(NewsUSA) - Witnessing a cardiac arrest can be frightening, but don't be afraid to take action -- two simple steps can save a life.

Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital or emergency department, according to the American Heart Association. When someone experiences cardiac arrest, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can make the difference between life and death. In fact, immediate CPR can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival.

Many people still think that effective CPR involves mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as well as chest compressions, and they may be hesitant to perform it, but that is not the case.

Hands-Only CPR has been shown to be as effective as the conventional CPR for cardiac arrests in the home, office, or in public places in the first few minutes until more advanced help arrives.

"By equipping people with Hands-Only CPR training, they learn how easy the technique is and there is a comfort level that will help them overcome concerns that cause hesitation to act in an emergency," say Raina Merchant, Chair, American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

Hands-only CPR includes just two simple steps.

- First, call 911.

- Second, push hard and fast in the center of the chest of the individual having a cardiac arrest. How hard to push? At least 2 inches. How fast? That's easy. Use the beat of a familiar song that has 100 to 120 beats per minute. For example, the classic disco hit, "Stayin' Alive" can help you stay on pace, but anything with a similar tempo will do.

To help promote the lifesaving value of Hands-Only CPR, the American Heart Association has partnered with the Anthem Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Anthem, Inc., in a public service campaign, "The Power is in Your Hands," to encourage everyone to learn Hands-Only CPR.

"Approximately 70 percent of cardiac arrests happen at home, and CPR can double or even triple chances of survival if performed immediately," said Shantanu Agrawal, M.D., Chief Health Officer at Anthem, Inc. "Together with the American Heart Association, the Anthem Foundation remains focused on working to increase the number of people who learn Hands-Only CPR. By providing greater access to training we can help increase the number of people who are prepared to respond in case of an emergency and for some, that could mean saving the life of someone they love."

The American Heart Association offers a 90-second livestream instructional video demonstration of Hands-Only CPR, as well as a new CPR first-aid app that anyone can download onto a phone.

Visit heart.org/handsonlycpr for more information.

(NewsUSA) -Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) has been advocating for accessibility for Veterans and all people with disabilities for decades, and now, as part of their 75th anniversary, they're asking for the public's help with a common problem.

In a recent survey of 4,000 Americans with disabilities, 95% said that accessible parking was key to their independence, and 85% said they had trouble finding accessible parking in their communities. More than half (52%) reported having to turn back from an errand or appointment because they were unable to find an open handicapped accessible parking space. Some of the biggest problems were spots taken by people who don't really need them, but make an excuse, and the misuse or borrowing of handicapped placards.

PVA was founded by injured Veterans who returned home from World War II but found barriers to independent living that prevented them from finding jobs or using public transportation. Since then, the organization has worked to create a more accessible America. Sadly, for many with disabilities, daily struggles still exist, particularly when it comes to accessible parking.

"People with disabilities deserve better," says David Zurfluh, U.S. Air Force Veteran and PVA national president. PVA has just launched the Honor the Spot campaign to encourage all Americans to be part of the solution.

"It is about educating the public, who may not realize the impact that misusing these spaces, even for a minute, can have on people with disabilities. We want all Americans to join PVA in protecting the freedom and independence of people with disabilities, who may not be able to shop or go to an appointment if the accessible parking is blocked or misused," says Zurfluh.

Issues with handicapped parking are one of PVA members' biggest complaints, and millions of Americans with mobility disabilities are also affected.

To be part of the solution, the PVA suggests people take these steps:

• Don't park in a handicapped spot for any reason, no matter the excuse.
• Don't share or borrow handicap placards.
• Post using #HonorTheSpot to encourage others.

To learn more and pledge to be part of the solution, visit pva.org/HonorTheSpot.

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How One Company Is Doing Right For the Planet

(NewsUSA)

Not that long ago, "sustainability" in the business world was defined as being able to stay afloat even in trying economic times. But these days, when Greta Thunberg may be the most famous Swede since Ingrid Bergman, it's taken on a whole different meaning - what the Harvard Business School describes as efforts to "positively impact the environment and/or society."

Of course, some businesses, like Whirlpool Corporation, have been ahead of the game, and are now setting even higher new targets to tackle climate change.

"We established our first office for sustainability over 50 years ago," said Marc Bitzer, the company's chairman and CEO.

1. Achieving Net-Zero Carbon Emissions in Plants and Operations By 2030

That's the updated commitment to environmental sustainability that the world's leading kitchen and laundry appliance company just announced this month.

To get there, the company has been installing even more wind turbines and solar panels to help power its sites and distribution centers with renewable energy. (It's already one of the Fortune 500's largest U.S. on-site users of wind energy.)

And it's improving efficiency across more than 30 of its manufacturing sites and distribution centers around the world though retrofits.

2. Greening Homes Through VPPAs

That's Virtual Power Purchase Agreements for the uninitiated. Or in other words, agreements signed with energy companies to help fund wind and solar farms to generate renewable energy for the grid.

Whirlpool Corporation's first VPPA project broke ground in Texas in early January. It promises to be the first of many such projects helping to cleanly power not just its own sites but also local homes.

That's right, ordinary people's homes.

3.Innovative Household Products

It shouldn't surprise anyone that U.S. News & World Report named four innovative Whirlpool brand products among the best refrigerators, dryers and washing machines of 2021. Yes, they look great. But they're also designed to be extremely energy and water efficient.

In fact, Whirlpool Corporation has already reduced the emissions linked to its products in use by 60 percent since 2005 and has committed to lowering them by an additional 20 percent by 2030 from a 2016 baseline.

One fun fact for you: Dishwashers save three to four times the water compared to hand washing your dishes. And, hey, they save you about 30 minutes each time too.

4.Helping Even You Reduce Waste Material

Not content that more than 70 percent of its manufacturing sites are already zero waste to landfill, the company aims to make that 100 percent by 2022.

Plus, to tackle other environmental challenges like plastic pollution, it's ramping up the use of recycled or reused materials in its appliances. And guess what? Those high-performance recycled plastics Whirlpool Corporation started to employ in its products means it's making use of you own waste.

(NewsUSA)

 "November 400CP Is Missing"
by Anderson Harp

The PT Chevron Pacific Gulfstream banks toward the north after lifting off from the international airport at Kuala Lumpur. The oil-exploration team has reason to celebrate: The new oil field outside of Minas will be the biggest reserve in the history of Indonesia. But suddenly the jet drops abruptly, then turns sharply west on a path similar to that of a well-known commercial airliner from the recent past, descends through radar coverage . . . and disappears.

 Marine lieutenant colonel and D.A. Will Parker hears from the wife of a former Marine buddy. Her husband is gone. The FBI and CIA are of little help, but it's an assignment Will can't refuse. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3tBRYj5.

 "Held in Slumber"
by Angela Parish

Will rest find you tonight? Gary, a high school art teacher, suffers from insomnia. For ten years he's been keeping the struggle alive for his missing sister Kelly, who disappeared without a trace. With the help of an experimental pill, he finds a dangerous connection between the living and dead -- caught in the clutches of his drug-induced dreams and corrupting him with visions of what really happened. Will the clues be enough?

Meanwhile, an FBI agent follows the tracks of a serial killer, and the closer he gets, the more intense Gary's dreams become. What he uncovers about Kelly disappearance and the person responsible for it is more than anyone could have imagined. Purchase at https://bit.ly/2Ppn2Uw.

"Three Groundbreaking Jewish Feminists"
by Sharon Leder

Three groundbreaking secular Jews -- women's historian Gerda Lerner, feminist Surrealist artist Susana Wald, and global ambassador Ruth W. Messinger -- respond with Jewish universal values to conflicts worldwide, from the Nazi Holocaust to 21st century genocides. Their lives raise the question: Is simultaneous commitment possible both to Jewish continuity and to helping non-Jewish strangers in need? Their lives illustrate how Jewish particularism exists to teach universalism.

For Jews and non-Jews, this book illuminates how universal values drive three women to become public about Jewish identity because they view the purpose of Jewish life to be alleviating inequity and suffering of all people. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3lYj4OU.

"The X Factor of Employee Engagement"
by Demi Gray

Demi Gray has dedicated much of her career to studying what makes employees tick and motivates them to optimum performance. This book takes readers through six key principles that serve as a frame of reference for attaining employee motivation: leadership influence, management support, applicable resources, flexibility and autonomy, recognition and proper compensation. The book is written for leaders who care about healthy workplace cultures, collaborative work environments, and committed team members."

 Says one reader, "The author is raising lots of valid points and important views on employee engagement and why it's beneficial in the workplace. I look forward to using this book as a team-building tool." Purchase at https://amzn.to/39dSsnU.

NOTE: BookTrib's Bites is presented by BookTrib.com 

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"Lost in Paris"
by Elizabeth Thompson

When a deed to an apartment in Paris turns up in an old attic trunk, an estranged mother and daughter must reunite to uncover the secret life of a family matriarch -- perfect for fans of "The Little Paris Bookshop" and "The Beekeeper's Daughter."

A heartwarming and charming saga set in the City of Lights, "Lost in Paris" is an unforgettable celebration of family and the love between a mother and a daughter. New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins calls it "a luscious, layered story of inheritance, heartbreak, reinvention, and family. I adored this book." Purchase at https://amzn.to/3pQXOuH.

"The Lockhart Women"
by Mary Camarillo

Brenda Lockhart's family has been living well beyond their means for too long when Brenda's husband leaves them and the family's economic situation declines. Daughter Peggy thinks she's heading to college, until her father offers her a job sorting mail while she attends community college instead. Daughter Allison can't believe her luck that California golden boy Kevin has fallen in love with her.

Meanwhile, the chatter about the O.J. Simpson murder case is always on, a media frenzy that underscores domestic violence against women and race and class divisions. Brenda thinks O.J. has been framed. Both daughters are more interested in their own lives -- until Peggy notices bruises Allison can't explain. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2MA3DPd.

"A House with Holes"
by Denise Mast Broadwater

With their marriage on the line, this risky rehab could cost more than savings. Can a devoted pair rebuild their dream out of a nightmare?

Denise Broadwater thought she lived on strong foundations. But when she and her husband took on an ambitious remodeling of a Charleston, S.C., classic in a crime-ridden neighborhood, the cracks in her resolve started to show. And after a brick shattered their front window, she feared they'd bitten off more than they could chew.

In this powerful warts-and-all memoir, Broadwater lays bare the tests and triumphs of restoration and close living. With insightful marital wisdom, she'll lead you through an unforgettable tale of reinvention. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3chbR7X.

"Pace's Post: Ramblings of Wisdom from a Middle-Aged Doc"
by Victor M. Pace, MD

Written by a family medicine physician with 29 years of medical experiences and 55 years of life experiences, this book is a compilation of values, ideas, and journeys.

The chapters are independent of each other and are intended to be enjoyed by all adolescent and adult readers. Topics include: traveling, hobbies, activities, family time, philosophical ideals, and much more. Some of the chapter titles are: "Risk Taking," "Technology Then & Now," "Why Everyone Should Visit My Hometown," "The Love Of Pets," "My Journey Through Racism," and "The Value Of Journaling." It's all here wrapped up in one book. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3rOa3ZN.

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