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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit shadesolutions.com for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To learn more, visit www.SOSKidsHydration.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(NewsUSA)

"Puzzle Pieces"
by Laurine Adams

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

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

"Breathe Deep & Swim"
by Jenna Marcus

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

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

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

"Lemons in the Garden of Love"
by Ames Sheldon

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

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

"Death on the Railway"
by Manuel Rose

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

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

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

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

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

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

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

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

(NewsUSA) - Toys for Tots is the nation's flagship children's Christmastime charity, but the Program extends to helping children and families in need year-round. As children gear up for the new school year, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program continues its successful Back to School Books campaign in the hopes of doubling their literacy efforts. Last year, the Program distributed 1.8 million books and this year the Program hopes to distribute over 4 million books.

A key objective of the Marine Toys for Tots Program is to play an active role in the development of children by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program, launched in 2008 in partnership with The UPS Store, is one way to meet this goal. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program provides economically disadvantaged children with the books and educational resources that can help them build the confidence and self-esteem that will help them compete academically and succeed in life.

Data show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school, and that the ratio of books per child in some low-income neighborhoods is 1 age-appropriate book for every 300 children.

"This program not only brings the joy of reading to these children, but also serves as an important tool in breaking the cycle of poverty," says Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

Since 2008, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program has provided an average of 2 million books to children, schools, and libraries each year. This year, Toys for Tots is teaming up with organizations such as Rise Augusta and Kids in Need Foundation for opportunities to distribute books to children in need year-round.

Please visit our donation page to support our Back to School Books campaign. https://www.toysfortots.org/backtoschool/Default.aspx. Be sure to follow "Gunny Bear" on the Toys for Tots Facebook and Instagram sites, where the Toys for Tots spokesbear shares more examples of the impact your support makes. Hope is just a book away!

(NewsUSA)

"Faults"
by Orion Gregory

In this riveting murder mystery, as a struggling 24-year-old tennis professional, Sydney Livingstone has never had a game to die for. But all that is set to change during a tournament that serves as a precursor for the prestigious U.S. Open. Someone from her past with a secret vendetta is trying to kill her before she can make a name for herself in the world of tennis.

A bold threat scrawled on her car, followed by a mysterious delivery from a stranger, sets the stage for a wild ride of revenge and murder that will leave you wondering if you can truly trust those around you. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3eZMr1r.

"Holland Park"
by Theresa Jackson

'No...no she was improving when the ambulance arrived. She can't be dead. She just can't!' he sobs while Max looks on with tears in his eyes.

An American girl Morgan has a cardiac arrest while on a family holiday in London with her brother Max and their parents. She is rushed to the nearest hospital but dies suspiciously during the operation. The family demands a full investigation, but nothing takes place.

Ten years later Max completes his final year as a medical student in the U.S.A. and accepts an offer to participate in a residency program in London, where he becomes deeply suspicious of the medical practices of a particular surgeon, who may have operated on his sister. Purchase at https://amzn.to/35XcReB.

"Dreamworms"
by Isaac Petrov

A post-apocalyptic first contact epic -- no-bull sci-fi at its best. The story of a badass woman who meets an alien in her dreams. The story of a world-shaking religious revolution.

December 2399. Civilization has long collapsed -- the legacy of an inescapable disease. Only a religious group has adapted to lifespans of mere 27 years. A happy society, oblivious to its own fragility.

A step away from extinction. Welcome to the history seminar of Professor Miyagi of the University of Lunteren-Deviss. Using the latest 26th century dream sensorial technology, you and your fellow students are about to dive deep into the momentous events when doom was playing dice with humanity. And winning. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2SB19U0.

"Serpent Rising - The Sage of Venom and Flame"
by Victor Acquista

Serena Mendez is an unemployed, pill-popping 21-year-old suffering from nightmares and PTSD. In an effort to confront the root of her childhood trauma, she travels back to the Navajo reservation where it all started.

Accompanied by her geeky friend Bryson, they discover unexplained mysteries pointing to an ancient conflict between the Illuminati and a Luminarian sect with origins to Atlantis -- and she appears to be at the center. With more questions than answers and only a handful of clues, pursued by an unseen foe, Serena embarks on a mystical journey across six continents to learn more.

Winner 2021 International Book Awards Best New Age Fiction. Purchase at https://amzn.to/36rtsaH.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - The past year-and-a-half has brought unprecedented levels of stress to everyone, but parents in particular shouldered an extra load, as children's schedules (and emotions) were turned upside down. In fact, Gallup's 2021 Emotions Report shows that women with young children at home were hit the hardest in terms of pandemic stress and worry.

As the pace of daily life begins to pick up with the back-to-school season, it's more important than ever for busy parents to find a few minutes of 'me' time to decompress every day. Yet, finding the time can be a struggle.

That's exactly why the mental wellness app, Breethe, meets parents (and anyone needing stress relief) where they're at, ensuring that self-care becomes a reality and not just a hopeful wish. Breethe's personalized approach -- which easily integrates self-care into your day instead of just adding another item to the to-do list -- delivers customized, relatable stress relief right to your phone.

"Breethe is personalized for you and your needs. When it comes to wellness and self-care, there is no one-size-fits-all approach," says Breethe co-founder Lynne Goldberg. "The more we can meet someone where they're at in their day and life, the more lives we can change for the better."

Can't sleep? Feeling anxious? The app is designed to figure out why and gets to know its users through a series of quick and easy questions rooted in behavioral science. Then, based on this interaction, it provides personalized recommendations -- including meditation, hypnotherapy sessions, and helpful talks.

Additionally, with the "Customize My Day" tab, Breethe helps users sneak in a few minutes of self-care as they go about their day. Choose from a selection of activities, such as starting the day, doing chores, working out, or falling asleep. By setting the times when you typically do the activities, the app recommends what support would serve you best at that specific time.

Finally, Breethe is all about real help for your life -- it offers relatable tools for (very!) specific everyday situations, such as "Tax Season -- Adulting Is Hard," "My Boss is a Jerk," "My Family Drives Me Nuts," making the app even more accessible, timely and friendly.

This approach differentiates Breethe from other wellness apps because users need not sift through content libraries in search of the right tools. Instead, Breethe provides a personalized experience that delivers the most appropriate content to users on demand, making it the perfect choice for parents (and anyone else) at home and on the go. As the Breethe team explains, "it's like having a best friend and life coach in your pocket."

Visit breethe.com for more information, or follow along at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breetheapp (handle: @breetheapp) and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breetheapp (handle: @breetheapp).