure lurking about.

The Turkeltons are rich, and Nate's grandfather is their groundskeeper. As a result, Nate gets to spend the summer on the manor grounds. With priceless art and expensive jewelry in the mix, and someone creeping around at night, Nate becomes determined to catch a thief. There's just one problem -- nothing seems to be missing. For ages 10 and up. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3rraUjn.

"Sink or Walk on Water"
by Stevenson Jones

"Stevenson will capture your heart, mind and faith. He takes you on a journey during a simple meeting, and when it's over you realize he has tricked you into discovering yourself."

Life has taught the author lessons that have helped him in his growth as a person. This book will inspire individuals from all walks of life because it speaks on a lot of everyday issues that we all face. The hope is that this book will help those who are unsure of their faith by listening to the author's story on how God has helped him overcome tough situations in life. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3d4C2RB.

"Vector to Destiny"
by George W. Kohn

In this memoir that goes beyond the classic Vietnam war story, the author faces a life-changing dilemma: Should he do what is expected of him or dare to pursue his heartfelt dream? His decision takes the reader on an inspiring, action-packed journey from a demanding farm life in Wisconsin to treacherous skies over Vietnam. He will capture your heart with farm adventures and his struggles and determination to get through college and Air Force pilot training.

You will be his co-pilot in an F4 Phantom jet, narrowly surviving perilous missions as a combat fighter pilot. Experience this compelling, true-life journey of a destiny accomplished through faith and perseverance. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3bFPmcK.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com

(NewsUSA) - After a year like no other, we are beginning to see glimpses of a return to our pre-pandemic lives. Public health guidance and scientific advances mean we are trickling back into our favorite restaurants, joining together to share meals, and toasting to a year of missing family and friends.

But these celebrations come with their fair share of greasy foods and bubbly beverages. And unfortunately, our favorite indulgences often bring an all-too-familiar side effect: heartburn.

Also known as acid reflux, heartburn can be a miserable experience: the burning sensation in your chest or throat may start after finishing a meal and last for hours afterwards. Other symptoms can include a hot, sour, or acidic fluid feeling in the back of your throat, as well as a lingering cough, sore throat, or hoarse voice. May is Digestive Disease Awareness Month so it's a great time to learn about self-care for heartburn.

If you experience heartburn, you're not alone: more than one in four adults have occasional heartburn with symptoms occurring at least once a week. And for some people, frequent heartburn is a struggle, with symptoms re-occurring even more often.

"Stress and unhealthy eating are two major causes of digestive symptoms including heartburn, and right now, my patients are experiencing both" says Dr. Michael Kreines of the Ohio Gastroenterology & Liver Institute. "With so many treatment options available for different types of heartburn, it can be tricky to know which option is best for you."

The first step to managing your heartburn is to take a look at your lifestyle choices. "It can be tempting to overindulge since we've gone so long without a reason to celebrate. But if you are prone to experiencing heartburn, it's important to avoid common triggers such as fatty and greasy foods and alcohol," says Kreines.

In addition to smart food choices, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can be a safe and effective way to help alleviate heartburn symptoms. For occasional heartburn symptoms, Dr. Kreines recommends OTC antacids (such as Gaviscon, Mylanta, or TUMS) or H2 blockers (such as PEPCID or Tagamet).

"If you suffer from heartburn two or more days per week, you may benefit from OTC proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs," says Kreines. "PPIs -- which include brand names Nexium 24HR, Prevacid 24HR, Prilosec OTC or Zegrid OTC -- are specifically indicated to treat symptoms of frequent heartburn."

The right treatment depends on the frequency and cause of your heartburn symptoms. Always talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions, or if you are struggling with more chronic or severe cases of heartburn. They can properly diagnose heartburn and other conditions.

"Whatever you do, don't ignore your heartburn symptoms," says Dr. Kreines. "In addition to causing significant pain, if left untreated, the stomach acid that causes heartburn can damage the esophagus -- known as GERD."

Your return to normal doesn't have to mean a return to heartburn symptoms. Be aware of your treatment options to keep heartburn at bay. To learn more, visit www.KnowYourOTCs.org. Created by the CHPA Educational Foundation, the site serves as a resource to help you navigate the OTC aisle when treating heartburn or other symptoms.

(NewsUSA) - Parenting has been described as "the toughest job you'll ever love," and figuring out how to keep your baby safe can be one of the most difficult elements of parenting. Child safety in the home is especially important as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic keeps more young children at home for longer periods of time.

"The best way to conduct a home safety check is to get down on all fours and look up at the world from the point of view of a crawling child," says Carolyn Ziegler, co-founder and product development director for Dreambaby.®

"It's amazing the hidden dangers you will identify," she adds.

The right child safety products are designed to make life easier for parents while keeping children safer at home and on the go.

Dreambaby® is a family-owned company with more than 20 years of experience in developing affordable, easy-to-use safety products.

With more young children at home (and more parents still working from home), safety products such as the Lever Door Lock from Dreambaby® provides peace of mind for parents by preventing curious children from exploring potentially dangerous areas of the house, such as laundry rooms, basements, or garages. The lock fits most lever-door handles, and can easily be engaged and disengaged by adults without the need for a key.

The arrival and increased distribution of coronavirus vaccines means that more people are venturing out of the house, and taking their babies with them. But child safety doesn't stop at the front door.

The Dreambaby® Non-Contact Rapid Response Infrared Forehead Thermometer provides a reliable reading within seconds of holding the device approximately one inch from the skin, so parents and caregivers can determine immediately whether fever is present.

Once you are out and about, the Dreambaby® Oxford Baby Carrier keeps your baby more secure, comfortable, and close to you. The carrier is designed to be worn three ways, with baby in front facing inward, in front facing outward, or riding backpack style with the carrier strapped on the parent or caregiver's back. Special features include an ergonomic design, easily adjustable and removable headrest, padded shoulder straps, lumbar support, and breathable mesh lining.

Visit dream-baby.com for more information about ways to keep your children safer, healthier, and happier.

(NewsUSA) - Celebrations of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Black History Month often prompt consideration of the United States' diversity and the many contributions made by people of different races and ethnicities. These occasions also provide opportunities for communities, organizations and businesses to reflect on their efforts to support and promote diversity.

The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) recently marked several milestones in its effort to increase the diversity of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professionals. From 2019 to 2020, the number of Black and Latino CFP® professionals increased by 12.6 percent - nearly five times the growth rate of all CFP® professionals. The number of female CFP® professionals also increased in 2020 and now totals 20,633, reflecting a growth rate of 3.1 percent over 2019.

The total number of CFP® professionals continued to rise as well, reaching an all-time high of more than 88,700. The strong and consistent growth underscores the attractiveness of financial planning careers and how CFP® certification has become the must-have designation for professionals providing financial advice.

One way in which the financial planning profession has increased the diversity of its ranks is through scholarship programs that support aspiring advisors from different backgrounds. The CFP Board Center for Financial Planning, for example, offers six scholarship programs that help to cover the costs of the coursework required to become a CFP® professional. Five of those programs were created specifically to assist individuals from underrepresented populations within the financial planning profession in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, disability or sexual preference.

The Center announced 48 new scholarship awards at the end of 2020, bringing the total number of scholarships granted through its programs to 100, with a value of roughly $500,000. Of the nearly 50 awards granted in 2020, 32 were given to female students, 32 to Black students, 2 to Latino students, and 4 to members of other underrepresented populations in terms of disability or sexual orientation. These scholarships play a critical role in building the profession's talent pipeline and advancing workforce diversity. To date, 11 scholarship recipients have become CFP® professionals, while 37 others are in the final stages of their CFP® certification process.

To learn more about the Center scholarship programs and other resources for diverse candidates for CFP® certification, visit CFP.net/get-certified/tools-and-resources.

(NewsUSA) -Cryptocurrency continues to make waves through the financial world, and more everyday Americans are getting in on the action, too.

Companies such as Coinme are making cryptocurrency accessible to everyone. The company has announced an expanded partnership with Coinstar, the global leader in self-service coin counting, to launch more than 350 bitcoin-enabled Coinstar® kiosks in North Carolina and Connecticut. With this expansion, the companies are bringing bitcoin to retail locations, including Food Lion and Harris Teeter in North Carolina and Big Y World Class Markets in Connecticut. This launch increases the U.S. footprint of bitcoin-enabled Coinstar kiosks to more than 6,000 across 47 states.

"We're excited to launch hundreds of new bitcoin-enabled Coinstar kiosks in Connecticut and North Carolina," says Neil Bergquist, CEO of Coinme.

"Simple, trusted and accessible cash-to-bitcoin onramps help hard-working Americans, including the 24% that are unbanked, gain access to bitcoin, which has proven to be an increasingly beneficial store of value."

More consumers are embracing cryptocurrency for a variety of purposes.

A recent Coinstar survey found that of those who use cryptocurrency, 53% of users focus on investment, while 37% say they use it to protect their money.

Cryptocurrency is an especially helpful option for people who don't have access to traditional banks or other assets. These individuals can purchase a portion of a bitcoin, known as a Satoshi, and improve their financial independence through the digital currency revolution.

"More Americans are coming to see the value of bitcoin, and we see this reflected in the continued popularity of Coinme's bitcoin offering on our kiosks," says Jim Gaherity, CEO of Coinstar.

"Through our partnership, we offer an easy-to-use avenue to purchase bitcoin on select Coinstar kiosks via Coinme."

To get started, users only need a valid mobile phone number, a driver's license or state I.D and cash in U.S. dollars.

Turning cash to bitcoin at a Coinme-enabled Coinstar kiosk involves just four simple steps:

• First, create an account.
• Second, find a convenient kiosk near you.
• Third, insert your cash into the kiosk (bills only).
• Fourth, redeem for bitcoin on the spot.

Coinme bitcoin-enabled Coinstar kiosks have several advantages over bitcoin ATMs, including safety backed by the latest regulatory compliance, and the ability to access bitcoin instantly in the Coinme Wallet, without the need to input separate wallet information.

Visit coinme.com for more information and to find a Coinme-enabled Coinstar kiosk near you.