(NewsUSA) - Toys for Tots is more than a Christmastime charity - thanks to a new partnership between the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and Good360.

Toys for Tots, the 74-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, is launching a DoGoodNow campaign to bring toys, books, and games to families in need throughout the year.

The charitable campaign is a partnership with Good360, a global leader in product philanthropy and purposeful giving.

"With so many families struggling during the pandemic, Good360 is proud to continue the great work of our Marine Toys for Tots partnership," says Matt Connelly, CEO of Good360.

"We've seen firsthand how toys, books, and games bring joy to children and their loved ones served by our nonprofit partners, and expanding our efforts will significantly increase the impact of our program."

The goal of the current campaign is to distribute one million more toys, books and games to families in need through the philanthropic organization's vast network of vetted and approved nonprofit partners.

Toys for Tots and Good360 began their collaboration in April 2020, and this partnership resulted in the distribution of nearly 2.2 million items by the end of 2020. Thanks to various Toys for Tots National Corporate Sponsors, the organization can provide additional assistance to families now, outside of the holiday season.

"We realize the importance of reminding children that there is still joy to be found in simple gifts every day, no matter how difficult things may be right now," says Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

"That is why we are providing one million toys to Good360 to distribute via their network of nonprofit organizations across the United States to DoGoodNOW."

Toys for Tots continues its mission as a flagship children's Christmas charity, but recognizes that families need support all year, and that the flow of donations can be unpredictable.

Although the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact many families, severe natural disasters also challenge communities.

To provide support in the wake of natural disasters, Toys for Tots also has joined Good360's Resiliency Pledge, which involves organizations and companies in community recovery.

Visit toysfortots.org for more information or to make a donation.

(NewsUSA) - Women have a lot on their plates, and sometimes important self-care can take a back seat to work, family and other obligations.

In fact, nearly 50% of adult women have high blood pressure, and nearly three-quarters of those with high blood pressure don't have it under control. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can significantly increase a woman's risk for a stroke, but a few important steps can help reduce that risk and give women (and their loved ones) one less thing to worry about.

"High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke and we know that 1 in 5 women will have a stroke and stroke kills more women than breast cancer," according to Dr. Monik Jiménez, a volunteer with the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association and associate epidemiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and assistant professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

"While high blood pressure isn't directly linked to gender, different health issues throughout a woman's life, such as birth control, pregnancy, and menopause, can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of stroke if left uncontrolled," according to Jiménez.

Doctors and researchers have found a link between birth control pills and an increase in blood pressure among some women. They say that it is more likely to occur in women who are already overweight, have kidney disease or have a family history of high blood pressure. A combination of birth control pills and smoking can be very dangerous to women and is not recommended. A woman's health during pregnancy can be a preview of her health in the future. Women who had high blood pressure during pregnancy are at an increased risk for developing high blood pressure and having a stroke later in life. The physical changes associated with menopause also increase a woman's risk of developing high blood pressure.

Of note, women of Black and Hispanic ethnicity may develop high blood pressure at a younger age and have a higher average blood pressure than other racial groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fortunately, 80% of strokes may be prevented and lowering high blood pressures reduces stroke risk. Women can measure their blood pressure at home regularly and let their doctors know if it's normally above 120/80.

In addition, lifestyle adjustments such as getting enough exercise, eating healthfully, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking can go a long way to reduce women's disease risk from high blood pressure.

For more information and tips about women's health and stroke prevention at all stages of life, visit GoRedForWomen.org/Risk

(NewsUSA)

"He'll Be Waiting"
by Liz Alterman

When Tess Porter agrees to pick up her boyfriend's college pal at the airport on a snowy December night, she has no idea she's about to embark on the most dangerous ride of her life. Two days later, the 17-year-old wakes up in a hospital with broken bones, unable to remember how she got there.

Her parents are acting strangely, and neither James, her boyfriend, nor her best friend Izzy has visited. As she struggles to physically recover, Tess wrestles with haunting questions: What happened? Will her memory ever return? And what if she's better off not recalling any of it? Purchase at https://amzn.to/2PtOUHi.

"Ellerslie"
by William Francis

"Who is the Lady of Ellerslie?" F. Scott Fitzgerald is hoping for a quiet retreat to write his next novel following "The Great Gatsby." He and his wife Zelda rent a mansion in Delaware known as Ellerslie. Their stay is anything but quiet. There is another guest staying at Ellerslie -- a female spirit who roams the property.

Looking to sell Ellerslie, the owner hires April Ross, the only female student at the University of Delaware's History Department, to research the estate's history. It doesn't take long before April realizes the true reason she was hired -- to uncover the identity of the ghost. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3l8Jmxe.

"Walking with Ghosts on Ward's Pond"
by Heidi Sprouse

In 1906, the murder of factory worker Grace Brown, found dead in a lake, rocks the nation. Her lover, Chester Gillette, is the main suspect. Journalist Charlie Baxter goes to the former home of Judge Ward, prosecutor in the case, where he finds himself haunted by Chester's ghost. He hears a scream and is stunned to meet Katherine Grace Brown, a woman who shares the name of the murder victim.

Katherine is tortured by nightmares of the same man and woman in a boat on a summer's night. She resembles the woman and feels her terror the moment she falls overboard. Katherine is hoping to find peace, but instead finds herself pulled into an old murder case. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3rO2e7w. 

"Love Him/Hate Him"
by Chris Bedell

Seventeen-year-old Connor doesn't believe his best friend Evelyn's death was an accident. Falling down the stairs was random, and Connor can't help but wonder if someone might've pushed her. Determined to find out the truth, Connor starts his own investigation.

He suspects a married man with whom she was having an affair, but he has an airtight alibi.

Complicating the situation is Connor's unexpected hookup with Evelyn's twin brother, Liam, who is trapped between his attraction to Connor and his abusive father. Connor struggles with his growing attraction for Liam. Their secret rendezvous are fun, but if Connor is going to have more with Liam, he'll have to be honest about his feelings and his suspicions of who killed Evelyn. Will either survive the truth? Purchase at https://amzn.to/38An9n0.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA)

"Shine Until Tomorrow"
by Carla Malden

A fun and touching novel about the people who raise us, the times that define us, and the stumbling blocks on our way to being a grown-up.

Social misfit Mari Caldwell learns from an old scrapbook that her white-collar parents were once blue denim hippies. After a fight with her mother, she storms out, swerves on her bike and flies smack into a tree. The next morning, she wakes up but something is wrong, everything is slightly off. She runs into a war protest only to realize it is June 1967.

In the epicenter of the Summer of Love, Mari makes friends with a would-be rock band, meets the grandfather she never knew, and discovers that love changes everything. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3c5GgpG.

"Clear: Living the Life You Didn't Dream Of"
by Herman J. Williams, MD

Herman J. Williams was on the verge of living his ultimate dream of becoming an orthopedic surgeon to elite athletes -- when his life took a shocking detour. How could a healthy 31-year-old collapse during an afternoon basketball game with his fellow medical residents? "No pulse!" they shouted. "He's not breathing." When the paramedics arrived, their defibrillator did not work!

By the grace of God, Herman survived. But this life-changing event killed the dream that he had worked so hard to achieve. Depressed and disabled, Herman refused to give up. So, he reinvented himself. Now he's sharing his inspiring success formula to help you endure life's crushing blows, so that you find purpose, and cultivate peace and joy every day. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3d9ENAL. 

"Your Next Big Idea: Improve Your Creativity and Problem-Solving"
by Samuel Sanders

Have you ever looked at a product and thought, "How come I didn't think of that?" This book will guide you to become more innovative, excel at ideation, and make better decisions -- with a little practice.

You can come up with the next game-changing idea to hit the market. In this business and self-help creativity book, you'll:

• See how people produce ideas by examining the world around them.
• Learn how to ask questions and recognize details about your observations.
• Complete creativity exercises to get in the right mindset, rid yourself of stigmas, and brainstorm solutions.
• Understand how to analyze the feasibility of your ideas.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3r1NPUh.

"When We Were All Still Alive "
by Keith McWalter

For Conrad Burrel, in the autumn of his life, the world has come apart. Having long ago lost his first wife, the mother of his grown daughter and a widow herself, to youth and pride, he's now lost his second to a violent accident. He must discover whether love survives death as well as divorce.

In the cities of his youth, Conrad finds he has one more lesson in love to learn from the one woman he's certain he can't live without. A portrait of a marriage, and a love song to ordinary lives. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3j7HdkJ.

BookTrib Bites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - There is no denying that a grilled cheese is the ultimate combination of crunchy bread and gooey cheese. So, if you are someone who considers grilled cheese to be its own food group, you are in luck!

Subway is taking grilled cheese sandwiches to the next level with new Fresh Melts. Guests can enjoy Subway's newest innovation by upgrading their favorite freshly made footlong into an extra cheesy, gooey and grilled sandwich for $1 more.

"Fresh Melts are our latest menu innovation to give guests fresh, smart choices that don't sacrifice taste or flavor," according to Chef Paul Fabre, Subway's senior vice president of culinary and innovation. "Our Melts are unique because they are grilled, not toasted, so we're creating the ultimate sandwich that has crunchy bread, melty cheese, and your favorite ingredients for a perfect bite every time," he emphasizes.

The new menu items are the latest addition to Subway's culinary lineup.

The Ham & Cheese Melt features Black Forest ham, fresh tomato, and Swiss cheese grilled to create an indulgent, freshly made choice. If you've been craving tuna, don't miss the 100 percent wild-caught tuna with mayo, fresh onion and melty provolone cheese in the Tuna Melt. Finally, the Steak & Cheese Melt offers a new twist on a classic favorite, grilled with melted cheese, and loaded with fresh onions and peppers. Of course, bread remains a key element of any sandwich, and Fresh Melts feature Subway's distinctive freshly baked bread, perfectly grilled.

To help melted cheese fans savor and share the goodness, guests who purchase a Fresh Melt online or through the Subway app can order a second Fresh Melt for 50 percent off with promo code BOGO50 at participating restaurants.

Making an indulgent choice is easy and safe with Subway's in-app and online ordering, contactless curbside pick-up and delivery.

Visit subway.com for more information about store locations and menu options, to place orders, or download the Subway app.

(NewsUSA) - As a young adult, you may find yourself working your first job, and enjoying your first apartment and first car.

And while retirement planning may be the farthest thing from your mind, it shouldn't be. Take some smart steps now, and you can reap the benefits later, with more money and resources than you might think possible.

"Saving and investing for your future is one of the most important things you can do," says Charles Sachs, CFP®, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional .

These tips from a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional can help:

Pay it forward. One of the easiest ways young adults can save for retirement is to invest in a 401(K) plan offered by an employer.

When you sign up for an automatic contribution, the money comes out of your paycheck before you see it, so you won't miss it now, but you will appreciate it later after it has grown over time.

Two other reasons to take advantage of a 401(k)? The extra funds earned if your employer matches your contributions (though not all employers do this) and funds saved because the money you put in a 401(k) is tax-deferred, which means it reduces your taxable income until you withdraw it in retirement.

- Pay it back. Another way to get a head start on a secure financial future is to set financial goals and prioritize early, according to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional Douglas Boneparth, CFP®.

"Know who you owe money to (government or private loans), how much you owe and the interest rates associated with each loan. Educate yourself and don't be in denial," he says.

"Take a look at your pay stub and start to understand all the different things that are withheld from your paycheck such as taxes, health insurance premiums and 401(k) contributions. What you end up with -- your 'net' -- is the money you actually have to build your budget," Mr. Boneparth explains.

Decide how to spend what's left. For many young adults, that includes paying off student loans, but also could involve saving for a house or for further education.

A CFP® professional can provide guidance and advice as you consider these points in retirement planning: What do you want? When do you want it? How much will it cost?

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org for more advice and tips to get in on the ground floor of smart money management and building wealth for retirement.

(NewsUSA) - - Las mujeres tienen mucho de qué ocuparse y, a veces, su cuidado personal queda relegado a causa del trabajo, la familia y otras obligaciones.

De hecho, 50% de las mujeres adultas tienen hipertensión arterial y casi tres cuartos de ellas no la tiene controlada. La hipertensión que no se controla puede aumentar considerablemente el riesgo de derrame cerebral en la mujer, pero hay algunos pasos importantes que pueden ayudar a reducir el riesgo y que sea un motivo menos de preocupación para las ellas (y sus seres queridos).

Según la Dra. Monik Jiménez, voluntaria de la American Heart Association/American Stroke Association y epidemióloga asociada de Brigham and Women's Hospital, y profesora adjunta de medicina de la Harvard Medical School y Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "la hipertensión es una de las principales causas de derrame cerebral y sabemos que una de cada cinco mujeres sufrirá un derrame cerebral, y que ello mata a más mujeres que el cáncer de mama."

Según Jiménez, "aunque la hipertensión no está directamente relacionada con el género, los diferentes temas de salud a lo largo de la vida de la mujer, como el control de la natalidad, el embarazo y la menopausia, pueden aumentar el riesgo de padecer hipertensión arterial, la cual incrementa el riesgo de sufrir un derrame cerebral si no se controla."

Los médicos e investigadores descubrieron un vínculo entre las pastillas para el control de natalidad y el aumento de la hipertensión arterial en algunas mujeres. Dicen que es más probable que se produzca en mujeres que tienen sobrepeso, que padecen enfermedades renales o con antecedentes familiares de hipertensión. La combinación de las pastillas para el control de natalidad y el tabaquismo puede ser muy peligrosa para las mujeres y no se recomienda en absoluto. La salud de la mujer durante el embarazo supondría un adelanto de lo que será su salud a futuro. Las mujeres que tuvieron alta presión arterial durante el embarazo corren más riesgo de desarrollar hipertensión arterial y sufrir un derrame cerebral más adelante en sus vidas. Los cambios físicos asociados con la menopausia también aumenta el riesgo de desarrollar hipertensión arterial en la mujer.

De acuerdo con los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades, las mujeres de etnias negra o hispana podrían desarrollar hipertensión a edad más temprana y su presión arterial promedio es más alta que la de otros grupos étnicos.

Afortunadamente, 80% de los derrames cerebrales pueden prevenirse y al bajar presión arterial se reduce el riesgo de sufrir un derrame cerebral. Las mujeres pueden medir su presión arterial en casa e informar a su médico si suele estar por encima de 120/80.

Además, los cambios en el estilo de vida, como hacer suficiente actividad física, comer sano, mantener un peso saludable y no fumar ayudan mucho a reducir el riesgo de hipertensión arterial en las mujeres. Para obtener más información y consejos sobre la salud de la mu- jer y la prevención de derrames cerebrales en todas las etapas de la vida, visite GoRedForWomen.org/reisgo.

(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) - Although COVID-19 continues to grab the health headlines, women in particular should not lose sight of a chronic problem -- heart disease.

Heart disease is the number one killer of women, but many women, whether they are wives, mothers, CEOs, or all of the above, tend to put others' health and well-being ahead of their own, and may ignore symptoms. Symptoms of this disease are often different for women than men, so women may not know what to look for.

According to the Mayo Clinic, women are more likely than men to report heart attack symptoms that are not related to chest pain, including shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, pain in one or both arms, unusual tiredness, and indigestion. These symptoms are easily missed, as most people associate heart attacks with crushing chest pain.

Younger women may be surprised to learn that they are at risk as well.

Women younger than 65 years, need to know the risk factors, too, especially those with a family history of heart disease, according to Dr. Neschochi Okeke, MD, a practicing physician in New York City and an expert in women's health.

"Being aware of their unique heart disease symptoms is the first step towards prevention," says Dr. Okeke. Once women know the risks, they can continue to reduce them by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and taking medications as prescribed.

Women also may benefit from supplements designed to support heart health, especially the ingredient citrus bergamot, which has been shown in 17 clinical trials to support heart health. Not all bergamot is the same, so women should be sure they are getting the highest quality bergamot -- citrus bergamot -- in health products.

Grown only in a small valley in Italy, citrus bergamot is different from the bergamot that many people associate with licorice candy or Earl Grey tea. In fact, citrus bergamot can help promote and maintain healthy arteries and healthy cholesterol levels, both of which can reduce a woman's risk of heart disease.

"Complementary support is critical these days as part of any woman's journey to overall health and well-being, especially as people recognize the importance of a strong immune system, " says Dr. James Rouse, a naturopathic family doctor and consultant to BergametNA, a producer of natural supplements featuring citrus bergamot.

The HerHeart supplement product for women from BergametNA contains Citrus Bergamot Superfruit™, a unique high-quality citrus bergamot with a 47% BPF (bergamot polyphenol fraction) concentration (the highest available in North America and exclusive to BergametNA), along with other ingredients, damiana and MACA (also known as Peruvian Gold) that have been shown to help support overall health. HerHeart also supports women's health by promoting balanced hormones, which can help ease a range of menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, irregular metabolism, and low energy.

Visit tryherheart.com for more information about the supplement, and visit Bergametna.com or call 1-855-556-2131 for more details about other Citrus Bergamot Superfruit™ products for better health. The BergametNA stock symbol is HYEX.

(NewsUSA) - One of the lingering images of the early days of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States is store shelves stripped clean of paper products -- mainly paper towels and toilet paper.

Fortunately, supply chains have rebounded, but consumers can help combat future paper product shortages by recycling not only paper, but cartons used for milk, juice, soup, and other food or beverage products.

Much of the information consumers receive about recycling can be confusing, according to the Carton Council of North America, an organization composed of carton manufacturers such as Elopak, Evergreen Packaging, SIG Combibloc, and Tetra Pak.

A national survey conducted by the Carton Council found that an overwhelming majority of consumers (95 percent) are supportive of recycling and 58 percent say the circumstances of 2020 and the pandemic have made them feel it's more important to recycle now than it was before.

However, only about a third of consumers say they thought recycling might help with shortages of toilet paper and paper towels. In fact, one ton of paper made from recycled fibers instead of virgin fibers conserves not only 7,000 gallons of water, but also 17 to 31 trees, 4,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, and 60 pounds of air pollutants, according to the Carton Council.

"It's great to see that people are recognizing the importance of recycling, but we need to remain diligent," says Carla Fantoni, vice president of communications for the Carton Council of North America and for Tetra Pak Americas.

"We need to reinforce the connection between recycling and creating new products to consumers, showing why it's so important to recycle and the benefits," Fantoni adds.

For example, a persistent myth about cartons (a multi-layer package) is that they can't be recycled or are too difficult to recycle.

However, cartons can be recycled and contain the highest quality paper fibers in the recycling stream, and they are used by paper mills to make new materials including paper towels and toilet paper.

Recycling cartons is easy, according to the Carton Council. Just make sure milk, juice or other cartons are empty: no need to spend time washing them. Caps can be left on, and small straws that accompany juice boxes can be pushed inside the carton before dropping it in the recycling bin.

Visit RecycleCartons.com for more information about carton recycling.