(NewsUSA) - Kiwifruit is one of nature’s examples of why you should never judge a book by its cover.

Under its uniquely fuzzy exterior, this little fruit is big in nutrition. Kiwifruit is packed with vitamins and nutrients, and it has some unbeatable health-boosting properties.

For example, one serving of kiwifruit contains more vitamin C than 2 oranges! Also, kiwifruit delivers 89% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin K, which helps the body make proteins needed for blood clotting and bone-building.

Want better digestion? Kiwifruit has 5 grams of fiber in a one cup serving (21% of the recommended daily value). Just slice, scoop, and enjoy! Kiwifruit also provides 21% of the recommended daily amount of potassium, which plays a role in maintaining heart health.

Kiwifruit are available from California during the fall and winter months, but at this time of the year, the kiwifruit you'll see at your local supermarket comes from Chile. With its location in the Southern Hemisphere, Chile offers access to many of the fruits we love during the opposite season from when they are available in the United States!

The easiest way to eat a kiwifruit is to cut it in half and scoop out the brilliant green fruit, but kiwifruit makes a colorful and refreshing addition to many dishes and drinks, both sweet and savory.  Spoon some diced kiwifruit onto yogurt, blend with lemon juice, water, and honey for a refreshing drink, or add slices to your favorite salad.

For a sweet and easy way to celebrate the end of summer, try this simple, delicious Kiwi Cookie Ice Box Cake. You’ll need fresh whipped cream, chocolate chip cookies, and kiwifruit from Chile.

Depending on how many you wish to serve, you can make this in a small bowl or a larger loaf pan.  

First, line your bowl or pan with cling wrap, allowing for a generous overhang. Layer about ½ inch of fresh whipping cream on the bottom. Quickly dip chocolate chip cookies into milk, then form on layer on top of the cream. Thinly layer chopped Chilean kiwi on top of the cookies. 

Top with another layer of cream and cover the top with cling wrap, then place the bowl or pan in the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours. 

When you are ready to eat, remove the bowl or pan from the freezer and let the cake rest for 5-10 minutes, then lift it from the pan using cling wrap. If it is stuck, run warm water along the outside of the pan to release it.

Remove the cling wrap by flipping the cake onto a plate. Serve and enjoy promptly!

For recipes and more information, visit fruitsfromchile.com/recipes.

(NewsUSA) - Like the title of his book says, the United States education system is in trouble and needs to be fixed!

On the world stage, the U.S. is a middle-of-the-pack performer when it comes to academic performance, says Richard W. Garrett, author of U.S. Education Is in Trouble, Let’s Fix It! 22 Reform Proposals (Rowman & Littlefield). Some of the vital statistics at his disposal are downright scary.  “If you knew what I know, you’d be worried too,” he adds.

In this research-laden analysis, Garrett methodically and intricately shares with readers what he does, in fact, know and why the existing situation is so dire  – and aims to offer solutions to fix it, with 22 specific resolutions.

The author has been engaged in research on educational reform since 2013. This is his second major literary effort, his other being The Kids Are Smart Enough, So What’s the Problem? A Businessman’s Perspective on Educational Reform and the Teacher Crisis. (2017, Rowman and Littlefield)

Garrett has created a list of 22 reform proposals. When implemented, they will produce significant improvements. Here, in order, are the top four areas for reform to reverse the decline of our public school system: parenting issues; irresponsible management by school boards and superintendents; runaway discipline problems; and social promotion (promoting children to the next grade without having them meet the necessary reading requirements).

“Lack of discipline and lack of respect are destroying our education system,” writes Garrett. “It drives teachers out of teaching and makes new candidates afraid to enter the field.” This, along with accelerating resignations, has produced a significant teacher shortage.

Then there’s the matter of boosting a child’s self-esteem – a noble goal but one that Garrett says has been mishandled. Everyone “gets a trophy” and brings home top grades – an artificial reward system not based on achievement. And it masks the real situation, making it harder to fix. What are the consequences for poor work or failure?

Garrett takes a very granular approach to his topic, going into detail about the state of our nation when it comes to learning, student proficiency statistics, the plight of teachers, breakdown of the current school day, how schools should be organized, the all-important discipline issues, and much more.

His analysis is compelling – and frightening.

Garrett’s work is so complete that even though it is loaded with facts, statistics and graphical representations of trends, with a body of 148 pages, it is a swift read for anyone – parent, teacher, administrator, some students and any concerned citizen – looking to be enlightened on this all-too-crucial subject. It’s hard to dispute Garrett’s arguments, and it’s encouraging to hear his remedies.

In his final chapter, the author lists “22 reform proposals” that can shape but not necessarily fix our broken system. Some of his ideas involve recurring themes while others are out of the box.

Anyone who cares about our youth and cares about our country should add this this title to their must-read list.

“This book is a champion for children who want to learn and for teachers who want to teach,” says Garrett. “The goal is an education system that will educate more children, educate them well, and put the United States in the top tier worldwide.”

Learn more at www.elevateteachers.org.

(NewsUSA) - How is it that so many people worry about how they’ll pay for college, and yet still haven’t taken advantage of 529 savings plans?  Maybe because they could be one of the best-kept secrets around.

Not only do contributions to the plans grow federal tax-free – unlike, say, regular savings accounts – but also untaxed is money withdrawn to pay for tuition, books and other qualified education expenses. 

You can get a rough idea of how much your child’s college education will wind up costing you with this online resource from the financial services firm Edward Jones.  (Warning: Be prepared for sticker shock.)  But know, too, that thanks to updates in the law, 529 plans can now also be used to fund up to $10,000 in tuition per year, per beneficiary, at elementary and secondary schools.

(NewsUSA) - Consumers are looking for someone they can trust to guide them in financial matters. Becoming a CFP^® professional helps you communicate that you’ll always prioritize your clients’ interests. Doing right by your clients is the guiding principle embedded in CFP Board’s commitment to setting and upholding ethical standards that benefit the public.

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The commitment every CFP^® professional makes is not a one-time pledge at the time of certification but a lifetime commitment. Each CFP^® professional is required to participate in an ethics continuing education program, which they must complete every two years to maintain their certification.

This gives clients confidence that they're partnering with a financial advisor who will put them on the path to a secure future. Consumers recognize the CFP^® certification as one they can trust, which is why becoming a CFP^® professional gives you an edge in a highly competitive marketplace. That edge can increase income by 12% when you earn CFP^® certification, with experienced advisors earning $192,000 a year, on average.

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Over a recent three-year period, CFP Board’s enforcement team completed more than 1,200 investigations of CFP^® professionals. It also strengthened sanctions guidelines, modernized enforcement processes, and published new guides providing practical guidance on complying with the Code and Standards.

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(NewsUSA) - State fairs are not only a summer tradition, but they also play an important role in U.S. agriculture. State and county fairs put a spotlight on an essential part of the global economy, while also providing a platform for skilled young farmers to demonstrate their expertise in the food and farm industry.

During this year’s Governor’s Sale of Champions, CME Group presented the champion livestock exhibitors with one-time scholarships totaling $45,000. Each of these nine hard-working students will receive a $5,000 scholarship, which will be used to advance their education. Recipients of the 2023 CME Group scholarships included:  Bryce Clayton (Scott County, IL); Kashen Ellerbrock (Henry County, IL); Nolan Hoge (McDonough County, IL); Owen Pree (Iroquois County, IL); Maddox Reedy (Douglas County, IL); Hunter Shike (Champaign County, IL); Trig Stoller (Woodford County, IL); Chesney Thorton (McLean County, IL); Lilian Unger (Kankakee County, IL).  

“We are proud to celebrate agriculture here in Illinois and all over the world through our support of the Illinois State Fair,” said Derek Sammann, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Commodities, Options & International Markets at CME Group. “We applaud all scholarship recipients this year for their commitment to agriculture and their communities. State fairs provide an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the vital role U.S. farmers and ranchers play in the global food system, and our investment in these students will help cultivate the next generation of leaders in agribusiness.”

CME Group also purchased the Grand Champion Barrow, which was exhibited by Hunter Shike and sponsored this year’s 4-H Illinois Superior Young Livestock Producers Contest at the fair. 58 4-H members from across Illinois competed in the skillathon contest and engaged in hands-on challenges in livestock management, livestock marketing and hedging, breed identification and use, quality assurance and equipment identification and use.  The contest promotes youth development, career development, and personal growth through increased knowledge of the livestock industry.

The nine champions each received a $1,000 CME Group scholarship to continue their education. Recipients of the 2023 CME Group Skillathon scholarships were: Jay Blider (Christian County, IL); Bayla Crouch (Woodford County, IL); Audry Curtain (Christian County, IL); Natalie Evans (Morgan County, IL); Carson Knittnel (McLean County, IL); Rhett Lehman (Moultrie County, IL); Isabel Pistouris (Christian County, IL); Hunter Shike (Champaign County, IL); Ben Wamsley (Christian County, IL).

This was the eighth year CME Group has provided scholarships at the Illinois State Fair, bringing total contributions to over $400,000.

(NewsUSA) - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health (OWH) has launched a new nationwide campaign, “Stronger than Sarcopenia” [saar-ko-pee-ni-uh], to raise awareness of sarcopenia in women, a condition characterized by loss of muscle mass, strength, and function in adults 65 and older.  Sarcopenia can significantly decrease someone’s quality of life and can lead to other health problems, including an increased risk of falls and broken bones.

Research studies have found a nationwide decline in physical activity due to changes in lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sarcopenia is often made worse by a lack of physical activity.

“Since it was first defined as a condition in 2009, we have continued to learn more and more about the causes and effects of sarcopenia. As such, it is important that we keep women and health care professionals abreast of the latest information to help ensure the best care and outcome for patients,” said ADM Rachel L. Levine, M.D., Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Starting as early as age 30, people lose muscle mass and strength. However, some lose it more quickly due to sarcopenia. Studies show that more than 45 percent of adults 65 and older are affected by sarcopenia, with millions of younger adults at risk for developing it later in life.  The “Stronger than Sarcopenia” campaign encourages women to speak to their health care professionals about sarcopenia and for health care professionals to screen for the condition and provide proper treatment if needed. 

"The public is likely familiar with bone health disorders like osteoporosis and osteopenia, but muscle health disorders like sarcopenia can be equally as impactful on women’s abilities to maintain function and mobility as they age,” said Dorothy Fink, M.D., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women’s Health. "Simple changes to daily routines, such as starting a manageable strength training plan and increasing the amount of protein in your diet, can help you maintain or regain lost muscle mass to more easily engage in everyday activities."

To reduce the risk for sarcopenia, engaging in activities that strengthen your muscles, like body weight exercises and weightlifting, show the most promise for strengthening muscles. The benefits of exercise, particularly strength and resistance training, include better balance, fewer falls and broken bones, and better quality of life.

Eating a healthy diet is also important in the treatment and management of sarcopenia. Eating a high-protein diet—above the recommended daily allowance—helps build and maintain muscle strength. Consuming 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein for every 2 pounds of body weight daily contributes to the prevention of sarcopenia.

If you have noticed a change in your strength or ability to do everyday tasks, it is important to talk to your health care professional. They can help you find out if you have sarcopenia and discuss ways to stay active, eat healthy, and safely do your everyday activities.

Additional information about “Stronger than Sarcopenia” is available online at www.womenshealth.gov/sarcopenia.