(Sara Oliver, MD, MSPH, LCDR, U.S. Public Health Service) - As a board-certified infectious disease pediatrician, I talk to parents all the time about the importance of HPV vaccination. More importantly, I am also a parent of two great kids. My son, who just turned 11, got his HPV vaccine. Why was it so important to us to do this now? To put it simply, the HPV vaccine prevents HPV-related cancers. The last few years have been a struggle for us all to catch up with our regular busy routines. But HPV vaccination can’t wait. We all need to protect our kids now, and here’s why: HPV vaccination is cancer prevention. 

If parents of my patients have any questions about HPV vaccination when it’s time for their daughter or son to receive the vaccine, I always reassure them that a whole generation has already received this lifesaving vaccine. We have more than 15 years of data to confirm that the HPV vaccine is safe and has already prevented so many HPV infections and actual precancers. I tell them just how important this vaccine really is, and why I didn’t wait when it was time for my own son and daughter to get it on their 11th birthdays. More than 90% of HPV-related cancers that occur every year could be prevented by routine HPV vaccination. If I can prevent my kids from having any type of cancer later in life, I will.

As a pediatrician and mom, I got both my son and daughter vaccinated.

I chose to protect my daughter and son by getting them vaccinated against HPV as soon as they were 11 years old. My 13-year-old daughter already completed her two-dose series, and my 11-year-old son just received his first dose this year.  Before his appointment, he and I talked about the vaccine. He was a little worried that it was going to hurt.  But he was a trooper the day of his visit and told me that getting “the shot was definitely worth it, because not getting cancer is a really good thing.”

Protect your kids.

As a pediatrician, I know that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective cancer prevention.  It’s recommended for girls and boys at age 11 or 12. Talk to your kids about the importance of this lifesaving vaccine and schedule HPV vaccination at their next visit. As a parent, I made sure that my kids are vaccinated now to protect them later.

Photo Credits: Lizzie Oliver

(NewsUSA) - Nearly 9 in 10 Americans are concerned about the current cost of living in the United States, which has created an increasing need for the trusted, often life-changing advice of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ professionals. Alongside their paid work helping people plan their financial futures, thousands of CFP^® professionals across the country have chosen to “give back” with pro bono financial planning. If you like helping others, consider a career as a CFP^® professional — a career where serving those in need is encouraged.

Changing Lives. Making a Difference.

Last year, CFP^® professionals provided more than a quarter-million hours of free, no-strings-attached financial advice to those in need, such as domestic violence survivors, widows, wounded veterans, immigrants, cancer patients and others. This pro bono financial planning significantly impacts the lives of financially vulnerable Americans. Recognizing the substantial demand for assistance, CFP Board recently passed a resolution encouraging CFP^® professionals to commit to a minimum of 20 hours per year of pro bono work. Choosing a career as a CFP^® professional means embracing a culture of service.

Get Involved: Pro Bono Volunteering

Encouraging pro bono service is part of CFP Board’s commitment to expanding access to competent and ethical financial planners. With more than 97,000 CFP^® professionals in the United States, CFP Board has access to an immense potential supply of pro bono volunteers. And CFP Board has partnered with the Foundation for Financial Planning (FFP) to connect CFP^® professionals with people in need. FFP is an independent charitable organization solely focused on expanding pro bono services in the financial planning profession. 

FFP helps CFP^® professionals link up with nonprofit organizations seeking pro bono assistance for their constituents through its national volunteer opportunity clearinghouse: www.ProBonoPlannerMatch.org. More than 115 nonprofit organizations use the website to post volunteer opportunities for CFP^® professionals.

As a CFP^® professional, you’ll also have access to the training (CE credit eligible), resources and tools needed to be a successful pro bono volunteer.

Join a Thriving Profession

In addition to being part of a culture of service, becoming a CFP^® professional offers personal fulfillment and flexible schedules, provides opportunities for advancement in a rapidly expanding profession and boasts high salaries, with experienced financial advisors earning an average of $192,000 a year. Additionally, 86% of CFP^® professionals report that certification has had a positive impact on their career satisfaction.

What are you waiting for? Start your journey to become a CFP^® professional today.

(NewsUSA) - Made in Maine by Shawn Samuelson Henry

When the mill closes, Edgewater's economy and hope collapse. Hunter's father starts drinking and becomes an embarrassment to Hunter, trying to balance his girlfriend with life on the basketball court. Luna, who struggles with her facial disfigurement, attends in-person school for the first time in her 17 years, but hides behind her hoodie to escape her peers' ridicule.

A tragic accident sends the town spiraling into despair. In its wake, Luna and Hunter become the unlikely leaders of a fundraising project that attempts to make meaning of the disaster. Some Edgewater residents are fiercely opposed to the project, and their defiance becomes sinister. When Hunter and Luna stumble upon dark secrets, they realize the terrifying risks they are taking to knit a broken community back together. Purchase at https://www.woodhallpress.com/product-page/made-in-maine.

33 Letters of Compassion by Elaine Elizabeth

Have you ever struggled with trauma or know someone who has? This is an inspiring memoir that will motivate you to embark on your own journey to healing and self-discovery. This book promotes the value of mental well-being and self-compassion. It is a collection of stories about patience, recovery, and personal development.

This book takes the reader on a journey through the author’s own inner thoughts on difficult emotions. Readers will discover: the path to self-discovery, the value of compassion and the value of self-empowerment and self-care.

This is for anyone who experienced trauma and those who are trying to get past the past and start rebuilding a life full of joy and purpose. Readers can find joy and happiness the moment they start focusing on their holistic well-being.  Purchase at https://bit.ly/44eRQI8.

The Town That Time Forgot by Elizabeth Donley Leer

Submerse yourself in the supernatural and mysterious as the mystery of Oakwood unravels before you, in this new gothic horror novel. In 1944, Oakwood's town council is desperate to save their young men from being lost to the devastation of the far-reaching effects of World War II, and as such make the unconscionable decision to make an evil deal with an agent of the devil in order to protect their own children, the town’s citizens and peaceful way of life.

Little does journalism student Jim Norton know, forty years later in 1984, that his decision to write an article for his school paper on the peaceful town of Oakwood, which seems to have been able to have escaped the pitfalls of progress, will lead him down the treacherous rabbit hole that just might end with his demise. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3pgTGcK.

Heart of Stone by David W. Burns

With snakes for hair and a gaze that turns men to stone, Kyra Anastas is a modern-day Medusa hiding in Chicago, making her living as a hitwoman. Feared even by other monsters, Kyra lives a bitter existence. But when a dying billionaire asks Kyra to protect her daughter from supernatural dangers, Kyra is given the chance to be something more than just a dealer of death.

Now Kyra is on the run from mythological killers who will stop at nothing to destroy the girl. With nightmares like a Manticore stalking them through the stadium during a basketball game, a Basilisk turning dinner into a death trap, and a Siren popping out of her bathtub, Kyra finds no place is safe. As the assassins close in, Kyra realizes her only chance is if she faces all her demons. Purchase at https://bit.ly/44e8NmK.

BookTrib’s Bites is presented by BookTrib.com, where readers come to discover.

(NewsUSA) - Made in Maine by Shawn Samuelson Henry

When the mill closes, Edgewater's economy and hope collapse. Hunter's father starts drinking and becomes an embarrassment to Hunter, trying to balance his girlfriend with life on the basketball court. Luna, who struggles with her facial disfigurement, attends in-person school for the first time in her 17 years, but hides behind her hoodie to escape her peers' ridicule.

A tragic accident sends the town spiraling into despair. In its wake, Luna and Hunter become the unlikely leaders of a fundraising project that attempts to make meaning of the disaster. Some Edgewater residents are fiercely opposed to the project, and their defiance becomes sinister. When Hunter and Luna stumble upon dark secrets, they realize the terrifying risks they are taking to knit a broken community back together. Purchase at https://www.woodhallpress.com/product-page/made-in-maine.

The Unusual Penguin by Madeleine MacRae

The Unusual Penguin is a sweet, smart narrative for every child and adult who has ever felt different or strange or who just simply is not like the other people around him or her. Inspired by the author’s own journey as an “Unusual Penguin” and by the journey she watched her son embark on as early as three years old, this story captures the pain of being misjudged, the sorrow that can arise out of being atypical and the transcendent joy that can be found when you discover who you truly are and learn to value yourself accordingly.

Madeleine is a first-time children’s author, a serial entrepreneur, a sought-after business coach, and a solo mom to her 8-year-old son, Noah. Purchase at http://bit.ly/3Xvh8hV.

The Town That Time Forgot by Elizabeth Donley Leer

Submerse yourself in the supernatural and mysterious as the mystery of Oakwood unravels before you, in this new gothic horror novel. In 1944, Oakwood's town council is desperate to save their young men from being lost to the devastation of the far-reaching effects of World War II, and as such make the unconscionable decision to make an evil deal with an agent of the devil in order to protect their own children, the town’s citizens and peaceful way of life.

Little does journalism student Jim Norton know, forty years later in 1984, that his decision to write an article for his school paper on the peaceful town of Oakwood, which seems to have been able to have escaped the pitfalls of progress, will lead him down the treacherous rabbit hole that just might end with his demise. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3pgTGcK.

Heart of Stone by David W. Burns

With snakes for hair and a gaze that turns men to stone, Kyra Anastas is a modern-day Medusa hiding in Chicago, making her living as a hitwoman. Feared even by other monsters, Kyra lives a bitter existence. But when a dying billionaire asks Kyra to protect her daughter from supernatural dangers, Kyra is given the chance to be something more than just a dealer of death.

Now Kyra is on the run from mythological killers who will stop at nothing to destroy the girl. With nightmares like a Manticore stalking them through the stadium during a basketball game, a Basilisk turning dinner into a death trap, and a Siren popping out of her bathtub, Kyra finds no place is safe. As the assassins close in, Kyra realizes her only chance is if she faces all her demons. Purchase at https://bit.ly/44e8NmK.

BookTrib’s Bites is presented by BookTrib.com, where readers come to discover.

(NewsUSA) - Washington, D.C.—The Center for Research in Environmental and Sustainable Technologies (CREST Foundation), a leading non-profit based in Washington, D.C., has received important local support for its revolutionary Climate Hub solution framework from Senator Joe Manchin III (D-West Virginia), Representative Carol Miller (R-West Virginia), and Delegate Daniel Linville from the West Virginia House of Delegates.

CREST has proposed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it provide significant funding for the development of its Carbon Neutral Sustainable Technologies project, which would be located at Wolf Creek in Fayette Country, West Virginia.   This innovative project would greatly benefit the local community and become a blueprint for Climate Hubs across the United States and around the world. 

Specifically, the project would create over 400 jobs, 6.5 megawatts of energy from renewable sources, sequester over 425,000 tons of carbon, plant 116,000 trees, prevent over 1,500 tons of waste from entering landfills, and protect the biodiversity of an invaluable Appalachian ecosystem.  In a letter of support on August 24, 2023, for the project to Michael Regan, Administrator of EPA, Senator Manchin stated that “If awarded, this grant would catalyze a transformational project that would accelerate the adoption of circular economic practices and maximize the benefits of the sustainable economy in West Virginia.” “

Rep. Miller echoed Sen. Manchin’s support for the project by stating to Administrator Regan that: “I believe the CREST Foundation’s grant application is essential for further growth of Southern West Virginia and will improve the region’s air quality, using renewable energy and innovative technologies.  If awarded, these funds will be used to complement the recreational tourism already established in Fayette County and provide economic development and employment opportunities for residents in the area.”

Apart from federal funds being sought for the West Virginia Climate Hub project important support has also been secured from Delegate Daniel Linville, Chairman of the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure of the West Virginia House of Delegates, who has stated that state dollars could be made available for the Climate Hub project contingent upon federal support.

The creator of the Climate Hub concept of carbon neutral communities is the Founder and CEO of the CREST Foundation, Rajendra Kumar.  His book Blue Dharma provides the vision for the Climate Hub and seeks to shape a new generation’s perception of the environment.

Bart S. Fisher, President and Founder of CREST Foundation, commented that “In alignment with EPA’s ambitions, our Climate Hub embodies the confluence of research, innovation, and commitment.  While the broader narrative focuses on environmental justice, Rajendra Kumar’s vision brings to the fore a nuanced approach to climate resilience, reflecting a decade of this passion and dedication.”

(NewsUSA) - Any cancer diagnosis can be scary, confusing, and overwhelming. Mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue surrounding the lungs, chest wall, and abdomen (known as the mesothelium) can be especially frustrating because the main cause is exposure to asbestos.

Often, those affected by mesothelioma were simply doing their jobs in a time or circumstance in which the level of exposure to asbestos was either unknown or ignored.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 3,000 cases of malignant mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Although changes have occurred in asbestos safety and reduced workplace exposure, these changes come too late for many individuals who were exposed to asbestos routinely over time. The average age of diagnosis for mesothelioma is 72 years, and the condition is more common in men than in women.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related cancer, you likely want to protect your and your family’s financial future by exploring potential compensation, but choosing a law firm to successfully handle your case can be as overwhelming as your medical treatment.

To help you simplify the process and find a qualified lawyer, the law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg PC (W&L) has published a Law Firm Selection Checklist as a public service to help mesothelioma patients find the right representation.

Evaluate and Compare

Just as you may visit more than one specialist to decide on your course of medical care, consider that not all law firms are equally qualified to handle complex medical lawsuits. Talk to several firms, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. For starters, ask how many years the firm has handled asbestos litigation, their track record of successful settlements for mesothelioma clients, and whether the firm will manage your case from start to finish.

Experience Matters

W&L, for example, has more than 35 years of experience in negotiating asbestos-related settlements for individuals in the New York and New Jersey area, as well as for victims from all other 48 states. One of their most significant victories was for shipbuilders who worked in the Brooklyn Navy Yard in the 1940s and 1950s.

These workers were part of the United States’ World War II effort when they exposed to asbestos, some while working onboard Naval ships. The Navy Yard workers were awarded $104 million in damages.

“W&L’s expert team includes nearly 500 lawyers, paralegals, and support professionals with a proven record of success in complex personal injury litigation, including victories for those affected by the herbicide Roundup, and the firm is currently representing thousands of former U.S. Marines, injured by the tainted water at the Camp Lejeune military base,” says Arthur M. Luxenberg, co-founding partner and the firm’s managing attorney. For more information about mesothelioma lawsuits and how to find legal help, visit webinar.law or call 1-888-411-LAWS.

(NewsUSA) - Are you curious to learn more about emerging technology, including artificial intelligence, the future of geopolitics, democracy, technology, and warfare? The Global Emerging Technology Summit, hosted by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) brings together government and private sector leaders from the United States and allies and partners from around the world.

“Together, we will consider a competitive vision for tech-enabled democracy in this era when emerging technologies are reshaping our national security, economy, and society,” according to the SCSP announcement of the summit.

This year’s summit, scheduled for September 21, 2023, features presentations by experts on global intelligence and artificial intelligence. The speakers will address the challenges and opportunities of AI.

SCSP is a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal to make recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness as artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies reshape national security, the economy, and society. "We want to ensure that America is positioned and organized to win the techno-economic competition between now and 2030, the critical window for shaping the future," the organization's experts emphasize.

Avril Haines currently serves as Director of National Intelligence. Her extensive national security experience includes serving as Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor during the Obama administration, and serving as a member of the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service.

Reid Hoffman, a partner at Greylock, and co-founder of LinkedIn, is an internet entrepreneur, venture capitalist, author of several books on AI, and creator of AI-related podcasts.

Also on the agenda are Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia; H.R. McMaster, former National Security Advisor of the United States; Shanthi Kalathil, Board Member at the National Democratic Institute; Bonnie Glick, former Deputy Administrator and Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Agency for International Development, and Michael Chertoff, former United States Secretary of Homeland Security.

Other featured speakers include Uranik Begu, Director for Western Balkans, Plug and Play Tech Center; Evan Speigel, cofounder and CEO of Snap, Inc.; Eric Holcomb, Governor of Indiana; Andrew Moore, co-chair of SCSP’s Generative AI Taskforce; Leopoldo Lopez, a freedom activist; and Michael Morell, former Acting Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Additional experts include Eva Maydell, member of the European Parliament; Dan Twining, President of the International Republican Institute; Damon Wilson, President and CEO of the National Endowment for Democracy; Ina Fried, chief technology correspondent at Axios; and Kristi Noem, Governor of South Dakota.

As the event approaches, SCSP will announce more speakers. Visit SCSP's event page at www.scsp.ai/summit23/ to register to attend and to learn more about SCSP.

(NewsUSA) - One of the biggest regrets of women who’ve retired?  Not having saved enough money.

In fact, according to new research from financial services firm Edward Jones and Age Wave, 56 percent of women surveyed have had to adjust their lifestyle in retirement due to financial constraints. Only 41 percent of males said the same thing.   

Why the gender gap?  At least part of it has to do with women having taken far fewer proactive financial measures than men – including eliminating debt, adjusting their investment mix, and developing and following a financial strategy – that may have helped secure a more comfortable retirement.  

(NewsUSA) - Severe weather events in the United States are increasing in frequency and impact, according to a report from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Education.  As extreme weather brings with it a growing threat of power outages, experts recommend using National Preparedness Month in September to make a plan for staying safe during an outage.

“Considering the many critical household functions that rely on electricity - such as storing food and necessary supplies, keeping phones and computers working, and more - backup power should be the cornerstone of every household plan,” says Kyle Raabe, president of Consumer Power for Generac Power Systems. “Given the wide range of severe weather events nationwide that induce power outages, Americans should prioritize backup power as a crucial part of planning for their family’s safety during an outage.”

For National Preparedness Month, the backup power experts at Generac recommend people make a plan for severe weather that includes a source of backup power and identify the backup power option that will best fit their home’s needs in the next outage:

Portable Generators, also known as open frame generators, are often an ideal option for emergency backup power. Depending on the size of the home, portable generators may be able to power the whole home or connect to individual appliances with an extension cord. While larger than inverters and portable power stations, portable generators include features such as handles and tires for easy positioning.

Fueled by gasoline, diesel or liquid propane, portable generators must be operated outside and far away from doors, windows, or vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Regular inspections and oil changes are important to keep portable generators prepared for the next power outage.

Inverter Generators are a more efficient, lightweight portable generator, perfect for those who want a compact but powerful backup power solution. Unlike classic portable generators, inverter generators are fully enclosed and operate quietly. The easy start function is a distinct benefit of inverter generators, which start with the turn of a dial instead of the manual pull cord used on larger generators.

Inverter generators have the unique ability to power up or down based on a home’s changing needs. The engine’s speed varies based on electrical demand, helping reduce noise levels. Because they’re powered by gasoline, inverter generators require the same safety protocols as portable generators, including outdoor placement far away from windows, doors, and vents.

Battery-Powered Portable Power Stations are an emission-free option that doesn’t require fuel, offering a backup power source designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Ideal for condominiums or apartments, they are even quieter than inverter generators, operating without any sound. Portable power stations are the smallest backup power option and can power a wide range of electronics that are crucial during an outage, including phones, refrigerators, sump pumps, laptops and more.

No need to store extra fuel or oil for a portable power station. Instead, portable power stations can be charged via a wall outlet, 12V car outlet, or through portable solar panels. From a standard wall outlet, a portable power station can charge from 0-80% in about 2 hours.

Choosing a backup power option ahead of time can provide comfort and confidence before the next power outage. For more information on preparing for severe weather and power outages, visit generac.com/be-prepared.