(NewsUSA) - The American energy landscape is evolving, and with it, new opportunities are emerging for economic growth, job creation, and energy independence. Offshore wind energy stands out as a …

(NewsUSA) - The newest generation of GLP-1 drugs has delivered life-changing benefits to patients managing diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions. And yet even though …

(NewsUSA) - There is broad agreement across party lines that it takes too long to build anything in the United States.   A new energy generation project, like a solar or wind farm, that needs a …

(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.