(NewsUSA) - As children return to school, families can employ various strategies to turn mundane questions such as, "How was your day?" into meaningful conversations. These tips can help children open up, easing any jitters or anxieties they may be feeling.

"You don’t have to set aside a specific time in your day to have impactful discussions with your child,” said Ariel Bronson, KinderCare Inclusion Services Advisor. “You can take advantage of small moments in your everyday schedule to build on your relationship with your child, leading to deeper conversations and connection over time.”

1. Set the scene and get involved. Take time during your family's daily routine to spark conversations with your child, whether during a commute, mealtime, bath time or an afternoon walk. Conversations in trusted, familiar environments will help your child feel more at ease and more willing to open up to you.
2. Leave questions open-ended and use patience. Allow your children to lead the conversation and use their answers to build on it. Listen patiently instead of jumping into problem-solving. The goal is to build a conversation around connection rather than control. The more you learn about your child’s day and are involved in their schedules, the more topics you have to discuss.
3. Use focused prompts to keep conversations going. If your discussions still lead to dead ends, try focusing on a specific topic. What are your child’s interests? For example, you could use art class or a sporting practice as a thought starter. “What did you do at [insert activity] today?” This will help spark a memory for your child, allowing you to build on their response. You can also encourage your child to reflect on their day. “What was something you learned, liked, saw or noticed today?” Help guide your child through each topic.
4. Encourage your child to connect with their emotions. Deepen your conversation by asking questions like, “What was something unexpected that happened today? When did you feel excited? How were you brave?” Do the same for questions related to their peers, such as, “When did you notice a classmate being kind today?” This will allow your child to recognize and understand how feelings impact us.
5. Explore non-verbal conversations. If your child doesn’t want to talk or has limited speech capabilities, try starting a family journal and leave prompts for your child to write about and a place for them to ask you questions. This tactic is also helpful when navigating more challenging topics. For younger children, you could have them draw what they felt during the day or something that they enjoyed as a way to share.

For more conversational tips on how to jumpstart impactful conversations with children, visit KinderCare.com.

(National Psoriasis Foundation) - You’ve seen the commercials. Psoriasis treatments are everywhere. So it would follow that people with psoriasis can also be found everywhere, right? In theory, yes. About 3 percent of all people will develop psoriasis – a chronic, inflammatory disease that can have severe consequences and comes with an unwelcome increased risk of several related diseases. But what the numbers don’t show is the impact that shame and stigma can have and the unintended consequences of those feelings.

More than 125 million people worldwide live with psoriasis. If you attend a National Football League game this fall or winter, you’ll be in a stadium with more than 2,000 people who have developed psoriasis. Or maybe music is more your thing. If you saw Taylor Swift at the average Eras Tour venue in the U.S., about 2,300 of your fellow Swifties in attendance were living with this lifelong disease.

When you frame it that way and think about all the psoriasis drug commercials filling up your screen, it may sound like the disease is well understood – even normalized. But the results of the new Psoriasis Health Indicator Report bring a dark reality to light: Misunderstandings about psoriasis and the people who live with this disease are rampant. Worse yet, stigma about the disease is a contributing factor to people living in isolation or not seeking care.

Misunderstandings Have Consequences

According to the report, more than half of the people in the U.S. who do not live with psoriasis say they would be uncomfortable dating someone with the disease, and more than 40 percent say they wouldn’t even be comfortable shaking hands with someone living with psoriasis.

How would you feel if 1 in 3 people were uncomfortable having you in their home? Yes, another sad reality laid out in the report. What about if 1 in 4 people were closed off to being your friend because of a disease you live with? Ouch.

With so much stigma – such a drastic level of misunderstanding and downright discrimination – would you be open about your life with psoriasis? Would you be willing to pursue treatment?

Psoriasis is not contagious, but it is a public health concern. People with this disease are at an elevated risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, psoriatic arthritis, and depression. All of those risks – as well as the threat of developing more severe psoriasis – increase when the disease is left untreated. Booking an appointment with a healthcare provider is hard enough. But carrying around all the stigma-driven shame that comes with having this visible disease makes the pursuit of proper disease management and treatment from a qualified specialist much more unlikely.

The Truth Heals

Tragically, all this stigma is a part of daily life for the 8 million people in the U.S. who live with psoriasis, but people are speaking out, and each time they do, the world gains a little more understanding. Take Takieyah Mathis of Fayetteville, North Carolina for example. She recently opened up in the National Psoriasis Foundation’s In Focus: #ThisIsPsoriasis video series about the challenges she faces each day with this disease and the lessons she’s learned. “Psoriasis put me in a big self-esteem hole,” she shares. “I started to worry about my hair, my skin.” Takieyah was constantly worried about who was looking at her because of the lesions on her skin.

Takieyah took some time to work up the resolve to face the stigma and the stares from onlookers, but as a model, mother, and community builder – psoriasis was not going to hold her back. With the support of her husband and community, she took back control of her self-belief. “You are not your diagnosis. Try to find ways that make you feel beautiful or feel good,” she says. “Finding that peace within yourself is really what’s going to carry you through every day.”

We all know someone with psoriasis. We owe it to them to promote encouragement and support in the face of judgement and misunderstanding. August is Psoriasis Action Month, and thanks to the increased attention, and stories like Takieyah’s who are combatting stigma head-on with the truth and their lived experience, the rest of the world is gaining a little added perspective and compassion.

To learn more about Takieyah or to hear from others who live with psoriasis, visit psoriasis.org/in-focus.

(NewsUSA) - From classic shapes to modern technologies, the progression of eyewear continues to see advancements, driven by the desire for improved comfort, durability, and style. Frames were often heavy and uncomfortable, but over the decades, eyewear has transformed significantly, influenced by technological advancements, and changing consumer demands.

As the eyewear journey continues to evolve, more attention is put on versatility in eyewear – innovative designs, improved materials, comfort, and style. Initially, frames were constructed from materials like bone and wood. While functional, frames were heavy and often lacked comfort. Today more brands, like Flexon Eyewear are developing innovative ways to utilize materials like memory metal to create comfortable eyewear.

Flexon Eyewear, a Marchon Eyewear proprietary brand known for its memory metal and durability, launched in 1988. With over 30 years of experience utilizing its durable technology and innovation, Flexon frames provide premium comfort designed for everyday wear. Each frame is constructed from a titanium-based alloy that allows them to be flexed, bent, and twisted without breaking, and they return to their original shape. Displayed in the latest Evolution and Heritage collections, flexibility and versatility make these frames exceptionally durable and able to seamlessly fit into daily tasks outside of work and new hobbies.

Flexon eyewear’s timeless design, durability, and sleek look allows these masculine optical styles to adjust seamlessly to various occasions. Whether enjoying a new adventure with the kids, taking on a new DIY project, or exploring the world outdoors, the brand showcases its continued commitment to durability and versatility with the creation of each frame. Flexon frames are crafted with technologically advanced memory metal in the bridge and/or temples allowing them to be flexed, bent, or twisted to ensure they can return to their original condition.

The journey of eyewear innovation doesn’t stop here. Brands like Flexon are at the front of eyewear innovation, continuously pushing the envelope of what functional eyewear can be. As technology advances, the future of eyewear promises even more exciting developments, blending fashion with function and durability in increasingly sophisticated ways. To learn more about Flexon Eyewear and stay up to date with recent collections, visit flexon.com. 

(NewsUSA) - Cutting back on single-use plastic is trending across America. A recent Ipsos survey indicates that 81 percent of American consumers support the increase of reusable packaging and that trend is increasingly more prevalent among grocery shoppers.

DS Smith, a leading provider of sustainable fiber-based packaging worldwide, has introduced a new line of boxes for everyday grocery shopping that can replace plastic bags still used in many stores.

Data from the U.S. International Trade Commission show that Americans use 102 billion plastic bags per year, and few are recycled. DS Smith, in partnership with its customers, works to support the transition to a circular economy that helps eliminate waste and pollution by design. Creating 100% recyclable or reusable packaging and encouraging consumers to phase out plastics, the company keeps materials in use for longer periods.

The Shop.able Carriers from DS Smith are 100% recyclable and reusable, and feature patented food-safe and water-resistant Greencoat coating technology. The durable, stackable boxes are made from renewable resources as well. Consumer surveys suggest that shoppers who purchase groceries online are interested in deliveries with less packaging and more sustainable material.

“The Shop.able Carrier product line gives consumers the ability to potentially remove the billions plastic bags used across the United States each year while at the same time delivering convenience and sustainability to consumers’ day-to-day shopping experience,” according to DS Smith Managing Director, Packaging, Steven Rose. “This kind of innovative, sustainable packing solution will help communities move away from single-use plastic bags.”

Supermarkets can use Shop.able to create custom branded boxes and incorporate sponsored logos and messaging from other partner brands. Individual Shop.able Carrier boxes sell for prices similar to reusable totes, and each box can replace between 5 and 7 plastic bags. Supermarkets can sell the boxes at checkout and use them as a loyalty program benefit in online curbside pick-up orders. Other key features include a modular design for smooth stacking and ergonomic handles for easy carrying.

Visit dssmith.com/us to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. So far, this has held true with storms Beryl and Debby already making landfall. Hurricanes can be catastrophic for any business, but particularly for rural small businesses. While there are many things that need to be done to be prepared for hurricanes, one important item is ensuring connectivity. In the aftermath of these storms, infrastructure is frequently damaged, and internet access is unavailable. One connectivity option is satellite internet service. Its reliability can provide backup communications, ensuring optimal operations and connectivity after even the most severe storms.

All businesses can benefit from satellite internet, however, rurally located small businesses have the most to gain in terms of connectivity and communication during hurricane season. Fortunately, a proper satellite internet connection can equip them with disaster and emergency communication capabilities, as well as reliable business continuity.

Disaster and Emergency Communication

In the aftermath of severe weather, businesses can provide necessary products and services if they are able to open their doors and complete transactions. Reliable satellite internet allows businesses to get connected, open their doors, and mitigate the trauma associated with severe weather events. In addition to processing transactions, the business can also become an information hub for the local community, providing updated information and other communication services.

Emergency response teams depend on communication to know where they need to deploy their resources. A business that has reliable connectivity can be of great help to these dedicated professionals who are coming to the aid of the community.

Back Up and Running

For most businesses, when internet service goes down, so do operations. Which is why relying on a single form of connectivity can create challenges in communication. When severe weather events occur, traditional communication networks can be unreliable, isolating impacted areas. In these situations, satellite internet is an ideal backup connectivity option and can restore operations in even the most hard-to-reach areas.

Despite internet outages that may exist from damaged wirelines, businesses utilizing satellite internet preserve the ability to process online transactions, accept payment via credit cards, respond to customers, monitor security, and many other critical operations.

To prepare for any weather event, including hurricane season, small businesses should consider a reliable and flexible backup solution. Hughesnet Internet Continuity seamlessly delivers broadband internet when primary service fails, preventing costly, frustrating, and even dangerous outages. Ensuring small businesses are well-prepared for hurricane season will minimize disruptions, safeguard customers and employees, and keep business on track.

(NewsUSA) - The U.S. economy remains dynamic and robust, but continued focus on advanced manufacturing is needed to cement U.S. leadership in industries of the future, 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 artificial intelligence (AI).

As China seeks to position advanced industries as the main growth engine of its economy, U.S. leadership in AI, and increased investment in cloud infrastructure and enterprise-scale AI could help accelerate innovation in technology, SCSP experts wrote in a recent online article.

Currently, the U.S. is falling behind China in production capacity for advanced industries including semiconductors and clean energy. These areas are crucial to America’s economic competitiveness and national security, and the U.S. production of the world’s high-tech goods has fallen from more than 40% to 18% since 1980.

To maximize U.S. advantages and remain competitive in advanced industries on a global scale, the SCSP experts propose a three-pronged strategy with focus on production, markets, and people.

Begin with production. Invest in manufacturing-innovation programs and promote the adoption of advanced technologies by small and medium-size manufacturers. The U.S. should also create incentives for investment in “smart factories” that capitalize on ways to accelerate innovation with increased flexibility and lower cost.

Secure the markets. Develop a trade policy that secures supply chains for products such as Internet of Things modules, networking components and industrial robots, and reduces reliance on China for production.

Promote and support the workforce. A comprehensive techno-industrial strategy requires investments in human capital. Advanced industries in the U.S. continue to face crippling workforce shortages. Strategies to overcome these shortages include ensuring AI capability in all school classrooms by 2030, lowering immigration barriers for highly-skilled workers, and creating national workforce frameworks for advanced manufacturing.

Although the U.S. economy is on a strong footing, China’s shift toward advanced industries sets the stage for a potential economic and strategy advantage. However, the U.S. can leverage its own existing advantages by proactively driving investments in advanced manufacturing, pursuing a strategic trade policy, and strengthening its workforce, according to SCSP.

Read SCSP's Vision for Competitiveness: Mid-Decade Opportunities for Strategic Victory and visit scsp.ai to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Los niños están regresando a la escuela y el otoño se acerca rápidamente, lo que significa que la temporada de enfermedades respiratorias está a la vuelta de la esquina. Los expertos en salud instan a que ahora es el momento de pensar en cómo reducirás tu riesgo de enfermedades graves por COVID-19 y gripe en los próximos meses, incluyendo mantenerte al día con las últimas vacunas. Los funcionarios de salud también subrayan que el COVID-19 y la gripe son enfermedades graves que se encuentran entre las principales causas de muertes por enfermedades infecciosas en los Estados Unidos.

Los expertos de Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity, and Progress (CVEEP), una coalición dedicada a promover la educación y el acceso a las vacunas, respaldan esta orientación, subrayando que la vacunación oportuna es la defensa más efectiva contra enfermedades graves y hospitalizaciones. “Recibir las últimas vacunas contra el COVID-19 y la gripe cuando estén disponibles este otoño es crucial”, señala Beth Battaglino, CEO de HealthyWomen y coordinadora de CVEEP. “Los virus como los que causan el COVID-19 y la gripe mutan con el tiempo y las vacunas se actualizan específicamente de manera regular para contrarrestar estas nuevas variantes en circulación”.

Este verano, la nación ha experimentado un aumento significativo en los casos de COVID-19, atribuido a un virus en evolución. Para sobrevivir, el virus del COVID-19 está cambiando constantemente, lo que lleva a la aparición de nuevas variantes. Estas nuevas variantes pueden escapar de nuestra respuesta inmune natural y de la protección proporcionada por las vacunas anteriores.

A medida que surgen nuevas variantes, la protección proporcionada por las vacunas puede disminuir. Por eso es crucial mantenerse al día con tus vacunas contra el COVID-19 y la gripe. Al igual que las vacunas contra la gripe, las vacunas contra el COVID-19 se actualizan regularmente para proteger contra las variantes que se prevé que circulen durante la próxima temporada de enfermedades respiratorias, que generalmente abarca de septiembre a marzo.

Mantenerse al día con las vacunas contra el COVID-19 y la gripe reduce significativamente el riesgo de enfermedades graves, hospitalizaciones y muertes. De hecho, estudios recientes han demostrado que las vacunas contra la gripe reducen el riesgo de enfermedad hasta en un 60% y las vacunas contra el COVID-19 reducen el riesgo de hospitalización en un 80% y de muerte en un 90%.

Se espera que las vacunas actualizadas contra el COVID-19 y la gripe estén disponibles en las próximas semanas. Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) recomiendan que todas las personas de 6 meses en adelante reciban estas vacunas. Consulta a tu proveedor de atención médica o farmacia local para obtener más información sobre la disponibilidad.

Visita CVEEP.org/stayupdated para obtener información adicional y recursos sobre vacunación.

(NewsUSA) - Children are returning to school and fall is fast approaching, which means respiratory illness season is right around the corner. Health experts urge that now is the time to think about how you will reduce your risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and flu in the months ahead, including staying up to date with the latest vaccines. Health officials also underscore that COVID-19 and flu are both serious illnesses that rank among the leading causes of infectious disease deaths in the United States.

Experts with Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity, and Progress (CVEEP), a coalition dedicated to promoting vaccine education and access, echo this guidance, underscoring that timely vaccination is the most effective defense against severe illness and hospitalization. "Receiving the latest COVID-19 and flu vaccines when they become available this fall is crucial," notes HealthyWomen CEO and CVEEP convener Beth Battaglino. "Viruses like those that cause COVID-19 and flu mutate over time and vaccines are specifically updated on a regular basis to counter these newly circulating variants.”  

This summer, the nation has experienced a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, attributed to an evolving virus. To survive, the COVID-19 virus is constantly changing, leading to the emergence of new variants. These new variants can escape our natural immune response, and the protection provided by previous vaccines.

As new variants arise, the protection provided by vaccines can wane.  That’s why staying up to date on your COVID-19 and flu vaccines is critical. Like flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines are regularly updated to protect against the variants predicted to circulate during the upcoming respiratory illness season, typically spanning from September to March.

Staying current with COVID-19 and flu vaccines significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. In fact, recent studies have shown that flu shots reduce the risk of illness by up to 60% and COVID-19 vaccines lower the risk of hospitalization by 80% and death by 90%.

The updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines are expected to be available in the coming weeks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all individuals aged 6 months and older receive these vaccines. Consult your healthcare provider or local pharmacy to learn more about availability.

Visit CVEEP.org/stayupdated for additional information and vaccination resources.

(NewsUSA) - Say hello to the uninvited guest: toenail fungus, the ultimate party crasher for your confidence! It’s not just about feeling uneasy; it’s like a fashion police for your feet, dictating a strict ‘no’ to those fabulous sandals and making you think twice before exposing your toes. And let’s talk about those doctor discussions - brace yourself for some seriously cringeworthy moments!

Identifying signs of toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is essential. Look out for discolored or yellowed nails, nails that are brittle, cracked, or broken, thickened nails, or nails that have separated from the nail bed.

Did you know that toenail fungus affects around 10%-12% of the general population? It's even more prevalent among older adults and diabetics, with a whopping 20% in those over 60 and 50% in those over 70, according to Dr. Neil Sadick, a world-renowned dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer of STRIDETM, available at getmystride.com. While toenail fungus often targets the big toenail, any nail can fall victim to it.

"In general, clinical data strongly supports a combination of prescription antifungal medications as the most effective way to eliminate toenail fungal infections," advises Dr. Sadick. Dr. Peter Bregman, a board-certified podiatrist, has been treating toenail fungus for 25 years and echoes Dr. Sadick’s sentiment. He states, “The most effective treatment of toenail fungus is a combination of topical and oral medications in addition to treating your shoes with an antifungal spray to avoid recurrence. There are so many over-the-counter products that just do not work and patients are wasting their time and money with the vast majority of them.”

Dr. Sadick frequently recommends this combination approach for optimal results. The STRIDE DUOTM toenail fungus treatment boasts an impressive 89% clinical effectiveness rate, with noticeable improvements in appearance in just days. Thanks to STRIDETM, backed by Dr. Sadick, patients can now manage their condition entirely online, from the comfort of their home and on their own schedule. After creating a profile, a licensed clinician reviews the condition and provides a personalized diagnosis. Safe and effective FDA-approved prescription medications are then delivered to your door. Healthcare can be stressful, but STRIDETM takes the stress out of toenail fungus treatment.

For more information, visit getmystride.com. Say goodbye to toenail fungus without leaving your home!

(NewsUSA) - State fairs are an opportunity for families, friends and communities to celebrate on an annual basis. Along with the yearly tradition, the state fair is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the important role U.S. agriculture plays in the global economy. The state fair is a place for young farmers to showcase their expertise in the food and farm industry while also learning the value and role of risk management.

At this year’s Governor’s Sale of Champions, CME Group presented each of the nine champion livestock exhibitors with $5,000 scholarships that will be used to advance their education. This was the ninth year CME Group has provided scholarships at the Illinois State Fair, bringing total contributions to over $500,000. CME Group also purchased the Grand Champion Barrow at the Governor’s Sale of Champions, which was exhibited by Olivia Shike.

 Recipients of the 2024 CME Group scholarships included: Bryce Clayton (Scott County); Kade Gensini (Putnam County); Nora Hoge (McDonough County); Kadie Hummel (Ford County); Karly Reel (LaSalle County); Chase Riley (Grundy County); Olivia Shike (Champaign County); Chesney Thorton (Piatt County); Oakley Yard (McDonough County).   

“We are proud to support scholarship programs that help the next generation of agriculture leaders to pursue their education,” said John Ricci, Managing Director and Global Head of Agriculture, CME Group. “The agriculture industry has not evaded the uncertainty faced within the global economy. It is as important as ever for the future leaders of agriculture to find new and innovative ways to continue feeding the world. We applaud all the scholarship recipients and are excited to see what their futures have in store.”

CME Group sponsored this year’s 4-H Illinois Superior Young Livestock Producers Contest at the fair. Nine 4-H members from across Illinois have competed in this year’s skillathon and have 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 skillathon champions each received a $1,000 CME Group scholarship to continue their education. The 2024 scholarship recipients were: Ryker Beckmier (Christian County); Kaylee Blackford (Vermilion County);  Morgan Crouch (Macon County); Taylor Crouch (Macon County); Gwen Hall (Ogle County); Blaine Homann (Coles County); Kadie Hummel (Ford County); Molly McCalla (Madison County); Hayden Miller (Livingston County).