(NewsUSA) - Getting our COVID-19 vaccines, booster shots and tests can help us get back to doing the things we love with the people we love. However, many people with disabilities may face difficulties in making vaccination appointments, getting accurate information and accessing local resources related to COVID-19. The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL), a first-of-its-kind national call center, can help.

DIAL connects people with disabilities and their families to local resources that can provide information and assistance in obtaining COVID-19 vaccines, booster shots and tests. Trained staff can assist callers with finding local vaccine sites and can connect them with local organizations. DIAL provides resources to answer questions, address concerns and help callers make informed choices about the available COVID-19 vaccines. DIAL also helps with the often-complicated process of securing accessible transportation to and from vaccination appointments.

People with disabilities can count on DIAL to help them stay healthy during the pandemic and continue to live at home and stay engaged in their communities. And for those who may need additional support, DIAL directs callers to local organizations that can help with other needs, such as accessible, affordable, safe housing, as well as food and mental health support.

DIAL is a public service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living and is administered by USAging in partnership with a consortium of organizations serving people with disabilities.

Ready to connect with DIAL? Contact DIAL today at 888-677-1199 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday to speak to our trained staff in any language. DIAL is also reachable by email at [email protected].

For more information, visit https://acl.gov/DIAL.

(NewsUSA) - The state of California took a bold step in confronting the epidemic of child sexual assault when it enacted Assembly Bill 218 (AB218) on January 1, 2020, .

This landmark bill took on the problem in three major ways -- it broadened the definition of child "sexual abuse" to "sexual assault"; it extended the civil statute of limitations from age 26 to age 40; and it allowed for a three-year "lookback window" for those who had suffered sexual assault as a child but missed the prior statutory deadline.

The deadline for filing claims under the three-year lookback window is rapidly approaching. It's an important opportunity for anyone across the nation who suffered sexual assault in California decades ago to finally seek justice for the abuse they endured, as well as help others who have suffered like they have.

A Major Step Forward 

AB218 represents a major step forward for the state of California in recognizing the seriousness of the problem and its long-lasting impact on the victims. By relabeling what was formerly known as "sexual abuse" to "sexual assault," it helps to emphasize what a serious and damaging crime it really is.

This new definition not only more broadly defines what constitutes sexual assault, it also allows victims to sue organizations such as school districts, clubs and membership organizations, religious organizations and others for these crimes. What's more, those organizations that are found to have been involved in covering up sexual assault can now be subjected to triple the damages than they were before the act was passed.

And by extending the statute of limitations to age 40, the bill takes on one of the most important roadblocks that prevents victims of sexual assault from obtaining justice, which is that unique combination of social and psychological factors that deter many victims from coming forward until they have reached adulthood.

Courageous Actions

Studies have shown that child sexual abuse is committed most often by a trusted adult, whether a clergy member, teacher, coach, adult family member or other person close to the child.

Many times, when a child or adolescent is sexually assaulted, the predator will use a combination of threats and/or psychological manipulation to keep the child silent.

And sadly, in many cases, if the child is brave enough to come forward, they are met with disbelief or told to keep quiet by a parent or authority figure.

Furthermore, in many instances, the child may block out the memory of the trauma and not recall the details until much later in life.

The truth is that most victims of childhood sexual assault don't have the courage to come forward until they are well into adulthood. In many cases, they may not know that what happened to them was in fact sexual assault, due to their age and trust of the person who perpetrated it. In fact, a recent study suggests that the average age that victims feel comfortable in coming forward with the details of their assault is 52, by which time the statute of limitations has long since passed.

Fortunately, the AB218 lookback window offers a new opportunity for those who suffered sexual assault during their lifetime to get the help they need and to finally get justice. There are a number of resources and attorneys who advocate for sexual assault survivors, including attorney Raymond Boucher of Boucher LLP (www.boucher.la) in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Boucher has dedicated much of his practice to helping victims of child sexual abuse and assault, including bringing in over $1 billion in settlements for victims who were sexually abused by Catholic priests. He is a fierce advocate of legislation such as AB218 and encourages victims, regardless of age, to come forward to take advantage of the unique lookback window for claims.

"Those individuals who decide to come forward and pursue their case under the AB218 lookback window are courageous and selfless pioneers who not only seek justice for the lifetime of pain they endured but are forging the way for others who are suffering like they did, and are paving the way for meaningful change," says Boucher. 

(NewsUSA) - On January 1, 2020, the state of California took a bold step in confronting the epidemic of child sexual assault when it enacted Assembly Bill 218 (AB218).

This landmark bill took on the problem in three major ways -- it broadened the definition of child "sexual abuse" to "sexual assault"; it extended the civil statute of limitations from age 26 to age 40; and it allowed for a three-year "lookback window" for those who had suffered sexual assault as a child but missed the prior statutory deadline.

The deadline for filing claims under the three-year lookback window is rapidly approaching. It's an important opportunity for anyone across the nation who suffered sexual assault in California decades ago to finally seek justice for the abuse they endured, as well as help others who have suffered like they have.

A Major Step Forward

AB218 represents a major step forward for the state of California in recognizing the seriousness of the problem and its long-lasting impact on the victims. By relabeling what was formerly known as "sexual abuse" to "sexual assault," it helps to emphasize what a serious and damaging crime it really is.

This new definition not only more broadly defines what constitutes sexual assault, it also allows victims to sue organizations such as school districts, clubs and membership organizations, religious organizations and others for these crimes. What's more, those organizations that are found to have been involved in covering up sexual assault can now be subjected to triple the damages than they were before the act was passed.

And by extending the statute of limitations to age 40, the bill takes on one of the most important roadblocks that prevents victims of sexual assault from obtaining justice, which is that unique combination of social and psychological factors that deter many victims from coming forward until they have reached adulthood.

Courageous Actions

Studies have shown that child sexual abuse is committed most often by a trusted adult, whether a clergy member, teacher, coach, adult family member or other person close to the child.

Many times, when a child or adolescent is sexually assaulted, the predator will use a combination of threats and/or psychological manipulation to keep the child silent.

And sadly, in many cases, if the child is brave enough to come forward, they are met with disbelief or told to keep quiet by a parent or authority figure.

Furthermore, in many instances, the child may block out the memory of the trauma and not recall the details until much later in life.

The truth is that most victims of childhood sexual assault don't have the courage to come forward until they are well into adulthood. In many cases, they may not know that what happened to them was in fact sexual assault, due to their age and trust of the person who perpetrated it. In fact, a recent study suggests that the average age that victims feel comfortable in coming forward with the details of their assault is 52, by which time the statute of limitations has long since passed.

Fortunately, the AB218 lookback window offers a new opportunity for those who suffered sexual assault during their lifetime to get the help they need and to finally get justice. There are a number of resources and attorneys who advocate for sexual assault survivors, including attorney Raymond Boucher of Boucher LLP (www.boucher.la) in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Boucher has dedicated much of his practice to helping victims of child sexual abuse and assault, including bringing in over $1 billion in settlements for victims who were sexually abused by Catholic priests. He is a fierce advocate of legislation such as AB218 and encourages victims, regardless of age, to come forward to take advantage of the unique lookback window for claims.

"Those individuals who decide to come forward and pursue their case under the AB218 lookback window are courageous and selfless pioneers who not only seek justice for the lifetime of pain they endured but are forging the way for others who are suffering like they did, and are paving the way for meaningful change," says Boucher.

(NewsUSA) - Stress levels are especially high these days, and many people are exploring alternative options to manage stress and improve their overall health.

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a natural compound derived from the hemp plant. Although CBD is one of the active ingredients in marijuana, it does not have the psychotropic effects of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. Therefore, CBD has been used in a variety of products as a safe option for pain relief and wellness without the risk associated with marijuana use.

Although CBD cannot be guaranteed to treat any particular ailment, symptom or health condition, many health benefits have been associated with the use of CBD products, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep and better appetite.

CBD also has been used to help promote muscle recovery after physical activity.

"CBD/Hemp solutions have been used for centuries as common practice to make or subdue many kinds of ailments in a natural way by utilizing mother earth's plants and flowers to remedy numerous symptoms," according to Health and Wellness Botanicals, an American manufacturer of CBD products.

If you are considering CBD products, be sure that they are of high quality.

Health and Wellness Botanicals works directly with farmers who cultivate hemp at their Farm Bill-approved facilities.

The CBD from these farms undergoes multiple rounds of lab testing to ensure purity, potency and formulation accuracy. Health and Wellness Botanicals stands behind its products, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Health and Wellness Botanicals offers CBD in both topical and ingestible forms.

- Topicals: Health and Wellness Botanicals' topical CBD products are infused with essential oils for additional benefits in managing conditions including muscle soreness, arthritis pain and skin conditions. Options include creams, roll-ons, salves and gels, specialized for soothing, cooling and pain relief, and they are designed to be applied as often as needed to areas of discomfort.

- Ingestibles: Health and Wellness Botanicals' CBD ingestible tinctures are available in oil-soluble and water-soluble options, in a variety of strengths and flavors (from natural essential oil). Gummis and capsules are also options for a slower-absorbing, but longer-lasting effect.

CBD also is used to enhance the company's beauty product collection, including facial creams, lip balms and micro roll-ons.

Want to treat your pet? Health and Wellness Botanicals offers CBD pet treats and pet shampoo products.

Visit HWBCBD.com for more information.

(NewsUSA)

"Sins of the Fathers"
by Herbert J. Stern and Alan A. Winter

In the tradition of Herman Wouk, this eye-opening historical sequel to "Wolf" tells the dramatic true story of the foolish prime minister who undermined the coup to topple Hitler, delivered Czechoslovakia to Hitler, saved the Führer's life and paved the road to World War II.

When Neville Chamberlain refused to meet with German military leaders, career civil servants and clergy to solicit England's assistance to bring down Hitler in 1938, they turned to Winston Churchill. Waiting for Hitler's telephone call ordering troops to invade Czechoslovakia, the signal for their uprising, the call never came. Bestselling author Steve Berry calls it "a masterful blend of fact and fiction that will have you thinking about it long after the last page is read." Purchase at https://amzn.to/3xi0I0Z.

"A Tree's Tale"
by Ellen Zaroff

Incest and rage.

Every family has secrets, and these families are no exception. Three generations, two families intertwined, hidden truths and half-told tales span the decades of these two families.

Marmy's two children are distant from her and harbor secrets from each other as well as their parents. When unspeakable events bring out some of the truths, events unravel in ways that bring about addiction, banishment and a new limb of the family tree.

As fates take control, the next generation tries to learn from what has transpired, but history repeats itself. As the roots of a tree feed the limbs that make up these families, they also eventually define and shape them all. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3HwEblE.

"Honor Through Sacrifice"
by Robert E. Lofthouse

"A man can fight if he can see daylight down the road somewhere," said President Lyndon Johnson. "But there ain't no daylight in Vietnam -- there's not a bit." As he said that, he was committing the first U.S. ground combat units and initiating a massive bombing campaign in North Vietnam. Unaware of Johnson's misgivings, Gordon Lippman dutifully entered Vietnam as an Infantry Division executive officer.

Lippman was the man soldiers wanted to follow, a stud from small-town America to become a leading member of "The Greatest Generation."

This is a sweeping story on the broad landscape of twentieth-century compromise, accommodation, and conflict, from the allied war in Europe to the forgotten victory in Korea to the televised dinnertime war in Vietnam. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3Gtv4BD.

"Kaleidoscopic Shades"
by David A. Neuman

Eleven years following the cataclysmic event that ripped apart the state of South Australia, taking civilization and society to the brink of no return, the Triplow family has finally found peace. Settling down has ensured that the past horrors of Hastings, South Australia, remain relegated to another time, another place.

That false perception is shattered when Bob Triplow is forced to face those things buried deep within himself. He will take his son on a journey back to his past, and the horrors of his childhood. A place truly out of this world, where life is manipulated with brutal destructiveness.

Within this dark, boundless dimension, Bob will learn that past events always find a way of catching up. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3qWBXnY.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Last year was challenging for so many people, but thanks to the generosity of the American public, life was a lot brighter for millions of less fortunate children. Struggling families who were already contending with stressful circumstances also had to cope with a turbulent economy and the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

"On behalf of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, the United States Marine Corps, and the millions of less fortunate children who experienced the joy of Christmas, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you," said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, in a general statement thanking the public.

"The tremendous support we received from the American public and our Corporate Sponsors enabled us to distribute an unprecedented 22.4 million toys, books, and games to nearly 8.8 million children in need. But you did more than provide gifts, you also sent messages of hope and restored self-worth to those less fortunate," adds LtGen Laster.

Toys for Tots' initiatives in 2021 included not only continuing to be the flagship children's Christmastime charity, but also seizing opportunities to provide comfort and relief to families in need during uncertain and unstable times outside of the holiday season.

The Program even provided toys, books and other gifts to nearly 18,000 children of the Afghanistan refugee families who have been granted asylum in the United States. As these families began adjusting to their new lives in America, Toys for Tots provided hope and joy during unsettling and scary times.

As a way to expand Toys for Tots' reach and support for underserved areas, the Program also stood ready to respond in emergency situations.

Toys for Tots provided support to the people of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee who were impacted by devasting tornados in 2021. Many of the affected families lack the resources to recover, and the financial and emotional impact will be long-lasting, especially with the ongoing challenges of scarce resources and COVID-19 concerns. Toys for Tots was able to provide compassionate support and hope to these families with distribution of toys, books and other gifts to their children.

These and other activities are just part of the Marine Toys for Tots efforts to provide year-round hope to families in need.

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program delivered 3.1 million books to Title 1 schools and children in need, and the Native American Program supported 186,000 children on remote Reservations.

Toys for Tots could not have reached these tremendous milestones without the support of the American public, the Marines and volunteers who led 832 local campaigns, and their National Corporate Partners. The generosity of the Program's supporters made an incredible difference to struggling families and their children -- when they needed joy and hope the most.

Toys for Tots still needs your help to deliver joy and support to millions of less fortunate children.

Please donate today by visiting toysfortots.org.