By Heidi Splete, Senior Writer 
For NewsUSA

(NewsUSA) - Cooling towers, a key component on large buildings, require special levels of cleaning to control biocontaminants including Legionella, heterotrophic bacteria, and others. However, poorly maintained towers, which are often treated with corrosive chemicals, can become 'super spreaders' of Legionnaires' Disease, an acute bacterial infection of the lower respiratory tract that is not rare and causes severe pneumonia.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, potable water is the most frequent source of Legionella exposure, but cases have been linked to cooling towers. Because it is difficult to distinguish from other forms of pneumonia, unless specifically investigated, many cases of Legionnaires' Disease go undiagnosed and unreported.

In August 2019, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) reported that the real number of Legionnaires' disease cases may be as many as 70,000 cases per year in the United States.

Clean, efficient, and effective treatment of cooling towers can improve the air quality and reduce the spread of disease-causing bacteria into the atmosphere. A novel, chemical-free technology, the Plasma Disinfection System (PDS) uses a combination of high-temperature plasma streamers, ultraviolet rays, and ozone to reduce the impact of air- and water-borne bacteria and viruses that can spread in public spaces through cooling towers.

The PDS is a state-of-the-art, fully-automated, integrated treatment technology for liquids.

What makes PDS solution unique is its combination of three major treatment technologies: novel plasma (the 4th state of matter) plus two traditional technologies (biocidal ions and hypochlorite), that work together to provide continuous reduction and management of Legionella and bacterial growth in water systems. The PDS also reduces the use of corrosive chemicals, thereby vastly extending the life and warranty life of costly mechanical equipment.

Public health organizations in the United States and worldwide have expressed concerns over the risks for Legionnaire's Disease and other respiratory infections due to poor management of cooling towers. Private industry has responded by publishing guidance for water management programs.

In June 2017, the CDC published a toolkit for businesses on "Developing a Water Management Program to Reduce Legionella Growth & Spread in Buildings;" the toolkit stated that "legionella water management programs are now an industry standard for large buildings in the United States."

Visit www.reverseionizer.com for more information about how Reverse Ionizer's chemical-free technology can improve air quality in public spaces and reduce the spread of disease.

(NewsUSA) - Despite challenges over the past year, more than half of U.S. adults are optimistic about the next six to 18 months, according to two nationwide surveys commissioned by the Contact Lens Institute. That translates to people planning to socialize more and concentrate more on health -- including eyesight.

"America is once again focused on the future. Great vision and contact lens options play a huge role in turning plans into reality. That's why we launched See Tomorrow (SeeTomorrowNow.com) and our companion sweepstakes, pinpointing what U.S. residents want as the pandemic subsides and helping them get there," says Contact Lens Institute Executive Director Stan Rogaski.

The research uncovered five eye-opening trends taking place across the country:

Things are Looking Up. 59% of the more than 1,000 adults surveyed report they are optimistic about the next six months. The data is similar for 12-month and 18-month horizons, with 56% and 57% of people saying they are optimistic, respectively.

Plans to Do More. Presented with several options about what people wanted to do more of as restrictions are lifted, approximately one in two said they want to dine out (52%), gather with friends (48%), and travel (45%) more. At least one in three are craving more live entertainment (34%) and shopping (33%), and just under a quarter of U.S. adults (24%) are eager to take on more physical activities, such as personal fitness or sports.

More Spending Ahead. Consumers strongly affirmed they would spend on what matters most. Compared to before the pandemic, 35% are willing to spend more on things that improve their future, 38% are willing to spend more on things that improve their health, and 32% are willing to spend more on things that make them feel good about themselves.

Healthy Eyes Matter. An overwhelming 89% of respondents indicated their eyesight and eye health were important to the pursuit of a promising future. That tied mobility as the highest ranking health factor, with heart/cardiac health trailing closely at 88%. Roughly four in 10 U.S. adults are thinking more about their overall health than before the pandemic -- with 25% specifically thinking more about their vision.

Missing Out on Contact Lenses. 57% of adults who require vision correction know little about contacts or have no opinion. They're missing out on incredible advances in comfort and vision quality, plus innovations that extend everyday contact lens use from children to seniors.

"Considering how much people are linking good vision to their future prospects, there's no better time to ask your eye doctor about contact lenses," says Dr. Rick Weisbarth, an optometrist and immediate past chairperson for the Contact Lens Institute. "Many people who traditionally couldn't wear contact lenses are happy to find they now can, and quickly gain all the sight and lifestyle benefits that align with their post-pandemic plans."

The See Tomorrow Sweepstakes can make it easier for Americans to follow their dreams. The Contact Lens Institute is giving away $25,000 in prizes, including daily draws for Amazon.com gift cards and three grand prize membership packages provided by LA Fitness, Esporta Fitness, and City Sports Club. There is no purchase necessary. Legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C., 18+ can enter and view the Official Rules by visiting SeeTomorrowNow.com through September 24, 2021. Void where prohibited.

Contact Lens Institute members include Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

See full-sized image here.

(NewsUSA) - Parenting has been described as "the toughest job you'll ever love," and figuring out how to keep your baby safe can be one of the most difficult elements of parenting. Child safety in the home is especially important as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic keeps more young children at home for longer periods of time.

"The best way to conduct a home safety check is to get down on all fours and look up at the world from the point of view of a crawling child," says Carolyn Ziegler, co-founder and product development director for Dreambaby.®

"It's amazing the hidden dangers you will identify," she adds.

The right child safety products are designed to make life easier for parents while keeping children safer at home and on the go.

Dreambaby® is a family-owned company with more than 20 years of experience in developing affordable, easy-to-use safety products.

With more young children at home (and more parents still working from home), safety products such as the Lever Door Lock from Dreambaby® provides peace of mind for parents by preventing curious children from exploring potentially dangerous areas of the house, such as laundry rooms, basements, or garages. The lock fits most lever-door handles, and can easily be engaged and disengaged by adults without the need for a key.

The arrival and increased distribution of coronavirus vaccines means that more people are venturing out of the house, and taking their babies with them. But child safety doesn't stop at the front door.

The Dreambaby® Non-Contact Rapid Response Infrared Forehead Thermometer provides a reliable reading within seconds of holding the device approximately one inch from the skin, so parents and caregivers can determine immediately whether fever is present.

Once you are out and about, the Dreambaby® Oxford Baby Carrier keeps your baby more secure, comfortable, and close to you. The carrier is designed to be worn three ways, with baby in front facing inward, in front facing outward, or riding backpack style with the carrier strapped on the parent or caregiver's back. Special features include an ergonomic design, easily adjustable and removable headrest, padded shoulder straps, lumbar support, and breathable mesh lining.

Visit dream-baby.com for more information about ways to keep your children safer, healthier, and happier.

(NewsUSA) -The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to encourage time outdoors as a way to gather safely and reduce stress in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, shade structures have become an integral part of everyday life. A customized shade structure encourages outdoor activities by providing both sun protection and physical distancing.

Shade 'n Net, one of America's largest manufacturers of fabric shade systems, can design a customized shade structure that will enhance the value of a home or business. Shade structures create new usable space outdoors by covering a pool, patio, or play set, and they can block up to 97% of UV radiation to help protect against skin cancer.

Shade 'n Net is a family-owned company with a long history of success and a team of experts that can work with architects and customers to design the perfect shade structure.

"Structures are manufactured with top quality steel components and high-density polyethylene material that allows heat to escape while protecting anyone and anything underneath it from the sun's harmful UV rays," according to the company website. The structures are warrantied for 20 years, and the fabric covers are warrantied for 10 years.

Other uses for Shade 'n Net structures at home include covering for driveways, boat or RV storage, and outdoor pet areas.

But that's not all: customized shade structures provide solutions for many other settings to promote safe, comfortable outdoor interaction.

Schools can utilize shade structures strategically in drop off/pick up areas, sport courts, playgrounds, outdoor cafeteria seating, outdoor learning spaces, amphitheaters, bleachers and dugouts, spectator seating, covered staff parking, covered bus parking, and covered bike racks.

Restaurants can use customized shade structures to meet the increased customer interest in outdoor dining, to create curb appeal, and to provide comfort for customers waiting in line or in curbside pickup areas. Car detailers can provide shade for employees who are working outside for long periods; day care centers can create covered outdoor spaces; offices can provide covered parking areas.

Community venues that can benefit from the safety and comfort of shade structures include churches seeking covered spaces for overflow attendance, foodbank distribution, and other activities such as Bible studies and classes. Parks can enhance the experience for visitors of all ages by creating covered basketball courts, splash pads, playgrounds, dog parks, picnic tables, and performance stages.

Visit shadesolutions.com for more information.

(NewsUSA) - Transportation technology is critical to the American economy, as are the skilled technicians who help maintain steady supply chains and get goods where they need to go.

The demand for transportation technicians is surging. However, many students planning their futures and individuals considering career changes don't realize the opportunities and the potential for success in transportation technology and repair.

Often underestimated as "blue collar," or "grease monkey" jobs, today's transportation technicians are actually high-tech "new collar" workers who depend on their computer skills and fluency with the latest in digital technology.

"A modern car runs on approximately 100 million lines of computer code, more than twice that of the NASA space shuttle," says Mike Pressendo, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer for TechForce Foundation.

"Now, with electric vehicles set to become more common than ever before, the list of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills transportation technicians need continues to grow. These are skilled, well-paying, technical jobs that literally keep America rolling."

According to a 2021 survey, 62 percent of high school students want to forge their own educational path, with 29 percent saying that the pandemic's financial impact makes them less likely to attend a four-year college. Unfortunately, many students don't know about the tech-school career options available to them. A staggering 63 percent said they wish their school provided more information about different types of fulfilling careers.

The TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), has created the first and only social network designed and gamified for tech students and professional technicians to connect with each other, schools, industry and employers. TechForce connects students and career changers to a career guide, available at TechForce.org/CareerGuide. The TechForce social media also showcases the "Because I'm a Tech..." campaign, which features a diverse group of technicians sharing their stories of successful and secure skilled technician careers.

TechForce's social network supports the growth and placement of skilled technicians, with opportunities for career exploration, scholarships, free technical training and events. The online platform also connects schools with industry resources.

"Next-gen techs are digital-native, yet there was no commercial-free digital environment for them to connect with peers, showcase their talents, check out employers and compete for points, status and prizes," according to TechForce CEO, Jennifer Maher.

"TechForce is the first and only social network of its kind, full of engaging content and designed by GenZers for GenZ as the place for aspiring and working techs to explore and advance their careers."

For additional information about TechForce's social network, visit JoinTechForce.org.

(NewsUSA) -As we head into fall and go back to school, it's more important than ever to carry on with healthy hydration habits from the long, hot days of summer. The human body is made up of 50% water. In order to achieve peak hydration needs, kids ages 4-8 require five cups of water per day and kids ages 8+ require 7-8 cups per day.

"Unfortunately, water isn't the most tasty or easy-to-drink liquid so often we substitute it with other things such as milk, sports drinks, OJ or fruit concentrates," says James Mayo, Co-Founder and CEO of SOS Hydration. "These substitutions offer some hydration benefits, but also come with excessive amounts of sugar and high calories that kids don't need. Just take a peek at the nutrition panels the next time you reach for one of these beverages. Many of these drinks disguise their contents on the front by clever marketing or small pack sizes, but look at the truth panel on the side to see the amount of calories and also in many cases the amount of artificial ingredients. A carton of OJ or apple juice can have 100 calories and a fruit concentrate pouch can have 60 with some cartons that call themselves honest still having a heaping of 40 calories and excessive sugar."

The next option for hydration you might consider are the water- enhancing powders. Many of these products tout ultra hydration but, again, one would be wise to visit the nutrition panels first as they are often loaded with artificial ingredients. "Some electrolyte drink options for kids on the marketplace lead people astray with their 'organic' ingredients or 'physician- recommended' but be wary of sugar, which is not the ideal product for kid's hydration," James warns.

This truth led SOS Hydration to launch a healthier choice for kids' hydration: SOS Kids, featuring PAW Patrol. SOS Kids, now available at Walmart in-store and online, was specially-formulated for daily hydration by SOS Hydration Co-Founder and board certified Internal Medicine physician Dr. Blanca Lizaola-Mayo to help keep children optimally hydrated, and actually avoid becoming dehydrated in the first place -- a condition that compromises the body and mind in a variety of ways. SOS Kids has only three grams of sugar in a 12-ounce serving; is boosted with Vitamins A and C, minerals Zinc and Magnesium; and contains no artificial additives -- all designed to keep kids ahead of their hydration needs so they can perform better and get more from their days.

This launch coincides with SOS Hydration's first annual "National Family Hydration Awareness Month" initiative this September, during which the public is invited to learn about the physical, cognitive and emotional benefits of pre-hydrating to avoid becoming dehydrated.

To learn more, visit www.SOSKidsHydration.com.

(NewsUSA) -The internet and the evolution of social media platforms makes it easy to find information -- and misinformation -- on almost any topic, including financial planning.

Approximately 3.6 billion people worldwide access a growing array of social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Although social media platforms can be sources of legitimate and useful financial tips and advice, they are also home to fake news and influencers of dubious credibility who offer financial advice based on nothing but their own point of view in order to gain followers.

"People often accept information from social media influencers and assume it to be true without looking into their professional background and verifying their credibility," according to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals Shannah Compton Game, CFP® and Akeiva Ellis, CFP®.

They recommend asking yourself these questions when considering advice from social media experts:

• Is their professional experience directly related to finance?
• Do they have education or certification in personal finance?
• If they themselves have no financial background, are they partnering with legitimate financial experts?

Unfortunately, many of the viral influencers on social media who share financial information have not undergone any sort of formal financial training. So you should be aware of other red flags from their advice, including:

Touting their solution as the only solution. There is often no one "right" answer to every financial decision, so be alert if the influencer provides only one solution without considering alternatives.

Looking at the small picture. Much of social media content is brief, aimed at short-attention spans. Influencers may not take the time to explain the context behind a tip or recommendation and how it might affect your larger financial planning goals.

Seeking likes and shares. Just because someone has a large following on social media doesn't mean they are experts. Many popular social media "gurus" are working with advertisers to create content that may not be relevant, accurate, or helpful.

Just as you should be wary of medical advice from someone who is not a doctor, be wary of financial advice from someone without expertise in financial planning. Working with a CFP® professional ensures that you are getting the accurate and up-to-date information you need to plan for your financial well-being at any stage of life. Also, a CFP® professional is trained to offer advice tailored to your unique financial needs and goals.

Be discerning when you see financial advice on social media and use it as a starting point for discussions with a financial advisor to make the right decisions for your financial future. Find your CFP® professional today using the "Find a CFP® professional" tool at LetsMakeAPlan.org.

(NewsUSA)

"Puzzle Pieces"
by Laurine Adams

Breathtaking, tear jerking and inspiring, this is an amazing story of overcoming and mystical wonder. A little girl is cast aside and neglected, living out every generational curse reserved for her. This goes on until one day she has a Godly encounter that changes her life.

Deciding to change is a step but the process of change is a journey. And every demon assigned to her life had no intent on just letting her leave. With the help of God, the now young lady defeats every demon that had defeated her in her youth. The author believes there are no limitations, to what an individual can become, and each child needs positivity spoken to them each day. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3iid9V5.

"Breathe Deep & Swim"
by Jenna Marcus

Perfect for fans of Gayle Forman's "If I Stay," and Jandy Nelson's "The Sky is Everywhere," this witty and achingly beautiful coming of age story will tackle what it means to be alive, loved, and trusting in a world gone mad.

All 14-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Thomas wants is normalcy. But a global pandemic prevents that. When Wolfgang discovers his father dead from the coronavirus, his world is thrust into more turmoil.

Wolfgang and his 16-year-old brother must avoid foster care. In a cross-country road trip, they seek their only hope: the mother who abandoned them. As they journey for answers, they uncover devastating mysteries about her that they never could have imagined. Can Wolfgang find the courage to "Breathe Deep & Swim?" Purchase at https://amzn.to/3cs81tw.

"Lemons in the Garden of Love"
by Ames Sheldon

It's 1977 and Cassie Lyman, a graduate student in women's history at the University of Minnesota, is struggling to find a topic for her doctoral dissertation. When she discovers a trove of suffrage cartoons, drawings, letters, and diaries at Smith College belonging to Kate Easton, founder of the Birth Control League of Massachusetts in 1916, she believes she has located her subject.

Digging deeper into Kate's life, Cassie learns that she and Kate are related -- closely. Driven to understand why her family has never spoken of Kate, Cassie travels to Cape Ann to attend her sister's shotgun wedding, where she questions her female relatives about Kate. Soon Cassie finds herself facing some of the same challenges that Kate faced. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3ryt02z.

"Death on the Railway"
by Manuel Rose

An erotic, horrific thrill ride you won't be able to put down. A supernatural crime thriller with an element of romance set in a highly stressed, fast-paced world. It will appeal to fans of Stephen King, Robin Cook and Dean Koontz.

Twenty-one-year-old Angelo Russo fall deeply in love with his sister Carina who fears her professional modeling career will be in jeopardy should the salacious secrets of her life be exposed. After a fight with Angelo, she disappears never to be seen alive again. Angelo discovers Carina has been murdered by a psycho serial killer. His crusade to find justice quickly turns into one needing to prove his own innocence. Purchase at https://amzn.to/35d4Wtu.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) -You herd it here first, the Illinois State Fair is back again this year, providing a way for skilled young farmers to show off their hard work and demonstrate their expertise in the agricultural industry.

Agricultural education is an important priority for CME Group. During this year's Governor's Sale of Champions, student exhibitors were presented with one-time scholarships totaling $50,000. Each of the ten Grand Champion exhibitors will receive a $5,000 scholarship, which will be used to advance their education. Recipients of the 2021 CME Group scholarships were: Ashtin Guyer (Crawford, IL), Brayden Wilson (LaSalle, IL), Cole Caldwell (Peoria, IL), Edward Hanson (Iroquois, IL), Ella Bobell (Logan, IL), Jess Hawk (DeKalb, IL), Landrey Freeman (Scott, IL), Maddox Horner (Jasper, IL), Nolan Hoge (McDonough, IL) and Owen Pree (Iroquois, IL).

"At CME Group our roots are in agriculture and we understand the critical role that farmers play in fueling the global economy," said Tim Andriesen, Managing Director of Agricultural Products at CME Group. "These students are the among the best and the brightest and we are proud to support them as they further their education and become the next generation of agricultural leaders."

Young ag enthusiasts also demonstrated their knowledge around identifying and managing livestock at this year's Illinois 4-H Livestock Skillathon on August 11th. During the Skillathon, participants were tested on management, equipment identification, breed identification, quality assurance and cattle marketing. CME Group, the world's leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace, spearheaded the cattle marketing portion to assess risk management skills and strategic decision-making abilities.

After intense competition, nine champions each received a $1,000 CME Group scholarship to continue their education. Recipients of the 2021 CME Group Skillathon scholarships were: Alyson Utegg (Grand Ridge, IL), Anna Curley (Good Hope, IL), Cole Paulek (Stonington, IL, Davis Howell (Maroa, IL), Hannah Miller (Chatsworth, IL), Jack Link (Gilson, IL), Lauren Wolters (Aviston, IL), Liam Steward (Mechanicsburg, IL) and Waylen Paulek (Stonington, IL).