(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).

(NewsUSA) - Although most Americans recognize the benefits of spending time outdoors, 57 percent say that they don’t spend as much time in nature as they need and want, according to research from RVshare, the largest online community for RV owners and renters in the United States.

Following these insights, RVshare embarked on a second extensive research campaign to identify where Americans are participating in outdoor recreation and where they are not. In partnership with Cairn Consulting Group, RVshare developed a ranking of the “10 Most (and Least)  Outdoor-Friendly Cities” in the United States. The rankings were based on a range of factors including the behavior or residents in each city, access to outdoor recreation, and how each city is perceived in terms of outdoor spaces and activities by residents and visitors.

Based on their findings, Seattle, Washington, got the nod as the top Outdoor-Friendly City in the United States. Rounding out the top ten were Denver, Colorado; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Miami, Florida; Portland, Oregon; Nashville, Tennessee; San Francisco, California; Richmond, Virginia; Los Angeles, California, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

With a central mission to get people outdoors and exploring the unbridled freedom of an RV trip, RVshare is highlighting these rankings to flip the script and prove that despite preconceived notions, it’s possible to get outside and explore the great outdoors from just about anywhere. The full report reveals the fully ranked list, and RVshare has gone the extra mile to encourage city-dwellers to get outdoors by providing RV rental options available in all of the markets.

For city-dwellers seeking more outdoor time, an RV trip could be the perfect solution. RVshare wants to help and encourage residents of all cities to experience more outdoor recreation, and wants to make it easy to explore all of the outdoor options that are available, regardless of their destination.

Please visit https://pages.rvshare.com/outdoor-friendly-cities/ for the full report. To book your RVshare rental today and to learn more about RVshare, please visit rvshare.com. 

(NewsUSA) - The average military family moves three times as often as their civilian peers, and most of these permanent change of station (PCS) moves occur during the summer, according to Blue Star Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, supporting, and connecting military families in communities around the world.

Many military families live in their local civilian communities. However, military families whose lives are often disrupted by deployments and frequent moves often struggle to feel part of these communities, according to Blue Star Families’ 2023 Military Family Lifestyle Survey. Blue Star Welcome Week is a new American tradition spearheaded by Blue Star Families to create a greater sense of belonging and community for everyone.

Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families, says, “It’s time for a new tradition where we make military families feel valued and included. Welcome Week connects military families with their civilian neighbors. Whether it’s a simple message or a community event, every gesture builds a stronger, more inclusive community. This is how we honor their sacrifices and show our gratitude.”

Blue Star Welcome Week happens every year during the last week of September – this year’s event is scheduled for September 21-29, 2024.

As we gear up for Welcome Week, here are four ways you can ‘do your part’. And, you can check out more inspirational ideas here!

• Host a Blue Star Family Welcome Week Block Party. Welcome the newest military families to your neighborhood by hosting a festive gathering where military and civilian families can connect and make memories. If hosting solo feels overwhelming, team up with a local organization or form a block party host group. With events happening around the world, your volunteer efforts help bridge the gap between military and civilian communities. Let's make a difference together!
   
• Every Little Bit Helps. Support military families in your neighborhood through small thoughtful actions. Make a meal, bring up trash cans, help find a babysitter (or babysit), cut their grass, or invite them to your next holiday gathering. These simple gestures can make a significant impact in helping our military families feel connected to their community.
   
• Educate Yourself on Their Unique Challenges. Military families face unique challenges that impact their daily lives. The 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey (MFLS) by Blue Star Families highlights key issues like financial strain, underemployment of spouses, mental health concerns, and feeling disconnected from their communities. These quality-of-life concerns have led to fewer service members recommending military service, threatening the future of our All-Volunteer Force. By understanding these challenges, you can better support and advocate for military families in your neighborhood!
   
• Support Companies That Hire Military Spouses. For decades, military spouses have endured an unemployment rate of 20% or higher, three to four times higher than their civilian counterparts – this remains the top concern for active-duty spouse respondents for the sixth consecutive year. The 4+1 Commitment is a way for employers to voluntarily commit to improving military spouse employment outcomes – extend your support by patronizing those who have made this commitment, like Starbucks, T-Mobile, PenFed Credit Union, USAA, Nextdoor, Navy Federal Credit Union, Comcast NBCUniversal, Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe’s, Johnson & Johnson, and Humana.

Blue Star Welcome Week is more than just a series of events – it's a movement to build stronger, more inclusive communities for our military families. By participating, you play a vital role in making every military family feel valued and supported and help lay the foundation for a new tradition.

Join us from September 21-29, 2024, and make a difference in the lives of those who serve our nation.

(NewsUSA) - It's that time of year again! The time between summer and fall when some people start thinking about leaves and football, while others aren’t quite ready to trade in their flip-flops for flannel.

Join us in raising a glass to "sum-all" season! It's the perfect time to enjoy the best of both worlds, blending the warmth of summer with the crispness of fall. Whether you’re clinging to those last beach days or eagerly anticipating cozy evenings by the fire, this season lets you do it all. So, grab your drink of choice, fire up the grill, and make the most of this special time of year.

Check out this sampling of sum-all favorites made at the Genesee Brewery in Upstate New York and available at select retailers across the U.S.  

-Black Cherry flavor provides bridge to fall. Genesee Black Cherry Vanilla Kellerbier continues the Genesee tradition of releasing seasonal beers on the cusp between seasons. The Black Cherry Vanilla Kellerbier combines the tart sweetness of black cherry with a hint of smooth vanilla that is refreshing on a warm summer day and also a perfect complement to a brisk fall game day afternoon.

-Light beer wins through late summer. Labatt Blue Light Grapefruit, a summer seasonal beer, is perfectly suited to shift into fall and enjoy on the golf course.

-Green and citrusy “sum-all” to a T. Nothing says summer like iced tea, but the right tea flavors span the seasons. Lipton Hard Iced Tea Citrus Green Tea works on the patio by the pool, or at an early fall outdoor concert or sporting event.

-Kick off the fall with pure refreshment. Made with real cane sugar and fruit juice, Seagram's Escapes Refreshers are available in fruit flavor combinations including Strawberry Acai, Pineapple Cherry, Mango Orange and Kiwi Lime. Refreshers are a perfect ready to enjoy option for any social gathering.  

Visit Fifcousa.com and Genesee Brewery (geneseebeer.com) for more information on these and other “sum-all” drinks made at the brewery. Also, be sure to share your sum-all moments with #GennySumAll and be part of the “sum-all” celebration.