(NewsUSA) - Spring break often reminds families of the approach of summer and the need to find the best summer camp experiences for their children. Whether a child is entering kindergarten or transitioning to middle school, there’s a camp to suit their interests and needs, as well as those of their parents. It can be hard to sort through the many options (and price points) available to determine what’s best for each child.Variety is important because not all camps are one-size-fits-all, just as not all children are the same. Brands like KinderCare, Champions and Crème de la Crème Schools offer different summer camp experiences that allow for flexibility, convenience and amenities to meet the needs of all families each summer.Here are some important considerations for parents to remember as they narrow their summer camp search.Location and Scheduling Options For busy parents juggling multiple kids, finding a summer camp that combines convenience, affordability, and fun is key. A camp that accommodates various age groups allows siblings to enjoy a safe, engaging environment while learning and growing together and means parents only have to think about one drop-off and pick-up location. However, the camp should follow a curriculum designed by education experts to support the social and academic development of children of all ages, expanding on the skills children learned during the school year.Another convenient summer-long option for families is programs located within elementary schools, allowing for familiarity for the child since it's an extension of the out-of-school time programs many children are already used to.Whether you choose a location in a child care center or a school setting, both options should incorporate screen-free activities that provide children with opportunities for skill-building, teamwork, hands-on experiences, and fun with their friends.Specialty Amenities For children who crave action or parents looking for a specialty experience, look for a camp that offers a high-energy summer filled with amenities, including bowling alleys, basketball courts, and STEM programs. Weekly themes, outdoor excursions, and creative play ensure that children remain engaged and active, which makes it the ideal choice for kids who love variety and new experiences.For school-age children seeking adventure, outdoor nature camps offer a perfect summer full of classic summer camp activities. Whether for a week or the entire season, children will enjoy outdoor exploration, multiple weekly field trips, and exciting activities like hiking, swimming, and nature play. This style of camp provides unique experiences that combine fun with education about plants, animals, and all that Mother Nature has to offer, ensuring a summer filled with unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.All of these summer camps provide a perfect balance of fun, learning, and adventure. Whether parents are seeking something educational, exciting, or flexible, there’s a camp that will keep their child engaged all summer long.Key Points for All Families No matter what kind of summer experience parents want for their child, there are few things to consider when sorting through the various options.Convenience: Camps in familiar locations, such as schools, child care centers, and community facilities make drop-offs and pick-ups simple. Overnight camps can be expensive and are often located in remote areas. High-quality daytime programs provide children the opportunity to have just as much fun at competitive prices and are often more convenient for busy families.Flexibility: Whether care is needed for just one week or the entire summer, full-time or part-time, look for options like those above that are tailored to fit busy family schedules.Affordability:  Summer camp is an investment. When exploring summer care options, check if your camp collaborates with various employer, state, and federal programs, including the military, to offer families tuition support, making these camps a practical and affordable option.Engaging Activities: From educational programs and creative play to field trips and physical activities, there’s a summer camp experience for every child. When school lets out, it’s time for children to put down screens, get outside, explore, and experience hands-on learning that connects them with nature and their peers.Enrollment for many summer camps is open now. Parents should start planning ahead before spots fill up. 

(NewsUSA) - As the cold of winter fades, spring brings a fresh sense of renewal—and for many, it’s the first time in months they’ll be showing off their legs again. But for some, the thought of revealing their legs can come with hesitation. This may be especially true for those with varicose veins.Varicose veins are a common condition that affects more than 30 million Americans.1 These enlarged veins, visible just beneath the skin, are not just a cosmetic issue – they can signal underlying vein disease that causes blood to flow backward and pool in lower leg veins, causing pain and discomfort.Varicose Veins as More Than Just a Cosmetic IssueWhile cosmetic concerns and wanting to feel comfortable in your skin can be reason enough for treatment, varicose veins may also be a potential sign of a more urgent health condition that requires early diagnosis and treatment.“Varicose veins go beyond appearance—they can be a sign of underlying vein disease that can lead to swelling, skin discoloration, general discomfort in the legs, and in more advanced cases cause venous ulcers,” said Dr. John Laird, Chief Medical Officer for Peripheral Vascular Health at Medtronic. “If these symptoms are familiar, I would encourage you to reach out to a doctor who can do an evaluation and determine the best course of treatment to help you find relief from pain and other symptoms.”Know If You’re at Risk and Learn How to Step Up Your HealthVaricose veins and vein disease don’t discriminate — anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race, can be affected. However, certain factors may increase your risk. A family history of vein disease, smoking, or obesity can make vein problems more likely.2 Additionally, women who are pregnant, taking birth control, or going through menopause may experience a higher risk due to hormonal changes that can relax vein walls, making it easier for veins to swell.2"Varicose veins can worsen over time if left untreated,” explained Dr. Laird. “But the good news is there are innovative treatments and simple self-care strategies that can help manage symptoms. Adopting a few healthy habits can make a significant difference."Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, elevating your legs when possible, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing are all helpful steps.3 Dr. Laird also recommends wearing compression socks to support improved circulation and relieve discomfort.              Medtronic just marked the milestone of shipping over one million VenaSeal closure system units worldwide.A Quick and Easy Option for Varicose Vein TreatmentWhile lifestyle changes can help manage varicose veins, they won’t cure them. For a more permanent solution, treatments like VenaSeal™ are gaining popularity. This medical adhesive is a quick and effective way to treat varicose veins with minimal recovery time— and may not require compression stockings following the procedure.5-6  Following the procedure, your doctor can help you know when you are able get back to doing what you love— from outdoor activities to spending time with family.4-7Heather Anderson, a mom, avid runner, and boot camp enthusiast, opted for the VenaSeal procedure to treat her tired and achy legs. “The treatment was smooth. I was awake the whole time, felt no pain, and was incredibly comfortable,” Heather shared of her experience. “When it was done, I got up and walked right out. I’d recommend it to anyone.”Minimally invasive treatments like VenaSeal are becoming the go-to choice for people dealing with varicose veins. “More patients are choosing minimally invasive options to treat varicose veins,” Dr. Laird said. “Medtronic recently celebrated a huge milestone — shipping over one million units of the VenaSeal system worldwide, showing just how popular and effective this treatment has become.”VenaSeal is a procedure where a small tube is inserted into the affected vein, and a specially formulated medical adhesive is used to seal the vein walls together. This reroutes blood to healthier veins, providing long-term relief from pain and discomfort. The best part? While each patient experience is unique, pain is generally considered mild, and most are back to their daily activities with minimal downtime.4-7Break Free from Leg Pain this SpringIf you’re dealing with varicose veins, it might be time to take action. Life shouldn’t be limited by pain caused by vein disease. Relieve your leg pain and talk to your doctor about whether VenaSeal could be the right option for you – it’s a quick and effective treatment that can help you get back to enjoying the beach, the lake, the pool, or wherever your warm weather adventures take you.For more details, including important safety information, on VenaSeal, visit: https://www.medtronic.com/breakfree.SourcesGloviczki P, Comerota AJ, Dalsing MC, et al. The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. J Vasc Surg. 2011;53(5 Suppl):2S–48S. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2011.01.079.Mayo Clinic: Varicose Veinshttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Varicose Veins https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/varicose-veinsMorrison N, Gibson K, McEnroe S, et al. Randomized trial comparing cyanoacrylate embolization and radiofrequency ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins (VeClose). J Vasc Surg. 2015;61(4):985–994. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2014.11.071.Proebstle T, Alm J, Dimitri S, et al. Three-year follow-up results of the prospective European multicenter cohort study on cyanoacrylate embolization for treatment of refluxing great saphenous veins. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2021;9(2):329–334. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.05.019.Almeida JI, Javier JJ, Mackay EG, Bautista C, Cher DJ, Proebstle TM. Thirty-sixth-month follow-up of first-in-human use of cyanoacrylate adhesive for treatment of saphenous vein incompetence. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2017;5(5):658–666. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2017.03.016.Morrison N, Gibson, Vasquez M, et al. VeClose trial 12-month outcomes of cyanoacrylate closure versus radiofrequency ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2017;5(3):321–330. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2016.12.005.  

(NewsUSA) - “High Tea and Misdemeanors” by Laura ChildsWhen a wedding is tragically averted by the death of the bridesmaid, Theodosia is determined to prove that it was murder in the latest entry to this New York Times bestselling Tea Shop Mystery series.Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Connelly, are tapped to cater the elegant wedding of Bettina and Jamie. Theodosia and Drayton are setting up when they hear a crash from the greenhouse. Shockingly, they discover that part of the roof has collapsed, trapping a bridesmaid and the groom. He will pull through, but the bridesmaid is no more. Theodosia is convinced it was murder.As an added feature, the book includes delicious recipes and tea-time tips. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4fvTGtK.“Why Wolves Matter: A Conservation Success Story” by Karen B. WinnickWhere did all the wolves go? The birds, the fish and the beavers?When the top predator was wiped out, the balance of nature in Yellowstone National Park was disrupted. The circle was broken. Written in a lyrical style, “Why Wolves Matter” is an ecological tale that helps children understand the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world. Once all the wolves were gone, the elk population grew so large that the trees and vegetation on which they fed disappeared, throwing the Park and the remaining wildlife into disarray.Supplemented with a timeline and bibliography, the non-fiction picture book “Why Wolves Matter” is about the importance of the top predator in nature, how balance was restored in Yellowstone National Park and the circle made whole again — with important historical and scientific relevance for children. Purchase at https://amzn.to/415gGKV.“Gather, Ye Heroes” by C.S. BrownIn this first book of an exciting new fantasy series, securing victory against his enemies, Tianis is thrown into a world he is ill-prepared for. Confronted by a dragon, he is informed that he must lead mankind against an ancient foe returning after nearly 1,000 years.Torg, 16, is looking forward to being released from his apprenticeship and taking his place in society. But his path leads him toward something completely different. He encounters a dragon, who brands him as the chosen leader of the armies of man and dragon.Elsbeth, the daughter of a master weaponsmith who works alongside her father in the armory, makes an accidental discovery that brings her face to face with a dragon. She is told that there is more to the world than she ever imagined and that she is to be a leader on that stage.But can prophecy be trusted? Purchase at https://bit.ly/4fSfe3Y.“Kalayla: Unraveling Tangles” by Jeannie NicholasThis tale is told from three distinct points of view: a young teenager, her mother and their landlady. Kalayla is a bi-racial girl determined to teach adults a thing or two. Her mother, Maureen, has been disowned by her Irish family and works as a waitress. Their Italian landlady, a widow, is retiring as CEO of her family’s business.Their deepening friendships provide a scaffolding of support and show the transformative power of connection as they each risk new adventures with laughter and courage. Their stories touch on race, sexuality, marital abuse, exasperations of adolescence, single motherhood and self-discovery.Kirkus Reviews describes the book as “an eloquent tale about real-life people with difficult problems.” Purchase at https://amzn.to/40RaLcq.

(NewsUSA) - March is National Reading Month, and the Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program is committed to expanding access to books and educational resources for children living in low-income communities. Our initiative, “March into Reading” reflects our Program’s dedication to fostering literacy among underserved youth.Toys for Tots’ mission extends beyond the holiday season, and our Literacy Program is one of our programs that enables us to be a year-round force for good, providing disadvantaged children with direct access to books and educational resources that enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively.According to The Nation’s Report Card (NAEP), 37% of fourth graders read below the basic reading level due to a lack of educational materials. With 1 in 4 children in America growing up without learning how to read, the need for accessible books is more critical than ever. The Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program works to combat this illiteracy crisis by distributing books and educational resources to children in underserved communities and Title I funded schools, helping them develop creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and a love for reading."By getting books into the hands of struggling students, we are helping children become their best selves," said LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "Our goal is to dramatically change the landscape for economically disadvantaged children and provide the essential tools to ensure their future success."Last year, Marine Forces Reserve, GySgt Bacchus, and author Will Baggett, visited Hynes Charter School, a Title I funded school in the New Orleans metro area, to conduct a reading event promoting the Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program. They shared the fundamental value of literacy with first- and second-graders, emphasizing the importance of getting educational books and materials into the hands of all children, regardless of their circumstances."The Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program not only brings the joy of reading to these children, but it also serves as a vital instrument in breaking the cycle of poverty and highlighting the importance of literacy," said LtGen Laster.The Toys for Tots Literacy Program believes that reading is a basic, essential skill that can transform lives and open doors to a more fulfilling future. Since its inception in 2008, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program has distributed over 60 million books to disadvantaged children including nearly 2 million books to Title I funded schools, and in 2024 alone, distributed nearly 3 million books.During National Reading Month, Toys for Tots is working to ensure every child experiences the power of literacy, and the sense of hope, optimism, and excitement that it generates.For more information or to donate, please visit www.toysfortots.org. 

(NewsUSA) - At first glance, a golf ball may seem simple, but OnCore Golf has proven there's much more to it than meets the eye. This innovative startup has revolutionized golf ball technology in ways that larger companies haven't been able to.Founded by longtime friends and business partners Bret Blakely and Steve Coulton, OnCore Golf was born out of a desire to bring innovation to golf ball design. Their proprietary perimeter-weighting technology minimizes unwanted sidespin—helping golfers achieve straighter shots, even in challenging conditions.But OnCore's journey wasn't just about physics; it was also about breaking through barriers in the traditional golf industry. As newcomers introducing cutting-edge technology, they faced resistance. However, their perseverance paid off when, after a two-year appeal, the U.S. Golf Association approved OnCore balls for use in professional tournaments."OnCore represents those who embrace their differences and use them to shape a unique vision for what golf can be," Blakely shared in an interview. "We don't just sell products; we inspire individuality and drive through our approach and messaging."A Golf Ball for Every PlayerOnCore offers a lineup of balls tailored to different skill levels:Beginner-Friendly: The Avant 55 is designed for golfers with slower swing speeds, offering a soft feel and enhanced distance.Intermediate & Advanced: The Elixr and Elixr 2020 feature a urethane blend that enhances distance and accuracy for skilled players.Tour-Level Performance:Vero X1 (85 compression) is crafted for serious golfers seeking precision.Vero X2 (95 compression) provides advanced players with exceptional control and responsiveness.Smart Tech Meets Golf: The Genius BallOnCore isn't stopping at traditional golf balls—the company is pioneering smart technology with its upcoming Genius Ball. Equipped with microelectronics and AI-driven analysis, this revolutionary ball tracks data to help golfers refine their game.Initially designed for chipping and putting, the Genius Ball provides real-time feedback to improve technique. A full-course version is also in development, though it will be a training aid rather than a tournament-legal ball.For more details, visit oncoregolf.com.