(Sara Tribe Clark) - The Eldercare Locator is national call center that helps older adults and family caregivers find local services to help them stay in their homes and communities independently. The Eldercare Locator connects people with local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and other aging service providers that offer a variety of services such as home delivered and community meals, transportation, in-home assistance, caregiver support, health and wellness programs, home modification and legal services.

The Eldercare Locator serves older adults and caregivers across the country who have a variety of needs. Eldercare Locator Referral Specialists are trained to provide personalized help to people who contact the service. And the Eldercare Locator also has enhanced accessibility with options for people to text or communicate through American Sign Language direct video call.

The Eldercare Locator is managed by USAging, which is the national association representing the network of more than 600 AAAs across the country and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. AAAs and Title VI programs provide a range of critical services and supports to enable older adults to age with optimal health, independence and dignity at home and in the community.

“Older adults and caregivers who contact the Eldercare Locator are searching for information and connections to a range of services such as transportation, home modification and in-home supports that can enable them to age where they want to—at home and in the community,” said Sandy Markwood, CEO, USAging. “Our committed and expert Referral Specialists are there to answer their critical questions and ensure that they get the help and support they need.”

The training and expertise of Eldercare Locator Referral Specialists enables them to focus on and respond to the unique needs of each caller. Said one caller, “The specialist was very helpful. He provided great service, listened to me carefully, and provided helpful information.”

Another caller stated, “The specialist’s outstanding patience and empathy in dealing with my parents’ care needs were remarkable.”

To find local services, you can contact the Eldercare Locator in several different ways. To speak with a Referral Specialist by voice, videophone call or text use 1-800-677-1116. You can chat online with a Referral Specialist at eldercare.acl.gov or send an email to [email protected].

(NewsUSA) - Muscle health is just as important as bone health over the lifespan. When a decrease in muscle mass leads to a reduced quality of life and an inability to perform everyday tasks, it could be sarcopenia—the loss of muscle and strength that can happen when someone gets older and does less physical activity. Sarcopenia is particularly concerning among women because the peak muscle mass and strength they achieve in their mid-thirties tend to be lower than for men. This means that when women start losing muscle, they feel the effects sooner than men.

Sarcopenia generally becomes noticeable beginning at age 40. Common symptoms of sarcopenia include weaker muscles, reduced walking speeds, increased difficulty with day-to-day tasks, and falls. Sarcopenia risk is affected by age-related factors, like hormone changes that affect muscle mass and the body’s reduced ability to absorb protein, and behavioral factors, like physical activity levels or lack thereof.

Muscle-strengthening activity can help older adults decrease their risk of developing sarcopenia and maintain a high quality of life. When individuals strengthen their muscles and rebuild muscle mass, they may improve their balance and reduce their chances of falls and fractures. In addition, they are better able to perform daily activities like carrying groceries, standing up from a chair, or playing with their grandchildren.

“Staying active not only helps decrease your risk of getting sarcopenia, but it also can improve your quality of life, mental health, and independence,” advises Dr. Dorothy Fink, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women’s Health.

Adults and older adults should engage in muscle-strengthening activities at least two days per week. These exercises should include all the major muscle groups: upper body (abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms) and lower body (legs, hips, and back). The goal is to move and contract the muscles, rebuilding muscle and strength over time with adequate nutrition and physical activity.

Starting and maintaining a physical activity routine does not require special equipment or a gym membership. Individuals can start at home with simple activities like arm curls, holding soup cans that serve as weights, crunches, bent knee raises, and lunges.

When starting a new physical activity routine, it is recommended that individuals take it slow and build up their number of sets or gradually increase the number of days they get active. Enlisting a partner or friend may be beneficial to stay motivated to exercise. Partnering with someone provides accountability and encouragement for both people, which may inspire them to continue being physically active week after week.

The beneficial effects of exercise in addressing sarcopenia are best when coupled with a healthy diet that includes enough protein, which helps build and maintain muscle mass.

If you have questions about sarcopenia or want to change your exercise routine or diet, consider consulting a health care provider to discuss your goals, ask questions, and seek personalized advice.

For more information on exercising and other ways to help reduce the risk of sarcopenia, visit the Stronger than Sarcopenia campaign webpage, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health: www.womenshealth.gov/sarcopenia.

(NewsUSA) - The United States has fallen behind in applying artificial intelligence to the industrial sector, and changes are needed to maintain America’s national competitiveness, according to a report from the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in artificial intelligence (AI).

The report identifies several technologies that are key to advanced manufacturing competitiveness:

Industrial AI.  Although American startups and Fortune 500 companies are building or already using industrial AI, the U.S. lacks the large-scale national programs to promote data sharing and training of industrial AI models in public and private sectors.

Robotics. Startups and academic institutions in the U.S. lead the world in robotics innovation, with goals of deploying humanoid robots at scale within the next decade, but China currently leads the world in the deployment of industrial robotics.

Industrial Internet of Things. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platforms may ultimately allow manufacturers to create whole-factory “operating systems.” While U.S. firms offer scalable IIoT platforms that China has struggled to match, Chinese firms have found their niche in the underlying hardware for these platforms.

Advanced Networks. The spread of public 5G networks continues worldwide. The U.S. and allies continue to take steps to mitigate safety concerns posed by Chinese networking components. However, China is prioritizing 5G networks as a way to increase leadership in the geopolitical tech competition.

In the report, the SCSP offers seven steps for leaders to increase and improve the U.S. leadership in advanced manufacturing:

Launch: National moonshots can strengthen the industrial system-of-systems and pilot programs can help strengthen the U.S. industrial base as a whole.

Organize. Policy coordination is needed to support core manufacturing technology innovation programs. SCSP calls for the creation of a White House-level office to enhance policy coordination, and strengthening federal manufacturing programs to bring urgency to the advanced manufacturing agenda.

Innovate. A revitalized approach to research and development funding would promote necessary innovation, according to SCSP. For example, a public-private “focused research organization,” modeled on Bell Labs could accelerate manufacturing technology innovation.

Promote. Innovative programs and financing are needed to promote adoption of advanced manufacturing paradigms, with strategies such as consolidating and leveraging tax policies and credit for small and medium-sized manufacturers.

Pushback. The U.S. should build trade alliances with trusted allies and partners to create new markets for U.S. manufacturers, while strengthening economic ties and resisting against the PRC’s anticompetitive practices.

Defend. Defending the U.S. industrial base against AI-enabled cyberattacks requires a new approach to industrial cyberdefense as digitalization expands the attack surface.

Cultivate. More training is needed to address talent shortages and skills gaps. The creation of a one-stop resource would help organizations match talent to job opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more and to read the full National Action Plan for U.S. Leadership in Advanced Manufacturing. 

(NewsUSA) - BookTrib.com, a leading source of book news, reviews and information for more than 20 years, is launching the second edition of BOOKTRIB’S LIT PICKS, an ebook showcasing excerpts from the first chapters of some of the hottest books -- past, present and future -- that readers can discover this Spring and Summer. 

Studies indicate that when people read an excerpt from a book, the probability of them buying and reading that book increases dramatically. In creating BOOKTRIB’S LIT PICKS, BookTrib, a unit of longtime leading literary marketing and promotion firm Meryl Moss Media Group, has compiled a collection of first-chapter excerpts from genres including contemporary and historical fiction, thrillers, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, self-help, memoirs and much more. The ebook includes offerings from major publishers like Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster and HarperCollins to midlist titles and self-published works from celebrated emerging authors.  

The books represent: #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, #1 Sunday Times Bestseller, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller, Booklist Starred Review, Kirkus Starred Review, Library Journal Starred Review, USA Today Bestselling Author, Silver Falchion Award Winner, Bram Stoker Award Winner, Edgar Award Nominated Author, and Goodreads Choice Award Nominated Author.  

The latest version of the ebook includes offerings from well-known authors such as Rhys Bowen, Dean Koontz, Tessa Bailey, Mark Greaney, James Comey, Mike Bond, Laura Hankin, Gill Paul, Terry Hayes and more. 

The first edition of LIT PICKS, launched last holiday season, generated thousands of downloads and heaps of praise. 

One NetGalley reviewer, Amanda Waggoner, said, “I am always thrilled to see these samplers posted. It's a fantastic way to be introduced to new authors or the latest works from familiar authors. There are so many books on offer that it's great to get a sample to narrow down my list. I particularly appreciate that this sampler covers so many genres.” 

“Wow! All I can say is wow," said Naomi Jones on NetGalley. “If you have been looking for a new read, you'll find it here. I love this concept and was astonished at how lengthy this is.” 

“This is a great idea,” said NetGalley reviewer Carol Holland. “I picked this up and didn’t know what to expect but quickly saw that there were four or five books from each genre listed in the contents, and it gave a description of what the book was about a quick preview, a little bit about the author and the first chapter. I think this type of item should happen pretty regularly, like every month with new and old books. Now I know book catalogs from publishers, etc. have this info but it’s interesting to just have a handful in each genre from all publishers in one quick easy reference guide.” 

In a nutshell, BOOKTRIB’S LIT PICKS provides readers of all tastes and preferences and hungry to discover their next read with excerpts from a wide range of books sure to enhance their Spring/Summer reading list. 

BOOKTRIB’S LIT PICKS is available on Amazon and other popular retail outlets where ebooks are sold. To learn more, visit https://booktrib.com/litpicks. 

ABOUT BOOKTRIB 

BookTrib.com was created as a news source for people who love books, want to find out what’s happening in the book world and love learning about great authors of whom they may not have heard. BookTrib.com has more than 90,000 unique monthly website visitors and more than 212,000 social media followers.

(NewsUSA) - Meet Me at the Starlight by Rachel Hauck

A heartfelt tale of romance, perseverance, and the enduring power of community by the New York Times bestselling author.

Eighties supermodel Harlow Hayes seeks solace in a quaint Florida beach town to heal from a heartbreak that shattered her world. To her surprise, she encounters Matt Knight--a Hollywood A-lister with a bad-boy reputation--who has returned to help his plucky grandmother, Tuesday, save her century-old skating rink, the Starlight.

The Starlight once acted as a refuge for Depression-era families and brought the town together with celebrations. Tuesday always protected her beloved rink from her husband's shady business dealings. Yet when it is threatened with demolition, Tuesday may not be able to stop it.

As Matt and Harlow plot with Tuesday to save the Starlight, they find themselves on a journey of surprises, self-discovery, and the kind of healing that leads to love. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3P21qt5.

The War You’ve Always Wanted by Mike McLaughlin

Pat Dolan’s father has a box. In it are treasures from Jimmy Dolan’s service in World War II—his photos, his medals, his memories. But ten-year-old Pat can’t understand why his father refuses to look in the box. After all, the war was a grand adventure, wasn’t it?

Determined to serve in the Army like his father, Pat enlists nine years later—but it’s 1972, and the American military is withdrawing from Vietnam after seven years of futile combat. As an Army combat correspondent surrounded by people growing more desperate by the day, young Dolan quickly learns how bleak the South’s prospects are. He is forced to witness the slow, steady death of a nation.

When Pat is wounded in action, he wonders if he will live long enough to fill a box of his own. Are there any treasures to be found in a country as fragile as this? Purchase at https://bit.ly/4beMJMp.

BEING: A Brief History of the Universe by Masoud Mostafavi

This manuscript is a beginner/intermediate-level science book discussing a brief history of the universe and how we came to exist. The most recent scientific theories in cosmology and related physics and life sciences concepts are aimed to inform and educate the science-leaning public, especially college students. Subject matters include various origin and creation stories, the nature of reality, and ancient ideas in astronomy and modern cosmological theories, including the Big Bang.

The book contains chapters discussing historical milestones and topics of physics to help readers better comprehend modern complex cosmological concepts. The birth and death of stars, the Solar System, and the formation and development of the Earth during eons are covered in modest detail. Theories related to the emergence of life on Earth and the evolution of living organisms are described. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3wxWFSg.

The Last Harmonic: A Tale of Bella & Oscar by Dustin Cook

In the heart of an ancient castle, a curious cat named Bella stumbles upon a hidden world of mystical mice. Granted the gift of speech and bipedal movement, Bella joins forces with the brave mouse Oscar and a wise mouse wizard. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to confront a dark sorcerer threatening their kingdom. Along the way, they navigate treacherous traps, decipher ancient prophecies, and forge unbreakable bonds of friendship.

With courage and determination, they face their ultimate challenge in the sorcerer's lair, fighting to restore magic and harmony to their land. The Last Harmonic: A Tale of Bella & Oscar is a story of bravery, teamwork, and the power of light over darkness, captivating young readers with its enchanting adventure and timeless lessons and also appealing to adult readers. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3KN13jS.

(NewsUSA) - When faced with a life-threatening heart condition, the right medical device and treatment plan can mean the difference between life and death. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Despite this, only 44% of American women recognize that heart disease is their number one killer, and research shows they continue to be undertreated compared to men.

Choosing Aurora EV-ICD: A Life-Saving Treatment

At just 27 years old, Annie Gates, a mother of three from Miller, South Dakota, found herself struggling with shortness of breath, exhaustion, and the inability to keep up – all symptoms she associated with trying to keep up with her young family. Her journey to receiving care for an underlying heart condition began with subtle but concerning symptoms that quickly escalated into severe episodes of rapid heartbeats, sometimes reaching 250-260 beats per minute – more than triple that of a normal heartbeat.

A particularly severe episode, lasting five minutes, was a critical turning point for Annie. With the nearest medical care more than two hours away, she struggled to remain conscious. As she watched the heart rate numbers on her smartwatch climb, she began to lose her vision and had a sinking feeling this was different. Her husband quickly realized the severity of her condition. In those terrifying moments, Annie recalls feeling like she might die.

Previous medical evaluations were inconclusive, but a pharmacist’s advice led her to seek a second opinion, a decision that likely saved her life. Annie was subsequently diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare genetic condition that causes irregular heartbeats. This diagnosis not only explained her symptoms but also shed light on a family history of unexplained cardiac incidents.

Now that she had a diagnosis, she could look ahead to what her options were to ensure these near-death episodes wouldn’t happen again.

Living with Confidence and Hope

Luckily, Annie’s diagnosis was met with a new cutting-edge solution – the Aurora EV-ICD™ (Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator). ICDs are highly effective in providing life-saving therapy for patients at risk of ventricular tachycardia (VT) or sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). An ICD continuously checks the heartbeat and delivers painless pacing pulses or high-energy shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm. This device offered not just a safeguard against VT, or rapid heartbeat, but a return to her previous quality of life. After her doctor explained the advantages of the EV-ICD compared to traditional ICDs, Annie knew it was the device she wanted given her age and that she would need the protection of ICDs for the rest of her life. The Aurora EV-ICD is implanted in a discreet location below her left armpit that Annie barely notices, fitting comfortably under her sports bra without irritation, and without any wires touching her heart – important factors for Annie. Today, the Aurora EV-ICD gives her – and her family – a sense of normalcy and peace of mind.

With the Aurora EV-ICD “standing watch,” Annie lives with renewed confidence and fewer fears. She continues to engage in daily activities like horse riding and rodeo, running her family’s ranch, and enjoying a revitalized lease on life with enough energy to play with her kids. The Aurora EV-ICD continuously monitors her condition and transmits data to her doctors, ensuring she remains under vigilant care. Her story is a powerful testament to survival, self-advocacy, and the impact of cutting-edge medical technology.

A Message of Persistence and Innovation

Annie’s experience underscores the critical importance of persistence in seeking answers to health questions and challenges, and the transformative impact of medical technology. In sharing her story, she hopes it helps others get the medical answers for whatever they’re experiencing. Her journey with the Aurora EV-ICD offers hope and inspiration, highlighting the courage required to advocate for oneself in the healthcare journey and the life-saving potential of innovative medical solutions.

Learn more at www.medtronic.com/EVICD.

Image caption: Trey and Annie Gates