(NewsUSA) - In today’s increasingly fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and tranquility at home is more important than ever. Here are four simple ways to turn your backyard into a serene sanctuary:

1. Curtained Comfort

For a versatile and stylish solution, outdoor curtains are ideal for enhancing privacy and adding flowy flair. Whether you prefer light, airy fabrics for a breezy feel or heavier materials for added protection from the sun (or nosy neighbors), curtains offer flexibility and charm. If you have a two-story deck, consider installing a drainage system, like Trex^® RainEscape^®, to divert water and keep the space beneath the deck dry and usable as a bonus living area.

2. Botanical Barrier

Bring yourself closer to nature by bringing nature closer to you. Strategically placed potted plants and trees are ideal for blocking views both outward and in. If you’re looking for a little more privacy, try adding a living wall or vertical garden. The plants will grow vertically, creating a natural barrier while also serving as a lush and lovely focal point in your yard. As an added bonus, plants also absorb sound so you can enjoy enhanced privacy with limited interruptions.

3. Canopied Comfort

Define the parameters of your outdoor space with the addition of a Trex Pergola topped with retractable drapes or decorative shade panels. These architectural structures marry form with function to deliver style, shade and a sense of seclusion.

4. Serene Screening

Privacy screens are a classic and effective way to establish boundaries. Available in freestanding panels or wall systems, these screens come in a wide array of designs and colors and are easy additions to any deck, patio or outdoor area.

These creative solutions not only add a sense of intimacy but transform your outdoor space into a peaceful, private oasis. For more information and inspiration, visit TrexRainEscape.com.

(NewsUSA) - Over the past three years, 25 states have expanded school choice options, and families need accessible, straightforward information on how to access these choices. As we head into another school year, many parents are grappling with an important question: will my child be at the best school for them this fall?

Choosing the right school is monumental for families, and a very different process than it was a generation ago. With a range of options – including traditional public, public charter, public magnet, private, online, home, and nontraditional choices – parents have a lot to consider as they find the best fit for their child’s education.

A recent survey from our organization - the National School Choice Awareness Foundation - showed that 72% of parents looked into new school options for their children last year, yet 64% wanted more detailed information. Fifteen years of raising awareness about school choice options during National School Choice Week has inspired our team to create a new program called Navigate School Choice, which will serve as a hub for any family exploring any type of school.

Parents can navigate school choice at myschoolchoice.com, a new website with roadmaps to education policies in each state, tips about how to approach the school search process, and a customized school search tool. The goal is to make sure parents stay up to speed when things change in their state and are able to cast a wide net in considering schooling options for their children. With all tools available on-demand, year-round, parents can feel sure that they've fully considered all the options they have for their children and made an informed choice.

Imagine the relief of knowing you have explored all the options and found the right school for your child. It’s about more than just academics; it’s about finding a place where your child feels supported, understood, and able to grow.

Shelby Doyle is the vice president of public awareness at the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, which helps U.S. families explore their K-12 education options and choose a great school for their children.

(NewsUSA) - President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Hugh Jackman, Diane Keaton, Melanie Griffith, Richard Simmons and Caitlyn Jenner have all had nonmelanoma skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States. More than 3.3 million Americans are diagnosed with this disease every year, and most undergo Mohs surgery, which can be painful and disfiguring. Seattle-area resident Cheryl Cayford was happy to find an FDA-cleared device providing a nonsurgical cure.

“I’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer twice before and treated successfully with Mohs surgery, so I am certainly familiar with that procedure,” she says. “When my doctor subsequently told me a sore on my nose was malignant, thoughts of those surgeries with the accompanying discomfort and scarring came flooding back. There was a real bit of panic as well. Surgery on my nose with plastic surgery to follow seemed way more daunting than the previous surgeries on my shoulder and arm.”

But this time, her dermatologist told her there was a noninvasive option that delivers the same 99%-plus cure rate as Mohs surgery, with no pain, surgical scarring or need for reconstructive surgery. Cheryl chose that alternative, called image-guided SRT or the GentleCure Experience. It involves the use of low-level x-rays precisely targeted with the aid of high-resolution ultrasound imaging. Cheryl sat for a series of 15-minute treatment sessions in her dermatologist’s office over the course of six weeks. 

“I was in and out in minutes,” she says, “and during each visit my provider showed me ultrasound images of the cancer cells shrinking away. Today, I’m cancer-free with no visible signs of having had any medical procedure at all.”

For Cheryl, GentleCure had additional meaning. “I have two daughters and I think their noses are adorable,” Cheryl notes with a laugh. “Thanks to my dermatologist, mine still is as well.”

Jacob Scott, MD, president and chairman of Dermatology Association of Radiation Therapy, noted, “The sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays are a leading cause of nonmelanoma skin cancer, and the cellular damage is cumulative over time. That explains why we see more of this type of cancer in seniors. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, but there are other factors that put some of us at higher risk, such as having fair skin, red or blond hair, or green, blue or gray eyes. For those who fear surgery or who are, due to medical conditions, poor candidates for Mohs surgery, image-guided SRT can be a life-changing alternative.”

Image-guided SRT, the essence of the GentleCure Experience, is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. It is available in select dermatology practices around the country. Information about the treatment is available at www.gentlecure.com. 

(Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) - Due to a new law, more people qualify for more prescription drug savings with Medicare’s Extra Help program, so it could pay to apply even if you don’t think you qualify or if you were denied before. Many people qualify for Extra Help and don’t know it. 

You may be able to save money on your Part D prescription drug costs through Medicare’s Extra Help program, including $0 drug plan premiums, $0 deductibles, and lower out-of-pocket costs. With Medicare’s Extra Help, you’ll pay no more than $4.50 for generic drugs and $11.20 for brand-name drugs. The savings can really add up.

Apply for Extra Help if you have income below these limits:

• Individuals—Your yearly income is less than $22,590.
• Married and living with your spouse—Your yearly income is less than $30,660.

Apply through the Social Security Administration by visiting ssa.gov/extrahelp where you can complete and submit your application.

Need help applying? Access personalized health insurance counseling in your community at no cost, available from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Visit shiphelp.org or call 1-800-MEDICARE for locations near you.

Even if you don’t qualify for Extra Help now, you can reapply for Extra Help any time if your income and resources change.

To learn more about Medicare’s Extra Help program, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

(AI) continues to transform the United States and the world. To promote and inform rapid advancements in AI and maintain America’s global competitiveness, 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, announces the AI+ Summit Series.

The series kicks off with the topic of energy. The AI + Energy Summit, scheduled for September 26, 2024, in Washington, D.C., will bring together policy makers, energy industry leaders, top government and academic energy researchers, and technologists to address the challenges of AI’s energy consumption and develop solutions for a resilient and abundant energy future. The event also aims to address the implications of AI and energy for national security and promote partnerships between AI and energy stakeholders.

AI and other emerging technologies can help the United States take the lead in energy areas including maximizing energy efficiencies, discovering new materials, and enabling new forms of power generation. AI also has a role to play in overcoming energy challenges. The Department of Energy (DOE) already uses AI in several areas including advanced computing, emergency response, environmental modeling, climate forecasting, and materials research.

SCSP’s recent “Action Plan for U.S. Leadership in Next-Generation Energy,” raises many issues related to AI and energy, including recommendations for the government to bring America forward. The AI+ Energy Summit will highlight these and other issues, and promote collaboration to solve problems. The stakes are high; if the U.S. falls short on energy, American adversaries could gain the upper hand in AI leadership, according to SCSP experts.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more about the AI+Energy Summit and the SCSP’s Next-Generation Energy Action Plan.

(NewsUSA) - When you spend time outdoors, you feel better, physically and mentally, and a growing body of medical evidence supports the value of being in nature. For families in particular, outdoor time is a great way to build memories and share experiences.  

Time outdoors is scientifically linked to healthier brain function, reduced stress, increased physical activity, and overall improvements in well-being for individuals of all ages, according to multiple studies. Outdoor experiences can be especially valuable for military families, whose lives are often disrupted by deployments and frequent moves, according to Blue Star Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, supporting, and connecting military families in communities across the United States.  

Blue Star Families has partnered with funders such as REI, the Defense Health Agency and the National Park Service to create Blue Star Outdoors. 

The Blue Star Outdoors website features a park locator to help families find outdoor spaces near them, as well as calendars of local outdoor events, specific activities and adventures for families, and resources on the benefits of outdoor time. Those seeking to connect with other military families for outdoor adventures can use the website to join Outdoor Explorers for All club, which organizes events for military families at parks such as fishing clinics, park and waterway stewardship activities, and nature observation hikes.  

Blue Star Families first started to engage active duty military service members and their families in park- and nature-based programs in 2019 through “Blue Star Parks.” In 2021-22, the program was rebranded to Blue Star Outdoors to be more inclusive of all outdoor spaces that offer respite and community for military families. Blue Star Families partnered with the National Park Service and corporate and foundation partners to deliver fishing and other outdoor recreation programs at park sites.

Today, Blue Star Outdoors consists of two programming types: Blue Star Connect Outdoors and Outdoor Explorers for All (OEA). Both programs build community to address social isolation, a root cause of mental and physical health challenges.

As a result of the work with the military family community and the strong outcomes, in 2023, DHA and NPS selected Blue Star Families as the Prime Awardee for a $4.475 million appropriation to implement outdoor programming and subgrant to Wilderness Inquiry (WI), YMCA of the USA, and Texas A&M University’s Center for Health & Nature.

Ford Motor Company recently teamed up with Blue Star Families' Do Your Part initiative to host the first-ever "Proud to Honor: Bronco Off-Roadeo" experience. It was a powerful display of support for military families, Veterans, and survivors. The event was held at Horseshoe Bay, Texas, in June and brought 150 participants together for an exhilarating off-roading adventure.

Representatives from esteemed organizations such as Guitars 4 Vets, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Travis Manion Foundation, Team Rubicon, and Ford's Veteran Employee Resource Group were in attendance. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also provided valuable support and resources on-site. Beyond a fun day, this partnership underscores a shared commitment to community building and camaraderie in the great outdoors.

Visit bluestarfam.org for more information about community building and support for military families. 

(NewsUSA) - Sharing meals together as a family, however family is defined, is a recipe for success. Over the years, thousands of studies have shown the positive impact of family meals on physical health, mental health, and overall connectedness among those seated around the table. Not only are participants more bonded, but research shows most agree sitting at a meal together tends to keep conversations more civil. Family meals are believed to create a safe environment for discussing thornier societal issues and for having and teaching respectful interactions.

Despite the overwhelming research supporting the positive benefits of family meals, differing schedules of family and friends along with the time required to prepare meals are reported as barriers to enjoying them more often. Following are some quick and delicious meal ideas that can be served up in minutes to accommodate even the most challenging schedules:

Leftover Buffet: Leftovers (or “plan-overs”) are the ultimate timesavers. Create a buffet of nourishment by mixing and matching all your leftovers. Add a side salad to round out the family meal.

Snack Tray Buffet: For a quick dinner with your family of friends or the traditional family unit, what could be easier than assembling some favorite snacks? Put enough of them together and you have a full meal! Imagine the fun of a snack tray buffet. Fill it with a variety of nutritious bits like baby carrots, hummus, cheese, whole grain crackers, fresh fruit, and lean proteins. Perfect for a casual, wholesome meal that everyone will enjoy.

Which Sandwich: In 1762, the 4^th Earl of Sandwich invented the meal that changed dining forever.  Convenient and customizable, make-your-own sandwich options are crowd pleasers for breakfast, lunch OR dinner! Use whole grain bread, lean proteins such as turkey and chicken, and plenty of fresh veggie toppings.

Get your Freeze On: When it comes to convenience, the freezer is your friend.  Grab a nutritious frozen entree for a quick family meal. Pair it with a side salad or steamed veggies for a balanced dinner.

Breakfast for Dinner: Why not end the day with some traditional and easy morning favorites? Pair pancakes topped with fresh fruit like berries, nuts such as chopped pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup, or whip up some eggs and serve with fresh melon and whole grain toast.

Raise the Bar: “Bar food” just got better – nacho bar, breakfast bar, baked potato bar, burrito bar, panini bar, pasta bar or taco bar – they all offer make-your-own dinner options with something for everyone.

Family meals don’t have to be fancy meals. Keep it simple and gather around the table today to glean the benefits!

(NewsUSA) - Map of My Escape by Cheryl L. Reed

The shooting of a homicide detective is captured on film by a mysterious figure from a second-floor window, implicating Riley Keane, an anti-gun activist and a school shooting survivor. Riley flees Chicago for a frozen island in Lake Superior. A race to find her ensues between her secret lover—Chicago politician Finn O’Farrell—a corrupt police lieutenant, and the mysterious cameraman who extorts Riley’s family and Finn. Finn’s involvement threatens his political career.

On the island, when Riley witnesses both an islander’s murder and another death in a suspicious boating accident, the local sheriff’s questions start unraveling her true identity. Meanwhile, Finn faces media pressure to reveal his mysterious role in that long-ago school shooting. If the facts come out, Finn may go to prison and also forever sever his relationship with Riley. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3QiY0Db.

Army Brat by Laura Gutman

The lives of Army children have been scarcely described until now, filling a major gap in history.

The author lived deeply embedded in the Army from the country’s earliest entry into World War II through the Vietnam era. From her birth at West Point’s hospital, to her cobbled-together education, and witnessing her father’s many military honors, Laura’s childhood was one of intense awareness of the danger her father faced and the courage her mother displayed.

Chronicling the experiences of a strong military family as they witness and participate in the unfolding of history in a dangerous and challenging world, Army Brat identifies consequential insights into the critical importance of a strong religious foundation; an educational system dedicated to core concepts of nation and loyalty; and leadership that prioritizes sovereignty, national defense, and military support. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3VKCYzc.

Lucianity by John Byer

Lucianity reports the results of a criminal investigation into a 2000-year-old “Cold Case” where it is revealed that Lucius, the Bishop of Cyrene and keeper of early church records, forged and/or corrupted about 75 percent of the New Testament, which includes the four gospels; Revelation; Acts, and at least 16 of the Epistles.

Lucius fabricated his scripture under each of the deceased Apostle’s names, except for the gospel of Luke and Acts, since Lucius was Luke. As such, the detective identifies only the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ as true, and almost everything else as the fiction of Lucius: e.g. the physical ascension and Rapture. Lucius even used books by Flavius Josephus and ancient Egyptians to write scripture for Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21 and Revelation wherein he attributes false dialog to Jesus. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4aD0R0O.

Childless Mother by Tracy Mayo

1970, pre-Choice America. After their eighth move in her 13 short years, the lonely only child of a high-ranking naval officer and a socially ambitious mother, Tracy Mayo longed for a normal adolescence -- to have friends, to feel rooted. What she got was a pregnancy at 14 and exile to a maternity home. There, she bore not only a child but also the weight of the culture's shame. She was required to surrender her baby boy at birth and pretend it never happened.

Twenty-two years later, Tracy set out to find him -- and perhaps, through her search, to reclaim herself. Are we moving back to a world where women have no agency, stripped of control of their bodies and their futures? More than 50 years after one frightened, grief-stricken young mother was ordered to forget, Tracy's story is even more important to remember.  Purchase at https://bit.ly/4e6YdUf.

Debido a una nueva ley, más personas califican para ahorrar más en medicamentos recetados con el programa Ayuda Adicional de Medicare, por lo que podría valer la pena solicitarlo incluso si cree que no califica o si se le negó antes. Muchas personas califican para Ayuda Adicional y no lo saben.

Usted podría ahorrar dinero en los costos de sus medicamentos recetados de la Parte D a través del programa Ayuda Adicional de Medicare, que incluye primas del plan de medicamentos de $0, deducibles de $0 y costos de bolsillo más bajos. Con la Ayuda Adicional de Medicare, no pagará más de $4.50 por medicamentos genéricos y $11.20 por medicamentos de marca. Los ahorros realmente pueden sumar.

Solicite el programa de Ayuda Adicional si sus ingresos están por debajo de estos límites:

• Individuos: Sus ingresos anuales son menores de $22,590.
• Está casado y vive con su cónyuge: Sus ingresos anuales son menores de $30,660.

Solicite a través de la Administración del Seguro Social (Social Security Administration) visitando ssa.gov/extrahelp donde puede completar y enviar su solicitud.

¿Necesita ayuda para presentar su solicitud? Acceda a un asesoramiento personalizado sobre seguro médico en su comunidad sin costo, disponible a través de su Programa Estatal de Asistencia sobre Seguros de Salud (State Health Insurance Assistance Program, SHIP). Visite shiphelp.org o llame al 1-800-MEDICARE para conocer las ubicaciones más cercanas a usted.

Incluso si no califica para la Ayuda Adicional ahora, puede volver a solicitarla en cualquier momento si cambian sus ingresos y recursos.

Para obtener más información sobre el programa Ayuda Adicional de Medicare, visite es.Medicare.gov o llame al 1-800-MEDICARE.

Información proporcionada por el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los EE. UU.

(U. S. Department of Health and Human Services).

Due to a new law, more people qualify for more prescription drug savings with Medicare’s Extra Help program, so it could pay to apply even if you don’t think you qualify or if you were denied before. Many people qualify for Extra Help and don’t know it. 

You may be able to save money on your Part D prescription drug costs through Medicare’s Extra Help program, including $0 drug plan premiums, $0 deductibles, and lower out-of-pocket costs. With Medicare’s Extra Help, you’ll pay no more than $4.50 for generic drugs and $11.20 for brand-name drugs. The savings can really add up.

Apply for Extra Help if you have income below these limits:

• Individuals—Your yearly income is less than $22,590.
• Married and living with your spouse—Your yearly income is less than $30,660.

Apply through the Social Security Administration by visiting ssa.gov/extrahelp where you can complete and submit your application.

Need help applying? Access personalized health insurance counseling in your community at no cost, available from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Visit shiphelp.org or call 1-800-MEDICARE for locations near you.

Even if you don’t qualify for Extra Help now, you can reapply for Extra Help any time if your income and resources change.

To learn more about Medicare’s Extra Help program, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.