(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.

(NewsUSA) - Marine Toys for Tots is the Nation’s flagship children’s Christmastime charity, but the Program extends to helping children and families year-round. As children prepare for the new school year, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program continues its successful Back to School Books campaign, which distributed over 500,000 books to Title I funded schools last year. The Department of Education, through Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, provides financial assistance to schools with high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging academic standards.     

One key objective of the Marine Toys for Tots Program is to support child development at Christmastime and beyond. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program, launched in 2008, has made a positive impact in the lives of underprivileged children by giving them access to age-appropriate books throughout the year. The Program provides economically disadvantaged children with the books and educational resources that can help them build the confidence and self-esteem that will help them compete academically and succeed in life.     

“This program not only brings the joy of reading to these children, but also serves as an important tool in breaking the cycle of poverty,” says LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.     

This year, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program is providing over 600,000 books to Title I funded schools across the Nation.     Cedar Forest Elementary School, a Title I school in Fredericksburg, VA, recently hosted a back-to-school “Back to Pack” fundraiser, and families of more than 815 children enrolled at the school came to show their support. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program provided books to this Title I funded school’s event, and the students selected books that piqued their interest.     

“The biggest indicator for a child being successful in their educational career is the fact that they’ve had books read to them consistently by the age of five. Getting these books into their hands and setting them up for success is a life-changing thing,” says Cedar Forest 5th grade teacher Joselyn Beyer. Literacy is essential to developing a strong sense of well-being and citizenship -- the Program is more than just providing books!     Support the Back to School Books campaign by visiting the Toys for Tots Literacy Program Donation Page: https://www.toysfortots.org/literacy/Default.aspx for more details or to donate.     

Be sure to follow Toys for Tots on Facebook and Instagram to see how the Literacy Program is bringing the joy of reading to children in need across the Nation! Hope is just a book away.

(NewsUSA) -  

“Tune in Tomorrow”
by Randee Dawn       

A funny, thrilling and mysterious adventure into the world of alternate reality television -- perfect for fans of Jasper Fforde and Christopher Moore.  

She’s just a small-town girl, with big mythic dreams. Starr Weatherby came to New York to become … well, a star. But after ten years and no luck, she’s offered a big role -- on a show no one has ever heard of. It’s a reality show beyond the Veil, human drama, performed for the entertainment of the Fae.  

But as Starr shifts to rising fan favorite, she learns about the show’s dark underbelly -- and the mysterious disappearance of her predecessor. She’ll do whatever it takes to keep her dream job -- though she might just bring down the show in the process.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3xYTYY2.

“The Third Way”
by Aimee Hoben  

After losing her college scholarship, Arden Firth -- with the help of Justin Kirish, a law student with a mysterious past -- becomes the reluctant leader of a movement to ban corporations. South Dakota Ballot Initiative 99 is Arden’s last hope to save her grandmother’s farm from foreclosure. But as the movement grows, shadowy forces conspire to quash it, and Arden sees “99” begin to spiral out of her control.  

A novel charting the intersection among idealism, extremism, and forgiveness, fans of Barbara Kingsolver and Margaret Atwood will love “The Third Way” -- the story of a young woman struggling with her own demons while trying to articulate a vision that could change the world.

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

“Cobblestones, Conversations and Corks”
by Giovanni Ruscitti  

A passionate and deeply moving memoir about a father-son relationship, a culture rooted in family, food and wine and an ancestral small town in Central Italy that was left behind after World War II. When the Germans invaded Cansano in 1943, Ruscitti’s family moved out to the unforgiving mountains of Abruzzo, living in horrendous winter conditions. When the war ended, they returned to a village so ravaged by the Germans that today it has fewer than 200 citizens.  

When Ruscitti visits Cansano and walks the cobblestones, his father’s stories are illuminated by the town piazza, the steep valley and the surrounding mountains. He relives the tales of his parents’ struggles, their post-war misery, their romance and decision to immigrate to the U.S.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3M4ZMDd.

“A Dark and Stormy Tea”
by Laura Childs  

Tea shop entrepreneur Theodosia Browning dashes down Charleston’s famed Gateway Walk in an attempt to outrun an oncoming storm. But lightning and pelting rain soon overtake her, and the normally picturesque ramble of hedges and statuary becomes a twisted labyrinth of fog and driving rain. As she approaches St. Philips Cemetery, Theodosia witnesses a brutal murder and watches as a dark-hooded figure slips away.  

While alerting police, Theodosia recognizes the victim as the daughter of a friend who owns a bookshop near her Indigo Tea Shop. Seeking justice, Theodosia launches her own shadow investigation. But between a raging storm, a possible serial killer and staging a Murder Mystery Tea at Chillingham Manor, Theodosia worries that she could be the next victim.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3t3th16.

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