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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(NewsUSA) - Aldek’s Bestiary by Romuald Roman

This collection of 21 wry short stories features various animals that an acclaimed Polish writer uses to illustrate his experiences growing up in communist-era Poland and later emigrating to the U.S. to embrace the American dream with all its imperfections.

Aldek, the narrator and observer, includes animals that are both wild and domestic, hailing from the forests of Poland as well as from pet stores and neighbors in the U.S. Naming each animal gives them greater credibility and brings them to life, and Aldek’s interactions with them are quite humorous and endearing. “I lack the material wealth to build a hospital or library, but if my animal stories make you relax and chuckle instead of worrying about problems, then I have succeeded," he writes. Booklife calls it “a dynamic short story collection… Heartfelt and inviting.”  Purchase at https://bit.ly/44FeMRA.

Positive Caregiving by Sarah Teten Kanter

The overwhelming narrative in the U.S. is that caregiving for older adults is a burden to bear and a problem to be solved. Here is a different perspective and a practical methodology that combines elements of positive psychology, mindfulness, reminiscence therapy, and lifestyle medicine to help make caregiving and care receiving a more positive and meaningful experience.

This important book walks caregivers through four pillars of Positive Caregiving -- Perspective, Savoring, Reminiscence and Growth -- to help readers better understand the opportunities that caring for a loved one provides. At the heart is an extensive list of simple activities, conversation-inspiring questions, and self-care practices to immerse caregivers and their care partners in gratitude, empathy, forgiveness, love, and awe. While geared toward family caregivers, the book is also valuable to anyone who works with, and cares for older adults. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3pQGhsI.

Posh: Book One of the Templeton Family Chronicles by Jon Malysiak

Posh, Book One of The Templeton Family Chronicles introduces readers to a world of power and privilege, where nothing is sacred, where alliances are made and destroyed based on who has the most to offer and who can afford the highest price tag.

The Templetons – one of England’s most illustrious dynasties – are gathered at their Dorset estate for a weekend of horse-racing, familial one-upmanship, and unabashed poshness. But this year, Lord Carleton is on his deathbed. His new wife is hell-bent on dragging the family into the 21st century with the help of the formidable ex-nun (and ex-con). There’s $500,000 stolen from some shady Russians, a succession battle looming, and a dangerously beautiful woman intent on overthrowing the patriarchy and establishing a new world order. Purchase at https://bit.ly/43Gpwye.

When the Brakes Fail by Cindy Wittstrom

Cindy knew something was wrong, very wrong. She could not fathom where to find help.

Assuming this inner chaos was a medical issue, she reached out to her physician, whose advice was practically worthless. A last resort: her small-town general practitioner. Because she recently gave birth, he diagnosed her malady immediately —postpartum depression. He likened her condition to that of a runaway freight train, headed for parts unknown, moving at breakneck speed.

Twenty years later this same train, her enemy, resurfaces in the guise of bipolar illness. Her allies encircle her. She is not alone. Together they must carve the unforeseen path. When the Brakes Fail tells Cindy’s unpredictable story which, for the most part, is misunderstood. Walk the tracks with her and discover her journey. Purchase at https://www.cindywittstrom.com/.

(NewsUSA) - By 2030, an estimated 12.1 million Americans will experience a common heart condition called atrial fibrillation (AFib), sometimes felt as an irregular or fluttering heartbeat. (CDC) Even the most active individuals from bodybuilders to Olympians and nationally-ranked athletes can experience AFib. AFib can worsen if not promptly treated, but working with your physician to correctly diagnose and treat it can help you get back to active living.

For Candice Donahoe, a former NCAA Division I tennis player, avid golfer, and runner, her critical AFib warning sign was when she collapsed during a half-marathon and was initially diagnosed with dehydration. After being evaluated by her electrophysiologist – a doctor who specializes in the heart’s electrical system – she was diagnosed with AFib and atrial flutter and treated with cardiac ablation, a procedure using heat or cold to create tiny scars in the heart to restore a regular heartbeat. To monitor her heart continuously, Candice’s doctor recommended the Medtronic Reveal LINQ™ Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM), a small heart monitor placed under the skin on the chest to better understand her AFib episodes and what could be triggering them. From there, her care team was able to pinpoint that she was experiencing AFib during physical activity in the heat. Candice has now found new ways to exercise while managing her AFib.

After overcoming many addictions and turning his life around, Tim Berry, a competitive bodybuilder suffered a heart attack and later was diagnosed with AFib. His heart rate would spike tremendously during exercise, and he noticed a physical strain and mental strain that made day-to-day life very challenging. After his AFib diagnosis, his doctors identified him as a good candidate for a minimally invasive procedure with the Arctic Front™ Cryoballoon, instead of having to take daily medication. A week after the procedure, he was back in the gym and noticed an improvement. For Tim, treating AFib early with cardiac ablation led to the best possible outcome.

“It’s important to recognize that AFib doesn't have a standard manifestation and can present completely differently based on the individual. If you or someone close to you suspects they might have AFib, it's important to talk to your doctor to ensure a better understanding of your symptoms and provide guidance to move forward towards diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr. Khaldoun Tarakji, vice president and chief medical officer of the Cardiac Ablation Solutions operating unit at Medtronic.

Navigating AFib Early 

Detecting & Diagnosing

While AFib can look different from person to person, common symptoms include: 

• Heart sensations, sometimes called palpitations, which may include irregular, thumping, or pounding heartbeats
• A feeling that the heart is racing
• Chest discomfort or pain
• Fainting or lightheadedness
• Fatigue, shortness of breath, or weakness

Detecting AFib can be challenging. The following tests and devices can help determine if you have AFib and give insights into your condition:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Stress test
• Longer-term monitoring devices such as the LINQ™ family of insertable cardiac monitors

Targeted Treatment

Once diagnosed with AFib, treatment options include: 

• Medication, known as antiarrhythmic drugs, is one form of treatment to prevent and treat irregular heart rhythms.
• Minimally invasive ablation procedure is another form of treatment, including a Medtronic FDA-approved option known as a Cryoablation.

To learn more about atrial fibrillation and find a specialist near you, visit: Medtronic.com/AFmonth

Always talk to your doctor about risks, diagnosis, and treatment information.

Possible risks associated with the implant of the LINQ™ Family ICMs include, but are not limited to, infection at the surgical site, device migration, erosion of the device through the skin and/or sensitivity to the device material. For important safety information, see: https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/patients/treatments-therapies/insertable-heart-monitors/getting-monitor/important-safety-information.html.

Risks associated with the Artic Front™ Cryoballoon may include bleeding and bruising where the catheter was inserted, cough, shortness of breath, infection, temporary or permanent stroke, severe complications leading to hospitalization or potentially death.

(NewsUSA) - Household debts are rising amid higher interest rates. The increase in rates is a major issue for all borrowers, at all ages and stages of life. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ professional can help you develop a strategy to manage your debts while still reaching your long-term financial goals. Here are four ways a CFP^® professional can help:

Prioritize Payments

It is important to recognize that not all debt is created equal. The actual interest rate numbers differ, and so do the terms. A CFP^® professional can guide you through the maze and come up with a plan to prioritize which debts should be paid off first, and which allow some wiggle room.

Prepare to Pay More Monthly

Higher interest rates generally mean higher monthly payments, unless you have a fixed-rate loan, like most mortgages and car loans. To offset these costs, think about ways to tweak your budget and save money in other areas. A budget review with a CFP^® professional can help you identify ways to trim expenses that you might have missed.

Step Up Your Credit Score

Better credit scores earn more favorable interest rates when it comes to debt repayment. In the long run, improving your credit scores could save you as much as hundreds of thousands of dollars. Of course, poor use of credit will add to your debt, so be sure to use credit responsibly. Choose just a few cards, be aware of your credit limits and minimum payments, and pay your bills on time.

If you are new to credit and want to build a credit history, consider cards from a credit union, or from a gas company or department store. A CFP^® professional can lay out some of the credit options available to you. Don’t forget to check your credit score periodically to identify anything suspicious that might indicate identity theft or credit card fraud.

Study Options for Student Loans

Tens of millions of households face another imminent debt burden as they prepare for student loan payments to restart. Individuals with student loans have had a three-year hiatus from repayments to help manage the financial stress of the pandemic. However, payments are set to resume in October 2023. These student loan repayments can make a significant impact on anyone’s debt management plans.

A CFP^® professional can help you navigate all these different factors to manage your debt and accomplish your financial goals. Find your CFP^® professional today.   

(NewsUSA) - Second Term by J.M. Adams

A lame duck president's desperate power grab threatens democracy in the United States— can a former intelligence operative and single mother prevent catastrophe? 

September 2012. Cora Walker, a DIA defense operative, learns of a terrorist plot in Benghazi and rushes to a secret installation to stop it. When her superiors ignore her warnings, she mounts an attempt to thwart the attack. Her team barely repels the large force of invaders.

Sixteen years later, as press secretary for the Speaker and a single mom, Cora struggles to balance her job and home life. Then, the lame duck president suspends habeas corpus and begins arresting members of Congress in a desperate attempt to retain power. An explosive finale exposes what can really happen to democracy when political extremism reaches new heights. Perfect for fans of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor. Purchase at https://bit.ly/42o7j8T.

Faded Genes by Patrick Girondi

The latest work from the unconventional author Patrick Girondi. A 47-year-old Pittsburgh insurance man and his busted night club singing friend go to Italy in hope of finding a bone marrow donor. Danny’s life was mundanely ordinary. His weekdays ended watching all-star wrestling with his mother, and his weekends were spent in bars with Patg, a broken-down crooner, and Kevin, a drunk.

Then Danny is diagnosed with a flash leukemia. There are no transplant matches and little hope. His mother confesses that to avoid deportation, his biological father had taken off for Italy before he was born. Papà has no idea that he has a son. Danny heads off for southern Italy with Patg. Patg’s Italian is worse than his voice. It all makes for a compelling situation in which cultural lines are drawn and broken.  Purchase at https://bit.ly/44jAyKz.

Rain Dodging by Susan Godwin

Scholar Susan Godwin is hooked when she comes across the captivating story of Mary of Modena—a seventeenth-century Italian princess who was only fourteen when coerced into marriage with the future king of England, James II, yet went on to cultivate a court full of women writers in an age when female authorship was rare. How did Mary achieve such a feat?

 Rain Dodging is Susan’s creative nonfiction account of the years-long search upon which this question—and her own unquenchable curiosity—launched her. Godwin travels through both space and time, solo adventuring through Britain in pursuit of truth and, in a spicy parallel arc, chronicling her own cluttered but resilient feminist path. Join Susan in this irreverent and illuminating journey—a fascinating account of the late Stuart monarchy, the progression of feminist history, and the unexpected connection between the two. Purchase at bit.ly/3POo7SU.

Moonshot by James Philip Arbuckle and Kane Carpenter

A book that breaks away from typical business books and presents a unique dual perspective on each topic, focusing on three key areas: human capital and culture, marketing for growth, and operations. As such, each chapter is broken down into two perspectives: James’s and Kane’s. The commentary has a candid and entertaining quality, peppered with pop culture references for a touch of edutainment. On other occasions, the views are more analytical and insight-driven.

The authors are two people who are completely different in almost every way, shape, and form, but when it comes to business, they think very much alike. They’ve been a powerful combination for the companies they’ve built and for the clients they’ve advised, acting more as growth hackers than traditional management consultants. Purchase at https://www.amazon.com/Moonshot-Hypersonic-Strategies-Marketing-Operations/dp/B0CKWT9LFN/

(NewsUSA) - En medio de la pandemia de coronavirus, comenzaron a aparecer síntomas extraños.

Después de haber sido infectadas con COVID-19, algunas personas estaban reportando problemas de salud persistentes. La fatiga extrema, la pérdida del gusto y el olfato, y la “confusión mental”, fueron algunos de los síntomas que las personas reportaron.

Hoy en día, más de 200 síntomas que afectan a todo el cuerpo están asociados con lo que se llama COVID persistente. El COVID persistente describe los síntomas que las personas tienen semanas, meses o incluso años después de una infección por COVID.

Los pacientes que tuvieron estos síntomas no solo le dieron nombre a la enfermedad, “COVID persistente,” sino que también inspiraron a científicos de todo el mundo a investigarla.

Explorar lo desconocido

En los Estados Unidos, uno de los mayores esfuerzos de investigación que estudia el COVID persistente es la Investigación sobre el COVID para Mejorar la Recuperación o la iniciativa RECOVER, por las siglas en inglés de Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery.

La iniciativa RECOVER es un estudio de investigación nacional dedicado a comprender el COVID-19 y a explorar por qué algunas personas desarrollan COVID persistente. El estudio incluye a miles de participantes, cientos de investigadores, millones de registros de salud y las voces de pacientes, cuidadores y miembros de la comunidad.

No es fácil comprender el misterio del COVID persistente, pero RECOVER ha hecho progreso significativo en la comprensión de esta compleja condición con la ayuda de los participantes del estudio. Recientemente, un equipo de investigadores de RECOVER estudiaron datos de casi 10,000 personas y encontraron pistas sobre los síntomas del COVID persistente y los factores de riesgo que pueden ayudar con futuros tratamientos.

La representación importa

Los investigadores saben ahora que el COVID-19 afecta a diferentes personas de diferentes maneras. Sin embargo, históricamente, las personas que no son de raza blanca no están adecuadamente representadas en la investigación clínica. Debido a esto, RECOVER está comprometido con la inclusión de minorías raciales y étnicas en sus estudios.

Garantizar la representación en la investigación RECOVER ayuda a que los tratamientos contra el COVID persistente sean seguros y eficaces para todas las comunidades.

Para que esto sea esto posible, las personas que participan en los estudios RECOVER deben reflejar la diversidad de las personas que viven en este país.

Voces de RECOVER

Los miembros de las comunidades hispana y latina, de raza negra, asiática y de las islas del Pacífico, e indígena americana, se encuentran entre los grupos más afectados por el COVID persistente.

Escuche a tres voces latinas de RECOVER sobre lo que significa para ellas y sus comunidades su trabajo en la investigación sobre el COVID persistente.

“Como miembro de la comunidad LatinX, cumplir un rol en la investigación es importante para mí porque puedo ser un medio para divulgar información que ayude a otros latinos a comprender cómo el COVID y el COVID persistente pueden afectarlos”.

Leah Castro Baucom, Representante de RECOVER, paciente y cuidadora con COVID persistente

“Al comprender mejor los conceptos científicos detrás del COVID-19 y el COVID persistente, podemos aprender a protegernos mejor, proteger a nuestras familias y a nuestras comunidades, y apoyarnos mutuamente en la recuperación y supervivencia de este virus y sus efectos a largo plazo”.

Leyna Aragon, Representante de RECOVER, cuidadora de COVID persistente

“Mi comunidad se vio afectada enormemente y de manera negativa por el COVID, por lo que la investigación requiere de la participación de latinos como yo para encontrar soluciones eficaces para todos nosotros”.

Marta Cerda, Representante de RECOVER, paciente con COVID persistente

RECOVER busca miles de voluntarios de diversas comunidades de todo el país, incluidos adultos, niños y padres o cuidadores.

Visite https://studies.recovercovid.org/es para recibir más información y encontrar un centro de estudio cerca de usted.

(NewsUSA) - In the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, strange symptoms began to surface.

After becoming infected with COVID-19, people were reporting lingering health problems. Extreme fatigue, loss of taste and smell, and “brain fog,” were among some of the symptoms people reported.

Today, more than 200 symptoms affecting the entire body are associated with what is called Long COVID. Long COVID describes symptoms people experience weeks, months, or even years after a COVID infection.

Patients experiencing these symptoms not only gave their condition its name—"Long COVID”—but also inspired scientists around the world to conduct research on it.

Exploring the Unknown

In the United States, one of the largest research efforts exploring Long COVID is Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery, or the RECOVER Initiative.

The RECOVER Initiative is a nationwide research study dedicated to understanding COVID-19 and exploring why some people develop Long COVID. The study involves thousands of participants, hundreds of researchers, millions of health records, and the voices of patients, caregivers, and community members.   

Unraveling the mystery of Long COVID is not easy, but RECOVER has made significant progress in understanding this complex condition with the help of study participants. Recently, a team of RECOVER researchers studied data from nearly 10,000 people and found clues about Long COVID symptoms and risk factors that may help with future treatments.

Representation Matters

Researchers now know that COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. But historically, non-whites have been underrepresented in clinical research. Because of this, RECOVER is committed to the inclusion of racial and ethnic minorities in its studies.

Ensuring representation in RECOVER research helps make Long COVID treatments safe and effective for all communities.

To make this possible, the people involved in RECOVER studies should reflect the diversity of people who live in this country.

Voices of RECOVER

Members of the of Hispanic and Latino, Black, Asian and Pacific Islander, and American Indian communities are among the groups most impacted by Long COVID.

Hear from three Latina voices within RECOVER about what their work in Long COVID research means for them and their communities.

“As a member of the LatinX community, having a role in research is important to me because I can be a vessel to disseminate information to help other Latinos understand how COVID and Long COVID can affect them.”

Leah Castro Baucom, RECOVER Representative, Long COVID Patient & Caregiver

“By better understanding the science behind COVID-19 and Long COVID, we can learn how to better protect ourselves, our families and our communities, and support one another in recovery and survival of this virus and its long term affects.”

Leyna Aragon, RECOVER Representative, Long COVID Caregiver

“My community was hugely and negatively impacted by COVID, so research requires the participation of Latinos like me to find effective solutions for all of us.”

Marta Cerda, RECOVER Representative, Long COVID Patient

RECOVER is seeking thousands of volunteers from diverse communities across the nation, including adults, children, and parents or caregivers.

Visit studies.recovercovid.org[CD1]  to learn more and find a study site near you.

(NewsUSA) - How prepared are all you women out there for retirement?

Hopefully better than the 42 percent of adult females in a new study from financial services firm Edward Jones and Age Wave who said they owned no investments – including employer-sponsored retirement savings accounts.

That’s particularly troubling since women typically live longer than men – five years longer, on average, in the U.S. – and having enough money to weather everything from health setbacks to widowhood in their lifetimes takes planning.  Working with a trusted financial advisor can help see you through it all.