(NewsUSA) - From classic shapes to modern technologies, the progression of eyewear continues to see advancements, driven by the desire for improved comfort, durability, and style. Frames were often heavy and uncomfortable, but over the decades, eyewear has transformed significantly, influenced by technological advancements, and changing consumer demands.

As the eyewear journey continues to evolve, more attention is put on versatility in eyewear – innovative designs, improved materials, comfort, and style. Initially, frames were constructed from materials like bone and wood. While functional, frames were heavy and often lacked comfort. Today more brands, like Flexon Eyewear are developing innovative ways to utilize materials like memory metal to create comfortable eyewear.

Flexon Eyewear, a Marchon Eyewear proprietary brand known for its memory metal and durability, launched in 1988. With over 30 years of experience utilizing its durable technology and innovation, Flexon frames provide premium comfort designed for everyday wear. Each frame is constructed from a titanium-based alloy that allows them to be flexed, bent, and twisted without breaking, and they return to their original shape. Displayed in the latest Evolution and Heritage collections, flexibility and versatility make these frames exceptionally durable and able to seamlessly fit into daily tasks outside of work and new hobbies.

Flexon eyewear’s timeless design, durability, and sleek look allows these masculine optical styles to adjust seamlessly to various occasions. Whether enjoying a new adventure with the kids, taking on a new DIY project, or exploring the world outdoors, the brand showcases its continued commitment to durability and versatility with the creation of each frame. Flexon frames are crafted with technologically advanced memory metal in the bridge and/or temples allowing them to be flexed, bent, or twisted to ensure they can return to their original condition.

The journey of eyewear innovation doesn’t stop here. Brands like Flexon are at the front of eyewear innovation, continuously pushing the envelope of what functional eyewear can be. As technology advances, the future of eyewear promises even more exciting developments, blending fashion with function and durability in increasingly sophisticated ways. To learn more about Flexon Eyewear and stay up to date with recent collections, visit flexon.com. 

(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) - 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) - The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is national call center that helps people with disabilities get connected to information about local community resources that support independent living. DIAL also provides information about essential services such as transportation, housing support, disability rights and more. Additionally, DIAL has information on COVID-19, flu and other adult vaccines and can help you find how to access vaccines in your community.

DIAL serves people with disabilities across the country who have a variety of needs. DIAL Referral Specialists are trained to work with people with various communication abilities and will spend as much time as needed to ensure effective communication. For example, DIAL has enhanced accessibility with options for people to text or communicate through American Sign Language direct video call.

DIAL is managed by USAging, which represents the national network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocates for Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Through DIAL, USAging partners with disability organizations to ensure that people are referred to the appropriate disabilities services.

The training and expertise of DIAL Referral Specialists enables them to focus on and respond to the unique needs of each caller. Said one caller, “The specialist connected me with the person I needed to speak to. She went above and beyond, and I appreciate her so much.”

To find local services, you can contact DIAL in several different ways. To speak with a Referral Specialist by voice, videophone call or text use 888-677-1199. You can chat online with a Referral Specialist at dial.acl.gov. And Deaf and hard-of-hearing callers who use American Sign Language can contact DIAL by clicking here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(NewsUSA) - Stress continues to permeate the lives of many people worldwide, and data shows that 80% of chronic diseases have roots in stress, according to Kiran Dintyala, MD, a physician also known as Dr. Calm.

Dr. Dintyala has dedicated his medical practice to a combination of internal medicine, functional medicine, and stress management to help people lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. He combines management of physical illnesses as well as mental health issues such as depression and anxiety with preventive and therapeutic strategies that promote total well being.

In 2007, Dr. Dintyala was experiencing extreme stress caused by a combination of financial crises and career challenges. His personal journey resulted in the discovery of the power of calmness and self-realization to help manage stress and get out of a downward spiral of negativity.

Dr. Dintyala helps others find calm through his stress management program, called Happiness Therapy. The program includes guidance on how to quiet the racing brain, conquer life’s challenges and find peace even in the midst of difficult circumstances. The 3-Step Simple Calmness System was designed to help harmonize one’s life with a combination of tranquility, wisdom, and right decision making.

“Your ability to tap into rational brain depends on your ability to quiet your thoughts and remain calm," said Dr. Dintyala.

Remaining calm in the midst of political chaos during this election season is quite a challenge for many, and Dr. Dintyala takes it head on in his new book, “The Mantra of Peaceful Politics—Seven Prescriptions by Dr. Calm.” The book provides insights on stress management and strategies in seven areas: Stay Calm in the Midst of Chaos, Decide Who to Vote For, Resolve Conflicts and Build Relationships, Guard Your Mind from Negativity, Improve Your Mental Health, Find Peace of Mind, and Be Happy and Prosperous No Matter What.

As the 2024 Presidential election draws near, stress, fear, and turmoil are on the rise among both political parties and the American public. “From politicians to the voters, everyone is feeling anxious as their fates unravel over the next few months,” Dr. Dintyala wrote in the introduction to the book.

Brushing off the overwhelming negativity is the key to maintaining mental health, Dr. Dintyala says, and compares the mental brush-off to daily tooth brushing to remove plaque buildup whether dental or mental. “It’s important that we all take a deep breath, relax, and stay calm so our minds remain clear. That’s the only way to maintain our sanity and make the right decisions about voting,” he adds.

Click here for the book The Mantra of Peaceful Politics https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9FSHX31?

Visit  https://www.stressfreerevolution.com/happiness-therapy349877 for Happiness Therapy

(NewsUSA) - Kids take the field in a big way this summer in Plano, Texas, as the town gears up to host a diverse mix of activities that attract the best young talent from across the United States.

A series of tournaments begins in June, and Plano’s top-notch youth athletic facilities and welcoming community spirit ensure that each kid feels like a winner, regardless of what happens on the field.

Summer kicks off with soccer on the weekend of June 14, as boys and girls 13U-19U teams compete in the U.S. Soccer Southern Presidents Cup for the chance to qualify for the U.S. Youth Soccer Regional Presidents Cup events. Winners of the regionals will compete in the U.S. Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup on July 12-16 in Wichita, Kansas.

The US Soccer Southern Presidents Cup event is expected to bring more than 40,000 visitors to Plano, and generate $6 million in economic impact.

"We are incredibly honored to host the prestigious U.S. Youth Sports Presidents Cup in Plano," says Mark Thompson, Executive Director of Visit Plano. "This event not only highlights our city's dedication to fostering youth athletic talent, but also showcases Plano as a premier destination for major sporting events,” he adds.

The same weekend, Plano plays host to two more youth sports events. The Aloha Texas Two-Step Lacrosse Tournament brings top teams from across Texas to Plano for a weekend of competitive lacrosse, and the Texas Glory Summer Shootout features 14U-18U girls’ softball.

Tennis fans will want to tune in from June 7-12, when the U.S. Tennis at Plano’s High Point Tennis Center, the U.S. Tennis Association hosts the Texas Slam tournament, featuring competition for both boys and girls from across Texas in four age divisions with both singles and doubles matches. 

Other youth sports events coming to Plano this summer include the Girls Texas Draw Lacrosse Tournament (June 1-2), the Elite Club National League (ECNL) Regional League South Playoffs for soccer (June 5-9), the Triple Crown Sports Texas State Championships for fast pitch softball (June 7-9), and the Texas 2 Finger ultimate frisbee championship (June 29-30).

As summer heats up, so does Plano, as talented young athletes and future stars from across the region are set to deliver unforgettable moments of skill, sportsmanship, and competition. For more information, check out visitplano.gov.