Since the credit card made its debut as an alternative to cash over 50 years ago, more Americans are using debit or credit cards as a primary payment method than ever before. In addition to the convenience and simplicity of using a card, another reason they have become increasingly popular is because they offer certain protections for consumers. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, your maximum liability for fraudulent credit card transactions is $50 and many credit cards promise zero liability for all fraudulent transactions. While similar protections apply to fraudulent debit card transactions under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act,…
Author: StatePoint
The constant juggle of work, family and other responsibilities can cause anybody to feel stressed. And stress is not only unpleasant, it can have negative ramifications on your health, including stomach upset, fatigue, headache and even depression and drug abuse, according to the Mayo Clinic. Luckily, a bit of self-care goes a long way. Here are five great ways to ease tension and reduce symptoms of stress. 1. Have a spot of tea. Drinking black tea leads to lower post-stress cortisol levels, according to a University College London study. Brew yourself a cup and take a few minutes to relax.…
April is Financial Literacy Month, an ideal time to think about the lessons your children are learning about money. Setting a good financial example is just the start. Parents should also actively engage children on the topic. These lessons can help put kids and teens on the right path towards a financially responsible adulthood. How Money Works Now that many consumers use credit or debit cards, buy things online and even purchase movies on their televisions and mobile devices, children may not realize when you are actually spending money and that money is needed to buy things. Take time to…
Did you know that advanced digital technologies can help grade school and high school students become better prepared for college and careers? From interactive platforms and applications to high-tech hardware, digital learning is empowering educators and helping prepare students for their futures. Here are a few new learning tools that are transforming education today. Do the Math Graphing calculators are getting an enhanced look and feel, enabling students to solve the most challenging equations and enhance their understanding of math. For example, cutting edge calculators, such as fx-CG50, the newest model in Casio’s calculator portfolio, offer a three-dimensional graphing function…
Nearly 50 percent of fresh fruits and 20 percent of fresh vegetables in the US are imported, according to FoodSafety.gov. This means that your food traveled long distances to get to your plate. To better enjoy fruits and vegetables, many families are now growing their own at home. Want to know exactly where your food is coming from and have the freshest possible flavors within arm’s reach? Bring “farm-to-table” dining into your everyday life by creating your own garden. Follow these tips to grow and harvest fruits, veggies and herbs at peak ripeness to enjoy in simple, healthful meals. Room…
You may not realize it, but the average residential property can be hazardous to local wildlife without proper precautions taken. An estimated 98 million birds are killed annually in the U.S. when colliding with windows, according to Western Ecosystems Technology, making your home a potential death trap during migratory season. However, there are steps you can take to not only protect the birds whose flight path traverses your yard and garden, but also offer them a safe place to rest and feed – adding natural beauty for your garden. Start by making glass visible to birds by applying safety decals…
Nutrition is important for everyone, but especially for children, as it is directly linked to all aspects of their growth and development. Childhood obesity affects one in six children and adolescents in the United States. Though associated with elevated risks of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, bone and joint problems, and sleep apnea, among other health problems, childhood obesity can usually be prevented. “August, which is Kids Eat Right Month, is an ideal time for families to focus on the importance of healthful eating and active lifestyles,” says Kristi King, registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson.…
Your gut health affects more than just how your stomach feels. Recent scientific breakthroughs have uncovered links between the state of the gut microbiome and a range of human health issues such as obesity, diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, cardiovascular disease, immune system disorders, asthma and even cancer and its treatment. Experts say that understanding the gut microbiome may change how these diseases are diagnosed and treated. Additionally, specific microbes have been linked to good digestive health. “The gut microbiome is currently subject to intense and growing interest within the medical and pharmaceutical industries, but is also of great interest to average…
If you are like most people, you could use more hours to get things done. But while the day isn’t getting any longer, there are plenty of ways to supercharge your routine and boost productivity, say lifestyle experts. “I’m a busy full-time working mom so anything that requires too much effort and time will not fly with me,” says Janise Burrafato, the “Mama in Heels” blogger, who recently participated in the #MyWalgreensApp campaign. “Mobile apps keep me organized and ahead of schedule, and believe it or not, having just one less task to tackle really does make a difference.” Here…
Tailgating season is here, and while you may want to refer to last year’s playbook, new tools and tips can help make this your best season yet. Stay Comfortable There are a few simple things you can do to make comfort and safety a priority while tailgating. Number one is to pack plenty of water in order to keep everyone hydrated. Whether you use an umbrella, a pop-up tent or simply arrive early to seek out a leafy corner of the lot, make sure your space includes some shade. And don’t forget the sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather…