(NewsUSA) -  

“Tuscan Son”
by Robert Berne       

Called “a tour de force adventure within the modern university that is both a great read and eerily familiar,” a university vice president finds himself thrust into a hellish Panamanian prison, at the mercy of unknown forces.  

When a university receives a bequest of a village in Tuscany to use as a study-abroad site, Bill, the vice president, has to negotiate terms with the donor’s angry son, who thinks the village belongs to him. Bill discovers something very wrong.  

As he suspects organized crime is involved, he is lured to Panama, supposedly to sign the transfer papers. Instead, he is thrown into prison and denied contact with the outside. He then realizes his cellmate’s drug-dealing family is his only hope for freedom, but at what price?

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3aW1lG6.

“Pressure Point”
by Betty Briggs  

A letter from Stephanie’s sworn enemy, Jessica, regarding the young child, Zoey, who is half-sibling to Stephanie’s son, Ryan, throws her world into tailspin. Engaged to the man of her dreams, Stephanie must set wedding plans and her job as an attorney aside, and travel to Mexico with fiancé, Colton, to try to find Zoey.  

If that is not enough, Stephanie’s ward, Jill, is also in danger from her own mother and the madman she lives with, who want to reclaim the 16-year-old and drag her back into a life of abuse. Will Stephanie be able to safely bring her family together and have a happily-ever-after wedding to Colton on Christmas Day in Montana? And what about Stephanie’s horse, Kingston, and the special pony, who help Stephanie cope?

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3zzKgwa.

“A Sky of Infinite Blue”
by Kyomi O’Connor  

From an early age in Japan, Kyomi’s life is filled with emotional difficulties. To escape the darkness, Kyomi moves to the U.S. to start a new life. Soon, she falls in love with her husband-to-be, Patrick, whose love and support help her begin to heal. Eventually, they dedicate themselves to a Buddhism practice that changes both their lives -- aiding them in their spiritual growth and in realizing their desire to help others.    

Then Patrick is diagnosed with cancer and loses the battle. Devastated, Kyomi spends a year lost in grief. But then she begins to write, uncovering truths about herself, her life history  and her relationship with Patrick. After years of struggle, Kyomi finds the light that had existed within her all along.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3yiRm64.

“The Golden Gladiator”
by Michael Lynch  

This is the true story of the oldest American football player’s return to the gridiron and glory between the ages of 64 to 68. Michael was a football hero in high school, college and the semi-pro leagues on Long Island in the 1960s and 1970s. After seeing his nephew play in an All-Star game in 2012, he decides to turn back the clock and play football again in one of the toughest semipro leagues in America, with and against players 30 to 40 years younger.  

“The Golden Gladiator” is a story of courage, redemption, tragedy and love as Lynch plays for four years in more than 50 games. He is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest American football player. The book has received two Five-Star reviews by Literary Titan and The Book Connection.

Purchase at www.thegoldengladiator.com.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

(Resubmitted 9/9/2022) 

(NewsUSA) - You may be among the 42 million Americans currently infected by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and not know it. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, affecting more than 70 percent of sexually active adults at least once in their lifetimes. Unlike the “low-risk” HPV strains that produce visible lesions, “high-risk” HPV is an “invisible” infection that can lie undetected for decades and can lead to six different types of cancer; the two most common being cervical and head-and-neck cancers.       

A recent breakthrough in the study of HPV is providing physicians and patients with a new avenue for addressing high-risk infection.  Researchers at the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston studied the effect of a unique natural Japanese medicinal mushroom extract called AHCC® on women with persistent high-risk HPV infections.  They found that daily use of AHCC® helped to clear an active HPV infection in two-thirds of study participants after only six months, while volunteers in the placebo group did not see comparable results.     

The randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, considered to be the gold standard protocol for clinical research, was co-funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and published in the June 2022 issue of the prestigious medical journal Frontiers in Oncology.     

Current standard of care entails screening women for HPV during their regular gynecological exam. HPV usually goes undetected in men unless and until they are diagnosed with an HPV-associated cancer; as a result, they often spread the infection without knowing it. When a patient tests positive for HPV, the current protocol is often referred to as “watchful waiting” which entails monitoring the patient’s condition through regular exams but not providing any pharmacological or surgical treatment.     

This latest study shows that there is something that patients can do during this “waiting” period other than just passively anticipating their next exam. “Our results showed that AHCC® supplementation helped the majority of patients in the AHCC® arm of the trial to become HPV-negative, therefore decreasing the long-term risk of HPV-related cancers,” says Dr. Smith. “Importantly, through multiple studies, we have shown that AHCC supplements are safe.”     

There are more than 30 human clinical studies and over 50 papers on AHCC® that have been published in Medline-indexed NIH-recognized scientific journals. AHCC® contains a unique combination of potent active components including alpha-glucans and axoglucan™ fractions, discovered by the Amino Up company of Sapporo, Japan. Numerous reputable supplement brands offer AHCC® in North America. Verified authentic products sold under the registered AHCC® trademark of Amino Up are listed on the AHCC Association website at www.AHCC.net.

(NewsUSA) -  

“Ice Islands”
by Humphrey Hawksley       

This fourth Rake Ozenna thriller will leave readers breathless. Rake faces dangerous choices and deadly consequences in this rip-roaring political thriller that takes you from the ice islands of Finland to the bustling streets of Tokyo via Russia and the White House.  

Rake’s mission is to gain access to the Kato family -- Japan’s most dangerous crime empire -- through its daughter, Sara. But when the son of the Russian leader is murdered and Sara is implicated, a political crisis among Russia, Japan and the U.S. is set in motion. Rake needs to keep Sara alive while uncovering the true extent of the Kato family’s threat to America. Prepare for a page-turning, riveting ride.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3O1cPXa.

“Think Healthy, Be Healthy”
by Beth Linder-Moss  

“Think Healthy, Be Healthy” is a complete guide to living a healthy, balanced lifestyle. It offers simple ways to restructure your life to create the healthiest version of yourself -- even with today’s crazy schedules -- by making easy-to-implement changes in all aspects of your daily life. These modifications will empower you to enhance your physical and mental well-being, as well as your confidence.  

With more than 30 years of experience as an Exercise Physiologist, Personal and Group Fitness Trainer and Health Coach, the author shares her insights by providing advice on fitness, positive thinking, nutrition and sleep habits. Positive thoughts and choices are the key to a balanced lifestyle.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3dpfCwx.

“The Most Likely Club”
by Elyssa Friedland  

At their milestone high school reunion, a group of friends make a pact to achieve their high school superlatives one way or another, in the lively new novel from the acclaimed author of “Last Summer at the Golden Hotel.”  

In Bellport, CT in 1997, four best friends and high school seniors are ready to light the world on fire. Fast forward 25 years and nothing has gone according to plan as the women regroup at their dreaded high school reunion. When a forgotten classmate has a surprising announcement, the friends wonder: Is it too late to make their dreams come true? Fueled by nostalgia and one too many drinks, they form a pact to push through their middle-aged angst to bring their teenage aspirations to fruition.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ElhW0L.

“A Bend of Light”
by Joy Jordan-Lake  

A quiet coastal village in post-World War II America is shaken when the secrets of the past and present collide in a riveting novel by the best-selling author of “Under a Gilded Moon.”  

Five years after the war, Amie Stilwell returns to her hometown in Maine, starting over in the same village where her life once went so wrong. Waiting for her is her surrogate mother, Shibby Travis. But the unexpected also awaits.  

An abandoned boy is found with a note pleading that he be watched over. Amie and Shibby take him in, but the mysteries multiply when a Boston socialite is found dead in Amie’s barn and an old friend suddenly reappears. Through the hazy filter of a town’s secrets, Amie must confront her own painful past.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/38TWDrE.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

(Reissued 9/23/2022)

(NewsUSA) - Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, lung cancer remains a leading cause of death for Black men and women. In the United States, estimates suggest that more than 73,000 Black individuals will die from lung cancer in the next year alone.     

While there are many new treatments for lung cancer, disparities persist across racial and ethnic lines. Given these disparities, Black Americans in particular should learn what questions to ask their doctors to optimize their care.  Specifically, they should ask, what is my biomarker?     

All lung cancer patients should ask their doctors about biomarkers, a new frontier in targeted therapy that may reduce or eliminate the need for chemotherapy and improve outcomes.     

Each cancer tumor is unique, and some have specific traits called “biomarkers.” If you identify your cancer biomarker, there may be treatments that target that specific biomarker, according to Dr. Sydney Barned, a doctor and lung cancer patient.     

“In many cases, these treatments mean taking pills instead of chemotherapy and radiation. Asking for biomarker testing is extremely important, not only in treating your cancer but also in improving your quality of life,” she says.     

“The doctors originally thought I had pneumonia, but I didn’t get better,” says Brandi Bryant, a mother of four and a lung cancer patient.     

“When more treatments didn’t work, I had a biopsy, and they diagnosed me with stage 4 lung cancer. I was prescribed radiation, chemo and immunotherapy (where your body attacks the cancer cells), but the doctors finally put me on targeted therapy where I take eight pills per day. Today, four years later, I show no evidence of cancer. It doesn’t mean the cancer is cured, but it means that it is not growing in my body,” she says.     

“Many people, especially patients of color, are diagnosed and treated by doctors who are not lung cancer specialists. So, it is important for you to ask whether your cancer has been tested for its biomarker before you start treatment,” Brandi adds. “Knowing my biomarker made the difference in my treatment and how much I can do with my kids,” she emphasizes.     

In Dr. Barned’s case, “Knowing my biomarker meant being able to finish my hospital residency. I am on targeted therapy to help my body fight my specific type of lung cancer. So, knowing my biomarker made a huge difference in my life.”     

Many breakthroughs, such as targeted therapy for biomarkers, come from research supported by the Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA). “If you have lung cancer, ask your doctor to identify your biomarker,” Dr. Barned says. “Where there is knowledge, there is hope,” she adds.     

For more information, visit LCFamerica.org or text LCFA to 41444.

(NewsUSA) - Pulse Check: 3 Things You May Not Know About the Most Common Heart Rhythm Disorder

Atrial fibrillation (AFib), otherwise known as an irregular or fluttering heartbeat, is the most common heart rhythm disorder. In fact, nearly one in every ten people older than 65 have AFib.¹ September is National AFib Awareness Month, which is a great time to take a pulse check on your heart health. Here are three misconceptions about AFib and the facts you need to know.

Misconception #1: AFib Symptoms are Easy to Spot

This is not always true – some people don’t know they have AFib until they are diagnosed at a doctor’s appointment or it causes a larger medical concern. It’s often at routine checkups when AFib is diagnosed.  

For others, AFib feels like butterflies or a flopping fish in the chest, according to StopAFib.org.

AFib is a progressive disease meaning that when left untreated or undiagnosed, patients are five times more likely to have a stroke.² Knowing the signs and symptoms of AFib can help you and your doctor catch it earlier:    

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

Misconception #2: Medication is My Only Treatment Option

Currently, medications to prevent and treat irregular heart rhythms, known as antiarrhythmic drugs, don’t work for half of people who take them.^3,4,5 Some patients with AFib may be candidates for a minimally invasive procedure called cryoablation. During the procedure, the Medtronic Artic Front™ Cryoballoon targets electrical signals to get your heart rhythm back on track and can be used as the first line therapy approach for a patient experiencing AFib.

Misconception #3: Everyone’s AFib is the same

According to StopAFib.org, different people experience different AFib symptoms. The best thing you can do is go talk to your doctor if you think you’re having symptoms. To better understand your specific condition, your doctor may recommend an insertable heart monitor that watches your heart continuously around the clock to detect abnormal heart rhythms including AFib.⁶  Long-term monitoring with the Medtronic LINQ™ family of insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) can help your doctor get a better picture of how your heart is doing over time and detect episodes of AFib. Because AFib is a progressive condition—meaning it worsens over time—early treatment is crucial. When a heart monitor detects AFib, your doctor can help you get on the treatment course that is right for you. Your long-term heart monitor will continue to give your doctor the information needed to know if your treatment is working or if you need to make changes over time.

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

Possible risks associated with the implant of the LINQ™ Family ICM’s 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.  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. Always talk with your doctor about risks, diagnosis, and treatment information for AFib.

To learn more about atrial fibrillation, available treatment options and to identify a specialist near you, visit: www.Medtronic.com/AFmonth    

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Worldwide Epidemiology of Atrial Fibrillation, A Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study    
2. Kannel WB, Wolf PA, Benjamin EJ, Levy D. Prevalence, incidence, prognosis, and predisposing conditions for atrial fibrillation: population-based estimates. Am J Cardiol. 1998 Oct 16;82(8A):2N-9N. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9149(98)00583-9. PMID: 9809895.    
3. Wazni OM, Dandamudi G, Sood N, et al. Cryoballoon Ablation as Initial Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation. N Engl J Med. January 28, 2021;384(4):316-324.    
4. Kuniss M, Pavlovic N, Velagic V, et al. Cryoballoon ablation vs. antiarrhythmic drugs: first-line therapy for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Europace. March 17, 2021:euab029.    
5. Andrade JG, Wells GA, Deyell MW, et al. Cryoablation or Drug Therapy for Initial Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. N Engl J Med. January 28, 2021;384(4):305-315.    
6. Majos E, Dabrowski R. Significance and Management Strategies for Patients with Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation. J Atrial Fibrillation. February 28, 2015;7(5):1169.

(NewsUSA) - ­­­­

“Math That Makes Sense”
by Dr. Carol Ameche       

This book, focusing on Algebra 1 for homeschool learning and instruction, is designed to break each mathematical concept into manageable parts. Every chapter is written in sections, and each section has problems to ensure one’s understanding of the concept.  

Having students rewrite and rework their incorrect problems trains their brain to answer future similar problems correctly. This works on several levels: first, the students are learning kinesthetically by writing the problem and answering step by step. Second, students are learning visually. Lastly, they are working in repeated patterns, which helps transfer the material from short-term memory to long-term memory. The author is an educator with almost 20 years of experience in mathematics education, including elementary, middle school, and high school.

Purchase at https://bit.ly/3PhRcmu.

“Things That Can Be Good, Better & Best”
by J.D. Sperry  

For ages 5 to 12. Philip Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield, says, “Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.” In most instances, applying some foresight into not merely doing something well, but doing what it takes to do it better and even going further to try to do it best will produce a much more gratifying experience than initially imagined.  

A slightly larger vision with a little extra effort can quickly turn good things into better and best things. This book gives examples to young readers of things that are good, how they might be made better and what may be one of several ways to make them best.

Purchase at https://readtomebooks.info.

“Augie Sweetwater and the Dolphin’s Tale”
by William J. Harrigan  

Augie Sweetwater has been compared to Harry Potter -- a modern-day wizard and new literary hero. This is a wonderous book for children about kids going on marine-biology-minded adventures, international conspiracies and the power of friendship. The story demonstrates just what kids are capable of when they’re given support and understanding.  

Augie Sweetwater is a brilliant 11-year-old with a gift for inventing amazing things that always get him in hot water. Coop Cooperlick is the new kid in school, a 14-year-old with a passion for rock climbing and a knack for thinking on his feet. Mika Deerwood is a lovely 13-year-old Native American with aspirations of Olympic gold in fencing. Together, they are going to make history.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3cndHrF.

“Sid Johnson and the Phantom Slave Stealer”
by Frances Schoonmaker  

This middle-grade novel represents historical storytelling at its finest, bringing to life a fascinating time in American history with a tale of adventure, mystery and suspense.

Sid Johnson awakens to the sound of gunshots ringing out across his family’s farm. Although his Ma explains away everything as a hunting incident, Sid overhears his parents discussing politics and learns that his family’s home isn’t any ordinary farm; it’s a stop on the Underground Railroad. Sid’s Ma and Pa are under dangerous threat from bounty hunters chasing rewards for runaway slaves.

The book educates young readers on the fundamental issues surrounding slavery during the history of the Underground Railroad and helps them see how this history has shaped the state of American society today.

Purchase at https://fschoonmaker.com.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

(NewsUSA) -  

After more than two years of living through a pandemic, it’s not surprising Americans report overwhelming stress levels. But the situation is even worse for people living with psoriasis, a chronic immune-mediated disease with an unclear cause, that impacts over eight million people in the U.S. In fact, according to new data from the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis experience depression more than the general U.S. population – a known trigger, along with anxiety, for onset or flaring of the disease.   While there’s no known cure for psoriasis, managing the disease is possible with the right treatment plan and  implementing healthy habits  including stress management. This August, during Psoriasis Action Month, taking small steps each day to combat stress can help put psoriasis to rest:

Catch Some Zs

Making changes to your sleep hygiene not only sets the stage for better sleep, but also leads to lower stress levels and better overall health. Going to bed at the same time each night can help regulate your internal sleep clock, which can boost your mood and reduce stress.

Limit processed foods – or skip them all together

Paying close attention to what you eat each day is a great way to improve your mood. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, protein, and whole grains are all natural ways to relieve stress, anxiety, and grief.

Get up and get moving

Exercise can be a fantastic stress reliever that can work within minutes. Simply taking a short walk, doing some breathing exercises or gentle stretches from the couch each day can help get you into a different frame of mind and make a difference. Moving more can also have a great impact on mood.

Rely on a strong support system

A support system is important for your overall mental health. During stressful times, friends and family may help you cope with difficult situations. NPF provides free support and resources to all those impacted by psoriatic disease, including caregivers, family, and friends.

Talk to your doctor

Each person experiences psoriatic disease in their own unique way, including its physical and mental impacts. What works for one person may not work for another. Talk to your doctor to find the treatment plan that works best for you.

Visit psoriasis.org for more tips and information about how relieve stress and put psoriasis to rest once and for all. 

(NewsUSA) -  

“ONE! The Evolution of Civilization”
by Jay Horowitz

Join the author in his exciting journey while he investigates the history and development of human civilization from early prehistoric human existence through the present and into the future. Explore the great philosophical questions of our very existence: Why? How?  

Review the Human Element and the Wonders of Nature. This book analyzes the origin and future of religion, politics, discrimination, war and peace. Following the exposition and analysis of these controversial topics, we reach our grand conclusion. If we consider Darwin’s “Evolution of the Species” as an explanation of the hardware of the human animal, Horowitz’s book might be an explanation of the software -- two theories that are compatible, complementary and symbiotic.

Purchase at https://onetheevolutionofcivilization.com.

“Undefined: More Than the Sum of Losses”
by Michelle Lee Graham  

The inspiring story of a birth mom who shows true courage in the face of overwhelming tragedy. Teen pregnancy is never easy. But when it is the result of pregnancy through rape, the public shame becomes even more unbearable.  

World-class lifestyle coach Michelle Graham overcame her fear of the unknown and of those shaming her by holding onto her faith in dark times. She weathered the stormy family relationships that accompanied the teen pregnancy and pursued a Christian adoption. Her troubles were far from over, but she committed fully to being the best birth mom she could be. Demonstrates empowerment for women in dealing with the people shaming her through standing up for herself and making the right choices.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3t7Xkoq.

“Your Life -- Your Way”
by Joy Nugent  

This book speaks to the unique character of each final human journey, enfolding a wide philosophy of care and a comprehensive range of practical measures with which to address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those facing terminal illness. It contains a wealth of wisdom and guidance for those experiencing the last phase of life and for those professionals privileged to be members of their caring team.  

Conquering the fear of death and being an active participant in all of life has wide-ranging benefits for humanity. A remarkable compendium by the author reflecting the authority of half a lifetime’s active, professional presence at the bedside of dying persons, bringing comfort, support and new confidence to patients, families and carers.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3t6Osj4.

“Whole Body Prayer: The Life-Changing Power of Self-Healing”
by Yan Ming Li  

“The same energy that created stars and galaxies lies dormant within your belly.”  

So begins Master Yan Ming Li's spellbinding memoir recounting the challenges of growing up as a spiritually gifted child in a land where exploration of the unseen realms was forbidden. Like a Chinese Harry Potter, Li found solace in a mysterious and powerful force he called the Light.  

But this is not a work of fiction. It’s a true story. In the pages of this book, we learn how we can gain access to this benevolent, healing and boundless Light. The book is a meditation and healing technique developed by Li that returns us to “original spirituality” by combining ancient practices from the world’s major religions.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3GLii2b.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Millions of Americans will start or return to college this fall, pursuing an education that they hope will lead to successful careers. Among them are students who aspire to become the next generation of financial planning professionals, equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide competent, ethical financial advice.     

Many of these students have enrolled in one of the more than 300 CFP Board Registered Programs available across the U.S. These programs offer coursework approved by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board), which sets and enforces the requirements for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. Completing a CFP Board Registered Program is one component of the education required to become a CFP® professional.     

All of these college and university programs offer courses covering eight subjects critical to financial planning, including risk management and insurance planning, investment planning, retirement savings and income planning and the psychology of financial planning. Each program also culminates in a capstone course that requires students to apply what they have learned in these areas to develop and present a comprehensive financial plan for a hypothetical client.   

While all CFP Board Registered Programs cover the same core topics, these programs range from certificate to doctorate level. They also vary in style, length and delivery method, with some programs completed entirely online. This variety of offerings enables any student to find a program that fits their needs, no matter what their learning style or schedule is.     

The education provided by CFP Board Registered Programs sets students on the path toward a rewarding career. Financial planning careers offer many benefits, including a sense of personal fulfillment from helping others, the ability to achieve your desired work-life balance, career flexibility and the potential to earn high compensation. In addition to a knowledge of finance and investments, interpersonal skills are critical for financial planners as they work to understand their clients’ needs, goals and motivations and to communicate options for moving toward the clients’ goals.     

Research shows that financial planners who also obtain CFP® certification may enjoy greater benefits as well: Two-thirds of CFP® professionals say their certification has had a positive impact on their income, and more than 80% say it gives them a competitive edge over other financial planners.     

A financial planning education can be the first step toward a promising future.     

To find a CFP Board Registered Program and learn more about a career as a CFP® professional, visit CFP.net/programs.

(NewsUSA) - The need for skilled technicians in the workforce continues to rise, but many people are unaware of the degree of financial success and personal satisfaction that skilled technicians find in their careers.     

TechForce Foundation,® a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has launched its annual “Because I’m a Tech” campaign in time to align with Labor Day.     

The “Because I’m a Tech” campaign is showcased on the TechForce website and social media, and features a diverse group of individuals sharing their stories of successful and secure skilled technician careers. “Because I’m a Tech” includes technicians’ testimonials across industry sectors, from auto, diesel and collision repair to aviation, restoration, marine, welding and motorsports. The personal stories from these technicians highlight the fulfilling lifestyles afforded by a range of tech careers.     

The “Because I’m a Tech” campaign also encourages those whose interest is sparked by a skilled technician career to join TechForce, the first and only social network designed and gamified for tech students and professional technicians. The network helps aspiring technicians connect with each other, trade schools, industry and employers, and encourages participants to earn points in contests and games. Students and educators from two schools NASCAR Tech and EVIT have already earned over a million points each.     

The free platform fuels participants’ interest and passion while supporting their career journey, and features not only games and prizes, but also information about technician industry events and scholarships, as well as opportunities for training, internships and jobs. Participants can learn more and sign up for TechForce at techforce.org/tech.     

“As part of TechForce’s workforce development initiative to Power the Technician WorkforceTM, ‘Because I’m a Tech’ showcases the attractive lifestyle and secure economic potential of this profession. These careers are no longer ‘blue collar,’ but ‘new collar,’ high-tech and in high demand,” says TechForce CEO Jennifer Maher. “Thousands of technician students, working techs and educators are already taking full advantage of the fun and free resources available in the TechForce career network because it offers what they need to turbo-charge their futures.”     

A range of well-known companies have joined the campaign to showcase stories of their successful employees and their passions for the skilled technician profession. Participating companies include Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, CRC Industries, Ford Motor Company, Pennzoil, Penske Truck Leasing and WD-40 Company. Other advocates for careers in the skilled technician field include TechForce Celebrity Ambassadors Bogi Lateiner, Julia Landauer and The Humble Mechanic.     

Participants earn points and prizes by accessing training, games, events and more. So far in 2022, TechForce participants have been hosted at major racing events and exclusive VIP experiences, received hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships and grants and earned prizes including tools, training and gift cards from TechForce partners.     

Notably, a successful skilled technician career is not limited by age, gender or ethnicity. In fact, more than 30 percent of active participants in TechForce are women, a demographic much needed in the profession. Women only account for 3 percent of working technicians. To further encourage women with interests in skilled technician careers, the TechForce website includes a weekly feature, #womentechs-rock, that showcases women in successful skilled technician jobs, who share their stories in short video interviews.     

For more information, visit  TechForce.org/Tech, and follow TechForce on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.