(NewsUSA) - With Safety Being the Number 1 Priority, the NFL Has Made Changes Even In Recent Years 

What Will the Future Bring? 

utgers on November 6, 1869, has undergone an astonishing evolution. What started as their version of Frisbee golf around 1974 has transformed into a colossal phenomenon, shaping not only the sport but also the equipment. Explore the intricate journey of football, tracing its roots to humble beginnings and witnessing its remarkable growth through the years. From Princeton and Rutgers to the modern-day spectacle, the pointspreads of this journey tell a captivating tale of football's incredible progression.

From Rudimentary Gear to Top-of-the-Line Technology

The first iteration of a football game occurred between college kids in 1869 and there were reportedly 25 players per team on the field at the same time. They wore no protective gear and the rules were a hybrid of soccer, rugby, and whatever else was agreed upon.

That was then and this is now but what we’re here to discuss is the plenty of in-between. So much has happened, and due to the unfortunate injuries that can occur in NFL matchups and elsewhere when elite athletes, equipped with monstrous power, clash in a symphony of spellbinding violence, it is incumbent upon the leagues that govern the rules and safety protocols to make every effort that the athletes are protected.

https://twitter.com/KevG163/status/1657167783073914880?s=20 

It’s not often we think of the progress that has been made, especially when we are scouring the NFL schedule to figure out which game we want to watch. However, with the advent of technology and the research done on lasting injuries, it’s as good a time as any to draw a timeline and point out when changes were made and how the sport has adapted to them.

1890s — A Navy Midshipman named Joe Reeves created the first “head harness”. It was more cosmetic than utilitarian as the soft leather did little to protect. But it was a first step, a baby step, but a step nonetheless in player equipment.

1910 — Shoulder pads up until this point were merely bags of cotton jerry-rigged on the shoulders. This was replaced by thin pads that had a more comfortable fit, albeit the protection provided was not substantially better. 

https://youtu.be/oeLooR3Xlyg?si=XgAsJD_sueA3BFLD 

1920s & 1930s — The game was still in its infancy when a more durable leather helmet was introduced with a teardrop shape that allowed a snugger fit. We also saw the first cantilever shoulder pads designed off the shoulder to absorb shock.

We should also note that the round rubber ball initially used had been slowly streamlined into the oval pigskin we see today.

https://twitter.com/LIConnection/status/1698728501384216927?s=20 

1939 — The biggest NFL news swirling during that year was that the league would make the new plastic helmets mandatory and would introduce a single-face bar.

H3: Player’s Safety Is the No. 1 Priority

Naturally, the evolution of football equipment didn’t come to a screeching halt in 1939. Advances in safety and protection continued throughout the decades. But what is the state of equipment today?

As we all know, some of the most devastating NFL injuries are the ones we can’t see. Concussions are still far too frequent as the strength and speed of the athletes have evolved to the point where a 300-pound edge rusher today has the speed of a 180-pound defensive back from yesteryear.

https://twitter.com/sigg20/status/1667331554454929409?s=20 

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, commonly known as CTE, is a progressive and fatal brain disease associated with repeated head trauma. Former players with CTE have led lives of misery and, in some cases, even led to suicide.

Space age design in the creation of everything from cleats to helmets has improved safety but there is always bigger and better on the horizon such as smart helmets that track and monitor the quantity and severity of head blows. This will alert team doctors and staff when an injury either has occurred or may have already occurred.

https://youtu.be/_uee-QHgmmc?si=ZmwqtT_kSfGaCz5x 

Even state-of-the-art censored mouthguards can track a player's heart rate, body temperature, and even hydration levels to make sure health risks are minimized.

Polymers and other space-age materials are constantly evolving and being introduced to not only bring increased safety to the players but comfort as well. Even the fields themselves continue to evolve to minimize injuries while maintaining a playable surface.

Fortunately, the NFL and lower levels of the sport are all unified in their search for increased player safety. And although we still see more injuries than we would like, at least they’re no longer wearing leather helmets.  

(NewsUSA) - BookTrib.com, a leading source of news, reviews and information about the book industry for more than 20 years, is excited to announce the launch of a new ebook showcasing excerpts from the first chapters of more than 50 of the hottest books -- past, present and future -- that readers can discover this holiday season.

BOOKTRIB LIT PICKS combines excerpts from bestselling authors and major publishers to chapters from celebrated emerging new voices with great stories to tell. The most popular genres are included: contemporary and historical fiction, thrillers, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, self-help, memoirs and much more.

One early reviewer noted, “There's a little bit of something for everyone in this wide-ranging sampler. The excerpts are of generous length, and will be rewarding for anyone who likes a casual browse.”

The books represent: #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, #1 Sunday Times Bestseller, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller, Booklist Starred Review, Kirkus Starred Review, Library Journal Starred Review, USA Today Bestselling Author, Silver Falchion Award Winner, Bram Stoker Award Winner, Edgar Award Nominated Author, and Goodreads Choice Award Nominated Author.

Among the books in the BOOKTRIB LIT PICKS ebook are: The Proof of the Pudding by Rhys Bowen; A Very Convenient Scandal by Jacqueline Mitchard; The Other Mothers by Katherine Faulkner; My Goodbye Girl by Nina Gomez; Flight of the Rondone by Patrick Girondi; The Bucharest Legacy by William Maz; Never Say Whatever by Richard Moran; The Sacrifice by Caroline Steiger; and The Girl from Wudang by PJ Caldas; and The Last Professional by Ed Davis.

Also: Daughters of Shandong by Eve J. Chung; Nosy Neighbors by Freya Sampson; Pandemonium by Bill Harvey; The Island of the Four Ps by Ed Hajim; She Who Rides Horses by Sarah Barnes; Saving Myles by Carl Vondereau; The File by Gary Born; The Empty Kayak by Jode Millman; Maribell’s Shadow by Susannah Marren.

Breakfast at the Beach House Hotel by Judith Keim; All We Buried by Elena Taylor; The Politzer Saga by Linda Broenniman; The Moon That Fell From Heaven by NL Holmes; A Little Rain by Bill VanPatten; Principles of Decision-Making and People by Warren Pennicooke; We Never Knew Darkness by Dennis Snyder; The Art of Time by Quinn Jamison; The Missing Diary by Tasmin Turner; Dangerous Blues by Stephen Policoff; Killer in a Winter Wonderland by Wendy Eckel; Osprey by M.L. Buckman.

In a nutshell, BOOKTRIB LIT PICKS provides readers of all tastes and preferences and hungry to discover their next read with excerpts from a wide range of books sure to enhance their holiday reading list.

Visit https://booktrib.com/litpicks to get your free copy of BOOKTRIB LIT PICKS.

(NewsUSA) - Imagine escaping your wheelchair and standing upright. Diveheart, a non-profit organization based in Downer’s Grove, Ill., has been helping individuals with disabilities do exactly that since 2001.

 Diveheart provides unique adaptive scuba and scuba therapy programs that allow individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities to expand their mobility through the experience of being underwater in zero gravity.

Diveheart’s programs have benefitted, children, veterans, and countless others and helped to revolutionized aquatic rehabilitation. Now, the charity that introduced and expanded adaptive scuba around the world is building the world’s deepest warm water therapy pool. This net-zero project is targeting a spot in Chicagolands’ northern suburbs.

After securing the second of two patents on the deep pool design earlier this year, the Diveheart management team decided to reveal the pool’s design and kick-off a major fundraising campaign in 2024.

“There are many great types of therapy, but in scuba diving we have the franchise on zero gravity,” said Diveheart Executive Director Tinamarie Hernandez. “It’s thrilling to help get someone out of their wheelchair and standing up underwater for the first time since their injury, or maybe for the first time in their lives,” she added.

Diveheart’s deep pool will provide a way to scale up and help many more people enjoy the benefits of underwater zero gravity in a confined and safe warm water environment. The pool will be a worldwide destination for research, rehabilitation, education, training, and will provide vocational opportunities as well. The depth of the pool is important because it allows Diveheart to replicate the benefits of deep open water diving without the unknowns of weather, water movement, and other factors that limit opportunities for research and rehabilitation. 

Currently, world’s deepest pool, at 200 feet, is located in Dubai, but no existing deep pool anywhere in the world is functional for adaptive scuba and scuba therapy, says Jim Elliott, Diveheart’s founder and president. However, the Diveheart pool will meet this important need if the organization meets its fundraising goals, he added.

The Diveheart team has focused on the medical and therapeutic benefits of scuba therapy since the organization’s founding, and its experts have conducted international adaptive scuba symposiums and presented to medical groups around the world. In 2023, Diveheart presented to physicians from the Mayo Clinic on the benefits of scuba therapy during their annual conference, and the team will return for an encore presentation at another Mayo Clinic conference this spring.

Scuba therapy has helped individuals with autism, chronic pain, PTSD, and more. Stay tuned as Diveheart prepares to go deeper!

For more information about the therapeutic value of scuba diving, visit diveheart.org.

(NewsUSA) - Carrie Fox takes to heart the role—and the responsibility—that leading communicators hold in shaping how stories are told, how narratives are shaped, and how decisions are made.

A nationally recognized leader in social impact communications and a champion for business as a force for good, Fox’s new book More Than Words: Communications Practices of Courageous Leaders is an invitation to join an emerging community of practice and become your own positive and powerful agent of change.

You see, communication is a powerful force for change. But the way we communicate dictates just how significant a change we can make: in our companies, our communities, and our world. This book is designed to help you realize your own power as a communicator through a more-than-words approach grounded in courage, care, and clarity.

“I’ve spent the last two decades guiding organizations and their leaders to be more authentic in their words, equitable in their strategies, and intentional about their impact,” says Fox, who is also founder and CEO of Mission Partners, a women-owned strategic communications firm and Certified B Corporation that guides high-potential nonprofits, foundations, and socially responsible corporations in realizing their greatest social impact.

With lessons and insights from some of the brightest minds in social impact communications and tools to help you practically apply these lessons to your work, More Than Words will meet you where you are in your quest to become a more authentic, inclusive, and connected communicator.

Readers will learn:

• The four key communications practices of courageous leaders.
• How to become a communicator for change.
• An inclusive and equitable approach to communication.
• How to build trust with your key constituents.
• How to communicate in a way that leads to lasting and long-term positive change.

“Carrie Fox advises the reader to be a ‘radical listener’ to go beyond surface elements into much deeper discovery to build a trusted relationship with stakeholders for effective engagement and impactful action,” says Carol Cone, CEO, Carole Cone ON PURPOSE, and author of Breakthrough Nonprofit Branding.

More Than Words is “a deeply thoughtful book, full of practical wisdom, for anyone who seeks to communicate effectively to share ideas, build trust and create a better world,” adds David Bornstein, Author of How to Change the World and award-winning journalist, co-founder, Solutions Journalism Network.

Carrie Fox is also host and chief curator of the Mission Forward podcast, which delivers thought-provoking and perspective-shifting conversations on the power of communication. The award-winning program has featured Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, social impact leaders, and some of the nation’s most sought-after philanthropy leaders.

More Than Words is Fox’s second book. Her first book, Adventures in Kindness: 52 Awesome Kid Adventures for Building a Better World, was published in 2020.

To book Carrie as a speaker or to engage with her work, visit www.MissionForward.us and https://mission.partners. Purchase More Than Words at https://bit.ly/3EQUSbw.

(NewsUSA) - The 2023 Marine Toys for Tots campaign season is well underway as Marines and volunteers work tirelessly with local businesses, media, and community leaders to provide holiday hope and joy to children in need in their local communities.

As the Christmas holiday approaches, we are asking for support from the American public now more than ever. Families across the Nation continue to face increasing challenges with rising costs and other economic hardships. When families are struggling to make financial ends meet, providing their children with Christmas gifts can feel entirely out of their reach.

That is why we are encouraging our dedicated supporters to give as generously as they can on Giving Tuesday.

“Giving Tuesday — or as we like to call it, Giving TOYSday — is a chance for Toys for Tots supporters to come together and make miracles happen for children in need all across our Nation,” says Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

“These children need and deserve every advantage we can give them, starting with a simple gift to open on Christmas morning,” LtGen Laster continues.

Giving TOYSday also serves as a reminder that generosity is not limited to material possession alone. Your kindness helps instill empathy, compassion, and responsibility in children and future generations, shaping them into more caring and socially conscious individuals.

Toys for Tots has been a beacon of hope for over seven decades, striving to bring smiles to the faces of children who might otherwise go without during the holiday season. By donating on Giving TOYSday, you can help ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to experience the magic and wonder of the holidays. Together, we can provide Christmas miracles and optimism to even more disadvantaged children across our Nation.

Visit toysfortots.org to donate on Giving TOYSday (or any day) or visit your local campaign website to find other ways to donate this giving season!

(NewsUSA) - For older Americans who smoke or have diabetes or high blood pressure, leg pain could signal a problem with blood flow and needs to be checked by a doctor.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart become narrow. The most common type of PAD affects the legs and feet.

Typical symptoms of PAD include sensations of burning, aching, numbness, fatigue, or pain in the leg or hip muscles while walking and occur when blocked arteries keep the legs from getting the blood flow they need.

Many people are unaware they have it, according to experts at the American Heart Association. Left untreated, PAD can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. In extreme cases, limb amputation is needed. Peripheral artery disease affects about 8.5 million American adults, with Black people disproportionately facing diagnosis and greater likelihood of amputation.

Fortunately, early detection can reduce the risk of complications.

“It’s important for people who are risk for PAD to talk to their doctors about their concerns, and especially important to ask their doctor to check the pulses in their feet,” said Dr. Natalie Evans, an American Heart Association volunteer expert serving on the national PAD Collaborative.

Several strategies to manage PAD include:

- Stop smoking. Smoking is a risk factor for PAD and can lead to complications for people diagnosed with PAD. 

- Get moving. Physical activity is a way to potentially prevent and treat PAD. Even if you have been diagnosed with PAD, regular exercise should be part of your treatment plan. Follow your doctor’s advice and start slowly.

- Eat well. Good nutrition is important for health and weight management. Many people with PAD also have high cholesterol, and a diet low in saturated fat can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of PAD complications.

-- Manage blood sugar. People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk for PAD, but consistent blood sugar management can help reduce their risk.

-- Take medication as prescribed.

“Medications and walking exercise are usually the first-line treatments for people with PAD, but some people may need to have more invasive procedures to restore blood flow, like a stent that’s put inside the blood vessel or a bypass surgery,” said Evans, a vascular medicine specialist at University Hospitals Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute in Cleveland, and assistant professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

“Unfortunately, sometimes people with severe PAD can lose a toe, foot, or leg due to amputation,” she said. “This is the thing my patients with PAD often worry about the most. The good news is that for most people, if we can catch PAD early we can prevent this worst-case scenario. That’s why it’s important to educate people about PAD. I also recommend that patients with PAD work with specialists who are trained in treating vascular disease.”

The bottom line: Take off your shoes and socks at a medical checkup and tell your doctor if you have any concerns about pain or discomfort in your legs and feet.

Visit heart.org/PAD for more information about the signs and symptoms of PAD.

(NewsUSA) - Residents and visitors to Northeast Pennsylvania can now explore a new addition to Pinchot State Forest – a 2,216-foot peaked mountain that is a stunning backdrop to the town of Tunkhannock.

Known locally as Miller Mountain, the 2,500-acre forested property was purchased with the help of natural gas infrastructure company, Williams, to ensure its permanent protection and public access. Williams handles one third of the nation’s natural gas, serving communities across the United States.

Miller Mountain is believed to be the last undeveloped, privately owned peak of its size in Pennsylvania and now is the first state forestland in Wyoming County.

“I cannot wait to view the area from the top of Miller Mountain and take in the beautiful sights provided from its vistas,” said Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.

Williams partnered with DCNR and The Conservation Fund (TCF) to secure the property, which has been a priority for conservation for decades, said Kyle Shenk, Northeast Regional Director for TCF.

“Miller Mountain is an iconic feature of the landscape here in Tunkhannock so it's wonderful to have it protected in perpetuity and open to anyone to come visit,” he said.

Located in the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, the property provides critical habitat for migratory birds, black bears, white-tailed deer and bobcats, and supports headwater streams of the Susquehanna River watershed.

Williams, which employs more than 200 people in the area, welcomed the opportunity to support the project, said Chad Teply, Sr. Vice President of Transmission and Gulf of Mexico.

“We’re excited about all of the recreational opportunities Miller Mountain has to offer to residents, visitors and our employees in Northeast Pennsylvania, while truly appreciating that critical wildlife habitat and watersheds are protected for generations to come,” he said.

Local resident and conservationist Bill Kern said he’s long championed the mountain’s conservation.

“I grew up on the back side of Miller Mountain and spent my childhood recreating there,” he said. “To see it permanently protected is one of the most important things to me in my life. And to know that others will be able to enjoy it, is just absolutely incredible.” 

DCNR staff is assessing the land to develop plans for trails and other recreational opportunities.

The property will be a big boost to local tourism and attracting industry to Wyoming County, said county commissioner chairman Rick Wilbur.

“The opening of Miller Mountain to the public is huge,” he said. “It never would have happened without the generosity of Williams.”

Watch a video about Miller Mountain here.

(NewsUSA) - The holidays ring in a season of food prep and culinary indulgence, enticing people and pets with an abundance of activity in the kitchen as holiday meals and treats are prepared for family and friends. As celebrations commence, it’s easy to allow your pets to take part in the festivities with special treats and scraps, as meals are prepared. Expert Veterinarian Dr. Aziza Glass for Freshpet, the leading fresh pet food company, advises pet parents to be choosey when it comes to involving your pet in the holidays, helping avoid the ER and creating ways to make the moments special.

Foods to Skip

Foods to keep away from your pet include any type of bones, sauce-ladened sides such as mashed potatoes or creamed peas, onions, garlic, and spicy foods.

Some dangerous holiday foods might come as a surprise to pet parents. Grapes, raisins, and currants may seem healthy, but they are extremely poisonous to dogs and potentially cats, whether alone, in a fruitcake or other food, according to Dr. Glass.

Also on the naughty list are alcoholic beverages and chocolate, as well as cookies, pies, and other sweets.

Fatty meat scraps aren’t safe either, as they can cause inflammation of the pancreas, with symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Foods to Pick

Consider these twists on holiday favorite foods that are safe and easy to serve your pet as special occasion treats:

Cranberries: Skip the sweetened cranberry sauce, and instead serve your dog cranberries straight up. Whether dried, frozen, or fresh, a small handful is the perfect holiday dog dessert. Just keep moderation in mind, says Dr. Glass, since too many can cause an upset stomach.

Vegetables: If vegetables are on your menu, consider them for your pet as a healthy treat. Green beans, carrots and sweet potatoes, for example, are safe and nourishing options - just remember to keep the prep simple, avoiding seasonings including salt and pepper.

Fresh Pet Food: Take the guesswork out and give your pet a special holiday meal from Freshpet. Freshpet recipes include high quality proteins and farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and are developed by veterinary nutritionists. For example, Freshpet’s Select Chunky Chicken & Turkey Roll includes peas, carrots and brown rice and never any fillers or additives - a simple way to elevate the nutritional value of your dog food bowl for the holidays and beyond.

For more ways to keep your pets happy and healthy, visit freshpet.com.

(NewsUSA) - On a global level, models of governance for artificial intelligence (AI) are on display for judgement and potential adoption, and the United States is poised to shape the future geopolitical order by providing an effective, democratic model for generative AI governance, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a bipartisan nonprofit organization.

Although the U.S. has established governance mechanisms that can be adapted to address imminent threats to society from generative AI (GenAI), we also must explore new approaches, as well as international governance mechanisms to address the global issues raised by GenAI.

The rapid advancement of GenAI has several near-term implications for society, including threats to democratic values such as privacy, nondiscrimination, fairness, and accountability.

“Synthetic media is nearly, or at least soon will be, indiscernible from truth and GenAI allows for increased volume,” according to SCSP.

The U.S. government should utilize existing capabilities to address the most pressing concerns presented by GenAI to society, while continuing to explore additional mechanisms.

To that end, SCSP advises attention to four key areas:

Domestic Election Systems. To protect U.S. digital information and elections systems, SCSP recommends a voluntary standard of conduct for synthetic media in advance of the 2024 elections. This standard could be based on existing guidance, such as the Partnership on AI’s Responsible Practices for Synthetic Media. In addition, Congress should increase public digital literacy education and disinformation awareness to alert the public of the use of synthetic media in federal elections.

Domestic Regulatory Needs. The United States should consider a flexible AI governance model that includes four principles previously identified by SCSP: govern AI use cases and outcomes by sector; empower and modernize existing regulators, while considering a longer-term centralized AI regulatory authority; focus on highly consequential uses, both beneficial and harmful significant impacts; and strengthen non-regulatory AI governance, such as the voluntary codes of conduct, with input from industry and key stakeholders.

Digital Platforms from Countries of Concern. An increased number of United States voters use foreign digital platforms from countries of concern, and these platforms are converging with GenAI. For example, ByteDance has incorporated a chatbot into TikTok in Southeast Asia. GenAI presents the possibility of increasing the volume and speed of malign content on platforms.

Governing Transnational Generative AI Challenges. GenAI’s transnational nature makes international mechanisms essential to domestic governance. GenAI’s risks cut across borders and affect sovereignty, social harms, and legitimate law enforcement needs.

Visit scsp.ai for more information.

(NewsUSA) - The holidays are right around the corner, and so are the Black Friday deals you want. Check out this guide for details on this year’s must-have gifts from Spin Master.

Monster Jam Grave Digger Trax. Monster Jam fans have their eyes on the latest remote-controlled vehicle, the Grave Digger Trax. The unique body design and rugged treads are engineered for epic Monster Jam stunts, including back wheelies and donuts. The all-terrain Grave Digger Trax conquers mud, rocks, dirt, and snow, and even floats through water.

$69.99 – 36 % off on Amazon starting November 24th

Batman Gotham City Guardian Playset. Unleash the ultimate Batman experience: a massive two-and-a-half-foot tall playset that transforms into three vehicles (the Batwing, BatTank, and Batcycle) plus a Bat Computer and Mobile Command Center. When combined, the elements form a giant Mech Batman, ready to defend Gotham City against the forces of evil. Other special features include lights, sounds, and an exclusive four-inch armored Batman figure that fits into any of the vehicles.

$99.99 – 32% off on Amazon starting November 24th

Kinetic Sand Deluxe Beach Castle. Bring the beach home with the all-new Kinetic Sand Deluxe Beach Castle playset. This set features two and a half pounds of Kinetic Sand, and everything you need to create a unique sand kingdom, including a multi-tier tray for dynamic beach builds and 9 new, multi-purpose tools and molds to for custom decorating. Once you're done playing, seal the play tray with the innovative easy-seal lid. 

$24.99 - 54% off on Amazon now!

Cool Maker PopStyle Bracelet Maker. Make bracelets in a snap with the PopStyle Bracelet Maker; no knots, clasps, or cuts needed. Choose from 170 gorgeous beads, place them on the elastics, and pop the top to reveal your custom bracelet. The fun doesn’t stop there—you can make and remake up to 10 different bracelets easily by popping off and swapping the beads whenever you want. Bead designs include emojis, stripes, and letter stickers for the ultimate personal touch.

$24.99 - 38% off on Amazon starting November 24th

Rubble & Crew Bark Yard Crane Tower Playset. The Bark Yard Playset is inspired by the construction yard and home base for the pups in the popular series Rubble & Crew. This playset includes lights, sounds, music, and phrases that fans will recognize from the show. The playset stands more than 2 feet tall and comes with 12 ounces of Kinetic Sand Build-It Sand, four molds, interchangeable tools and a Rubble vehicle and pup to encourage open-ended building and sensory play for preschoolers.

$79.99 – 33% off on Amazon now!