(NewsUSA) - Summer vacations with the family are the stuff of lifetime memories, funny stories, and learning experiences. A family trip in a recreational vehicle (RV) can be the ultimate adventure, with opportunities for the whole family to participate and bond.

The great news is that you don’t have to commit to RV ownership to enjoy the one-of-kind vacation that an RV trip delivers.

RVshare is the largest online community for RV owners and renters in the United States, and includes more than 100,000 vehicles ranging from luxury motorhomes to cozy camper vans.

Why an RV Trip is the Perfect Family Getaway

1. You can take the long way: There’s no rushing through airports or desperate searches for a bathroom; everything you need is on board! Anyone who has traveled with a potty training toddler knows what we’re talking about here. You can leisurely enjoy the ride to your destination and make some fun stops along the way.
2. Opportunities to save money: Bringing the whole family out for meals on vacation can eat up your budget real quick. Many RVs are equipped with full kitchens, including refrigerators, microwaves, stoves and ovens, making meal prep a breeze!
3. It’s a great way to get your family to unplug: After a long day of exploring outside, roasting marshmallows around the campfire and playing a riveting game of Go Fish at the dinette table, no one is going to be thinking about switching on the TV when they face plant into bed.
4. It’s fun for all ages: There is an RV to accommodate every sized family -- and every age -- both young kids that will be tossing a coin for the top bunk and teenagers who need their own space will be happy. Whether your kids prefer hiking, wildlife viewing or just reading in the sunshine, there’s something for everyone on an RV trip.
5. You can bring the family pet along: Don’t leave your furry, feathered, or scaled friends at home - many RV owners have the option to bring a pet! Not only will they not have to miss you while you’re gone, you can save the money of a pet sitter. Just remember to pack all their essentials and make sure they are up-to-date on medications and vaccinations! 
6. Time in nature: RVing is the perfect way to enjoy time outside with all the comforts of home in tow. Even the most outdoors-averse will find some joy in breathing in the fresh air around them knowing they have a comfy bed to retreat to at the end of the day.
7. They are a great way to explore the country: Whether you’ve had a national park on your must-see list for ages or prefer to stay close at a nearby state park or campground, an RV trip is a great option. You’ll get to enjoy all the fun amenities and breathtaking views with your own home on wheels in tow.

If  your RV travel dreams involve a cross-country tour of national parks or just a weekend of camping under the stars, RVshare has your wheels. RVshare connects you to RV owners in your local area or at your destination, and you can easily use RVshare.com to browse thousands of models for any style of adventure or number of travelers.

Another plus? More than 60% of the vehicles on RVshare offer delivery, which is an ideal option if you are flying to a destination before driving the RV, or for those who prefer not to drive the RV, but to have it stationed in place and ready for them on arrival at their destination. RVshare also offers roadside assistance, 24/7 customer service, and insurance to protect your trip and payment.

According to RVshare’s 2024 Travel Trend Report, 87% of respondents are planning to travel at least as much in 2024 as they did in 2023, and 57% said they are planning a road trip or a vacation in an RV. So don’t miss out and join them! Summer is the busiest season for RV travel, so start planning your trip now to get the best rental options. Happy camping!

Visit RVshare.com to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Dianne Mattiace shows that managing diabetes shouldn’t get in the way of enjoying your retirement, thanks in part to a game changing new technology

After a busy career in healthcare, Dianne has finally retired with her husband in Alabama. However, she has no intention of slowing down. Dianne is looking to live life to its fullest, whether that’s serving on the Board of a local charity, spending time with her grandchildren or swimming in the lake by her house in summer.

Now in her early seventies, Dianne was first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes over 30 years ago and spent many years adjusting to the stress of managing her diabetes. At times she felt like she had lost control of her diabetes and her life.

On one occasion, while her husband was traveling for work, Dianne was hospitalized in Florida on the edge of diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening complication. “It was quite scary for me and my family. Thankfully I was treated successfully, but adapting to life with diabetes was proving very difficult for me. It was taking a significant toll on my physical and mental health”, Dianne reflects.  

It was during one of these tough periods where Dianne’s endocrinologist suggested that she try something completely new. Like many people living with diabetes, Dianne was using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), but found traditional models to be uncomfortable, cumbersome and restrictive. Ultimately, they had presented challenges for her active life. That’s when Dianne became the first ever person to be prescribed an Eversense CGM in 2018.

Dianne had never heard of Eversense, until her endocrinologist introduced it as a unique CGM option that could perfectly suit her lifestyle. Currently on her 24^th Eversense system, she has never looked back.  

Eversense is the world’s first and only fully implantable and long-term CGM. The latest version, Eversense E3 lasts an astonishing 180 days, compared to just 7-14 days for other available CGMs. “It’s such a relief not to worry about constantly replacing sensors, booking doctor’s appointments and carrying endless supplies,” Dianne says.

A sensor is inserted under the skin in the upper arm by a trained health care provider, and then one is free to go for a whole six months. With only two replacements needed a year, a removable smart transmitter¹ is worn over the sensor and seamlessly sends glucose readings directly to a smartphone.

Although Dianne did not consider herself tech-savvy, she quickly adapted to life with Eversense and immediately saw the benefits. The user-friendly app has helped simplify her decision making and she feels as though she can trust her CGM’s glucose readings due to Eversense’s exceptional accuracy.

“If I had to pick one feature that I love the most, it would be the subtle on-body vibratory alerts,” Dianne added. “Eversense discretely lets me know if my glucose levels need attention, without attracting the attention of others. It’s perfect for when I’m at church or catching a movie, when I don’t want a phone making a lot of noise. It also means I can be away from my phone from time to time and live in the moment.”

All in all, Eversense has allowed Dianne to enjoy her retirement without spending every moment worrying about her diabetes. “I don’t let diabetes control me,” she says, “It’s never too late to embrace something new and change your habits, especially when it comes to diabetes care.”

The Eversense E3 CGM, brought to people by Ascensia Diabetes Care, has been called the “CGM for real life” and Dianne couldn’t agree more. The ability to remove and replace the Eversense transmitter[1] means that Dianne no longer worries about taking a swim in the lake or knocking off her CGM when playing with her grandchildren.

Dianne’s liberating experience with the Eversense E3 is becoming an often-repeated story, as more users discover the ease, convenience and freedom of the Eversense E3. People with diabetes, regardless of age, can appreciate all of the benefits that this unique product can offer, Dianne says.

The Eversense E3 has recently received expanded Medicare coverage, making it even more accessible for many people living with diabetes across the US.

For more information about successfully managing diabetes, visit EversenseDiabetes.com/get-started-today.

(NewsUSA) - Marine Toys for Tots, known for its core mission of Christmastime charitable efforts, has evolved into a year-round force for good – ensuring that no child is forgotten any day of the year. The assistance that the Program provides extends far beyond the holiday season because hope and comfort are needed year-round.   

“Innocent children have no control over their circumstances. Whether they face a sudden tragedy, a natural disaster, or a life of poverty, their needs are the same,” says LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. 

Toys for Tots is constantly spreading hope around our Nation to make a difference for those in need and promote a brighter tomorrow.  

The year-round efforts reassure families facing adversity and challenging circumstances that Marine Toys for Tots is there to assist when hope and comfort are needed most. The Program strives to restore and build self-esteem and inspire our Nation’s children to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.  

Although providing hope and joy at Christmastime is Toys for Tots’ primary mission during our annual holiday campaign, which includes support to remote Reservations through our Toys for Tots Native American Program, the needs of children living in challenging circumstances are year-round. For that reason, the Program has expanded their efforts and is now a year-round force for good for children in need. Toys for Tots is committed to providing emotional relief and support to disadvantaged children throughout the year with our Toys for Tots Literacy Program, Foster Care Initiative, and Disaster Response and Recovery efforts.  

With help from generous supporters across the Nation, the Marine Toys for Tots Program provided 25.5 million toys, books, and other gifts to 10.3 million disadvantaged children in 2023! Join us in 2024 as we continue to be an even stronger year-round force for good and deliver hope beyond the holiday season. Together, we can help hope flourish for children in need across the Nation and ensure that no child is forgotten. Visit toysfortots.org for more information or to donate.

(NewsUSA) - Educators everywhere should scrap their current lesson plans and make the new book Be a Scribe! by 16-year-old Michael Hoffen and co-authors Dr. Christian Casey and Dr. Jen Thum part of every ancient history curriculum in every elementary school around the country. 

Whether for the classroom or frankly any room, Be a Scribe! might be the most unique, fascinating, entertaining, informative and educative book you’ll read this year. 

Young Hoffen, while in middle school, was introduced to the joys of translating ancient texts and never looked back. During the pandemic, he embarked on this ambitious project to bring ancient Egypt back to life. 

This book is an extraordinary translation of a papyrus dating from ancient Egypt’s Middle Kingdom era some 4,000 years ago. The text, known as The Instruction of Khety, tells the story of a teenager in ancient Egypt, Pepi, who wonders what career path he should choose -- an important matter still contemplated today by millions of teenagers 40 centuries later. 

The book already has been getting very high-profile coverage. National Gallery Victoria (Melbourne), in anticipation of their blockbuster exhibition Pharaoh!, has chosen the book to be represented in their bookstore. This exhibition will comprise of the largest loans the British Museum has ever undertaken. 

Also the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York will carry the book in the main book store and in their Uris store next to their educational center. 

In the text, Pepi’s father, Khety, takes him on a long journey up the Nile to enroll him in a school far away from home, where Pepi will learn to read and write. Along the way, Khety explains 18 other terrible jobs Pepi could end up having to work at if he is not hired as a scribe. 

Khety’s marvelous descriptions of the many other jobs are blunt and humorous: the smith or sculptor with “fingers like crocodiles;” jewelers and carpenters with arms ruined; the barber exhausted “in order to fill his stomach, like a bee working to eat;” the trader, who is bitten by fleas and mosquitoes; the sandal maker, who has the taste of leather in his mouth all day; the gardener, who only rests when he dies; and the weaver, who gives bread to the doorkeeper “just to let him see daylight.” 

Sail up the Nile with an ancient Egyptian father and son and discover what daily life was like along the way. Experience the wonderful world of ancient Egypt with the help of countless artifacts and paintings in this beautifully oversized hardcover edition. Delight in 4,000-year-old humor and immerse yourself in the choices facing a teenage boy in Egypt.  

The book also provides some ancient words of wisdom from the father, everything from staying out of trouble, minding your manners, and following orders. It also provides a great introduction to hieroglyphs, which many associate with the pictures and paintings but actually represent the sounds of the Egyptian language. 

Hoffen is the youngest-ever recipient of the annual Emerson Prize, awarded by the Concord Review for outstanding promise in history. Be A Scribe! is Michael’s first book in a series intended for young readers.  

His co-authors on this project are two Egyptologists: Dr. Christian Casey,  who now works as a researcher at Freie Universität Berlin, and Dr. Jen Thum, a curator at the Harvard Art Museums.  

Prepare yourselves to go “on a journey through the hopes, fears, struggles and skills of the ancient people who lived in the shadows of the pyramids.” 

Learn more at www.beascribe.com and purchase the book at https://bit.ly/3wlclaP.

(NewsUSA) - Spring is here, so it’s time to bid farewell to winter soups and stews, and welcome fresh and festive salads.

Take your salads to the next level this spring with the color, flavor, and crunch of fresh Chilean grapes. Domestic grapes are available in summer, but spring is the peak season for grapes from Chile, available in your local grocery store through April and into May. Grapes from Chile come in different colors and varieties; most supermarkets carry at least one red and one green. Check out the signage in your local grocery store and try several to find your favorites.

Regardless of the variety, fresh grapes from Chile pack a powerful nutritional punch. Grapes are high in vitamin C, which helps the body fight infections, and they contain various phytonutrients that can help strengthen the immune system. Chilean grapes are a great source of potassium, as well as bone-building vitamin K, and a standard ¾-cup serving is just 90 calories.

For a true taste of springtime, try a Grape, Quinoa, Pecan, and Watercress Salad, a recipe created by Frutas de Chile.  Combine room-temperature quinoa, grape halves, toasted pecans, celery, and watercress in a large bowl and toss with a dressing made of minced shallot, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil. “The nuttiness of the quinoa, combined with the peppery flavor of watercress and the juiciness of grapes makes for a fantastic explosion of flavor, and this salad is also hearty enough to be served as a main course,” says Karen Brux, managing director for Frutas de Chile North America.

For another fresh twist on a family-friendly main course salad, just add grapes, rotisserie chicken, and broccoli to your favorite cooked pasta, toss with an Italian vinaigrette, and savor the flavors of spring!

Remember, when storing grapes at home, don’t wash them until you are ready to eat them or add them to a recipe, and then only wash what you will use then and there. Washing adds moisture that can cause the grapes to start to decompose faster than they normally would. That white film you see on grapes is called “bloom,” a waxy coating produced by the plant itself to protect the fruit, and it does not need to be washed off while the grapes are waiting to be used.

For recipes and more information, visit fruitsfromchile.com/recipes. 

(NewsUSA) - Today’s homeowners are having an Extra Room Boom! This latest real estate reality is marked by the convergence of two mounting trends – growing home sizes and declining household members – that together mean more extra space and energy-efficiency challenges.

Americans want their homes supersized. In fact, median home sizes have increased by a whopping 150% in just over 40 years with the median size of a new home jumping from 1,595 square feet in 1980 to 2,383 in 2022.

Simultaneously, the number of household occupants is steadily shrinking. For example, the average population per household has decreased by more than 100% dropping from 2.75 people in 1980 to 2.57 members in 2022. 

This emerging dynamic demands a smart energy-efficiency strategy that effectively regulates cooling power between used and unused rooms. The good news is that homeowners can prevent a utility bill blitz by following a few simple tips. With home heating and cooling accounting for more than half (54%) of home energy use, small steps can go a long way.

• Leverage the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act:The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act is a landmark legislation that encourages Americans to transition towards a new era of energy efficiency and decarbonization. It offers households tax credits for related improvements that save money in the long run, such as highly efficient heating and cooling appliances like heat pumps. Households can claim a tax credit for 30% of the costs of buying and installing a heat pump, up to $2,000 including support for any electric system upgrades needed to make the home heat-pump-ready. ‘
   
• Ease Into Electric: According to Columbia University’s Earth Institute, electric systems are a solution to decarbonize home climate control.  Among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling products, electricity-powered ductless mini-split systems, offered by companies including Fujitsu General America, can save as much as 25% on energy bills. Mini-splits use thin copper tubing to pump refrigerant from an outdoor compressor directly into an indoor air-handling unit, where the air is qui­etly distributed to the interior space.
   
• Find Your Efficient Comfort Zone: Prioritize your rooms. If you find yourself using a fraction of your home, consider upgrading to a zoned ducted, or ductless system, allowing you to save energy heating and cooling spaces where you don’t spend much time. You’ll multiply savings by needing less cooling and gaining a more efficient system in the spaces you use.
   
• Get “Smart" About Climate Control: When it comes to home tem­perature control, there are Smart HVAC Systems and Smart Thermostats. Smart HVAC systems have built-in Internet capability and can be controlled directly without additional equipment. Smart Home Thermostats create “smart” sys­tems by enabling remote temperature control via a mobile or Internet-con­nected device or voice-operated home automation system. 
   
• Voice Your Preference: Most HVAC manufacturers offer apps that enable systems to be controlled from anywhere using a mobile device. Voice-control capability uses digital assistants, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, to ver­bally dictate home temperatures. Easily controlling the temperature allows homeowners to be more comfortable and improve energy savings.
   
• Try Low-tech Fixes: Try to use heat-producing appliances – stoves, irons and dryers – at night or early morning.  Switch to LED light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs – which consume 90% more power. Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and places where pipes and wires come through walls. Check existing caulking and weather-stripping for gaps or cracks.

Targeted, room-by-room climate control systems will allow families to enjoy their extra space without paying to cool empty space this summer. To learn more or find a contrac­tor nearby, visit www.constantcomfort.com.

(NewsUSA) - Age-related loss of muscle mass and strength can significantly impact the quality of life for older adults. However, recent research underscores the role of proper nutrition in preventing and managing this condition.

Starting around age 30, the body naturally loses 3 to 5% of muscle mass per decade. This natural process can escalate into a condition known as sarcopenia if muscle loss becomes severe. The effects of sarcopenia include decreased mobility, increased risk of falls, and reduced independence.

The effects of sarcopenia are particularly pronounced in women. Women naturally possess less muscle mass than men, and this disparity becomes even more noticeable with age due to menopause. As estrogen levels drop during menopause, the rate of muscle loss in women accelerates, making them more susceptible to sarcopenia.

Recent studies have highlighted the significance of specific nutrients in addressing sarcopenia. A healthy diet incorporating higher protein intake and select vitamins and minerals is consistently linked to preventing and managing sarcopenia.

Protein is essential for maintaining and building muscle mass. For older adults, higher protein intake from foods such as lean cuts of meat, seafood, and low-fat dairy can help prevent and treat sarcopenia. Whey protein, in particular, has shown promise in improving frailty and sarcopenia.

Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, selenium, and magnesium have promising effects in preventing muscle loss. Deficiencies of these essential nutrients are common in older adults, especially women, and are associated with muscle weakness and an increased risk of falls. However, boosting one’s intake can help maintain muscle strength and function, reducing the risk of sarcopenia.

It’s important to note that the beneficial effects of a healthy diet in addressing sarcopenia are best when coupled with resistance and aerobic exercise.

"It's very important that all adults, especially women, be aware of sarcopenia and regularly discuss dietary decisions with their healthcare professional or dietician to optimize their health as they age," advises Dr. Dorothy Fink, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women’s Health.

While muscle loss is inevitable in aging, it doesn't have to lead to sarcopenia. By incorporating the proper nutrients into our diets and maintaining an active lifestyle, we can counteract the effects of this condition and continue leading strong, healthy lives.

For more information about sarcopenia and how to prevent it, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women's Health's “Stronger than Sarcopenia” campaign offers valuable resources. This initiative provides comprehensive information about sarcopenia, including its symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies, emphasizing the importance of strength training and proper nutrition. The “Stronger than Sarcopenia” resources are available online at www.womenshealth.gov/sarcopenia.

(NewsUSA) - Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes summer fun: school is out, shortened Fridays at the office, outdoor adventures, events, travel, and more. Balancing a busy schedule while satisfying your cravings for convenience can pose a challenge.

Subway set out to help and improve eating on the go this summer with a new collection of wraps available at restaurants nationwide. Unlike the snack-sized wraps on menus and store shelves held together by uninspiring and blah tortillas, Subway’s new and hearty wraps feature an all-new, lavash-style flatbread.

Inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine, lavash is pillowy soft with an airy texture and more durable than a wheat tortilla. Since it can hold more ingredients and doesn’t fall apart as easily, Subway’s new wraps offer a footlong protein portion in a convenient, six-inch size.

The new wraps join the Subway Series – a chef-crafted menu of Subway’s best and most craveable sandwiches – with options perfect for summer days and nights:

• Homestyle Chicken Salad showcases Subway’s new chicken salad, a twist on a former, cult-classic menu item. It is made fresh using rotisserie-style chicken and mayo, complemented by crispy lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.
• Honey Mustard Chicken is full of savory, sweet and tangy flavor thanks to Subway’s Honey Mustard sauce. It is packed with warm rotisserie-style chicken, Monterey cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and onions.
• Turkey, Bacon & Avocado piles on plenty of turkey, bacon and smashed avocado, alongside Monterey cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and a zesty Peppercorn Ranch sauce. 
• Cali Caprese is meatless but still full of flavor, combining BelGioioso fresh mozzarella and smashed avocado with tomatoes, onions and cucumbers – before it’s finished with Subway’s signature MVP Parmesan Vinaigrette and Roasted Garlic Aioli.  

“Wraps have become an afterthought on restaurant menus with uninspiring choices and snack-size portions that leave you wanting more,” said Paul Fabre, Senior Vice President of Culinary and Innovation. “That insight kickstarted the process of revamping Subway’s wraps. We spent over a year creating signature recipes with unique ingredients that bring out the best in our new lavash-style flatbread, and also fuel you up without weighing you down.”  

Subway’s new wraps are the latest in a series of menu refreshes, continuing its ongoing transformation journey that began in 2021. Subway keeps raising the bar with new and improved ingredients, craveable signature sandwiches, salads, sides, snacks and now, wraps and flatbreads.

To learn more about Subway’s new wraps visit Subway.com or the Subway App.

(NewsUSA) - Raising a family is overwhelming enough; add in milestones, routines, challenging behavior and keeping an eye on academic progress, and you’re in for a spin. However, your child’s teacher is often there to help navigate you along the way. Family-teacher conferences are not only a great measure of your child’s academic progress and needs, but it’s also a time to learn more about your child’s personality and tips to set them up for confidence and success beyond the classroom.

“No matter how old your child is, it’s important to communicate regularly with teachers and stay plugged into your school community,” says Ariel Bronson, Inclusion Services Advisor for KinderCare. “We hold conferences twice yearly because we value family as important educational collaborators. Research shows that when families and teachers stay connected, children are not only better prepared to enter kindergarten but their social skills and achievement improve, too. We are always thinking about how to set kids up for the most success, and we’re proud that the longer kids stay in our program, the better they do.”

Here are two focus topics, beyond academics, to help set you up for a well-rounded family-teacher conference:

1. Social-emotional. Your child craves relationships, and we know they’re important for you, too. According to a study, 58% of parents have seen a difference in their child’s social-emotional skills since enrolling their child in a child care setting. 
   • What are my child’s strengths outside of academic performance?
   • What is something kind you have seen my child do?
   • How does my child interact with their peers?
      
2. Executive functioning. Your child is capable of more than you may think. As adults, we often want to help, but it’s important to take a step back so your children can learn more about their abilities to stay focused on tasks and continue improving and developing healthy skills.
   • How well does my child follow simple instructions?
   • How does my child bounce back from an unpreferred situation?
   • How does my child react to conflict?

Don’t be afraid to ask your child’s teacher to elaborate on an answer or explain using an example for you. Be sure to also ask for resources and tips to use at home to help your child expand on these skills.

Remember that these conferences are merely a snapshot in time. Use the results as a positive guide to build upon. This meeting does not define your child; it informs you about them. It’s not an all-inclusive list of their abilities or what they’re going to do in the future. You’ve got this, and they do, too! For more resources, visit KinderCare.com.