(NewsUSA) - Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines provide quick and affordable access to the safe and effective, everyday options we need to take care of ourselves when issues arise. However, deciding which products are right for you and your family can feel overwhelming.   

Knowing how to safely choose and use OTC medications can make the difference between an intolerable versus a manageable fever, a runny and stuffy nose versus open sinuses, and a fitful night of sleep versus a restful one. 

“I often advise my patients to look for non-medical solutions first: avoid the triggers that cause your symptoms, eat right, get lots of rest, and practice an overall healthy lifestyle. But when that’s not enough, the OTC aisle can help provide some of the relief you might need to continue your daily routines,” says Dr. Wendy Mobley-Bukstein, a pharmacist and associate professor of pharmacy practice at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. “When you need a little extra help to make the right choices, your local pharmacist can be a partner in helping to manage your self-care needs.”

Access to a range of OTC treatment options saves consumers time and costs associated with unnecessary doctor appointments for mild or moderate ailments, and a pharmacist can be a great advocate in your corner when it comes to your self-care. 

“I spend countless hours empowering patients to make safe and informed decisions when it comes to choosing and using OTC medicines,” Dr. Mobley-Bukstein says. “When you step up to a pharmacist’s counter, you’re not just a customer, you’re a patient. We are here to help you walk away knowing you have made the right decision for yourself and your family. For example, around this time of year, we see more cases of cough and cold symptoms. While some people with occasional cough or chest congestion might find relief from cough suppressants or expectorants, these are not for everyone, so be sure to read Drug Facts labels closely for proper use, directions, and warnings. This is especially true if you have a high-risk health condition or are currently taking other medicines. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor first before selecting an OTC medicine if you are unsure.”

Keep these tips in mind to make the most of a conversation with your pharmacist:  

-What are your symptoms? Be prepared to tell your pharmacist your main symptoms, what hurts and where (headache, fever, sore throat) as well as when the symptoms started, how severe, and what, if anything, seems to make them worse or improve.  

-Have these symptoms occurred before? If so, which treatments have you already used?

-What else are you taking? OTC medications can interact with prescription medications, so it’s important to know what you’re currently taking daily.  

-What medical conditions, if any, do you have? Some OTC medications are recommended, or not recommended, for individuals of different ages, or with conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease.  

-If possible, choose a product that treats only the specific symptoms you are experiencing, Dr. Mobley-Bukstein emphasizes. 

Your self-care should be personalized – and when you need additional help with your self-care plan, pharmacists can serve as a trusted resource. Visit healthinhand.org for more information. 

(NewsUSA) - High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a growing epidemic that affects half of all Americans. High blood pressure can harm vital organs like your heart, brain, kidneys and eyes without any warning signs. If left untreated, it can also lead to serious issues like chest pain, heart attacks and heart failure, and it raises the risk of stroke and chronic kidney disease. For a long time, the only way to treat high blood pressure was through lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, or by taking medications. Today, there is another approach to be considered in addition to lifestyle modifications and medications. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved a minimally invasive, device-based procedure that offers new hope to the millions of people whose blood pressure has not been managed with medication or lifestyle changes alone. The Medtronic Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure is proven to achieve significant, safe and sustained blood pressure reductions, ushering in a new era for the treatment of high blood pressure in eligible patients.

Many people with high blood pressure have already experienced positive results from the Symplicity blood pressure procedure, including Paul Griffin from Atlanta. Paul’s hypertension began in his 40s and spanned about 30 years – and for a long time, Paul struggled to manage his high blood pressure. Despite being prescribed various medications, his blood pressure remained uncontrolled, leading to a frustrating pattern of increasing medication doses and unpleasant side effects like tiredness and headaches. For Paul, this impacted every aspect of his life, from singing with his quartet to spending quality time with his family. The constant worry about his blood pressure and general health also significantly impacted Paul’s wife Penny, who helped him keep track of his medications and daily blood pressure readings. He needed to break the cycle, and the Symplicity blood pressure procedure offered him new hope. 

Navigating Treatment and Understanding Renal Denervation 

High blood pressure can be a significant, daily struggle - and for many patients, the issue can go completely unnoticed. Desperate for a solution, Paul searched for alternative treatment options and became his own biggest advocate in finding a path forward. It wasn’t until he came upon a trial advertisement for the renal denervation procedure that he felt a sense of hope. After doing some research, he brought the trial up with his doctor and asked if he would be an eligible candidate. The renal denervation procedure – also known as the Symplicity blood pressure procedure - offered Paul another alternative with the potential to safely and effectively manage his high blood pressure, and the results made a significant impact on his quality of life. While Paul’s experience may not be the same for everyone, he experienced a drop in blood pressure for the first time in years, the reduction of some of his high blood pressure medications and revitalized hope for the future of his blood pressure management.*

The minimally invasive Symplicity blood pressure procedure involves a physician inserting a thin tube into an artery in the leg and using energy to calm overactive nerves surrounding the kidneys, which can contribute to high blood pressure. The tube is then removed, leaving no implant behind. The procedure works by complementing medications and lifestyle changes, so patients can continue managing their blood pressure.  

A New Era in High Blood Pressure Solutions  

The approval of the Medtronic Symplicity blood pressure procedure signifies a crucial step forward in the global battle against high blood pressure. Paul Griffin's success story highlights the real-world impact of this breakthrough technology, offering a possible turning point for millions of Americans who struggle to manage their blood pressure numbers.  

If you or a loved one is experiencing high blood pressure, consult your doctor to explore the potential benefits of this revolutionary procedure, or visit beyondHBP.com to learn more.

*Individual Patient results vary. 

(NewsUSA) - La presión arterial alta, también conocida como hipertensión, es una epidemia creciente que afecta a la mitad de todos los estadounidenses. La presión arterial alta puede dañar órganos vitales como el corazón, el cerebro, los riñones y los ojos sin ninguna señal de advertencia. Si no se trata, también puede provocar problemas graves como dolor de pecho, ataques cardíacos e insuficiencia cardíaca, y aumenta el riesgo de accidente cerebrovascular y enfermedad renal crónica. Durante mucho tiempo, la única forma de tratar la presión arterial alta era mediante cambios en el estilo de vida, como dieta y ejercicio, o tomando medicamentos. Hoy en día, hay otro enfoque a considerar además de las modificaciones en el estilo de vida y los medicamentos. 

La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos de EE.UU. aprobó recientemente un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo basado en un dispositivo que ofrece nuevas esperanzas a los millones de personas cuya presión arterial no ha sido controlada únicamente con medicamentos o cambios en el estilo de vida. Se ha demostrado que el procedimiento de presión arterial Medtronic Symplicity™ logra reducciones significativas, seguras y sostenidas de la presión arterial, marcando el comienzo de una nueva era para el tratamiento de la presión arterial alta en pacientes elegibles.

Muchas personas con presión arterial alta ya han experimentado resultados positivos con el procedimiento de presión arterial Symplicity, incluido Paul Griffin de Atlanta. La hipertensión de Paul comenzó cuando tenía 40 años y se prolongó durante unos 30 años, y durante mucho tiempo, Paul luchó por controlar su presión arterial alta. A pesar de que le recetaron varios medicamentos, su presión arterial permaneció descontrolada, lo que provocó un patrón frustrante de aumento de las dosis de medicamentos y efectos secundarios desagradables como cansancio y dolores de cabeza. Para Paul, esto afectó todos los aspectos de su vida, desde cantar con su cuarteto hasta pasar tiempo de calidad con su familia. La preocupación constante por su presión arterial y su salud general también afectó significativamente a Penny, la esposa de Paul, quien lo ayudó a realizar un seguimiento de sus medicamentos y de sus lecturas diarias de presión arterial. Necesitaba romper ese círculo y el procedimiento de presión arterial Symplicity le ofreció una nueva esperanza. 

Navegando el Tratamiento y Comprendiendo la Denervación Renal 

La presión arterial alta puede ser una lucha diaria importante y, para muchos pacientes, el problema puede pasar completamente desapercibido. Desesperado por encontrar una solución, Paul buscó opciones de tratamiento alternativas y se convirtió en su mayor promotor para encontrar un camino a seguir. No fue hasta que encontró un anuncio de prueba sobre el procedimiento de denervación renal que sintió una sensación de esperanza. Después de investigar un poco, le habló del ensayo a su médico y le preguntó si sería un candidato elegible. El procedimiento de denervación renal, también conocido como procedimiento de presión arterial Symplicity, ofreció a Paul otra alternativa con el potencial de controlar de forma segura y eficaz su presión arterial alta, y los resultados tuvieron un impacto significativo en su calidad de vida. Si bien la experiencia de Paul puede no ser la misma para todos, experimentó una caída en la presión arterial por primera vez en años, la reducción de algunos de sus medicamentos para la presión arterial alta y una esperanza revitalizada para el futuro del control de su presión arterial.* 

El procedimiento mínimamente invasivo de presión arterial Symplicity implica que un médico inserte un tubo delgado en una arteria de la pierna y use energía para calmar los nervios hiperactivos que rodean los riñones, lo que puede contribuir a la presión arterial alta. Luego se retira el tubo, sin dejar ningún implante. El procedimiento funciona complementando medicamentos y cambios en el estilo de vida, para que los pacientes puedan continuar controlando su presión arterial. 

Una Nueva Era en Soluciones Para la Presión Arterial Alta  

La aprobación del procedimiento de presión arterial Medtronic Symplicity significa un paso crucial hacia adelante en la batalla global contra la presión arterial alta. La historia de éxito de Paul Griffin destaca el impacto en el mundo real de esta tecnología innovadora, ofreciendo un posible momento decisivo para millones de estadounidenses que luchan por controlar sus números de presión arterial. 

Si usted o un ser querido padece presión arterial alta, consulte a su médico para explorar los posibles beneficios de este procedimiento revolucionario o visite beyondHBP.com para obtener más información.

*Los resultados de cada paciente varían. 

(NewsUSA) - Thanks to the ongoing support of the American public, the Marine Toys for Tots Program was honored to receive the esteemed Humanitarian Award at the 26^th Annual CBS Family Film and TV Awards. The award recognized Marine Toys for Tots for their year-round work supporting struggling families and children across the country, which they are able to do with your unwavering assistance. 

Bestowing the award with celebrities Montel Williams, Dean Cain, and Laura McKenzie, television presenter and actress Elizabeth Stanton noted that “one organization that has consistently supported families in need is the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.” 

A heartwarming video segment highlighted Toys for Tots’ National, year-round work, including testimonials of families from around the country who have been assisted by the organization. “Toys for Tots means everything to us,” said one teary-eyed mother. “When you live on a fixed income, pretty much every dime is accounted for, and we didn’t know what to do. Toys for Tots changed all that!” 

LtGen James Laster, USMC (Retired), CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, and Major General Len “Loni” Anderson, Assistant Deputy Commandant, Plans, Policies, and Operations for the United States Marine Corps, accepted the award to a standing ovation in the packed theater.   

“We have expanded beyond Christmastime to provide year-round hope and support, and we couldn’t have done it without the generosity of the American people – you!” said LtGen Laster in remarks accepting the award on behalf of the organization. 

General Anderson added, “This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue our mission. It’s not just toys.  It’s about delivering joy and fostering hope in the hearts of those families when they need it.” 

LtGen Laster also laid out Toys for Tots’ ambitious goals for 2024, saying that the organization hoped to reach a record 11 million disadvantaged children this year. 

“The Marine Toys for Tots Program has been a beacon of hope for over seven decades, striving to bring smiles to the faces of children who might otherwise go without during the holiday season and throughout the year,” said LtGen Laster.  “It is an incredible honor to be recognized by the 26^th Annual Family Film and TV Awards and receive the prestigious Humanitarian Award for the Program’s commitment to being a year-round force for good and making futures as bright as possible for children in need.” 

Visit toysfortots.org for more information and to be part of this year-round force for good!

(NewsUSA) - What Eyes Can’t See by Paulette Stout 

“A gripping, moving story… of love, justice, redemption.” 
Midwest Book Review 

Barbara navigates the NYC corporate world as a confident Black lawyer, balancing sky-high career goals with heavy family expectations. After a broken engagement leaves her reeling, Barbara lands at an island paradise and gets swept away by Sebastian. The hazel-eyed Adonis with a mysterious past makes Barbara feel seen for the first time in her life.  

Yes, he’s white and she’s Black. She’s rich and he grew up on food stamps, but none of that matters. Until they return home and Sebastian gets the job meant for her. 

Suspecting racial discrimination, Barbara challenges her boss in court. That decision puts the lovers on opposite sides of a battle they long to fight together. As their love and convictions are put to the test, one question remains: how much are they willing to risk to find justice? https://books2read.com/what-eyes-cant-see 

Searching for Zen: A Tale of Divine Destiny by Albert T. Franklin 

The story begins on Earth, but an Earth with a past steeped in fantasy and science fiction. From humble beginnings, a boy is given a divine destiny, a chance to make his mark on human civilization, but he must embark upon a life-changing journey. He struggles to understand, losing himself in doubt and loneliness as he confronts the dark side of humanity. 

Coming of age, Zen builds a family from a motley collection of strangers and discovers love. His newfound friends help him understand his reason for fighting. His trials amplify as his power increases, and he sparks the ire of those in the spirit realm, who doubt any human can wield such power successfully. As Zen struggles to fulfill his purpose, he learns that love, friendship, and divine destiny come with a heavy price. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3Ri7EGO. 

Tricking Power into Performing Acts of Love by Shepherd Siegel 

People and cultures draw on a mix of archetypes, the attributes of personality that make them who they are—Warrior, Caretaker, Magician, Fool, Hero, Sage—and Trickster. This book is about how grownups who have retained the ability to be playful as they were when a child view the world. Such grownups will consciously or unconsciously engage with the Trickster, and this book is about what could happen if society made more of that animating force. 

Today, an infantilized infatuation with the Warrior archetype tears society apart. The best response comes out of a more peaceful and playful approach. In a time of great political frustration and culture wars, readers respond well to Tricking Power into Performing Acts of Love, which proposes the pursuit of fun and the refusal to take power seriously as a timeless and potent political strategy. Purchase at https://shepherdsiegel.com/books/. 

Messed Up Like You by Rick Culleton 

Rick Culleton is hardly the kind of person you’d expect to fly an airplane. He is fearful of heights and lacks a good sense of orientation. None of this, however, has prevented him from earning a pilot’s license. Nor have anxiety and ADHD and people labeling him a lost cause stopped him from becoming highly successful as an entrepreneur. 

The author struggled in school because of learning difficulties. He showed no athletic talent, did a brief stint in prison, and spiraled into debt hustling used cars. But with encouragement from a friend, he turned his life around and built an Inc. 5000 company selling discount electronics. 

Messed Up Like You is a compelling narrative. Weaving together harrowing anecdotes from flight school and from the author’s business ventures, it will propel readers toward becoming their best selves and prompt them to take action. Purchase at https://amzn.to/414aN0d.

(NewsUSA) - For professional athletes, being at your physical best and pushing your body to its limits is often what it takes to achieve success on the field. When a player is struggling to catch their breath in the middle of a game, an undiagnosed heart condition isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, but that was the case for Ogmedi “OG” Nwagbuo.  

Hailing from San Diego, OG was selected for his home team’s professional football team as an undrafted free agent. Within weeks of joining the team, OG earned himself a starting role on the team’s defensive line.  

Then, in one particular game playing in Denver, Colorado, OG just didn’t feel right. While it’s common for players to have difficulty adjusting to the high altitude in Denver, what OG felt was different. OG had an overwhelming feeling of dizziness, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath. Despite these symptoms, his vitals appeared normal when evaluated by team doctors. “I remember thinking, ‘I just have to fight through this.’ I knew something was wrong, but nobody could pinpoint what was causing it.” 

The symptoms OG experienced throughout his entire professional football career took nearly a decade to be diagnosed. Doctors eventually suspected a heart condition – identified to be atrial fibrillation, or AFib – which is caused by extremely fast and irregular beats. AFib can also cause blood to pool and form clots which can lead to stroke.  

OG was prescribed a variety of medications, often taking eight pills a day to manage his symptoms. In 2021, a few weeks out from his scheduled cardiac ablation, OG experienced an AFib induced stroke. After recovering, doctors recommended that OG receive a long-term continuous heart monitor so they could better manage his medication regimen and have consistent visibility into his heart condition. OG received the Medtronic LINQ II™ insertable cardiac monitor (ICM), which is placed just underneath the skin in the chest and continuously monitors the heart for up to several years. The ICM provides heart information that helps his care team better manage his AFib. 

With the additional peace of mind knowing his heart is being continuously monitored, OG lives an active life and enjoys spending quality time outdoors with his teenage son. “I feel better now than I did when I was playing football professionally,” said OG. “Whether I’m doing yoga or coaching my son’s football team, I’m thankful to be here, and can hopefully be a good role model for others.” 

OG’s story is like so many others who feel like they just have to fight through unusual symptoms. Whether you’re a professional athlete or just looking to keep up an active lifestyle, it’s important to understand when your body is trying to tell you something. The first step is understanding potential signs and symptoms of AFib so that you can talk to your doctor, and if needed, find the right treatment and management plan for this common heart condition.  

Warning Signs  

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 the heart is racing 

• Chest discomfort or pain 

• Fainting or lightheadedness 

• Fatigue, shortness of breath, or weakness 

Treating and Managing  

Once diagnosed with AFib, treatment options can include:  

• Medication, known as antiarrhythmic drugs, is one form of treatment to prevent and treat irregular heart rhythms. However, these drugs don’t work for half of people who take them.  

• Minimally invasive ablation procedure is another form of treatment, to help break up the electrical signals that cause irregular heartbeats.  

• Your doctor might also recommend an insertable heart monitor (ICM), such as the LINQ™ family of ICMs, that watches your heart continuously and can monitor any AFib episodes.  

To learn more about the LINQ family of ICMs, visit: https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/patients/treatments-therapies/insertable-heart-monitors/getting-monitor.html 

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. 

(NewsUSA) - The federally funded program provides no-cost vaccines to eligible children 

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to help protect children from certain serious and potentially deadly diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unfortunately, many children in the United States are not up-to-date on the vaccines for which they are eligible. This puts them – and the children around them – at increased risk of infection.  

Many children may not be fully vaccinated because of cost or because they lack access to health care services. Vaccines for Children (VFC) is a federally funded program through the CDC that makes vaccines available at no cost to eligible children up to 18 years of age through a network of health care providers across the United States. The VFC program helps ensure that all children have a better chance of getting their recommended vaccinations on schedule.  

“A vaccine works best when everyone in the community has the confidence to be vaccinated,” according to the conveners of the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project, a coalition providing education and raising awareness about the importance of vaccines and promoting conversations to ensure equitable access to vaccines for all. “When you vaccinate, you’re protecting yourself as well as those in your family and your community.” 

Children are eligible for the VFC program if they are 18 years old or younger and qualify for Medicaid, are uninsured or underinsured, or are American Indian or Alaska Native. Approved, available vaccines protect babies, young children, and adolescents from preventable diseases including measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, flu, pneumococcal disease, polio, hepatitis A and B, whooping cough, and, most recently, COVID-19.  

Many doctors and nurses across the United States are enrolled in the VFC program and can provide vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, to children at no cost. If your child does not have a doctor, ask your local public health department about access to vaccines through the VFC program. Community health centers and rural health clinics may also be VFC providers.  

Visit cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc for more information about the Vaccines for Children program and covidvaccineproject.org to learn about the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project.

(NewsUSA) - Want to learn more about the latest innovations in artificial intelligence that will propel the United States forward as a leader in emerging technology?

The first-ever AI Expo for National Competitiveness is set to take place on May 7-8, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

The event, sponsored by the Special Competitive Studies Project, is meant to spark an exchange of ideas and initiatives related to the intersection of AI, emerging technology, and national security. You can now register to join the first ever AI Expo.

The AI Expo provides a unique opportunity to learn about groundbreaking ideas and initiatives in the world of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

In particular, the Expo is designed to bring together experts from a range of fields to explore the key areas of AI and emerging technology that impact our national security, economy, and society. The events scheduled for the two-day expo are designed to foster a vibrant exchange among pioneers in AI from the business world, academia, government agencies, and our international allies.

“Witness firsthand the groundbreaking technologies poised to maintain U.S. leadership on the world stage,” according to the SCSP’s website. “Dive into meaningful dialogues with experts and enthusiasts alike, all with a shared vision: to solidify the United States’ position as the leader in critical, emerging technologies.”

The AI Expo builds on the success of the SCSP’s Global Emerging Technology Summit, which took place in September of 2023. The summit brought together government and private sector leaders from the United States and allies and partners from around the world. 

SCSP is a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal to make recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness as artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies reshape national security, the economy, and society.

The Expo offers opportunities for sponsors, exhibitors, and participants. Registration is free and open to the public. For more information, visit scsp.ai.

(NewsUSA) - There is no shortage of challenges in schools today—from bullying to gun violence and beyond—yet The Magical Place We Call School by Dr. Kathleen Corley reminds us of the extraordinary things that still happen in classrooms across America and that school truly can be a safe and happy place for learning. 

At a time when public discourse rages on about what students should or should not be taught, when books are being banned, when school shootings fill the news, and when families are still reeling from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic—here comes The Magical Place We Call School. With its fresh focus on the power and perils of education, it’s an intentional way of thinking that will intrigue readers everywhere. 

Dr. Corley’s 40 years of classroom wisdom as a teacher and school principal span different beliefs about learning, different styles of education and discipline, different environments, societal issues and cultural norms.  

In telling her own story, Corley unpacks a lifetime of lessons from the front lines on educating our youth and shaping young minds, formulating Big Picture strategies and case-by-case solutions as she weaves her way through faculties, parents and, most of all, the children themselves. 

“Some students will never know a thing exists out there in the world unless we are the ones bringing it to them,” to quote one of her aptly named “Corleyisms.” 

In her literary debut, Dr. Corley writes knowingly and with unique humor and insight about the value of education, how kids think and learn, what they need to succeed in and out of school, and how their home life affects their performance. Plus, she tackles some of the most daunting societal issues impacting children today, from bullying to gun violence and beyond. 

She is an award-winning educator, an authority on school culture, and the charismatic principal at Red Cedar Elementary School in Bluffton, SC, and renowned for her unique communication and management skills. Dr. Corley began her career in education as an elementary music teacher and transitioned to education administration to make a wider impact upon student achievement and school culture. She entered the administrative ranks as an assistant principal in Palatine, IL, then became an elementary school principal in Lynchburg, VA, Salem MA, and Bluffton, SC.  

Dr. Corley reminds us that something extraordinary still occurs in classrooms across America—not just miraculously, but by design and with tenacity. 

In The Magical Place We Call School, Corley shares human interest stories that shed light on what is and isn’t working and provides a calm hand and much-needed perspective from the front lines of learning. 

"Someday, a techie will invent a chip that can pre-install 40 years of classroom wisdom into every new teacher or principal. Until then, we've got Dr. Kathleen Corley's book," says Lenore Skenazy, president of Let Grow and author of Free-Range Kids. 
 
The Magical Place We Call School is available on Amazon - https://bit.ly/48zUCdP – and other popular retail outlets where books are sold. For more information, visit www.TheMagicalPlaceWeCallSchool.com.