(Kim Norris, LCFA President) - Veterans who have selflessly served our country face a higher risk of developing lung cancer because of their exposure to environmental hazards such as asbestos and burn pits during their time in service and combat zones. Also, many Veterans enter occupations with a higher risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials when they leave the military. 

Fortunately, the Veterans Administration Health System, Medicare, and most private insurance companies now pay for annual lung cancer screening. Early detection and improved access to advanced diagnostic tools and treatments are essential to saving more Veterans’ lives. If caught early, the 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is approximately 60%, according to Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA).

Jim Pantelas is one of those warriors, and he has been living with lung cancer for 18 years. He says that lung cancer screening is one of the easiest screenings you can get.

“It's a whole lot easier than an endoscopy or colon cancer screening. It takes less than two minutes, and you’re done. It's probably the least invasive of the screenings that I'm aware of.”

To call attention to the high rates of lung cancer among Veterans and to honor their service, LCFA has launched a new campaign called Breath of Honor: Lung Cancer Screening for Veterans during Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November.

The Breath of Honor campaign identifies seven lung cancer risk factors that Veterans should know. “Understanding the unique lung cancer risks for military personnel is crucial. Military warriors know the value of prior planning and early detection improves outcomes,” according to the LCFA. The risk factors are radon exposure, asbestos exposure, air pollution, family history of lung cancer, previous lung disease, smoking, and secondhand smoke, and for Veterans, you can add unique environmental risk factors.

“Nearly 8,000 Veterans are diagnosed and treated by the Veterans Administration for lung cancer each year, but that is only a fraction of the estimated 1.5M who are eligible for lung screening with annual low-dose chest CT scans,” says Dr. Drew Moghanaki, Chief of Thoracic Oncology in the UCLA Department of Radiation Oncology and Co-Director of the Greater Los Angeles VA Lung Precision Oncology Program. These scans are simple, painless, and effective; they have shown to be the most effective way to detect lung cancer at a time when it is most easily treated.”

Pantelas says getting the word out about screening as well as research is key to improving the lives of Veterans living with lung cancer.

“It is about the next guy. I mean, you don't get people functioning in a war zone because they want to be there. You get them functioning in the war zone because they want to make sure somebody else doesn't have to.” Jim Pantelas, a veteran and lung cancer patient.

Don’t wait—ask your doctor to get screened today!  For more information go to ScreenAVet.org or LCFAmerica.org.

(NewsUSA) - The 7 Pillars of Successful Caregiving by Dr. Ebony Ivory Green

Here’s an important tool to help navigate the complexities of caregiving with expert insights and compassionate advice.

This deeply authentic handbook provides practical guidance and emotional support to frontline and family caregivers, with a mix of actionable exercises, checklists, insights, and self-care strategies to avoid stress and burnout. The author, a seasoned healthcare professional and founder of Caregiver Support Services, provides an essential overview of the seven pillars behind successful caregiving.

Exploring how caregivers can work through their emotional challenges, readers will learn how they can help their loved one or client work through anxiety, anger, depression, and loneliness. Tips for coping with guilt and grief are also shared. Other highlights include guided meditation sessions and journaling exercises that empower caregivers to maintain their emotional and mental well-being. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3SX8KbJ.

The Dream Life Blueprint by Ferron S. Johnson

Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about a life that feels out of reach, yet completely perfect in every way? A life where you wake up every morning feeling excited and fulfilled, where you have the freedom to pursue your passions and the resources to make your wildest dreams come true.

The concept of a dream life is not just a fantasy or wishful thinking. It is a powerful vision that can drive you to create the life you truly desire. By envisioning and defining your dream life, you set the stage for a journey of self-discovery, growth, and fulfillment.  Whether you're just starting to envision your dream life or looking to make significant changes in your current lifestyle, this ebook will provide you with the tools and inspiration to take action and turn your dreams into reality. Purchase at http://www.nglivebeyond.com/.

Agents of Karma: Debt to Pay by Alex Smith

Axel Drake was not a people person. He didn’t hate people, but he wasn’t particularly fond of them. He decided he needed a change, so when his uncle suggested he move into an old manor in New Orleans, he decided to take the opportunity. Unbeknownst to Axel, however, the manor has a few secrets hidden away. Luckily for him, so does he.

Now he finds himself brought into a world he never knew existed, and the possibilities are endless. Axel always was a man to take an opportunity given to him. A quick and entertaining read for ages 13-15, with thrills, twists and turns and characters that really come to life. A great read for the entire family. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3WTSWIM.

Scenes from a Misbegotten Life by Victoria Maiden

What if your whole life was like a badly written play? Would you leave the theater or stay, hoping it would get better?

This is the kind of decision our protagonist must make as she chronicles her messy and lopsided life, from preadolescence to senior citizen, in a captivating memoir. It features fascinating characters, bizarre events, impossible situations, even a bit of suspense. It takes the reader from Greenwich Village to the Greek Isles, from Hollywood Boulevard to the ancient ruins of Rome.

This is a ruthlessly candid case history of a woman whose life has been marred by mental illness in various and surprising ways. It pulls back the curtain and offers a vivid glimpse of what it looks like and feels like to wrestle with this condition on a daily basis. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3YICg8v.

(NewsUSA) - Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is converging with other fields in ways that will change the nature of innovation and promote a stronger, more general form of AI, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a bipartisan nonprofit organization. Mastering GenAI will be critical in the technology competition and the United States should adopt measures to organize, drive, and ensure it has the fuel and resources to sustain America’s role as the world’s leading innovation power.

In a new report, SCSP explains how GenAI acts like an “innovation flywheel” and outlines some steps the U.S. could take to translate this innovative power into greater national security.

The flywheel includes four stages, the SCSP report explains.

1) GenAI is converging with other strategic technology sectors (biotech, energy, advanced manufacturing).

2) The resulting innovations are changing how the world works, and illustrating the immense opportunities of AI.

3) These opportunities are driving organizations – from governments to startups – to reprioritize their strategies to adapt and leverage the value of GenAI.

4) This reprioritization fuels changes in the foundational technology inputs that make GenAI work: computing hardware, algorithms, data, and talent.

For the U.S. to become a world leader in GenAI, SCSP outlines eight bold goals:

●Establish a Technology Competitiveness Council, Office of Global Competition Analysis, and a U.S. Advanced Technology Forum to execute technology strategy.

●Develop a top-down counterpart to a Digital Service Academy; this academy would teach government leaders about the latest developments in GenAI, inspired by the Senate’s AI Insight Forums.

●Scale a new model of public-private partnerships within the U.S. national laboratory system to focus on GenAI and other AI applications.

●Cooperate on national security-focused, government-led moonshots to address national security challenges and spur the innovation that leads to positions of advantage in strategic technologies.

●Get back to basic research in areas where GenAI converges with other scientific fields and tech sectors.

●Expand overall federal funding for research & development, starting with increases to federal non-defense AI, that would jumpstart GenAI’s potential to accelerate innovation itself.

●Start a GenAI-enabled rapid grant program

●Establish an annual technology innovation fund to support investment in strategic technology targets.

“The current GenAI moment is an opportunity to get federal R&D spending – the lifeblood of innovation – back on track,” according to SCSP.

For more information, visit scsp.ai.

(NewsUSA) - North Texas City Serves Up Festive Décor, Shopping and More

It will soon be the season when friends and families can enjoy some time off to get festive or just chill. There’s no better place to do both than Plano, Texas, a city that brims with holiday fun for everyone from shopping enthusiasts to sports fans. Conveniently located near Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and an easy drive from many major Texas cities, Plano is the perfect destination for a quick escape.

For sparkle seekers:  Come December, the entire city of Plano is aglow. And the twinkle is next level in the Deerfield neighborhood, where homes and yards are festooned with elaborate light installations. Drive, walk, or for a special treat, book a carriage ride. Another newer tradition, Lights on the Farm, transforms Plano’s Heritage Farmstead Museum into a wonderland of bedazzled and animated displays. Don’t miss a visit with Santa or the chance to make your own S’mores.

For shoppers:  A getaway to Plano is always fun and festive. But it’s also productive thanks to beautiful outdoor, walkable shopping enclaves full of gifts for everyone on your “nice” list. At The Shops at Willow Bend, The Crayola Experience has a great selection of stocking stuffers. At Legacy West, shop for everything from upscale athletic wear to Teslas. Once you’ve checked all the boxes, check in at the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel. The property features a lively bar, luxurious guest rooms with a “cowboy meets Samurai” theme, and a rooftop deck with a pool and cabanas.

For the shop-a-phobic:  If shopping isn’t your idea of a “sport,” there’s a new game in town. It’s called “fowling,” rhymes with bowling and combines the latter with football at the only Texas location of The Fowling Warehouse. You don’t have to be Tom Brady to excel at this new hybrid sport which is quickly becoming all the rage.

After dominating the “fowling” lanes, you may be ready to relax and watch a game on TV. But don’t settle for any ordinary sofa. Head over to the Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center and catch an English Premier League soccer match on the “Seat of Dreams.” Straight from the venerable home of Manchester United -- Old Trafford Stadium -- this sofa is the same spot where celebrity and VIP fans have watched historic matches across the pond.

Food, fun and festivities:  Plano boasts more restaurants per capita than some of the U.S.’ biggest foodie cities, and Legacy Hall, a European-style food hall + beer garden at Legacy West puts several of them under one roof, serving up a world of tastes. In December, the venue hosts “Hall-i-days at Legacy Hall” a series of not-so-ordinary holiday events including an “Elf” movie trivia night, Stories with Santa, and a Hall-i-day Sip ‘N Shop.

For specific dates, hours, ticket prices (where applicable) and additional help planning a holiday visit to Plano, please go to visitplano.com.

(NewsUSA) - Military veterans can take on a new mission as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ professional. Your new objective: Safeguard and advance the financial interests of everyday Americans. By earning CFP^® certification, you’ll gain the financial strategies and tactics to fortify their finances. As a CFP^® professional, your expert financial knowledge will also build on the personal insight you have into the unique financial challenges of the veteran community as well as servicemembers still on active duty.

Becoming a CFP^® professional not only allows you to help others, it also means joining a fast-growing industry that pays well and is dedicated to creating inclusive environments for people from diverse backgrounds.

Securing Your Own Financial Future

As you head into civilian life, you might be shifting your focus to securing your financial future. One way to do that is by becoming a CFP^® professional, where you can earn a six-figure income and the financial independence that goes with it.

The average CFP^® professional’s income, based on their years of experience, is high and only grows with time. The average annual income for a CFP^® professional with fewer than nine years of experience is $145,000. At over 15 years of experience, it rises to $297,000.

Earning Your Stripes as a CFP^® Professional

CFP^® certification is the standard for competent and ethical financial planning. As in all professions, credentials are important — and in the financial services industry, CFP^® certification stands out. Those letters signal to clients and employers that you’re knowledgeable and trustworthy. Earning your CFP^® certification provides many advantages, including the following:

• Competitive Edge: 83% of CFP^® professionals say they have a competitive edge over other financial advisors.
• Trust: 90% of consumers are more confident working with an advisor who has a financial planning designation.
• Success: 86% of CFP^® professionals say that certification has had a positive impact on their career satisfaction.

It all begins with education and training, just as in the military. Financial aid is available. You’re probably already eligible for GI Bill benefits, which you can use to meet CFP Board’s education requirements, starting you on the journey toward CFP^® certification.

Making the Transition

Nobody should sugarcoat the major changes and challenges veterans face when they look for a new civilian job. But don’t discount how many transferable skills you already have, such as analytical skills or project management, that could apply in a new career as a CFP^® professional.

And you won’t be making the transition alone — CFP Board provides tools and resources for you to begin the journey to a successful career as a CFP^® professional, including connecting you with other candidates and mentors. Get started today.

(NewsUSA) - Like the title of his book says, the United States education system is in trouble and needs to be fixed!

On the world stage, the U.S. is a middle-of-the-pack performer when it comes to academic performance, says Richard W. Garrett, author of U.S. Education Is in Trouble, Let’s Fix It! 22 Reform Proposals (Rowman & Littlefield). Some of the vital statistics at his disposal are downright scary.  “If you knew what I know, you’d be worried too,” he adds.

In this research-laden analysis, Garrett methodically and intricately shares with readers what he does, in fact, know and why the existing situation is so dire  – and aims to offer solutions to fix it, with 22 specific resolutions.

The author has been engaged in research on educational reform since 2013. This is his second major literary effort, his other being The Kids Are Smart Enough, So What’s the Problem? A Businessman’s Perspective on Educational Reform and the Teacher Crisis. (2017, Rowman and Littlefield)

Garrett has created a list of 22 reform proposals. When implemented, they will produce significant improvements. Here, in order, are the top four areas for reform to reverse the decline of our public school system: parenting issues; irresponsible management by school boards and superintendents; runaway discipline problems; and social promotion (promoting children to the next grade without having them meet the necessary reading requirements).

“Lack of discipline and lack of respect are destroying our education system,” writes Garrett. “It drives teachers out of teaching and makes new candidates afraid to enter the field.” This, along with accelerating resignations, has produced a significant teacher shortage.

Then there’s the matter of boosting a child’s self-esteem – a noble goal but one that Garrett says has been mishandled. Everyone “gets a trophy” and brings home top grades – an artificial reward system not based on achievement. And it masks the real situation, making it harder to fix. What are the consequences for poor work or failure?

Garrett takes a very granular approach to his topic, going into detail about the state of our nation when it comes to learning, student proficiency statistics, the plight of teachers, breakdown of the current school day, how schools should be organized, the all-important discipline issues, and much more.

His analysis is compelling – and frightening.

Garrett’s work is so complete that even though it is loaded with facts, statistics and graphical representations of trends, with a body of 148 pages, it is a swift read for anyone – parent, teacher, administrator, some students and any concerned citizen – looking to be enlightened on this all-too-crucial subject. It’s hard to dispute Garrett’s arguments, and it’s encouraging to hear his remedies.

In his final chapter, the author lists “22 reform proposals” that can shape but not necessarily fix our broken system. Some of his ideas involve recurring themes while others are out of the box.

Anyone who cares about our youth and cares about our country should add this this title to their must-read list.

“This book is a champion for children who want to learn and for teachers who want to teach,” says Garrett. “The goal is an education system that will educate more children, educate them well, and put the United States in the top tier worldwide.”

Purchase the book at https://bit.ly/3rTE5kW.

(NewsUSA) - November is here, and that means it’s the kickoff of the Marine Toys for Tots annual Holiday Campaign, now in its 76th year of bringing joy and hope to children in need across the Nation.

Between November 1 and December 25, 2023, U.S. Marines and dedicated volunteers will conduct more than 850 local toy collection and distribution programs in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Toys for Tots, our Nation’s flagship children’s Christmastime charity and the U.S. Marine Corps’ premiere Community Action Program, provides year-round joy, comfort, and hope to disadvantaged children across the Nation through the gift of a new toy, book, game, or other gift.

It is estimated that 41% of America’s children live at or below the poverty level. The mission of Marine Toys for Tots is to bring the joy of Christmas to these children, with messages of hope that will inspire them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. The impact that our Program is able to provide through the help of our dedicated supporters is extraordinary.

Marines and volunteers engage with local businesses, media, and individuals within their communities to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute those gifts to disadvantaged children, allowing them to experience the joy of Christmas or any celebrated holiday.

Last year, Toys for Tots set new records, with over 24.4 million toys and books provided to nearly 10 million children in need across the Nation.

“Now, in Toys for Tots’ 76th year, we are asking our supporters to help us achieve another record-breaking year and deliver the magic of the holidays to every family seeking our assistance,” says LtGen James B. Laster, USMC (Ret.), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

This year, Toys for Tots will highlight our extraordinary Reserve Marines and community volunteers, as well as showcase the incredible effort from communities across the Nation who have enabled Toys for Tots to support over 291 million economically disadvantaged children since 1947.

“Saving Christmas is no small task. When we hear about families who are struggling financially during the holiday season, our network of Marines and volunteers mobilize and work tirelessly to ensure that no child is forgotten,” LtGen Laster adds.

Visit toysfortots.org for more information and to donate. 

(NewsUSA) - Paul Reid’s proclivity for pushing the boundaries in the wilderness extends to embracing what technology can do for people with diabetes.

Paul lives life to the fullest—and the highest. An avid outdoor adventurer, climber, and backpacker, Paul has completed a 5-day ascent of Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the United States, including a grueling 24-hour technical ascent of its notoriously tricky eastern faces. What’s more, he did it while successfully managing his type 1 diabetes.

More than 37 million Americans are living with some form of diabetes¹, but advances in technology have made it easier for them to live a longer, healthier life.

Many individuals living with diabetes use a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, which invaluably enables round-the-clock insights into their condition. "For example, when I'm backpacking through mountain ranges and it's 5-10 miles until camp, my CGM helps me have a better picture of how much glucose I need to get over the next few hills,” Paul says.

Paul, an animator by profession and a climber and outdoor trail guide by passion, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1986, so he has seen his share of technological advances. However, traditional, short-term CGMs can be cumbersome, especially for an active person like Paul. "With a traditional CGM, I need a bowling ball’s worth of supplies for a two-week hiking trip,” he says.

For Paul, Eversense, the only long-term CGM available, developed by Senseonics and brought to people by Ascensia Diabetes Care, is a game-changer. Two weeks of hiking supplies with Eversense means just a small transmitter charger and a little pack of adhesives, and every inch of space is essential when you are hanging from a rock in a tight, vertical space, Paul says.

The company describes Eversense as “the CGM for real life,” and Paul agrees. “I can take Eversense off for a certain section of the climb, not worry about it being knocked off and my losing another sensor, and then easily put it back on as soon as I’m through².”

“At first, I couldn’t believe that I only needed two sensors a year,” Paul says. “But I can finally say goodbye to endless CGM replacements and supplies.” A sensor is inserted in the upper arm by a trained health care provider, and then you are good to go for up to six months, he says.

The smart transmitter for Eversense is worn over the sensor, and it wirelessly sends glucose data to a mobile device. The Eversense app then displays real-time glucose readings that people with diabetes can use to guide treatment.

“I love being able to remove the transmitter, out on the mountain or just while taking a shower at home²,” says Paul. He also loves the on-body vibratory alerts from the smart transmitter that are unique to Eversense, “getting alerted to glucose trends without looking at my phone is especially valuable when adventuring, but it’s just as helpful if you are out walking the dog.”

Paul continues to inspire others, and routinely leads outdoor adventure trips for individuals with diabetes. An Eversense user since 2019, he shows the world that diabetes doesn’t slow him down.

"With Eversense I don't have to sacrifice other things in my life,” he says.

For more information about successfully managing diabetes, visit EversenseDiabetes.com/get-started-today.

This is a paid advertorial

Paul Reid is an Eversense Patient Ambassador

(NewsUSA) - Are you curious about motorcycles but have never had a chance to ride? Those interested can enjoy a unique opportunity in Las Vegas on November 3 starting at noon at SEMA Fest. For the first time ever, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), is hosting an event open to the public following the SEMA Show, a premier trade event for the automotive industry.

SEMA Fest is a celebration of music, motorsports, and car culture, and SEMA Fest attendees are welcome to experience the Motorcycle Industry Council’s Ride With Us Moto Intro at no additional cost. The motorcycles, safety gear, and coaches are provided for this first-class, first-ride experience so that participants can get a taste of the joys of motorcycling in a supportive and controlled environment.

“Ride With Us inspires potential riders to take the next step to becoming a licensed motorcyclist,” said Cinnamon Kernes, MIC’s vice president of market expansion. “The entire experience — from sign-in to actually riding, with high-fives, and huge smiles — takes about 20 minutes. Many people are amazed at how approachable motorcycle riding can be.”

During the Ride With Us Moto Intro experience, each rider is paired up with a Motorcycle Safety Foundation-certified coach who accompanies them every step of the way, allowing the new riders to go at their own pace.

Ride With Us Moto Intros help people who have never ridden a motorcycle get their first taste of being behind the handlebars, operating the throttle, clutch, and steering. For many, this event may be the first step into the larger world of motorcycle riding.

“At the end, you will be able to start, stop, and ride around our course with confidence,” Kernes says.

The Moto Intro experience will also be at the SEMA Show, October 31 to November 2, and is free for all show attendees. The general public is invited to participate at SEMA Fest on November 3. Tickets for SEMA Fest can be purchased at www.semafest.com.

The Ride With Us Moto Intro experience will take place at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds during SEMA Fest and at the Las Vegas Convention Center during SEMA Show.

Visit www.RideWithUs.com for more information.

(NewsUSA) - Across the Nation,41% of children in the United States live at or below the poverty level. These children face obstacles and hardships every day of the year, and their parents struggle to provide even basic necessities. As the holiday season approaches, these parents feel the effects of record-high inflation more than ever, and they simply lack the means to buy gifts for their bright-eyed and hopeful children.

Marine Toys for Tots, known by most as the flagship children’s Christmastime charity, has expanded its mission and now provides year-round joy, comfort, and hope to economically disadvantaged children across the Nation through the gift of a new toy, book or game.

“As part of our Program’s year-round mission, we continue to look for ways to provide comfort and emotional relief to children living in poverty,” says LtGen Jim Laster, CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

The need continues throughout the year, not only during the holiday season.  This month, Marine Toys for Tots encourages supporters to contribute in honor of Child Poverty Day, which took place on October 17, and be part of a better, brighter chapter in the lives of economically disadvantaged children.

 “Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, and together we can provide hope for a brighter tomorrow and remind them that, no matter their circumstances, no doors are closed to them in life,” says LtGen Laster.

With your support, Marine Toys for Tots helps children expand their horizons and provides them with the tools they need to learn and grow. That’s the unparalleled power of play: its ability to stretch imaginations, spur development, and help America’s children dream big.

With any donation, you provide educational books, toys, games, and other gifts that children in need would never have access to otherwise. In the short term, you will provide an immediate boost to the quality of life for these children; in the long term, you will show them that they matter, and that there is hope for a brighter future.

Visit toysfortots.org for more information. The support you provide today will bring joy to the lives, nourishment to the minds, and hope to the hearts of our Nation’s children!