(NewsUSA) - Aunque las enfermedades del corazón se pueden prevenir en gran medida, aun así, siguen siendo la principal causa de muerte en los Estados Unidos. Las enfermedades cardíacas afectan a millones de personas y su impacto no es igual en todas las comunidades.

Las comunidades de afroamericanos, hispanos/latinos, asiáticos/isleños del Pacífico e indios americanos/nativos de Alaska presentan tasas más altas tanto de enfermedades del corazón como de factores de riesgo como presión arterial alta, colesterol alto, obesidad, diabetes y fumar. Las investigaciones respaldadas por el Instituto Nacional del Corazón, los Pulmones y la Sangre (NHLBI, por sus siglas en inglés) han demostrado que usted puede reducir su riesgo individual de padecer de enfermedades del corazón al tomar pasos preventivos: mantenerse activo físicamente, seguir una alimentación saludable, manejar el estrés, no fumar, dormir lo suficiente y controlar la presión arterial, el colesterol y la diabetes. Todo esto puede mejorar la salud de su corazón, pero el impacto puede ser aún mayor si une fuerzas con sus amigos y familiares para juntos llevar vidas más saludables. 

Los estudios han demostrado que tener relaciones positivas y cercanas y sentirse conectado con otras personas es beneficioso para su presión arterial, peso y salud en general, entre otras cosas. El programa The Heart Truth® del NHLBI sugiere algunas maneras en las que puede conectarse con sus amigos, vecinos y compañeros de trabajo para promover la salud del corazón en su propia comunidad: 

1. Organice un grupo de apoyo en línea para motivarse unos a otros mientras trabajan para alcanzar sus objetivos de salud.
    
2. Haga un tablero de anuncios virtual donde su comunidad pueda publicar mensajes de motivación y compartir recetas saludables para el corazón, junto con otros consejos.
    
3. Coordine caminatas en la comunidad para mantenerse activos juntos.
    
4. Pida a un proveedor de cuidados de salud de su área, a un trabajador de salud de la comunidad o a un educador de salud que organice sesiones educativas sobre la salud del corazón o para medir la presión arterial.

Compartir con otras personas en el lugar donde vive, trabaja y disfruta su tiempo libre puede ayudar a fomentar estilos de vida saludables para el corazón y a construir comunidades más saludables. Aprenda más sobre la salud del corazón y encuentre recursos para compartir en su comunidad en www.hearttruth.gov (en inglés). 

(NewsUSA) - Heart disease is largely preventable, yet it’s still the leading cause of death in the United States. It affects millions of people, and its impact is not shared equally among all communities.

African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native communities have higher rates of both heart disease and risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and smoking. Research supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has shown that you can lower your individual risk for heart disease by taking preventive steps: being physically active, eating a healthy diet, managing stress, not smoking, getting enough sleep, and controlling your blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. All this can give your heart health a big boost, but the impact is greater when you join forces with friends and family members to be healthier – together.   

Studies have shown that having positive, close relationships and feeling connected to others benefits your overall health, blood pressure, weight, and more. NHLBI’s The Heart Truth® program suggests a few ways you can connect with friends, neighbors and colleagues to promote heart health in your own community: 

Set up an online support group to motivate each other as you work to meet your health goals.

Create a virtual bulletin board where your community can post encouraging comments and share heart-healthy recipes and other tips.

Schedule community walks to get your hearts pumping together.

Ask a local healthcare provider, community health worker, or health educator to host heart health education sessions or blood pressure screenings.

Connecting with others where you live, work, and play can help foster heart-healthy lifestyles and build healthier communities. Learn more about heart health and find resources to share in your community at www.hearttruth.gov. 

 

(NewsUSA) - From charging our phones to fueling up for family road trips and heating our homes, nearly      everything we do uses energy. It’s critical to daily life and a prosperous future. With that in mind, Congress created new energy tax credits in 2022 that lay the foundation for generational investments in all energy to meet growing demand.

These federal energy tax credits are boosting all homegrown energy, including renewables, which has created new jobs, saved consumers money, shored up our energy security and made our electric grid more reliable when extreme weather hits.

And the numbers are significant. These tax credits will create nearly 14 million jobs over the next decade, including doubling the number of clean energy jobs—long lasting careers—from roughly 3 million today to more than 6.5 million. Right now, the credits have already delivered 1.2 million annual jobs while providing new opportunities across multiple sectors, including construction and manufacturing.

The bottom line is that energy tax credits, are and will continue to produce massive dividends for all Americans, delivering a 4x return on taxpayer investment. Here are some eye-popping stats:

Approximately $740 billion in tax credits are estimated to deliver over $3 trillion in net benefits, including $1.88 trillion in economic benefits and over $1 trillion in environmental benefits

These credits boost household income through wages and savings on energy costs while reducing air pollution and providing enhanced energy security for American-made power.

Considering the growing demand, we need all the power we can to produce here at home. The good news is that clean power capacity is growing and is expected to supply enough energy to power every home in the U.S. three times over by 2035 with the help of these energy tax credits.

Now is the time to embrace and foster innovation in homegrown power. Lawmakers in Washington should protect energy tax credits so we can continue to invest in all forms of energy to power our daily lives today and in the future.

 

 

 

(NewsUSA) - Every Fall by Angela Douglas

A chilling thriller, perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter and Lisa Gardner, exploring the dark side of police culture and family trauma.

Bree knew life married to a beat cop would be tough, but she believes their family will be fine living in the crime-infested city of East Bernheim — that is, until one day crime follows them home. Jake then agrees to stretch their finances and move to a bigger house in a better neighborhood. But Bree, now pregnant with their second child, begins to hear voices and suffer strange dreams. Then when tragedy strikes on the job, Jake enters a spiral of guilt and grief that degrades his grip on reality.

Bree, isolated and struggling, must protect her children from the one person she thought would always keep them safe. A thriller that tackles toxic masculinity in police culture and trauma, you’ll be on the edge of your seat. Purchase at https://bit.ly/400i0PY.

Dear God, My Life Is in Jeopardy by Tom Covino

When you read the story of Evelyn Dawson, you'll never quite be the same again.

The beginning will make you wonder, the middle will shock you, and the ending may cause you to re-evaluate what you thought were the right answers to some of life's deepest questions.

This book answers the greatest fear that man has … why am I afraid to die? The first half is written as fiction, and then tied up through facts and truth. In the story, Evelyn finds herself on the game show Jeopardy. No Alex Trebek or other players, just her, the host, and an audience made up of all the best professional actors, athletes and singers. Says one reviewer,  “I can’t recall a book that affected me so much. From suspenseful and gripping, from Jeopardy to the final courtroom, this book shook me to the core.”  Purchase at https://bit.ly/4g003qA.

Our Best Selves by David Torne

Wisdom for our souls' growth. As part of our human nature, we yearn for the compelling desire to grow and evolve as individuals, even without being fully aware of this fact. Our soul yearns to reach that version of ourselves that best defines us and to overcome those limitations that distance us from our purest essence.

This book is a guide with a great transforming power that, in a simple and entertaining way, will provide readers with essential tools for the ultimate purpose of helping them in their personal and vital development.

Embark on a journey of self-discovery to unlearn what no longer serves us and at the same time help us to establish new guidelines that favor our well-being and pave the way to a full and authentic life. Achieving the best version of ourselves becomes a commitment that, at a collective level, can potentially transform all of humanity. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4j0e4Gi.

Race to Cable Town (Book 1) by Edward Penner

Tom finds an old letter in his attic addressed to his great-grandfather, and the letter is signed by a man named Clayton. Who is he and why was he sent to jail? Tom and Andy ride to Cable Field in search of clues. But when they get there, Andy is challenged to a bike race, and it’s sure to be his toughest race ever.

Can Andy win or has he finally met someone faster? And, when the race is over, can the boys learn more about the mysterious man named Clayton? It’s the start of a bold new adventure for Tom and Andy.

This first book in the series is an action-packed story that will keep young readers turning the pages and help them discover that reading adventure stories can be just as much fun as cell phones, video games and other distractions. Learn more at www.edwardpenner.com.

 

(NewsUSA) -  

We're All Mad Here: An (In)Elegant Memoir by Marie Kuipers

Peer behind the curtain of one fiercely opinionated and unapologetically peculiar woman’s unhinged life. If her upbringing in Dirty Jerz and her narcissistic mother aren’t enough, add a psychotic catfishing ex-husband, a lifesaving Solo cup, heaps of grief, and a dash of Lyme, and you’ve got the recipe for a (mostly) hilarious roller-coaster ride of a read.

Experience the epiphany that saves a beloved rooster from an evil HOA Karen. Bond over such atrocities as puke, the patriarchy, and plus-sized effrontery. Find unexpected solace in a simple feather.

This collection of sketches forms the gooey center of a Venn diagram for “dark,” “irreverent,” and “raucously funny.”

For everyone who has dreamed of conquering calamity, embracing chaos, or banging a hot vampire, We’re All Mad Here plunges you into a maelstrom of heartbreak, hilarity, and, finally, forgiveness. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4jP0KFh.

Under the Charcoal Sky by John H. Cunningham

After a life-changing discovery, Buck Reilly embarks on his greatest adventure, which threatens to be his last. The identity of the woman who gave him life is a closely guarded secret for reasons that go far beyond her own short existence. As Buck pursues information that has been fiercely hidden in Scotland for generations, it puts him and his friends in the crosshairs of a secret society whose sole purpose is to eliminate any threat of exposing the truth. Their lives depend on Buck finding missing ancient documents and treasure, impossibly fast, or they will all be killed.

The breathless pace will carry readers deep into the night as Buck races against the clock to overcome a double-cross that will cut him to the core as he faces off against the coldest, most brutal circumstances one could endure. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3W9UfT8.

Puppied to Death by C.B. Wilson

A murder, an ancient rivalry, and a puppy you can’t help but love…

A frantic plea from her sister sends Cat Hawl on a rescue mission to Hawaii. What should’ve been a simple mediation between Lani and their mother turns deadly. Not only is a tea sommelier murdered, but a puppy has turned the crime scene into a dog’s breakfast, and Cat’s trouble-prone sister is nowhere to be found.

Since the police suspect the worst, it’s up to Cat to dig deeper. With her mother and Miss Marple Mahjong Mama’s help, Cat uncovers an ancient rivalry rooted in the Forbidden City. Can a thousand-year-old tea reading be the cause of the current puppy pandemonium and mounting body count?

Puppied to Death is the charming ninth book in the Barkview Mysteries series, with characters out of their comfort zones, spectacular twists, and plenty of paw-friendly humor. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3PoCzQ2.

My Bully, My Aunt & Her Final Gift by Harold Phifer

Sometimes the death of a loved one can fix your pain. Here’s a funeral that turned into a comedy show. The death of the author’s evil aunt taught him a lot about grief, love, loss, resentment and redemption. After her death, he was tasked with the job of putting together a memorial that no one wanted to attend.

It’s far from grim — there’s laughter until the end.

Most of the story is recreated from real-life experiences of a misguided kid. Readers will be shocked by the darkness and behaviors of a close blood relative. Logic and Aunt Kathy never coexisted, whereas her philosophies and arbitrary enforcements kept the author off-balance for much of his young life. Somehow, he survived the chaos, abuse, and despicable treatment then and found another way. This story pulls back the covers to that sick, twisted, and formative relationship the author had to endure. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3PZlNqQ.

 

(NewsUSA) - While February is recognized as National Random Acts of Kindness month, at Marine Toys for Tots, we believe kindness knows no boundaries—nor does it follow a calendar. Kindness is intentional, and our year-round mission embodies this philosophy through our “Not So Random Acts of Kindness” initiative—a mission that enables us to deliver optimism and joy to children in need throughout the year and achieve record-breaking milestones.

Thanks to generous and intentional donors across the Nation, Toys for Tots is able to respond to the needs of children whose lives have been upended by natural disasters, in addition to providing year-round support for disadvantaged children. In 2024, Marine Toys for Tots delivered more than 30 million toys, books, and games to nearly 13 million children in need!

“I am deeply humbled by the incredible generosity of our supporters,” said LtGen James Laster, USMC (Retired), CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Every donation and every act of kindness strengthens our mission and allows us to reach more disadvantaged children, year after year. Together, we are truly making a difference,” he said.

As we step into a new year, our resolve has never been stronger. The Marine Toys for Tots Program remains committed to supporting those in need throughout the year, because we know that needs don’t follow a seasonal timeline. Whether assistance is needed during the holiday season or after crises such as Hurricane Helene or the California wildfires, Toys for Tots stands ready to help families and children who are facing unimaginable challenges and adversity.

Girls and boys who had lost their homes, their belongings, and their sense of security as a result of last year’s natural disasters received a glimmer of hope at Toys for Tots’ emergency distribution event in Hendersonville, North Carolina. In total, over 10,000 toys, books, and games made their way into the hands of 2,600 families.  

Just like the support we provided to the families whose lives were turned upside down in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, we will provide comfort and assistance to children and families in the communities surrounding Los Angeles.

“Los Angeles is where Toys for Tots began 78 years ago, and in response to the wildfires that ravaged our Program's birthplace, we are assembling and preparing to distribute emotional relief packages through our Disaster Recovery and Response Initiative,” LtGen Laster said.

On February 8^th, our partner, the Sydney Paige Foundation, organized a distribution event in Pasadena, California, for the children and families who have lost everything in the fires. During this event, 5,000 toys, books, and other gifts – provided by Toys for Tots – were distributed to 2,800 families.

“The tragic fires in Los Angeles have put countless families in crisis, disrupting their lives and destroying homes. While our hearts ache for those affected, our dedication to assisting those in need remains steadfast,” stated LtGen Laster.

The Program is also providing additional emotional relief packages to our partner, Tackle Hunger, who will distribute the gifts to children and families during another distribution event on February 16^th with the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank.

The gifts provided by Toys for Tots offer vital comfort and care to children impacted by these disasters, providing them with hope and a sense of normalcy during their most challenging times.

To learn how you can donate or get involved, visit www.toysfortots.org.

(Madison Roberts) - A Convenient New Approach to Metabolic Health

Eden is providing access to a new way for individuals to explore GLP-1 therapy: a compounded semaglutide gummy, available through independent licensed providers and compounding pharmacies. Compounded semaglutide is available in different forms, including injections and gummies. Some patients may prefer alternative formats, but efficacy and safety data are limited. While compounded semaglutide is commonly prescribed in injectable form, this tropical-flavored gummy offers an alternative format that some patients may prefer, which independent licensed providers can discuss as a potential option.

Meeting Patients Where They Are Many Americans face challenges related to metabolic health, including obesity and its associated conditions. Barriers such as needle anxiety or complex treatment regimens often prevent individuals from seeking care. Eden aims to make it easier for patients to connect with independent licensed doctors who can evaluate their health needs and discuss potential treatment options. 

"Adherence improves when treatment integrates easily into patients’ lives," explains Adam McBride, Eden’s CEO. Eden’s digital platform streamlines access to independent healthcare professionals who can assess patients and determine eligibility for treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists, including compounded semaglutide. 

Understanding GLP-1 Therapy GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, are FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes and  weight management when combined with diet and exercise. Some studies suggest these medications may influence appetite and blood sugar levels. 

Affordable and Accessible Care Eden connects patients with independent licensed healthcare providers for digital consultations, personalized care plans, and resources such as on-demand workout videos—all for $246 per month. This model aims to eliminate barriers to care by meeting patients’ needs through a convenient, fully digital platform.

Reframing the Conversation Around Metabolic Health Eden’s goal is to support individuals on their journey toward sustainable health improvements by connecting them with personalized care options. Rather than focusing on quick fixes, Eden emphasizes long-term, personalized care that empowers patients to feel their best.

"We’re shifting the conversation to focus on sustainable and manageable health goals," says Eden President Josh Khan. "By making care more accessible, we hope to break down barriers and make a real impact on patients’ lives."

The Future of GLP-1 Treatments Emerging research suggests that GLP-1 therapies may play a role in broader aspects of metabolic health. While studies explore potential applications in areas such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and inflammatory conditions. Patients are encouraged to consult with an Eden network provider to discuss potential benefits and determine what therapies are appropriate for their individual needs.

A Healthier Future, One Step at a Time Eden’s mission is simple: to make access to care seamless and empowering. Through their digital platform, Eden connects patients with licensed medical professionals who provide guidance informed by the latest scientific evidence. 

Important Note: Compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved for safety or efficacy. All treatment plans and prescriptions are determined solely by the independent licensed healthcare providers patients consult through the Eden platform. While Eden does not manufacture or compound medications, it serves as a trusted resource connecting patients with qualified providers to explore treatment options. By simplifying access to care, Eden helps patients connect with providers as they take the first step toward addressing their metabolic health needs. 

(NewsUSA) - The Forgotten Man: A Journey Through the Ashes by Stanley S. Seidner

A powerful epic that chronicles the adventurous life of David Wdowinski, a tragic and brilliant psychiatrist, Holocaust survivor, and Revisionist leader during the epoch of the Warsaw Ghetto Rebellion. The author uses 50 years of painstaking research to weave a gripping tale from unpublished documents — including family letters, diaries, and previously unknown evidence — creating a spellbinding narrative that takes readers from the times of murderous pogroms and nationalist anti-Semitism through the Holocaust.

Vividly evoking Wdowinski and his turbulent times, this is a riveting historical psychological portrait of a man many considered to be a paragon of strength and virtue. Arguably the controversial apotheosis of heroic leadership in the Warsaw Ghetto, Wdowinski gave critical testimony at the Eichmann trial and helped to establish a Jewish State. Devastating and unflinching, the book masterly reveals a story of devastating loss and its consequences upon personal identity. Purchase at https://amzn.to/40K97te.

Progress Not Perfection by Alison Ashby

In the manner of Mary Karr’s Lit, this is a raw and mesmerizing addiction memoir from a new and upcoming author which explores her unique story of alcohol addiction and the drastic impact it had on her life and career.

Alison Ashby was not always an alcoholic. An ambitious, strait-laced child and academic young adult, Ashby became a dedicated teacher and social worker. A talented writer and insightful cultural observer, Ashby describes how she hid a terrible and destructive secret from her family, husband, and co-workers.

With gripping passages, Ashby’s story is a cautionary tale filled with unforgettable description of severe Alcohol Use Disorder and subsequent brushes with disaster. But the center of the book is her journey from an alcoholic teetering on the edge of mortality to proud woman in recovery.

With breathtaking honesty and injections of humor, Ashby delivers a riveting message of hope, courage, and resilience. Purchase at https://amzn.to/40yhMyK.

The Art of Bending Time: A Forbidden Return by Quinn Jamison

Lavinia is lost without the world she left behind. The only way forward is to find herself again. Almost nothing seems to help until she meets a friend at a library she often visits for solace. Except there seems to be something strange about the place; Lavinia is hearing whispers from the other side again, and not only the voice she wishes to hear.

The more she discovers, the stranger the secrets that unfold. Her newfound hope spurs on a dangerous and forbidden endeavor. With support along the way, Lavinia strives to never give up on the man she refuses to call a ghost. In the face of many obstacles, time itself is most troubling. She fights to keep him, but will she actually succeed? Despite the formidable ramifications of time, Lavinia's true destiny awaits her. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3VonLEC.

The Three O’Clock Calls by Tom Smith

Bright, persistent ringing ripped Tom from sleep. He rolled over, fumbled for the reading light beside his bed, and reached for his phone. As he answered the call, he saw the time: 3:00 a.m. Nothing good comes from a three o’clock call.

“This book is a beacon of hope for anyone navigating grief or hardship,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “The author’s story of enduring unimaginable tragedy yet finding strength through faith is both inspiring and deeply moving. His openness and resilience remind us that no matter how dark life may seem, hope is always within reach. This heartfelt journey reassures readers that they are never alone in their struggles.”

Says another reviewer, “The author wrote about tragic events that were heartbreaking but then told a beautiful story about his faith and the strength of his family. During the most heartbreaking moments, he found peace and comfort.” Purchase at https://bit.ly/4gmz1J4.

(NewsUSA) - Today, millions of Americans live with undetected hypertension, unaware that it can impact even the healthiest of individuals — a lesson that Naomi Saucer^* would come to learn firsthand. ^1-2

In college, Naomi began experiencing migraines, and despite being busy as a full-time student and athlete, she made time to see her doctor. Like many healthy 20-somethings, she didn’t think her headaches were connected to something more serious, and with the help of her doctor, she started taking migraine medications, thinking it would help manage her pain.

But after enduring years of intense discomfort from these terrible headaches, she finally got to the root cause. At age 28, Naomi was diagnosed with high blood pressure. Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure occurs when the force of the blood pushing against the artery wall is too high. Left untreated, hypertension can lead to serious health complications like heart disease and stroke.^3-4

The news was shocking, as Naomi thought high blood pressure was only something that impacted older adults with an unhealthy lifestyle. Naomi was young and healthy. She was raised as a vegetarian and was active her whole life— having high blood pressure wasn’t even on her radar of possibilities. What many people don’t know is that high blood pressure can be hereditary and sometimes completely out of their control. Naomi’s grandmother had high blood pressure at an early age, so it was entirely possible that she was going down the same path.

After her diagnosis, Naomi and her doctors tried different medications to lower her blood pressure. While the migraines subsided, she suffered from various side effects from these medications, including nausea and ringing in her ears – and still couldn’t get her blood pressure under control.

“At one point, my pharmacist said my blood pressure medication regimen was something a 60-year-old would take— I’m in my 40’s, so I was nowhere near that age,” said Naomi. “I had an advanced state of hypertension, with some scary moments when I was truly in a hypertension crisis.”

Despite this, the value of perseverance was instilled in her as an athlete. She knew that to maintain her health and ultimate happiness, she needed to find a way to get her blood pressure down. Through her professional experience with medical devices, she proactively researched different treatment options and decided to find and connect with a local physician who performed high blood pressure procedures, also known as renal denervation (RDN). After meeting with her doctor and making sure she was eligible, Naomi was excited for the next step.

The Symplicity blood pressure procedure, which uses the Symplicity Spyral^(TM) RDN system, is a minimally invasive way that can help reduce patients’ blood pressure numbers when other options – like lifestyle changes and medications - haven’t worked.⁵ It utilizes radiofrequency energy to target and calm nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and cause high blood pressure.⁶ The Symplicity procedure leaves an 'always on' effect and there is no permanent device left behind.⁵

“The Symplicity procedure was one of the best things I could have done for myself,” said Naomi. “The recovery wasn’t bad— honestly, the hardest part was having to take it easy for eight hours afterward, since I’m always on the go!”

Now, Naomi is back to doing the things she loves without fearing how it will affect her blood pressure - it’s now more under control. She also feels more freedom and less worry about always having to take her blood pressure medications. She takes regular five-mile walks or hikes, tends to her garden, and has continued her beekeeping passion. Post-procedure, her life is more vibrant in so many ways.

Naomi’s story not only brings attention to alternative treatment options for hypertension— it also raises awareness about the condition among Black women, like Naomi. High blood pressure is a critical issue for Black women. In fact, it’s estimated that 58% of Black women in the United States have high blood pressure. More alarmingly, Black Americans experience five times the mortality from hypertension related disease compared with White Americans.⁷

No matter how young and healthy you appear to be, if something feels wrong, don’t brush it off. Always see your doctor if you have any health concerns, learn about your family’s health history, and investigate all available treatment options for your diagnosis. Everyone deserves a life that isn’t controlled by their health conditions.

To learn more about clinical trial sites performing renal denervation, visit https://www.hbpstudy.com/

View benefits and risks of the Symplicity™ procedure here. 

 

 

Not every person will experience the same results. The Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure does have known risks. These risks should be considered in relation to the potential benefits of the procedure. Adverse events include, but are not limited to, bruising and pain. Results may vary. 

UC202505661 EN ©2025 Medtronic. Medtronic, Medtronic logo, and Engineering the extraordinary are trademarks of Medtronic. All other brands are trademarks of a Medtronic company. For distribution in the USA only. 

 

* Naomi has received compensation in the past from Medtronic for sharing her experience with the Symplicity blood pressure procedure.

 

¹ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Control Hypertension. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General; 2020.

² High Blood Pressure Facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/data-research/facts-stats/index.html. Accessed Oct 16, 2024.

³ Whelton P, et al. J AM Coll Cardiol. May 15, 2018;71(19):2199-2269.

⁴ High blood pressure dangers. Mayoclinic.org. Oct 16, 2024.

⁵ Böhm M, Kario K, Kandzari DE, et al. Efficacy of catheter-based renal denervation in the absence of antihypertensive medications (SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED  Pivotal): a multicentre, randomised, sham controlled trial. Lancet. May 2, 2020;395(10234):1444-1451.

⁶ Coates P, Tunev S, Trudel J, Hettrick DA. Time, Temperature, Power, and Impedance Considerations for Radiofrequency Catheter Renal Denervation. Cardiovasc Revasc Med. September 2022;42:171–177.

⁷ Aggarwal R, Chiu N, Wadhera RK, et al. Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Hypertension Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control in the United States, 2013 to 2018. Hypertension. December 2021;78(6):1719-1726.

 

(NewsUSA) - Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act being the law of the land for nearly 35 years, a startling new survey from Paralyzed Veterans of America shows accessibility remains an unfilled promise for millions of Americans.

According to the survey, over 80% of people using a mobility device faced an accessibility barrier in the past 6 months. PVA members (Veterans with spinal cord injuries or diseases, like MS and ALS) cite sidewalks, restaurants, and retailers as common places with restricted access for wheelchair users and others with mobility devices.

Meanwhile, one third of respondents missed appointments and important events because of barriers, and one quarter leave and never return to inaccessible establishments. 

These barriers take a devastating emotional toll on disabled Veterans and people with mobility disabilities. When asked how barriers made them feel, respondents reported feeling subhuman and demeaned, and some reported lowered self-esteem.

PVA’s survey, conducted in April 2024, asked 1,644 individuals, including PVA members, adults with mobility disabilities, mothers with children aged 5 years and younger, and individuals age 65 and older, about their accessibility experiences.

In response to the survey, PVA is launching a new campaign, “Barriers Still Exist,” to draw attention to the accessibility challenges faced by Veterans and others with disabilities. It includes a PVA petition calling for improved ADA compliance across the country. 

The campaign also features a series of public service announcements highlighting the everyday obstacles of inaccessibility. In the newest PSA, Barriers Still Exist – RJ’s Everyday Fight, we follow U.S. Army Veteran and PVA member RJ Anderson, as he encounters endless accessibility barriers on his way to a job interview.

“As a paralyzed veteran, I know firsthand how drastically inaccessibility can alter the course of any given day,” said Anderson. “Anything from a crack in a sidewalk to a revolving door cannot only derail my plans but also be extremely dangerous for people with mobility disabilities, like me. When public paths and buildings are inaccessible, it communicates a lot – it says my plans don’t matter, my needs don’t matter, and I don’t matter. No one deserves that.”

PVA is leading the fight to build a world where accessibility for all is the norm, not the exception. Everyone can become part of the solution.  

Visit PVA.org/BarriersStillExist to watch the “Barriers Still Exist” PSAs, share them on social media, and sign the Accessibility for All petition.

When our communities are accessible, everyone wins.