(NewsUSA) - Hope is essential for children with critical illnesses, and you can help unlock its life-changing power today.

Parker's wish is to have a rainbow playset, and Jade wishes for a white fluffy puppy. These children and countless others hope to capture your heart and ignite your desire to support the Make-A-Wish mission to grant the wish of every eligible child.

Make-A-Wish is the world's largest wish-granting organization, serving children in nearly 50 countries. With generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 40,000 volunteers around the globe, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. An integral part of a child's treatment journey, Make-A-Wish has fulfilled the wishes of more than 340,000 children nationwide since its founding in 1980.

There remains a tremendous gap between the number of wishes granted today and the estimated 27,000 children in the United States that are diagnosed with a qualifying condition annually. Together, we can raise the funds necessary to help close that gap.

"Fujitsu is known as a global leader in ductless mini-splits, but we're actually much more," said Matt Peterson, president and COO of Fujitsu General America, Inc. "We also supply VRF, unitary ducted, and commercial rooftops as a full line equipment supplier. But we're also much, much more than that. We support causes that are near and dear to our hearts. One of them is Make-A-Wish. If you know our culture, supporting children with critical illnesses is a no-brainer to us. It's the right thing to do. We hope you will find a way to join us in this incredible cause as we strive to make the world a better place. Visit fujitsugeneral.com/cares/wishes to learn more about how you can get involved."

There are many ways to support this extraordinary organization that grants wishes that help children replace fear with confidence, anxiety with hope and sadness with joy.

Here are just a few more ways to make a difference:

* Donate monthly to help reach every eligible child and ensure more children re-discover hope when they need it most.

* Fundraising, whether it's through athletic events, lemonade stands or birthday fundraisers, empowers passionate supporters to rally networks in their communities.

* Volunteers are the backbone of making wishes come true. Share your time and talents as a volunteer and transform a child's life.

Research shows children who have wishes granted build the physical and emotional strength needed to fight a critical illness. This can improve their quality of life and produce better health outcomes.

Together we can transform lives, one wish at a time. Visit Wish.org to learn more and see how you can get involved today!

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"In the Black"
by Andrew Ceroni

The CIA's most valued Russian double agents are being methodically assassinated one by one.

When the Agency discovers the attacks originate from a Russian top-secret cyberwarfare program called Chernyy Almaz or Black Diamond, a mind-control program, the CIA must respond swiftly to shut down the attacks and extract its top agents before they're lost forever.

Among them is Dr. Armand Mishenkov, head of Russia's research for cold fusion weaponry. Mishenkov escapes to Ukraine, but freedom is still far from his reach. Pursued by Russian assassins and Spetsnaz teams, agent Dave McClure and partner Tony Robertson must find Mishenkov and smuggle him across Europe and to the United States. Can they make it alive? Purchase at https://amzn.to/3uK5e68.

"Hello Whimsy"
by Jean Ngo

In this fun children's book, Whimsy the cat tries to make friends, ironically, with birds! When another furry feline comes along, does this make a great match because they are both cats? Whimsy travels through the day meeting one creature after another -- but has her challenges. Find out in this tale about socializing beyond the genus-surface! And learn how beautiful frienships get started.

The author lives in Southern California with her fur baby Misty, after whom Whimsy is modeled. Jean likes to spend her time off talking to roses, daydreaming or having a cup of tea. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3xnM4UO.

"Functional Dysfunction: From Sour Grapes to Fine Wine"
by Dr. C. Errol Ball

Life can be a bumpy ride, and for some of us, our greatest challenges can present themselves as early as childhood and in the worst of ways. How we deal with those early challenges is often what will shape our world and how we see it.

As a physician and a minister, the author bears witness to both the joys and the sorrows of his patients and congregants. He sees the world as an interplay of body, mind and spirit. And at the intersection of these pieces of his life, he has come to find that every experience -- whether painful or pleasant -- offers an opportunity for growth, a chance to turn our sour grapes into a fine wine. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3w92q3p.

"Riding the Executive Roller Coaster: Medical Staffing Cases "
by Kelli Christina

This is a fictionalized book based on real-life events and court cases that went unnoticed by the public eye over the period of a decade. The author plays the primary role in the book, which covers the trials and tribulations of professional offices at their highest and lowest moments.

The consequences of handling business and professional issues in the wrong manner or even illegally can escalate and destroy many lives along the way. The book follows the long path of success and falling in despair over lawsuits and loss; it includes all the important life lessons to be learned along life's path. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3onrwZb.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

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by John Hansen - Solar energy isn't new, but like any worthwhile technology, it has been upgraded. When you think of solar panels, do you think of unsightly blocks marring the lines of your roof? Today's solar energy panels are a clean and sleek source of renewable energy that increasing numbers of homeowners embrace as a way to save the planet and save on their energy bills.

Installing solar panels could save a homeowner as much as 35% on energy bills in the first year of use, according to Solar Energy Partners, a community-focused solar company based in California. "We strive to grant homeowners the peace of mind to live their lives without interruption through the power of Earth's most renewable resource," according to the company.

Solar energy is an environmentally sound energy source that reduces air pollution, reduces water use, reduces dependence on nonrenewable energy, and reduces energy costs to consumers.

The experts at Solar Energy Partners (SEP) act as true partners when it comes to helping homeowners enjoy the benefits of green energy, with a commitment to community and customer service that sets them apart. SEP offers not only a cost-free savings analysis, but also a computer-generated image to show potential customers exactly how their solar panels will look on their roof. SEP installers work flexible days and times to suit any schedule, they are committed to an unintrusive process that customers appreciate. Solar panels are durable and require almost no maintenance. The SEP panels are designed to generate power for 25 to 35 years, and can be installed on almost any type of roof. Although a southern-facing roof is ideal, SEP experts can create a workaround as needed

SEP's service-oriented business model extends to the community at large; in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SEP partnered with the Salvation Army through their California South Division to provide local families in need with groceries, school supplies, and assistance with rent and utility bills. SEP currently serves communities in California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, Texas, and New Jersey.

Visit solarenergy.partners to learn more the value of solar energy, and check out the company's facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SolarEnergyPartnersUSA/.

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This past year, back-to-back hurricanes in Central America, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Ethiopia have increased the need for international aid as well as people's desire to help. Although many people want to support global disaster relief efforts, most people don't know the most effective way to contribute, according to the U.S. Agency for International Development's Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI). 

When it comes to supporting international disaster relief efforts, monetary donations are the best way to help. Every disaster response is unique and cash contributions are fast and flexible, allowing relief organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when it's needed and support local economies. Donating material goods such as food, water, and clothing, incurs additional costs, including transportation and storage, and may be culturally inappropriate or otherwise hinder relief efforts.

To promote the message that cash is best, USAID sponsors an annual Public Service Announcements for International Disasters contest (PSAid) for college students, recruiting them to create PSAs in three formats: print, video, or digital. The contest entries this year included nearly 90 submissions from 11 universities. All 2021 winners hail from Arizona State University, making this the first clean sweep in the PSAid contest's 15 year history. Entries were judged by a panel of five experts from the humanitarian and communications fields.

Additionally, three entries were selected as the winners of the People's Choice competition, an opportunity for the general public to vote on their favorite contest entry in each category on the PSAid website.

"I learned that donating physical items to overseas disasters often does more harm than good," says Molly Gaffey, People's Choice winner in the video category and University of Michigan student. "Although these items are provided in good intention, they come with barriers that can be avoided with monetary donations."

Some winning PSAs will be featured in prominent magazines or aired during popular television programs, and will be also used in CIDI's 'Cash is Best' education efforts.

Some common myths about donating cash to help international disasters include:

MYTH: I cannot donate enough money to make a difference.

FACT: Even a small donation can help international disaster victims. In Haiti, $5 will buy a life-saving course of antibiotics. In Zimbabwe, a $10 donation can provide regular healthcare to 90 people for a year. In Java, $50 provides a one-month food supply to volunteers rebuilding homes for earthquake victims. (Source: www.globalgiving.org).

MYTH: If I donate cash, most of it will go to administrative costs and not directly to help the victims.

FACT: There are numerous reputable international disaster response agencies which dedicate monetary contributions directly to relief programs in the field. It is important that contributors feel comfortable with their charity of choice and research their methods as appropriate. Cash donations have far greater impact than donated goods.

Visit PSAid.org for more information and to view the winning PSA entries.

(NewsUSA) - High blood pressure occurs in almost half of American adults, and you may not know you have it until you experience complications, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss or sexual problems. In addition, having high blood pressure could contribute to worst COVID-19 outcomes, according to the American Heart Association.

"The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to monitor it. Having your blood pressure monitored by a health professional at least once per year and regularly monitoring it yourself at home and discussing your numbers and a healthy lifestyle plan with a doctor is a great way to control your blood pressure," says Willie Lawrence, M.D. cardiologist and American Heart Association volunteer expert.

Know how to measure accurately

Whether you're measuring your blood pressure at home or having it measured in a doctor's office or someplace else, here are important things to know to get the most accurate reading:

- Get ready. Don't smoke, consume caffeine, or exercise within 30 minutes of checking your blood pressure. Empty your bladder, and rest quietly for at least 5 minutes before measuring.

- Get set. Sit up straight on a firm chair with a back. Place your feet flat on the floor and uncross your legs. Your arm should be on a flat surface with your upper arm at the level of your heart. Place the bottom of the monitor cuff just above the bend of the elbow directly on your skin, not over clothing.

- Go. Take your blood pressure measurement at about the same time each day. Take two or three readings one minute apart and record the results on paper. Some blood pressure monitors will save results or let you upload them to a secure website. Share your results with your doctor.

Know the meaning of your numbers

In most cases, a normal blood pressure is 120/80 or less. If you have readings that are consistently higher than 130/80, that's considered high blood pressure. A reading of 180/120 or higher could be a crisis! Wait five minutes and check it again. If it doesn't come down, see a doctor right away. If you experience symptoms such as headache, weakness, trouble seeing, chest pains, back pains or other health problems call 9-1-1, immediately. Don't wait for your pressure to go down. You could be having a serious health problem.

Know how to reduce your risk

You may reduce your risk of high blood pressure by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, eating healthfully, reducing alcohol or not drinking and not smoking. However, if you do develop high blood pressure, don't give up. Knowing your blood pressure numbers, monitoring them regularly, taking medication as prescribed and working with a healthcare professional on a plan to improve your blood pressure and keep it under control, may help you to live a long and healthy life.

Many local businesses and organizations, such as churches, barber and beauty shops and community health centers are working with the American Heart Association to control blood pressure in communities and can be good places to get your blood pressure checked and to access resources and information at no cost to help you to live a healthy life.

For more information visit heart.org/hbpcontrol.

(NewsUSA) - Offices around the country are finally opening back up. According to census.gov, more than a third of Americans are still working from home , but the number of people getting back into their daily commutes-and their work clothes -- is growing every day.

In the APA's Stress in America™ poll conducted in February 2021, 42 percent of Americans reported undesired weight gain during COVID-19 quarantines, lockdowns and work-from-home time. Their average weight gain: 29 pounds.

To get back into a healthier routine once you head into the office, Courtney McCormick, registered dietitian and manager of clinical research & nutrition at Nutrisystem, offers these simple tips.

Pile on the Produce: Even the odds and help yourself stay on track when you clock in. Load up on non-starchy vegetables such as cucumbers, peppers, carrots and more each day because they're loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber, but they're low on calories. The fiber helps you feel full without filling out.

Pack Satisfying Snacks: Healthy snacks may be the most important option you can give yourself at the office. When you start to feel that 3 p.m. slump, it can be so easy to grab one of those coworker-brought bagels or hit the vending machine. Being prepared with satisfying options can help you make food decisions to meet your health goals.

Make Meals Ahead: Meal prepping ahead of time can help you stay on track when it's time to eat at the office. Pre-portioned meals such as those from Nutrisystem or power bowl recipes are a great healthy lunch meal prep option because they are easy to grab and go, yet heartier than a salad. You can also whip up several servings of chicken in the slow cooker or on the grill to pair with steamed veggies all week long.

Stay in the Know: Once you've got your healthy meal prep underway, arm yourself with information. When a coworker invites you to lunch or happy hour, you're going to want to be there-it's the first one in more than a year! So give yourself the info to concentrate on the experience without stressing about your order. Look at the menu online before you head out so you can see which options are best for your healthy lifestyle.

To add to your efforts, don't forget to stay hydrated and active during the workday. Pack a water bottle to refill during the day and plan to meet a co-worker for a lunchtime walk. For more great tips, visit Nutrisystem's The Leaf at leaf.nutrisystem.com.