A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional makes a commitment to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary, which means acting in their clients' best interests at all times when providing financial advice. You should want a financial adviser who makes this commitment directly to you. Therefore, whomever you choose as your financial professional, including a CFP® professional, you should consider getting a written engagement that requires them to have a fiduciary obligation to you.

Professional standards are important to protect consumers. CFP Board's Code and Standards sets forth the commitment that all CFP® professionals make to CFP Board. This includes duties to maintain the confidentiality and protect the privacy of client information.

In addition, CFP® professionals commit to CFP Board to disclose any conflicts of interest that might affect the professional relationship and compromise the CFP® professional's ability to act in their clients' best interests.

Approximately one year ago, CFP Board updated its Code and Standards to mandate that all CFP® professionals commit to CFP Board to act as fiduciaries for their clients when providing financial advice.

"Simply put, someone acting as a fiduciary should deliver financial advice that is clear, specific, objective and thorough," says Dan Candura, a CFP Board Emeritus® member and Founder of Candura Group, LLC.

Professionals who follow CFP Board's Code and Standards commit to fulfilling three key duties as part of their fiduciary duty:

- Duty of Loyalty. This means putting their clients' interests first.

"Your interests should be placed above the interest of the CFP® professional and the CFP® professional's firm," according to CFP Board's website.

- Duty of Care. This means being careful, acting with prudence and diligence in making recommendations to clients.

For example, if you receive a sudden windfall of money that you want to delay investing, a CFP® professional who abides by a commitment to CFP Board will review the reasonable options and consider factors such as risks and interest rates in making the best recommendation.

- Duty to Follow Client Instructions. This means complying with all objectives, policies, restrictions, and other terms on which you have agreed, and "all reasonable and lawful directions of you, the client," according to CFP Board.

"Meeting these three duties enables CFP® professionals to honor their commitment to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary, in the client's best interest. Certainly, that is what every client deserves," Candura says.

To learn more about how CFP Board's Code and Standards for CFP® professionals help protect consumers, visit LetsMakeAPlan.org.

(By John Smith) - Here's a great new story about a product that is great.

Adding more data.

(NewsUSA) - This is a test

(NewsUSA) - A cookie is a baked or cooked snack or dessert that is typically small, flat and sweet. It usually contains flour, sugar, egg, and some type of oil, fat, or butter. It may include other ingredients such as raisins, oats, chocolate chips, nuts, etc.

We also enjoy chocolate chip cookies.

In most English-speaking countries except for the United States, crunchy cookies are called biscuits. Many Canadians also use this term. Chewier biscuits are sometimes called cookies even in the United Kingdom.[3] Some cookies may also be named by their shape, such as date squares or bars.

Biscuit or cookie variants include sandwich biscuits, such as custard creams, Jammie Dodgers, Bourbons and Oreos, with marshmallow or jam filling and sometimes dipped in chocolate or another sweet coating. Cookies are often served with beverages such as milk, coffee or tea and sometimes "dunked", an approach which releases more flavour from confections by dissolving the sugars,[4] while also softening their texture. Factory-made cookies are sold in grocery stores, convenience stores and vending machines. Fresh-baked cookies are sold at bakeries and coffeehouses, with the latter ranging from small business-sized establishments to multinational corporations such as Starbucks.

(NewsUSA) - This year, on June 4, millions of people across the United States will hit the trail, any trail, to celebrate the 30th annual American Hiking Society's National Trails Day.® This year's celebration focuses on encouraging novice and veteran trail lovers to come together to leave trails and the outdoor community better than they found them. Hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, paddlers, trail clubs, federal and local agencies, land trusts and businesses will partner at events across the country to forge a more inclusive trail community and advocate for, maintain and clean up trails and public lands.

American Hiking Society and the nationwide trails community invite people of all ages and abilities to connect with their friends and neighbors around the joy of being outside. Anyone can join the national movement by giving back to the trails to help ensure that everyone can enjoy the outdoors.

"There's something magical about being outdoors," says Kate Van Waes, Executive Director of American Hiking Society.

"Fresh air, birds singing, moving along a trail, or even just around the block; there's nothing quite like it," she emphasizes. "But today, those trails and green spaces are in dire need of help, and not everyone has access to or feels welcome in these places that can calm and inspire," Dr. Van Waes explains.

"National Trails Day is the perfect opportunity to get out there with the people you love, give back to the trails that bring us together and make sure no one is left out."

Not just on National Trails Day, but any day is a great time to commit to keeping the outdoors accessible and restorative for all.

Some ways you can make a difference include:

- Join a local trail event, or start your own. Search the American Hiking Society website for events in your area.

- Take the National Trails Day Pledge, and commit to leaving the trail and the outdoor community better than you find them. For example, take a trash bag with you on a walk or hike. Or speak up and tell your Members of Congress to support the Transit to Trails Act. You'll be entered to win prizes from National Trails Day sponsors AKHG by Duluth Trading Co., Athletic Brewing Co., REI Co-op, Osprey Packs, and more.

- Share how you'll leave the trail and the outdoor community better than you found them, and tag #NationalTrailsDay and @AmericanHiking on social media. Photos and videos tagged on Instagram will be entered into the National Trails Day® photo contest for a chance to win premium gear prize packages.

Visit americanhiking.org for more information and to find events near you.

American Hiking Society's National Trails Day® is made possible by the generous support of corporate sponsors -- AKGH by Duluth Trading Co., Athletic Brewing Co., REI Co-Op, and Osprey Packs. federal partners include the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Federal Highway Administration, and U.S. Forest Service.

Photo credit:Verónica Miranda

Reissued: 6/15/2022 

(NewsUSA) - The most-anticipated match of the club soccer season approaches, as Liverpool takes on Real Madrid in the Champions League Final, May 28th at the Stade de France. Combined, these two have won the Champions League an astounding 19 times.

Liverpool currently sit as -170 favorites to hoist the trophy, while Real Madrid offer Champions League odds of +140.

Money Moving In on Madrid

La Liga champions Real Madrid proved themselves as the comeback kings of the Champions League this season. They stunningly overturned a last-minute, two-goal deficit in the second leg of the semifinal vs. Manchester City. In one of the most enthralling matches in the tournament's history, striker Karim Benzema scored the winning penalty to clinch Real's first UCL final since 2018.

Now, the 90-minute odds are gradually moving in Real Madrid's favor -- opening at +275, Real dropped in price to +250. (Another extra-time thriller is viewed as slightly less likely at +270.)

Los Blancos have one of the winningest managers in Champions League history, Carlo Ancelotti. His side have been on cruise control since clinching La Liga with four games to spare. Currently, Madrid's entire starting eleven is available for selection.

Fatigue, Injuries Cause Line Movements

Liverpool opened at -105, but have been expending energy in search of an unprecedented quadruple trophy haul. Liverpool's boisterous German manager, Jürgen Klopp, has constantly rotated his squad while juggling multiple concurrent competitions.

On the other hand, Madrid should have fresh legs, and analysts at the sports-betting website PointSpreads.com suggest that is why money backing Madrid has flooded in, moving Liverpool down to their current +105 winning odds.

Liverpool won the FA Cup final last weekend -- a penalty shootout victory over Chelsea -- but their second trophy of the season came with a cost. Leading scorer Mohamed Salah and key center back Virgil van Dijk left early with injuries.

Ballon d'Or Contenders on Both Sides

Real Madrid's Benzema, the imminent La Liga golden boot winner, will undoubtedly be on the shortlist for the prestigious Ballon d'Or. Liverpool's Salah and Sadio Mane have also played themselves into the conversation and Salah is the Premier League's joint-leading scorer. With no shortage of world class talent on display, bettors responded by taking the over.

Despite over 2? goals sitting at -135 odds, the last three Champions League finals finished with two or fewer goals. 

Reissue: June 15, 2022

(NewsUSA) - Memorial Day is approaching, and with it comes a simple opportunity for everyone to honor past military personnel -- wear or display a poppy. The simple red poppy flower has symbolized the ultimate military sacrifice since World War I, and National Poppy Day is gaining more attention in the United States every year.

National Poppy Day falls on the Friday before Memorial Day, which this year is May 27.

The choice of a poppy was inspired by the poem, "In Flanders Fields," written by Canadian Lt. Col. John McCrae, M.D., while serving on the front lines in World War I in Europe. Since then, the poppy has become a symbol to raise awareness and recognize the sacrifices of military personnel and their families.

The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), a community of volunteers serving veterans, military, and their families, adopted the poppy as its memorial flower in 1921, and, in 1924, in conjunction with The American Legion, instituted the national Poppy Program. Each year, American Legion Auxiliary volunteers distribute millions of poppies, especially on veteran-related holidays.

"National Poppy Day is a time for Americans to come together and show their support for our servicemembers and veterans by wearing a red poppy -- an unforgettable and historic symbol of remembrance, sacrifice, and hope," says Kathy Daudistel, ALA national president.

"The American Legion Auxiliary is proud to make and distribute poppies each year for this solemn tradition. I invite communities across the country to join the American Legion Auxiliary to honor the fallen and support the living by wearing a red poppy on Friday, May 27."

Everyone can participate in National Poppy Day to honor the fallen and support the living. Wear a poppy or a poppy-themed item, such as a pin, T-shirt, bracelet, or even a poppy sticker, and tell people what it means. Share poppies with friends, family, and colleagues. Accept a poppy if you see American Legion Auxiliary members distributing the special flower. Poppies are never "sold," but donations are encouraged.

All donations received are used by the American Legion Auxiliary to support veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families with medical and financial needs.

Visit poppydayusa.org for more information about National Poppy Day. Visit ALAforVeterans.org for more information about the American Legion Auxiliary.

(NewsUSA) - Pregnant or planning a pregnancy? It's time to think about your blood pressure, even if you've never had high blood pressure. About half of pregnancy complications, such as having a preterm baby, are related to high blood pressure. Pregnancy complications also increase your risk of heart disease later in life. But many pregnancy complications can be prevented.

You may begin your pregnancy with a healthy blood pressure of less than 120/80 mm Hg, but still develop a type of high blood pressure that occurs during or right after pregnancy. One complication is gestational hypertension, defined as blood pressure 140/90 mm Hg or greater. It typically occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy or close to delivery.

Another condition is preeclampsia, a combination of high blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy with other signs your organs aren't working well, such as high protein levels in your urine. Serious cases can lead to life-threatening seizures or coma, a condition known as eclampsia.

Here are seven ways to help keep you and your baby safe from problems related to high blood pressure.

1. Talk to your healthcare provider.

Even if you're not yet pregnant, knowing if you have high blood pressure can help determine if you're at higher risk for pregnancy-related complications. Work with your provider to make a plan for a healthy pregnancy. This includes discussing:

• What a healthy blood pressure range is for you.
• How to control or lower high blood pressure by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as being physically active, choosing heart-healthy foods that are low in salt and sodium, and not smoking.
• Medications you are taking. If you're already on blood pressure medicine, ask if the type you take is okay to use when pregnant.
• Your family's health history. If others in your family had preeclampsia, your provider may recommend taking extra precautions.
• How other individual factors, such as your age, where you live, your race, or access to healthcare may affect your risk for pregnancy-related complications.

2. Monitor your blood pressure.

Usually, you can't feel if you have high blood pressure. As part of your regular prenatal care, your provider will check your blood pressure at each visit. If it's high, they may suggest you get a home monitor. If you need one, ask someone at your provider's office to help make sure it's working properly and that you're using it correctly. Then keep track of your numbers. Also, ask your healthcare provider when you should call if your numbers go up.

3. Know the signs of preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia may not cause symptoms at first. However, you may notice some mild symptoms, such as:

• Swelling in your hands or face
• Gaining weight suddenly over one to two days
• Gaining more than two pounds a week
• Peeing less often than normal

Preeclampsia generally occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. It can also develop after delivery, most often within 48 hours. If you have any symptoms or something doesn't feel right, it's always best to call your provider. Go to the emergency department or call 9-1-1 if you experience any of these symptoms of severe preeclampsia:

• Headache that doesn't go away or becomes worse
• Trouble breathing
• Pain on the right side, below the ribs, or in the right shoulder
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision changes

4. Get support from friends and family.

Share signs of pregnancy complications with your family and friends. Ask them to help you monitor how you're feeling and help you get medical care. When you're talking to a health provider, these friends can make sure you describe all of your symptoms and ask all of your questions, and they can advocate for you so you get the care you need.

5. Try to manage stress.

Stress isn't good for your blood pressure. Practice turning on your body's built-in relaxation response (the opposite of the stress response). Guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing exercises are techniques that can help you relax. Moving more can help calm your mind and body, and is important for your overall heart health. Try yoga or meet up with friends for a brisk walk. Being in nature can also be very soothing for some people.

6. Stay healthy post-pregnancy.

After your pregnancy, try to keep up your self-care routines, especially for your heart health. If you had preeclampsia, you'll need to take extra care of your heart. One of the best things you can do is share the details about pregnancy complications with your healthcare providers. Tell them what happened and what treatment you received. You may need a cardiovascular screening three months after pregnancy and then annually. The screening will measure your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight. Remember -- you know your body. Identifying and modifying cardiovascular disease risks early can significantly reduce the risk for experiencing a heart attack or stroke later in life. Tell your healthcare provider if your blood pressure goes up or something doesn't feel right.

7. Learn more.

Learn more about heart health and pregnancy and find resources for tracking your blood pressure numbers at nhlbi.nih.gov/hypertension.

(NewsUSA) - ¿Está embarazada o planeando un embarazo? Es hora de pensar en su presión arterial, incluso si nunca ha tenido presión arterial alta. Aproximadamente la mitad de las complicaciones en el embarazo, como tener un bebé prematuro, están relacionadas con la presión arterial alta. Las complicaciones en el embarazo también aumentan el riesgo de desarrollar una enfermedad cardíaca años más tarde. Pero muchas complicaciones en el embarazo se pueden prevenir.

Usted puede comenzar su embarazo con una presión arterial saludable de menos de 120/80 mm Hg, pero aun así desarrollar un tipo de presión arterial alta que ocurre durante o justo después del embarazo. Una es la hipertensión gestacional, definida como presión arterial de 140/90 mm Hg o mayor. Por lo general, ocurre después de 20 semanas de embarazo o cerca del parto.

La preeclampsia es una combinación de presión arterial alta que se desarrolla después de 20 semanas de embarazo con otros signos de que sus órganos no están funcionando bien, como niveles altos de proteínas en la orina. Los casos graves pueden conducir a convulsiones o coma potencialmente mortales, una afección conocida como eclampsia.

Aquí se presentan siete maneras de ayudar a mantenerlos a usted y a su bebé a salvo de los problemas relacionados con la presión arterial alta. 

1. Hable con su profesional médico.

Incluso si aún no está embarazada, saber si tiene presión arterial alta puede ayudar a determinar si corre un mayor riesgo de desarrollar complicaciones relacionadas con el embarazo. Trabaje con su profesional médico a fin de hacer un plan para un embarazo saludable. Esto incluye hablar acerca de lo siguiente:

• Cuál es su rango de presión arterial saludable.
• Cómo controlar o reducir la presión arterial alta adoptando un estilo de vida saludable, como ser físicamente activa, elegir alimentos saludables para el corazón que sean bajos en sal y sodio y no fumar.
• Medicamentos que está tomando. Si ya está tomando medicamentos para la presión arterial, pregunte si el tipo que toma puede usarse cuando esté embarazada.
• El historial médico de su familia. Si otras personas en su familia tuvieron preeclampsia, su profesional médico podría recomendarle tomar precauciones adicionales.
• Cómo otros factores individuales, como su edad, el lugar donde vive, su raza o el acceso a la atención médica, podrían afectar su riesgo de desarrollar complicaciones relacionadas con el embarazo.

2. Monitoree su presión arterial.

Por lo general, usted no puede sentir si tiene la presión arterial alta. Como parte de su atención prenatal regular, su profesional médico controlará su presión arterial en cada visita. Si es alta, puede sugerirle que consiga un monitor casero. Si necesita uno, pida a alguien en el consultorio de su profesional médico que la ayude a asegurarse de que funcione correctamente y de que lo está usando correctamente. Luego, haga un seguimiento de sus números. Además, pregunte a su profesional médico cuándo debería llamar si sus números aumentan.

3. Conozca los signos de la preeclampsia.

La preeclampsia podría no causar síntomas al principio. Sin embargo, usted puede notar algunos síntomas leves, tales como:

• Hinchazón en las manos o la cara
• Aumentar de peso repentinamente durante uno a dos días
• Subir más de dos libras por semana
• Orinar con menos frecuencia de lo normal

La preeclampsia generalmente ocurre después de la 20.a semana de embarazo. También puede desarrollarse después del parto, con mayor frecuencia dentro de las 48 horas. Si tiene algún síntoma o le parece que algo anda mal, siempre es mejor llamar a su profesional médico. Vaya al departamento de emergencias o llame al 9-1-1 si experimenta alguno de estos síntomas de preeclampsia grave:

• Dolor de cabeza que no desaparece o empeora
• Dificultad para respirar
• Dolor en el lado derecho, debajo de las costillas o en el hombro derecho
• Náuseas y vómitos
• Cambios en la visión

4. Obtenga apoyo de amigos y familiares.

Informe acerca de los signos de complicaciones en el embarazo a sus familiares y amigos. Pídales que la ayuden a monitorear cómo se siente y la ayuden a obtener atención médica. Cuando hable con su profesional médico, estos amigos pueden asegurarse de que usted describa todos sus síntomas y haga todas sus preguntas, y pueden abogar por usted para que obtenga la atención que necesita. 

5. Trate de controlar el estrés.

El estrés no es bueno para su presión arterial. Practique el activar la respuesta de relajación innata de su cuerpo (lo opuesto a la respuesta al estrés). La visualización guiada, la relajación muscular progresiva y los ejercicios de respiración profunda son técnicas que pueden ayudarla a relajarse. Moverse más puede ayudar a calmar su mente y cuerpo, y es importante para la salud general de su corazón. Pruebe a hacer yoga o reúnase con amigos para dar un paseo rápido. Estar en la naturaleza también puede ser muy relajante para algunas personas.

6. Manténgase saludable después del embarazo.

Después de su embarazo, trate de mantener sus rutinas de cuidado personal, especialmente para la salud de su corazón. Si usted tuvo preeclampsia, necesitará tener especial cuidado con su corazón. Una de las mejores cosas que puede hacer es compartir los detalles acerca de las complicaciones en el embarazo con sus profesionales médicos. Dígales qué sucedió y qué tratamiento recibió. Es posible que necesite un examen cardiovascular tres meses después del embarazo y luego anualmente. El examen medirá su presión arterial, el colesterol, el nivel de azúcar en la sangre y el peso. Recuerde ... usted conoce su cuerpo. Identificar y modificar de manera temprana los riesgos de enfermedades cardiovasculares puede reducir significativamente el riesgo de experimentar un ataque cardíaco o un accidente cerebrovascular años más tarde. Informe a su profesional médico si su presión arterial aumenta o si le parece que algo anda mal. 

7. Obtenga más información.

Obtenga más información acerca de la salud del corazón y el embarazo y encuentre recursos para controlar sus números de presión arterial en nhlbi.nih.gov/hypertension.

(NewsUSA) - Approaching age 65 can be an overwhelming time for many newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries. When can you begin to enroll? Which plans should you consider? What do you need to know?

Here's some information that can help.

You have a seven-month window called the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) to sign up for Medicare benefits, which begins three months prior to the month you'll turn 65. You are first eligible to receive Medicare coverage at the start of your birthday month. If your current benefits end once you turn 65, it's important to begin researching and comparing your Medicare options early to make sure there's no gap in your coverage.

There are several different types of Medicare plans available:

* Medicare Part A (hospital) and Medicare Part B (medical)

o Administered by the federal government, Original Medicare includes Parts A and B that provide hospital and medical coverage. For most people, Part A is free, so it's important to evaluate your options as soon as you become eligible for Medicare.

* Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

o Offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and can be considered an "all in one" alternative to Original Medicare. These plans include all the coverage provided by Medicare Part A and B, and some may include additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, routine dental, vision and hearing care, and innovative offerings such fitness programs, healthy food debit cards for those who qualify and transportation benefits to help you get to doctor's appointments.

* Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)

o Original Medicare doesn't cover most prescription drugs, so you'll need to sign-up for a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) if enrolled in Original Medicare. These Part D plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurers, like Humana.

* Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)

o Like Medicare Advantage, these plans are offered by private insurance companies and may help pay some of the healthcare costs that Medicare Parts A and B don't, like coinsurance, copayments or deductibles.

When selecting a prescription drug plan, you'll want to make sure the medications you're currently taking are covered and compare their costs across different plans. Some plans also take steps to help save you money, like Humana for example. They suggest generic or lower-cost equivalent drugs to their members when they're available. And when it comes to costs, look beyond the monthly premium and consider the additional out-of-pocket costs. Always evaluate the full cost of the plan, including co-payments or co-insurance, and the deductible as well as which pharmacies are in network.

While the many plan options can seem overwhelming, there are resources available to help you choose Medicare coverage that best suits your needs. The Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov allows you to easily compare the benefits and costs of different plans. Other resources on sites such as Humana.com include helpful information to consider in shopping for plans like Physician and Pharmacy finders to help you see if your providers are in a plan's network. While planning ahead is helpful, rest assured that, as your needs change, you can change your plan during the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Enrollment Period, which goes from October 15th to December 7th each year.

Medicare-eligible individuals can visit www.Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, you can learn about Humana Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans by going to www.Humana.com/Medicare, www.Humana.com/pdp or calling 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week. 

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, PDP, and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.