With energy-prices still rising, homeowners might be surprised that the best and most-efficient source for both heating and cooling might be just under their feet. John Thomas—C-E-O of “Water-Furnace”—explains…

“No matter the climate [that] you live in—or the time of the year—the temperature below ground stays fairly consistent. Geothermal systems tap into this resource, by using a series of underground pipes called a ‘loop’; the ‘loop’ actually moves heat-energy to and from your home.”

What other benefits do they have?

“Geothermal heat-pumps are the most-energy-efficient and -comfortable way to heat and cool a building. They reduce stress on the electric grid—so, in addition to federal tax-credits, many states and utilities offer incentives for adoption. Geothermal heat-pumps are really a ‘win-win’ proposition.”

Learn more at “water-furnace”-dot-com; that’s “water-furnace”-dot-com. I’m Bob Tebo, for the “Consumer Radio Network”.

-- English (:30) --

“It’s hurricane-season—and Floridians with loved-ones in assisted living or long-term care want to ensure they’ll be safe. Do you know the facility’s emergency-plans and compliance-status, according to state-law? Find out when and how your loved-one will be evacuated—or have access to generators, food, and medicine, if sheltering in place. Request a copy of the facility’s emergency-plan directly from them—or find out more about any facility at ‘a-a-r-p’-dot-org-slash-‘f-l-disaster-help’.”

-- Spanish (:30) --

“Es temporada de huracanes—y los floridanos con seres queridos en viviendas asistidas u hogares de ancianos quieren asegurar que estarán a salvo. ¿Conoce los planes de emergencia del lugar, y el estado de cumplimiento, de leyes estatales? Averigüe el plan de evacuación—y el acceso a generadores y suministros, si se refugian en el lugar. Solicite una copia del plan de emergencia de ellos—u obtenga más información de cualquier lugar en ‘a-a-r-p’-punto-o-r-g-diagonal-‘f-l-disaster-help’.”

As parents send their kids back to school—with their backpacks full of new supplies—fake goods pose a constant danger. That’s why “U-S Customs and Border Protection”—or “C-B-P”—continues to raise awareness about counterfeit products. John Leonard is with its “Office of Trade”…

“Counterfeits are always a problem—whether they involve school-supplies, computers, clothing, sports-equipment, household-items, or health-products. They harm the overall economy—from consumers to businesses alike—and potentially put unsafe and unregulated products into homes and schoolrooms. Since the start of the pandemic, there’s been a rise in counterfeit goods; we stopped over 27-thousand shipments last year alone.”

As part of this effort, “Customs and Border Protection” is partnering with the “U-S Chamber of Commerce” on its “Shop Smart”-campaign…

“How can you be sure that you’re buying genuine items, and not fakes? Start by making sure that you’re shopping at reputable retailers and websites. And, if you think [that] you’ve bought a counterfeit item, report the violation to us right away.”

To report potential violations, visit “c-b-p”-dot-gov-slash-“trade”-slash-“e”-dash-“allegations”. And, for tips and more information from the “Shop Smart”-campaign, visit “u-s-chamber”-dot-com-slash-“shop-smart”.

Los estudiantes ya están regresando a clases en todo el estado. Y, el equipo regional de “Raise Your Hand Texas” está trabajando a fortalecer un electorado que apoya educación pública en todo el estado. Según Giovanni Escobedo, el representante del grupo, la organización está liderando la carga en múltiples frentes—con una visión de aprendizaje centrado en estudiantes, familias dedicadas, maestros empoderados, y fuertes líderes escolares. Incluso, las recomendaciones de pólizas del grupo incluyen ampliar lo que se mide oficialmente en el sistema de rendición de cuentas escolares en el estado…

“Durante el año pasado, hemos tenido conversaciones con más de quince mil Texanos sobre exámenes estatales y rendición de cuentas escolares: Hemos aprendido qué más quieren de sus escuelas públicas—y qué quieren para el futuro de la educación en el estado. Hemos preguntado qué más se debe agregar a nuestro sistema educativo para que nuestras escuelas tengan éxito—porque el futuro de Texas está en nuestras escuelas públicas.”

Para más información, visite “measure-what-matters-t-x”-punto-o-r-g.

Students throughout Texas are heading back to school. And, the regional-advocacy team of “Raise Your Hand Texas” is working to grow a “pro-public education” constituency across the state. According to the group’s Amy Dodson, it’s leading the charge on multiple fronts—with a vision for student-centered learning, engaged families, empowered teachers, and strong school-leaders. In addition, the group’s recent policy-recommendations include broadening what’s officially measured by the state’s education-accountability system…

“Over the past year, we’ve had conversations with over 15-thousand Texans about testing and accountability: We’ve learned what qualities Texans want most from their public schools—and what they want for the future of public education. We’ve sought feedback on what else should be added to the equation that holds our schools accountable—because the future of Texas is in our public schools.”

To learn more, visit “measure-what-matters-t-x”-dot-org.

Half of U-S adults may be affected by musculoskeletal conditions—such as back-, knee-, or shoulder-pain. And, related treatments account for about 10-percent of annual medical-expenses. Doctor Russell Amundson, with “United-Healthcare”, says that telecommuting is adding to those concerns…

“More time sitting at home—along with such awkward work-setups as a bed or couch—can contribute to an increased risk of back-pain. And, while many orthopedic procedures can be beneficial, some are no more effective than physical therapy—or other noninvasive options. That’s why we’ve launched a program called ‘Virtual Physical Therapy’.”

What does it include?

“Eligible members receive on-demand exercise-feedback that’s powered by artificial intelligence—including in-app motion-monitoring. Members also have access to one-to-one health-coaching—along with educational information, meditation, and breathing-exercises, to help with pain-management and relaxation.”

Learn more about “Virtual Physical Therapy” at “u-h-c”-dot-com.

As summer ends, parents send their children back to school with mixed emotions; there’s an added layer of concern if their kids have allergies or asthma. Allergist Doctor Mark Corbett is the president of the “American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology”…

“Be aware of normal classroom-allergens—like dust, mold, or even pet-dander carried in on other kids’ clothes. Work with the school to alert them to your child’s allergy- and asthma-triggers. And, if—despite all these efforts—your child is still suffering from symptoms, it’s time to see a board-certified allergist.”

What about kids who have a food-allergy?

“Even young children need to know which foods to avoid—and what to do if they have a severe reaction at school. Families should talk with school-staff about food-allergies. And, every student with a diagnosed food-allergy should always carry two doses of epinephrine.”

Learn more at “a-c-a-a-i”-dot-org; that’s “a-c-a-a-i”-dot-org. I’m Bob Tebo, for the “Consumer Radio Network”.

Fake goods are a danger to families—including children who are about to start another school-year. That’s why the “U-S Chamber of Commerce” is raising awareness about counterfeit back-to-school products. Kasie [like “Casey”] Brill is with the Chamber’s “Global Innovation Policy Center”…

“Counterfeiters lure customers with low prices for such items as backpacks, pencils, art-supplies, computers, and hand-sanitizer. However, the subpar—or even dangerous—materials in these goods aren’t worth the risk. They can pose a threat to students—and cost parents more money, over time.”

As part of this effort, the Chamber’s “Shop Smart”-campaign is working with law-enforcement and businesses…

“Record-high inflation is causing back-to-school products to cost more than ever before. And, while families should always look for a deal, they must be careful not to be duped. If you find a price for a product that seems too good to be true, it is likely a counterfeit.”

For tips and more information from the “Shop Smart”-campaign, visit “u-s-chamber”-dot-com-slash-“shop-smart”.

The Senate is preparing to vote on whether to finally allow Medicare to negotiate for lower drug-prices. That’s according to Alan Hollenbeck—“A-A-R-P Illinois’” state-president…

“Drug-companies would also be penalized for increasing prices faster than the rate of inflation—which is particularly welcome in these times of economic uncertainty. And, there would be a limit on how much seniors would have to pay, out of their own pocket, for their medicine. These commonsense solutions have the overwhelming support of voters: Too many seniors, and other Americans, can’t keep up with the skyrocketing costs of prescription-drugs. Often, they’ll skip medications—or ration them—simply because they cannot afford it. And, this historic legislation would not only help keep people healthy, but will save Medicare and taxpayers hundreds-of-billions of dollars.”

To learn more, visit “a-a-r-p”-dot-org-slash-“i-l”.

Small businesses have much at stake when it comes to energy-policy. That’s according to Karen Kerrigan—president of the “Small-Business and Entrepreneurship Council”...

“High gas-prices are hurting Americans, and small businesses, across the country. In an attempt to avoid being blamed by voters, the Biden-administration—and other politicians—are blaming energy-companies. Some are even calling for a tax-hike on oil- and natural-gas-companies—which could only make gas-prices go even higher. Raising taxes on American energy-companies will not lower gasoline-prices—but would force the U-S, and the world, to rely on foreign countries—like Venezuela, Russia, and Iran—for oil. Don't be fooled: Gasoline-prices are determined by supply and demand. We need to increase U-S oil-supply, not cut it. Tell Washington [that] we need policies that encourage responsible, American energy-production.”

To learn more, visit “affordable-energy-project”-dot-com.