(NewsUSA) - The challenges of military life don't always end when the mission does. For many in our military community – both active duty and veterans alike – there's an ongoing, often silent struggle with mental health. This fall, as we observe Mental Health Awareness Month in October and honor our service members in November, Blue Star Families is bringing this critical issue to the forefront.

As the nation's largest Chapter-based support organization for military and Veteran families, Blue Star Families has launched the Combat the Silence campaign. This initiative goes beyond raising awareness – it provides real, tangible support to those serving, those who have served, and the families standing beside them. Recognizing that mental health challenges can arise at any point in a military career or beyond, Blue Star Families offers crucial support for every stage of military life, from the stresses of active duty to the complexities of civilian reintegration.

"Our military families face unique challenges that often go unseen, reaching far beyond the battlefield," says Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. "Through Combat the Silence, we're creating a network of support that catches our heroes before they fall. It's not just about awareness – it's about action, connection, and saving lives."

At the heart of the Combat Silence campaign are the innovative Blue Star Support Circles. These non-clinical, peer-oriented groups empower family members and friends to recognize potential mental health issues and provide crucial support to veterans and service members before crises occur. By fostering these supportive networks, BSF aims to significantly reduce suicide rates within the military community.

Complementing these efforts, the Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting "Check On Your Buddy Week" from October 21-25. This initiative dovetails perfectly with Combat the Silence, reinforcing the vital role of peer support in addressing mental health challenges among veterans and active-duty personnel.

Blue Star Families extends a heartfelt invitation to all members of the military community to engage with an upcoming Support Circle cohort and actively participate in “Check On Your Buddy Week.”  By taking these simple yet powerful steps, we can collectively break the silence surrounding mental health and ensure that no one in our military family feels alone in their struggles.

Join the movement to Combat the Silence. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient military community.
Immediate Help and Support Resources

For those in immediate crisis, support is always available through the Veterans Crisis Line: Call or text 988 (press 1 for Veterans) or visit 988lifeline.org. For ongoing community support and resources, individuals can register at www.combatthesilence.org.

(NewsUSA) - The ScanEase OneSense device is a screening tool for diagnosing breast cancer. The device facilitates an examination that is accessible to patients of any age and body type, allowing for self-examination due to its user-friendly design in the privacy of their home. The results help assess the risk of new tissue formations in the breast. The higher the risk factor on the BI-RADS scale, the greater the likelihood of malignant tissue degeneration. In light of this, the OneSense scanning device is recommended for the primary diagnosis of breast tumors in outpatient settings and for at-home self-examinations. The scan results are visible through an app on your smartphone, which will advise whether you should consult with a physician.

Measurement method: 

The device measures the distribution of conductivity between the electrodes on the surface of the breast, which is influenced by the distribution of blood flow in the breast tissue.  The device utilizes the well-known principle of bioimpedance, measuring the difference in electrical conductivity between healthy and cancerous tissues, as tumor growth significantly increases blood flow. This allows the device to demonstrate a high specificity in breast cancer diagnostics. The results obtained from using the device will enable physicians to enhance the diagnostic quality of fibroepithelial and non-epithelial breast formations, as diagnostic errors occur in 20% to 60% of cases during routine patient examinations. The widespread use of ScanEase scanning technology will reduce the reliance on X-ray mammography and MRI examinations as routine methods for assessing breast health, thereby decreasing radiation exposure.

A unique software with a proprietary AI-based algorithm has been developed, enabling users to determine the risk factor for the presence of neoplasms in breast tissue immediately after screening, with an accuracy of up to 85%. The bioimpedance method identifies areas of increased electrical conductivity in a woman's mammary gland, that are formed due to increased blood flow, which is characteristic of tumor development.

The interpretation of the obtained data is performed by an AI-based system using the international BI-RADS scale, which indicates a complex 'risk factor' parameter on a specialized point scale. This approach standardizes and digitizes the data description using original algorithms, allowing for an assessment of the patient's risk according to the BI-RADS scale. The method makes it possible to reliably divide patients into 3 groups of threats based on the magnitude of the risk factor: low, medium and high risk.

The user of the scanning device can immediately view the results through an app on their smartphone. If a medium or high-risk result is indicated, the person should promptly contact their physician for further diagnosis.

In early 2025, the device will enter FDA clinical trials on a fast-track basis for a non-invasive medical trial. Upon final FDA approval, the device will be available for purchase online, with a projected cost of $350. The device can be shared among friends and family, reducing the cost per person using it. View the Company’s website at www.scanease.co or send an email to [email protected] to request more detailed information.

(NewsUSA) - Life is uncertain, and there is no time like the present to be sure that you have life insurance in place. A life insurance plan provides affordable and lasting financial protection for you and your loved ones, and it does not have to be expensive.

Budget-friendly options make life insurance accessible to everyone and provide peace of mind for financial security in the event of an untimely loss of life.

"Whole life insurance is designed to offer peace of mind at a price that fits within most budgets," according to Christopher Flint, President of Kemper Life, the national life insurance brand specializing in providing life insurance coverage to budget-conscious individuals. "It’s a manageable way to protect your loved ones while also building cash value over time.”

A life insurance policy with a low initial face value (known as a low-face life insurance option) still offers many benefits often associated with larger or more expensive policies.

These benefits include affordable premiums that allow you to maintain a policy without breaking your budget. These premiums are fixed at the same amount each month and do not increase over time, which makes financial planning easier. As long as you pay your premiums, affordable policies will cover you for life.

Other benefits include cash value accumulation, meaning that a low-face policy still builds cash value over time, and may be accessed throughout your lifetime through loans or withdrawals.

When exploring whole life insurance, keep these tips in mind:

Evaluate Your Coverage Needs: Review your expenses, debts, and other obligations to help determine how much coverage you need.

Shop Around: Compare different life insurance policies to find one that offers the right balance of protection, cash value growth, and affordability.

Seek Professional Advice: If you are unsure, talk to an insurance agent who can help you select a life insurance policy that fits your needs.

Update and Adapt: Regularly review your policy to ensure that it continues to meet your needs as your life changes, and adjust as needed.

Don’t discount the value of whole life insurance to provide financial protection for your family.

Visit Kemper Life for more information.

(NewsUSA) - After Mining, Crafting, and Battling Through the In-Person, Immersive Minecraft Adventure, Each Guest Receives a Limited-Edition Half-Zombie, Half-Villager Cape World Premiere Set For Dallas October 18; Tickets On Sale Now

Stand out from the crowd! Experience MOD and Mojang Studios today announced that all guests who attend Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, set to debut in Dallas on Friday, October 18, 2024, will receive a commemorative, half-zombie, half-villager cape that can be used to customize their in-game character in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. This reward memorializes the player’s attendance at Minecraft’s first-ever, real-life, in-person experience in Dallas this fall. After completing their adventure, guests will receive a unique code via email with instructions to claim their cape.

Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue gives longtime Minecrafters, seasoned players and new-comers, and families of all ages their first chance to be heroes in the real-life, in-person Minecraft quest. Dallas is just the first stop; the touring experience will visit additional cities around the world, to be announced at a later date. Single ticket prices for Dallas start at $32, and friends and family multipack tickets start at $28 per person. Interested Minecrafters who want to be first to attend can visit www.minecraftexperience.com for more information.

Minecraft is one of the most popular video games of all time with over 300 million copies sold, with players from around the world adventuring and creating together in their Minecraft worlds. Now, with Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue spawning in cities around the world, they can take part in an epic rescue mission and story-based experience where iconic places and creatures from the game are brought to life before their eyes.

Attendees begin their one-hour journey by entering the forest, where they will learn the ropes, give tips to other players, or just bask in the blocky nature. Moving into the village, they will receive their quest and embark on a rescue mission with a team of fellow Minecrafters. On this interactive scavenger hunt, adventurers will journey through multiple Minecraft biomes while building structures and interacting with iconic mobs – some more friendly than others. Minecrafters can gush over pandas and dolphins as well as face skeletons, spiders, and – of course – creepers.

To further immerse participates in the experience, each guest uses an Orb of Interaction that engages and interacts with the world around them. With haptic feedback and lighting, the orb vibrates and change color depending on the action and context to guide guests and further immerse them in the vibrant Minecraft experience. Once they complete their quest, they can kick back and celebrate their heroic feat at the Minecraft Experience Trading Post with a crafty memento from the adventure.

No prior knowledge of Minecraft is required to enjoy Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue. New players, creators, and longtime Minecrafters will experience the game in an entirely new and unforgettable way. This October 18, Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue will spawn for a limited time into 2712 N Central Expressway in Plano, just North of I-635 adjacent to DART’s Parker Road station. For more information, including tickets, and future tour city updates, please visit www.minecraftexperience.com and follow on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter); #minecraftexperience.

(Peter M Fiorillo) - Choosing The Right Marketing Agency, 

Many opportunities are Present in Reaching Customers, Clients, and Friends in Business as every written line is often read by opposition, Someone, groups that want more than what is being offered. System after system is at play in every message every idea, every thought. Crafting the Branding Message can often feel like Shooting an Arrow to hit the bullseye with a point to the communication. Packing data into the messages takes art we avoid as we just want your message to be read, creativity with LKPFM is to streamline your message free of viruses free of noise bridged to your point of view. 

Taking the opportunity to handle opposition in the delivery of a message takes, Physical, mental and Technology only with the most important belief in what you're doing has tangible results on acceptance of message and clients knowing results are never Guaranteed. Our Syndication partners do Guarantee Reach which is massive in marketing. Having the ability to get the message out and read by the opposition says consumers have the right to eat it or not. So in modern firewalls of message clients ask what are the physical boundaries of Acceptance of Message. Beer is a boundary to the mass population, Frequency and FCC is a boundary to the population, Web Protocol framerates are boundary to the population, and given these are purchasable elements it Limits new brands acceptance to the market and Populations they can reach. 

So how do we do it technologically and organically, First off were from the people and have drank a lot of beer, We Played advanced technology games and went to the source of crafting, We Listen and believed our clients to get to the root of what is being conveyed so as not to self consume our business in a time of speed and uncertainty. Constance Burke as a marketing and communications director is smart, tough kind, sensitive, loving, and often a microphone for the clients with accuracy and pointedness. Directional control for you is what syndication is all about as our client so we can have the organics of life direct, create, and sustain a message in a tide of private webs and virtual infrastructure while delivering your Brand message right to the doorstep of Millions of Americans every day you hire us. Constance Burke is a woman, a Canadian friend, and I Peter m Fiorillo think she's a great hire to help your company navigate the waters of Branding and marketing. 

Go to lkpfm.com to request proposal.

(NewsUSA) - The United States leads the world in artificial intelligence (AI), but this edge is at risk without a solution to the energy crisis caused by data centers that power AI, onshore manufacturing, and rapid electrification according to experts at 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 AI and other emerging technologies.

Recent estimates suggest that the increasing use of commercial AI models will cause a 160% increase in energy consumption by 2030, the SCSP experts say.

Currently, single data centers are the sources of energy for training and running frontier AI models. If the increase in power continues as predicted these data centers would require up to a gigawatt (GW) of power for a single center—approximately the same amount of energy consumed by 750,000 U.S. households.

“To believe that the United States would need 10 GW data centers in the next three or four years only requires believing that current expansions of computing power continue to hold,” according to SCSP.

To get the U.S. on track to meet these energy demands, SCSP experts have recommended various options to speed up energy infrastructure buildouts, but these require reforms such as reducing the statute of limitations and standing for NEPA claims (to eliminate frivolous litigation) and standing up a federal court with exclusive jurisdiction over permitting cases (to expedite legal proceedings).

Some other aspects of improvement to support the energy needs of AI include:

- Fixing the grid. The current U.S. power grid relies on outdated analog designs, and modernization is essential to getting power to where it needs to go.

-Using AI. Researchers have used machine learning in real-time to reduce the amount of energy escaping from fusion reactions, which improves efficiency without sacrificing quality. The Department of Energy (DOE) also uses AI for advanced computing, emergency response, environmental modeling, climate forecasting, materials research, and more.

-Developing advanced technology. Nuclear reactors are strong candidates for delivering energy, but sluggish timelines and high price tags slow the process of development, as do regulations. The SCSP experts argue that fusion energy may become another useful component of a long-term energy buildout.

Getting serious about AI means getting serious about energy, and the SCSP’s upcoming SCSP’s AI + Energy Summit will convene the nation’s top experts to collaborate on energy solutions.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more.

(Jeffrey Pohn) - Over the years, service dogs have become an increasingly familiar sight on trains, planes and buses; in restaurants, nail salons and shopping malls, and even at the beach, diligently escorting and protecting their human charges through blindness, hearing loss, ambulatory limitations and even mental-health challenges—there are now half a million service dogs at work in this country. I’ve come to marvel at these fantastic beasts, the organizations and volunteers who train them and the Americans with Disabilities Act that provides a protective infrastructure. These four-legged friends are heroes. Heroes, one and all.

This week, I discovered that September is National Service Dog Month, and it occurred to me that I have been living with one of these heroes - albeit a non-credentialed one - for the past eight years. 

When my wife and I rescued Baby, a fifteen-pound terry-poo with a rasta-like coat and a slight underbite, she had been found on the streets of Tijuana, emaciated, and obviously abused. Baby immediately bonded with my wife, but every time I entered the room, she would shake violently. I finally suggested to my wife that we should take Baby back, it was hard living with someone who hated me. After my wife nixed that idea, I found myself tiptoeing around our home, in the most unthreatening way possible. Eventually, Baby came to at least tolerate me.

Then came Covid. My wife, Baby’s north star, decided to travel to England, to wait it out with her family. She never returned. Suddenly, it was just me and Baby, who was shattered by the disappearance of her ‘mommy’. Baby went on a hunger strike, and constantly gave me the stink-eye, blaming me for her heartbreaking loss. It destroyed my appetite, too, and ruined my sleep. I became a wreck. As a recovering alcoholic with bipolar disorder, and now utterly isolated and wifeless, with my only personal contact a dog who actively resented me, I was not exactly a ‘vision for you’. 

Over time, Baby mellowed and began to display affection for me. Perhaps that’s because she realized I was the sole provider of her food and walks, but I like to think it was more than that. We became inseparable, velcroed together. On the rare occasion that I left our house, Baby welcomed me home as if I was returning from the war. She started to sleep on the pillow next to mine, and the moment my eyes opened, I was the recipient of a thorough tongue bath. 

Baby became my own personal, emotional service dog; a daily calming presence, a reliable rock of support who demanded my attention 24/7, effectively yanking me out of myself by encouraging me to stroke, scratch, massage, and play with her. She was a nonstop source of activity, humor, and love, a furry anti-depressant, instrumental in my struggle to maintain my sanity. Having to focus on Baby’s care, feeding and happiness, I became largely freed from the bondage of crippling self-concern.

Even before Covid, I had been experiencing debilitating panic attacks, mostly in public, and, I was on the verge of becoming agoraphobic. But Baby coerced her couch potato master into taking her on walks more adventurous than our usual spin around the block. On these outings, she walked me. During a time when everyone else was retreating into their homes, my dog was leading me back into the world I had fled from; she took me to dog parks where she networked, and I got to enjoy distanced interactions with other humans. We became regulars at a nearby beach where she chased birds she would never catch, and insisted I join her, running on the sand, and frolicking in the surf. I think I became her new (less incandescent) north star.

Suffering from Covid Brain, I began talking to Baby all day long. My ridiculous longing for her to respond verbally was, of course, never requited. At the time, I was dying to write my second novel, but was unable to find a subject matter compelling enough to sustain the few years it would take to write. One night, when Baby and I were lying in bed, I leaned over to give her a goodnight kiss on the nose. She sneezed into my face, and it hit me, the idea for a new book to write - a tale about an isolated man and his talking dog. A couple of years later, fueled by love for and from a dog, and wish fulfillment, I published the book, HOUNDED: A LOVE STORY.

My rescue dog rescued me.

Having had the profound privilege of being serviced and saved by a dog, now, during National Service Dog Month, I salute all service dogs, credentialed and non-credentialed. I acknowledge their noble and necessary service to us humans. And to all of our heroic service dogs, with love and gratitude, I proclaim…Thank you for your service.

Purchase the book at amzn.to/4e0LyBv

Jeffrey Pohn, a screenwriter, published author, and avid dog-lover, lives with his beloved pooch, Baby, in Oxnard Shores, California. As of now, Baby has not uttered a single word.

(NewsUSA) - When it comes to installing a pool, spring and summer are the seasons that logically come to mind. But the best time to add a pool to your backyard is actually in the fall. There are definite advantages to installing later in the year that can make the process smoother, more cost-effective and, ultimately, more enjoyable.

1. Contractor availability – By waiting until the weather is cooling, you miss the height of pool-building season and have a better chance of finding a contractor without a lot of other jobs to divert their attention. With fewer projects to juggle, contractors may also be able to offer shortened installation timelines. This is especially true for fiberglass pools, which can be delivered and installed quickly and, depending on the location, even enjoyed before winter arrives.
    
2. Construction-friendly climate – The moderate temperatures of fall lend themselves well to working outside. Fall weather is more predictable than other seasons, which can help reduce setbacks during construction. The ground is typically dry and hard after the summer, making it easier for construction, and minimal rain allows builders to get more done in a shorter amount of time.
    
3. Natural nurturing – No doubt you’ll want to do some landscaping around your new pool. Fall is the best time of year to plant trees and flower bulbs. Over the winter months, new plantings will have the opportunity to take root and mature while the ground recovers from construction disruption. When you’re ready to take that first dip of the season, you’ll have a yard that looks fully finished.
    
4. Off-season savings – As the height of pool season winds down and dealers begin looking at their year-end numbers, you may be able to negotiate better prices or take advantage of overstocked inventory. This can free up funds for other fun additions, like a diving board, slide, water feature or spa. Installing a pool in fall also allows you to break up construction costs for the pool and any decking or hardscaping you plan to add and take advantage of tax benefits over two years.
    
5. Tax benefits – Yes, a pool is not only a major purchase but is also considered a home improvement that can be claimed on your tax return. Imagine opening your pool in the spring and then opening your mailbox to a nice tax refund. Talk about a win-win!

To learn more about Latham pools, visit www.lathampool.com.

Photo caption: Ocean Breeze fiberglass pool and Placid spill over spa by Latham, The Pool Company. Photo Credit: Sun and Fun Pools in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.

(NewsUSA) - As we age, maintaining physical fitness and the ability to move our body easily becomes more important to our overall well-being. However, an often-overlooked condition known as sarcopenia can gradually lower individuals’ muscle mass and strength without obvious warning.

Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle and strength that can happen when someone gets older. This can lead to weakness, decreased ability to move, and a higher risk of falls and broken bones. Although aging is a risk factor, others include poor nutrition and lack of physical activity. Some chronic illnesses and hormonal changes, such as those that occur with menopause, may also lead to higher risk of sarcopenia.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of sarcopenia is key for early intervention to maintain quality of life and independence. Unexplained muscle weakness, lower endurance, or having a hard time with everyday activities might be signs that it’s time to take action.

Being aware of sarcopenia is important for individuals who care for family members or friends, as they are often the first to notice changes in strength, ability to move, and overall well-being. Caregivers can help get timely medical consultations and interventions.

Some of the common signs and symptoms of sarcopenia include:

• Muscle Weakness: An early and often noticeable symptom of sarcopenia is decreased muscle strength. Tasks that were once easy, such as lifting things, climbing stairs, or even standing up from a chair, may become challenging.
• Loss of Muscle Mass: An easy-to-see decrease in muscle size, particularly in the arms and legs, is a common sign of sarcopenia.
• Reduced Energy and Endurance: Adults with sarcopenia may report a lack of energy and decreased ability to do physical activity. Activities that involve sustained physical effort, like grocery shopping or gardening, may lead to faster exhaustion.
• Difficulty with Balance and Coordination: As muscle strength and function decline, balance and coordination may also be affected. The risk of falls increases and can lead to broken bones, which may decrease mobility further and impact overall health.
• Slower Walking Speed: An easy-to-see reduction in walking speed and a shuffling gait may be signs of sarcopenia.

“If a person notices any of the signs and symptoms of sarcopenia, they or their caregiver should seek professional medical help,” advises Dr. Dorothy Fink, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women’s Health. “A health care provider can perform a thorough evaluation, including physical examinations, muscle strength tests, and imaging studies, to diagnose sarcopenia. An accurate diagnosis is the first step towards effectively addressing sarcopenia.”

Once diagnosed, you and your health care provider can create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may include strength training activities and nutritional advice to help keep and rebuild muscle and strength.

For more information on the signs and symptoms and ways to help address 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) - Si eres uno de los 1 de cada 5 estadounidenses que cuida de un cónyuge, padre, hijo, adulto mayor o alguien con condiciones de salud crónicas, discapacidades o necesidades especiales, es posible que hayas asumido este rol con poca o ninguna capacitación o asistencia externa.

Además de ayudar a otros con las actividades diarias y tareas médicas, los cuidadores a menudo actúan como defensores, asegurándose de que aquellos a quienes cuidan reciban la atención preventiva y los tratamientos que necesitan, incluyendo la protección contra amenazas potencialmente graves de enfermedades respiratorias como el COVID-19 y la gripe.

Desarrollar un plan de cuidado que incluya listas de verificación y recordatorios puede ayudar a los cuidadores a organizarse y prepararse para gestionar el cuidado diario y de la salud de otra persona. Los Defensores de la Educación, la Equidad y el Progreso de la Vacunación (CVEEP)  y la National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) han emitido una nueva guía para ayudar a los cuidadores a construir un plan de cuidado antes de la temporada de enfermedades respiratorias de este año, que puede ser un momento estresante para las personas con condiciones médicas crónicas o sistemas inmunitarios comprometidos.

Los expertos de CVEEP y NAC ofrecen los siguientes consejos para los cuidadores:

• Mantén una lista de problemas médicos y medicamentos Asegúrate de llevar un registro de cualquier problema médico y cualquier alergia, incluidas las alergias a medicamentos, que la persona bajo tu cuidado pueda tener. También es importante mantener una lista de los medicamentos que toman, incluyendo vitaminas, suplementos o productos herbales.
• Mantente al día con las vacunas Asegúrate de que tú y aquellos bajo tu cuidado estén al día con las vacunas de rutina, incluidas las vacunas actualizadas contra el COVID-19 y la gripe que están disponibles en otoño. Consulta con un proveedor de atención médica sobre vacunas adicionales que puedan ser necesarias para protegerte contra otras enfermedades respiratorias infecciosas como el VSR, la enfermedad neumocócica o la tos ferina.
• Observa los síntomas Los síntomas de enfermedades respiratorias pueden incluir tos, fiebre, dificultad para respirar y dolor de garganta. Busca consejo médico temprano si estos síntomas aparecen, especialmente en adultos mayores, niños pequeños y cualquier persona con mayor riesgo de enfermedad grave debido a condiciones médicas crónicas.
• Accede al tratamiento Los fármacos antivirales pueden ayudar a tratar el COVID-19 y la gripe, aliviando los síntomas y reduciendo el riesgo de hospitalización, especialmente para personas con mayor riesgo de enfermedad grave. Son tratamientos de venta con receta y que deben administrarse al inicio de la enfermedad, por lo que es importante estar preparado y actuar con rapidez cuando aparecen los primeros síntomas. Habla con un proveedor de atención médica para determinar si un tratamiento antiviral es una opción para las personas a las que cuidas.
• Mantente informado Sigue a los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) para obtener la información más reciente sobre la temporada de enfermedades respiratorias y habla con tu proveedor de atención médica para obtener respuestas a cualquier pregunta que puedas tener.

Se anima a los cuidadores a visitar el sitio web de CVEEP (cveep.org/es/) y el sitio web de NAC (caregiving.org) para obtener información y recursos adicionales.