Rod's Pure Thoughts

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Your Medicare Roadmap: What to Know Before You Turn 65

(Feature Impact) Sixty-five is more than a number. It’s a milestone. A moment to reflect on where you’ve been and look forward with confidence to what comes next. For millions of Americans, turning 65 also means unlocking one of the most valuable benefits you’ve earned: Medicare. The best is still ahead, and it starts with knowing your options. The official source for Medicare information,…

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Breaking News + Health & Fitness Alert: Second Nature Keto Crunch Smart Mix Recall

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When the Heart Can't Keep Up: What to Know About Heart Failure

When the Heart Can’t Keep Up: What to Know About Heart Failure (Feature Impact) For decades, heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States, and heart failure directly accounts for about 8.5% of all heart disease deaths. In fact, more than 7.7 million Americans older than 20 are currently living with heart failure, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood…

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How Hiring Veterans Can Strengthen the Workforce

How Hiring Veterans Can Strengthen the Workforce (Feature Impact) Every year, about 200,000 service members transition from military service into civilian careers, offering employers access to a highly skilled and mission-driven talent pool. As organizations across industries seek dependable employees who can adapt and lead, veterans bring experience that translates directly to business…

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Awareness is Key: 3 Steps to Help Recognize Stroke Signs and Risks for Better Outcomes

(Feature Impact) A stroke can happen to anyone at any age. Awareness is Key: 3 Steps to Help Recognize Stroke Signs and Risks for Better Outcomes In fact, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke, with approximately 800,000 people experiencing a stroke annually, according to the American Heart Association, making it a leading cause of death and serious, long-term…

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Hillbilly Bible Film Relaunch Honors John Amos, Adds Voyage Air Guitar Giveaway

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Hillbilly Bible, a Memphis-rooted, music-driven faith-based dramedy, is being relaunched by Hillbilly Bible Movie LLC in association with MVP3 Foundation and MVP3 Network, with director KC Amos stepping in to honor the legacy of his father, actor John Amos. Photo by Caique Araujo on Pexels.com The film is supported by Voyage Air Guitar as the leading product placement title…

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Join the Fight Against ALS: Register and Make a Difference

Join the Fight Against ALS: Register and Make a Difference (Feature Impact) Every year, doctors tell more than 5,000 Americans they have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS. It is a life-changing diagnosis. Still, it’s hard to estimate the total number of ALS cases in the United States. No one knows what causes most cases of ALS, something the U.S. National ALS Registry is…

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Power Summer Adventures with a Spectacular Bagel Brunch Spread

Power Summer Adventures with a Spectacular Bagel Brunch Spread (Feature Impact) Enjoying meals al fresco this summer starts with one simple trick: Head outside before the sun reaches its peak to beat the heat. A summer brunch offers a special way to fuel up before all the adventures and activities a bright, sunny day may bring. For a light, refreshing bite, Summer Berry Panzanella Salad…

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Reclassification of marijuana opens doors for much‑needed medical research into the benefits and risks of the drug

The new federal classification of marijuana regulates only medical use; recreational use is still determined by state laws. tvirbickis/iStock via Getty Images Plus Carey S. Cadieux, Binghamton University, State University of New York When the U.S. Department of Justice moved to reclassify medical marijuana to a Schedule III drug on April 23, 2026, it set the stage for a vast amount of medical…

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Put a Traditional Spin on Cinco de Mayo: Celebrate Mexican culture with pork stew and cinnamon sweets

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo (Family Features) Whether Cinco de Mayo means an opportunity to celebrate your family’s heritage or it’s simply an excuse to gather with the ones you love, every holiday truly is about the same thing: special moments together. While those treasured times at the table revolve around camaraderie and conversation, it can start with a filling meal and end with a sweet…

Put a Traditional Spin on Cinco de Mayo: Celebrate Mexican culture with pork stew and cinnamon sweets

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An At-Home Solution with the Taste of Takeout

An At-Home Solution with the Taste of Takeout (Feature Impact) If you’re cozying up at home but takeout cravings are calling, it may just be time for a pantry refresh that brings bold flavors straight to your kitchen. No matter what kind of cook you are – Bumble Bee Snackers are your new secret snack-section solution. For unbeatable convenience and flavor, consider Bumble Bee Snackers for an…

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Heidi Klum Fronts GREY GOOSE “Devil Wears Prada 2” Push Featuring The Devil’s Roast Cocktail

GREY GOOSE is stepping into the spotlight with a new collaboration tied to 20th Century Studios’ “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” arriving exclusively in theaters May 1. The French vodka brand is rolling out a multi-platform campaign that blends fashion, film, and cocktail cultureand it’s led by supermodel and Emmy-winning television personality Heidi Klum. GREY GOOSE and Heidi Klum Strut Into the…

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Forgotten Genius Friday: The Legacy of Thomas Jennings — America’s First Black Patent Holder

Hangers with shirts in dry cleaning plastic bags on rack against light background, closeup In the early 19th century, long before modern dry cleaners lined city streets, one man quietly transformed how Americans cared for their clothing. His name was Thomas Jennings—a tailor, entrepreneur, and trailblazer whose innovation would earn him a historic place in U.S. history. Breaking Barriers in a…

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Stay Protected from Cyberattacks: Simple Safeguards to Reduce Cyber Intrusions and Real-World Losses

Stay Protected from Cyberattacks: Simple Safeguards to Reduce Cyber Intrusions and Real-World Losses (Feature Impact) Connected homes are becoming the norm with millions of Americans relying on Wi-Fi networks, mobile apps and smart devices to manage everything from door locks to thermostats. As convenience increases, so does exposure, and the experts at multiple-line insurance carrier Mercury…

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Bold Beverages to Elevate Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

Bold Beverages to Elevate Cinco de Mayo Celebrations (Feature Impact) Few things say Cinco de Mayo like festive drinks and a lively atmosphere. This year, give your glass a signature chile-lime kick and turn every sip into a celebration. Elevating classic beverages is effortless with the bold trifecta of chile peppers, lime and sea salt – the perfectly balanced blend that delivers tangy, zesty…

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World Naked Gardening Day 2026: A Growing Movement Rooted in Nature and Body Acceptance

What Is World Naked Gardening Day? First launched in 2005 by Mark Storey, Jacob Gabriel, and Liz Miller, World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD) invites people to step outside—literally and figuratively—by tending their gardens without clothing. Held annually on the first Saturday in May, the event aligns with springtime in the Northern Hemisphere, making it an ideal moment to reconnect with the…

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Stopping the 'Silent Killer:' How to Check, Prevent and Manage High Blood Pressure

Stopping the ‘Silent Killer:’ How to Check, Prevent and Manage High Blood Pressure (Feature Impact) High blood pressure poses significant health risks for people of all ages, but there are effective ways to both prevent and manage this “silent killer” by working with a health care professional to make lifestyle changes. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is when the force of blood…