News-Blog-SG

In December 1967, a young soldier lay in a hospital bed after sustaining severe eye injuries from a land mine in Vietnam. Tom Miller, now executive director of the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) in Washington, D.C., was blind, and his mind raced over all of the things he’d never be able to enjoy again. “I’ve spent the past 44-plus years erasing that list, or finding new things I can do.” Miller says he owes many thanks to the talking-book program of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), part of the Library of Congress. “The program is a godsend,” he says. Veterans—and any U.S. resident or citizen living abroad—are eligible to become NLS readers if they are blind, have low vision or have an illness or disability that prevents them from handling a book or printed material. According to a 2011 report by the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research, 16 percent of the wounded soldiers evacuated from Iraq and Afghanistan battle zones have suf...

If you watched season three of Fox TV’s reality cooking show “MasterChef,” you remember the big smile that lit up Christine Ha’s face every time she impressed the judges with her bold flavors—and especially when her three-course meal of Vietnamese comfort food won Ha the “MasterChef” title. What casual viewers may not have realized right away is that the amateur cook from Houston, Texas, is blind. In 2003, Ha was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a rare neurological condition that deteriorates the optic nerves and spinal cord. By 2007, Ha had lost most of her vision. But she had regained her love of reading, with help from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). “[NLS] reignited my love for literature. It was what kept me sane when I went through my first bouts of NMO,” says Ha, who also authors the blog theblindcook.com . “When I went through some of my worst health issues in 2003—complete paralysis from my neck down due to spinal inflam...

Did you know Medicare has a rating system that evaluates health plans based on dozens of quality measures and patient experiences? Very few plans receive the top Medicare rating. Out of 563 Medicare Advantage plans for 2013, only 11 plans with prescription drug benefits earned the top five-star rating. Six of those 11 were Kaiser Permanente plans. “We are a top plan because we focus on our patients’ health,” said Jed Weissberg, senior vice president for Hospitals, Quality and Care Delivery at Kaiser Permanente. “We help our patients to exercise, eat well, maintain a healthy weight and get regular check-ups. Walking, for example, can have remarkable therapeutic value—cutting the rate of new cases of diabetes by half or more.” Part of staying healthy is having a health plan that covers all of your medical needs. For seniors selecting a Medicare plan, this means finding one that has the right doctor and provides the care, treatment and pharmacy benefits you need. To help Medicare-eligibl...

It’s in every living cell, tissue and organ, and it’s second only to oxygen as the thing we need most to survive—pure, clean water. We can’t live without it, and we can’t live well without enough of it. We are constantly in need of water as we lose water with every breath and every activity of the body. We are especially at risk for dehydration when we exercise or we are ill—this is when dehydration, even mild dehydration, can take its toll, causing you to feel tired and drained of energy. Anyone may become dehydrated, but young children, older adults and people with chronic illnesses are most at risk. Dr. Julie Scarano, a doctor of chiropractic who is trained in prevention and wellness (in addition to providing care for neuromusculoskeletal conditions such as neck or back pain, for which chiropractors are most well known) believes it’s better to prevent dehydration than to treat it. She also reminds you that the 23 intervertebral discs in your spine have high water content and that ...

When paying for your child’s college education, what you don’t know really can hurt you. We’re talking 529 plans. The’ve been in existence since 1996, but a new survey from Edward Jones found that 67 percent of Americans don’t have a clue that they provide a tax-advantaged way to save money for tuition, books and other qualified education-related expenses at most accredited two- and four-year colleges, universities, and vocational-technical schools. Worse still, that 67 percent figure is 5 percent higher than it was the first time the survey was done in 2012. “It’s a concerning trend,” says Tim Burke, a principal at the financial services firm, Edward Jones. “Concerning” because the current average price tag of a four-year degree, including tuition, room and board: $21,370-a-year at public schools, according to the College Board, and $48,510-a-year at private schools. And just how do those surveyed think they’re going to handle those costs? • Personal savings accounts (38 percent). Ke...

Consider this: getting a spoon stuck in your tires is more of a likelihood than you may have thought. According to a new national survey of auto service professionals, this common kitchen utensil is a potential hazard – albeit one of the more unusual ones – likely to damage your tires if you’re not careful about where you’re driving. The four tires on your car are the only thing connecting your vehicle to the road, and they also affect everything from handling to braking, playing a critical role in your safety. Given their part in keeping you safe, it’s worth taking the time to take care of your tires – especially when there are so many (potential) hazards to look out for. The study from Cooper Tires conducted by Auto Service Professional magazine couldn’t come at a better time: Nearly 100 million Americans are expected to have taken a family vacation by year’s end, according to a recent AAA Travel survey , with upcoming spring and summer road trips topping many of their plans. With s...

Have working batteries in your smoke alarms? Done. Has your oil been freshly changed in your car? Done. Is there a new water filter for your refrigerator? Done. But when it comes to regularly checking your tires? Like most people, there may be some room for improvement. As fall travel and winter weather loom, taking a moment to check your car tires can make a difference in keeping you safe on the road. This year, Cooper Tires is encouraging drivers to mark Labor Day weekend on their calendar (and the first of every month) as a tire check safety moment, to make a habit of checking tires, especially as seasons change. “Just as we regularly take a moment to check our smoke detector batteries when we change our clocks in the fall and spring, we need to designate a moment to check tire safety as well,” says Jessica Egerton, Director of Brand Development at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company. Ensuring the overall condition of your tires is easy and important for your safety on the r...

( NewsUSA ) – Face masks are becoming the "new normal" to help reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus, but how does yours measure up? Recent studies have shown that standard, single-layer cotton bandanas are not effective at preventing virus transmission between individuals in close contact if spread by a cough or sneeze.When it comes to protecting yourself and your family, face mask material matters. Notably, Vietnam has experienced approximately 413 cases and no deaths from Covid-19. Part of the reason for this low death rate and limited cases may be the nanotechnology used in face masks worn regularly by the majority of the population.The Vietnamese government has supported the use of nano-silver fibers included in the multilayered cotton masks that are manufactured and widely used in Vietnam. Nano-silver contains anti-microbial properties and nanotechnology uniquely engineered to block the spread of small particles, such as those of the Covid-19 virus.The nano-silver...

( NewsUSA ) – You’re never too old to develop or refine an exercise program. And there has never been more opportunity to find an array of programs that suit your interests, your fitness ability and your lifestyle.As an older adult, the reasons for exercise change: benefits include helping to control chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, strengthening muscles to prevent falls, and improving flexibility to maintain activities of daily living.An added benefit? Regular exercise can help boost your mood and improve your overall sense of well-being. And, you’ll make new friends! (Of course, always talk to your doctor before starting any type of exercise program.)Where to look for a new exercise program? Start with your local fitness or community center. The key is finding activities that you enjoy. Some tips to get started:- Follow your interests. Like to dance? Swim? Maybe yoga or Tai-Chi sounds appealing. There are fitness classes for every taste and ability level.- Foll...

( NewsUSA ) – Social, economic and environmental factors play a key role in people’s health – where they live, learn work, and play. These circumstances are shaped by the distribution of wealth, power and resources at global, national and local levels.Identifying these so-called "social determinants of health" helps doctors determine the root causes of their patients’ medical conditions and is critical to improving whole-person health. The Physicians Foundation found that nearly 90 percent of doctors have patients whose health is affected by these key factors.1Below are some examples to illustrate how social factors can affect you and your health:* Loneliness and social isolation. More than a quarter of the U.S. population live alone. Loneliness and social isolation are associated with increased mortality and poor health outcomes. Identifying individuals at risk for these factors allows doctors to recommend prevention and care strategies to improve their patients’ health.* ...

( NewsUSA ) – The upcoming school year will be like nothing teachers, students, and families have ever experienced, as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic steers school systems to embrace online learning and incorporate it in new ways.However, school systems across the country are rising to the challenge and staying connected to their students with dynamic digital resources, such as those from Discovery Education.Since the beginning of the pandemic, school systems across the country have invested in digital services like Discovery Education Experience because they support students’ education at home, in the classroom or wherever learning is taking place.Experience – Discovery Education’s flexible K-12 learning platform – connects educators to a vast collection of compelling high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, and professional learning resources. Together, these resources give educators everything they need to facilitate instruction in any learning environ...

( NewsUSA ) – Whether we’re reading a favorite book, taking in the smell of fresh-cut grass or savoring an old family recipe, we use our senses every day to experience and understand the world around us. But while it’s clear that our senses are an important part of our lives, they’re often something we take for granted.The difficult reality of sensory loss is no more apparent than on the demographic that experiences it most: seniors. Nearly 83 percent of older adults in the United States are living with at least one diminished sense, according to a new survey by Home Instead, Inc. The current COVID-19 pandemic has only intensified isolation and loneliness for those experiencing sensory loss, making it harder for those without assistive technology to stay connected with their loved ones."As we age, it’s normal to experience some changes or decline in our five senses," says Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead Senior Care. "Early detection ...

( NewsUSA ) – Lifetime celebrates 30 years of its iconic Lifetime Original Movies in 2020 and continues to be a premier entertainment destination for women, offering award-winning movies that viewers love, popular non-fiction series such as "Married at First Sight," and compelling "beyond the headlines" documentaries.Recent hits include the top three movies in ad-supported cable for 2020: "The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel," "Stolen By My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story," and "Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer."Audiences with more time at home will not be disappointed, as Lifetime premieres 50 new movies between May and the end of 2020.The summer-long celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Lifetime Original Movie begins with two-time Emmy nominee Niecy Nash (star of the critically acclaimed "Stolen by My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story") hosting a special kick-off movie marathon weekend, May 30-31. It featur...

( NewsUSA ) – Ulysses S. Grant may be one of the most complex and underappreciated generals and presidents in United States history, but he gets his due at last in a six-hour miniseries, "Grant," that premieres on HISTORY over Memorial Day weekend.The three-part series is executive produced by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Ron Chernow, author of the 2017 biography, "Grant," along with Appian Way’s Jennifer Davisson and Leonardo DiCaprio, and produced by RadicalMedia in association with global content leader Lionsgate. The first episode airs on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, and continues over the next two nights at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT."Ulysses S. Grant is one of our most brilliant, yet misunderstood presidents and HISTORY is committed to telling the compelling stories, like his, of those who have shaped our great nation," says Eli Lehrer, executive vice president and general manager for HISTORY."This is an important part of American history that deserves...

( NewsUSA ) – In the past few weeks, it has become clear that social distancing and quarantining are the new normal. This is an overwhelming time as we attempt to adjust our mindsets and schedules – between working from home, watching after the kids, keeping up with the news, and maintaining sanity, it can be a challenge to prioritize your physical and mental health. Here are some tips on how to stay active in these strange and unprecedented times. Make a planIt’s always easier to commit to a healthy habit if you make it part of your routine. At the beginning of each week, take a look at your schedule and find those windows where you could realistically squeeze in a workout. Set a reminder on your phone or even add the workout to your calendar to keep yourself accountable. Try a meal delivery serviceIt may be difficult to cook healthy meals every day, especially if you can’t get what you need from the grocery store. Having healthy food delivered safely to your door can alleviate the ...

( NewsUSA ) – Although it happened nearly 30 years ago, the story of Lorena Bobbitt and the domestic violence she endured still resonates today in the #MeToo era. Lifetime kicks off Memorial Day with the Ripped from the Headlines feature premiere of "I Was Lorena Bobbitt" on Monday, May 25, at 8pm ET/PT.Lorena Bobbitt (now Lorena Gallo) serves as one of the executive producers on the film, as well as its narrator.The story follows her journey from a young and innocent immigrant bride to a victim of domestic violence. In 1993, after years of abuse at the hands of her husband, John Bobbitt, Lorena fought back, cutting off her husband’s penis with a knife and becoming an unlikely international media sensation. The film follows her evolution into a strong and thoughtful woman who has devoted her life to advocating for abused women."There are many reasons why I feel it’s important to share my story now," Ms. Gallo says in an interview."Lifetime gave me a platform ...

( NewsUSA ) – In the coming weeks and months, America will begin attempting to re-start the economy and hopefully take steps toward a semblance of a new normal. However, even as this process gets underway, our economy has been shaken to its core with ramifications that will reverberate for some time to come. In this new reality, America’s employers and healthplan sponsors will face daunting challenges as a result of COVID-19’s impact.That’s what makes the mission of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) all that much more important. PBMs are hired by employers and health plans to reduce costs and enhance access to prescription drugs, while helping to keep a lid on health-care premiums. Accomplishing these goals and continuing to find ways to help patients obtain their medications, while staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, are essential.The coronavirus outbreak is first and foremost a human tragedy, affecting millions of people. It is also having a substantial impact on the global e...

( NewsUSA ) – Good ideas often start in your own backyardAlmost two decades before our legislature passed a statewide clean indoor air law, the City of Albuquerque implemented smoke-free air policies to protect residents from secondhand smoke in all workplaces. The importance of local leadership is still clear: many cities moved more quickly than states to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by implementing stay-at-home orders, closing non-essential businesses and public parks."Local governments are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of the people in their communities. They should be able to pass laws proven to promote good health, well-being and equity, and New Mexicans agree," says Dr. Robert Taylor, President of the American Heart Association board of directors in Albuquerque.The American Heart Association (AHA) believes the ongoing epidemic of e-cigarette use by teenagers can be effectively addressed by cities and counties. This is a serious public health crisis that has ...

( NewsUSA ) – The risk of becoming trapped in a grain bin while trying to remove clumped or rotting grain remains a real hazard for farmers and their employees, who could be buried within seconds by fast-flowing grain.To help reduce the risk of death and injury from grain bin accidents and to educate first responders about rescue procedures, Nationwide, the number one farm insurer in the United States, is sponsoring its fifth annual Nominate Your Fire Department Contest in conjunction with Grain Bin Safety Week.The goal of the campaign is to educate farm workers and first responders about safe bin-entry procedures, including maintaining quality grain, testing bin atmosphere for toxic gases, and wearing proper safety equipment.Since 2014, Nationwide has awarded grain bin rescue tubes and training sessions to 48 fire departments in 18 states."It felt like an eternity," Glenville Fire Chief Matt Webb, of Glenville, Minnesota, a recipient of Nationwide’s grain bin rescue traini...

( NewsUSA ) – Many high school students who might not have seen college as an option are now ready to pursue advanced education as Dell Scholars, thanks to a unique nonprofit education program.The Dell Scholars Program was developed by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation to assist high-school seniors who have overcome significant obstacles to obtain a college education.In 2018, of the 500 scholarships offered through the Dell Scholars Program, 281 were awarded to AVID students.Students in the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program work to overcome challenges, including limited funds for college and limited family experience with college and college preparation.AVID is a nonprofit that provides training and support to educators, so they can ensure that all of their students are college-ready. AVID educators are trained to tutor as well as mentor students, and to provide opportunities for the students to develop friendships and support networks with peers. Many of ...

( NewsUSA ) – Now more than ever, businesses need to explore how to best serve their customers in the digital marketplace. That means finding ways to stay relevant and keep their audiences engaged. A professional development webinar series from the National Kitchen & Bath Association shows businesses how to develop and maintain a strong online presence.The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade group for the kitchen and bath industry.The series opens with Jim Nowakowski, a marketing and marketing communications specialist with more than 20 years of experience, notably in the manufacturing and publishing industries. Mr. Nowakowski brings his considerable expertise in communications and business-to-business advertising purchasing patterns to the webinars. The series kicked off on January 10 with "Staying in Front of Your Customers in a Digital Environment."Positive feedback from attendees emphasized Mr. Nowakowski’s enthusiasm and business a...

( NewsUSA ) – What is Peacock?Peacock is a new streaming service from NBCUniversal, launching July 15th. The only streamer to offer a free, premium tier of service with limited commercials, Peacock brings together everything people love about TV and streaming to deliver the best live and on-demand programming from NBCUniversal and beyond.Sign up for Peacock today – completely free – and enjoy thousands of hours of current and classic movies and shows, exclusive channels, timely news and sports, late-night, reality and more. Or upgrade to Peacock Premium for just $4.99 per month and enjoy access to more than 20,000 hours of movies, shows, originals, live news and sports, and early access to programming such as "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon."You can also go ad-free for just $5 more per month. What to Watch?Peacock is home to treasured movies and shows you already know and love – or may have missed and can now enjoy! Schedule a movie night around blockbuster titles ...

( NewsUSA ) – Although it happened nearly 30 years ago, the story of Lorena Bobbitt and the domestic violence she endured still resonates today in the #MeToo era. Lifetime kicks off Memorial Day with the Ripped from the Headlines feature premiere of "I Was Lorena Bobbitt" on Monday, May 25, at 8pm ET/PT.Lorena Bobbitt (now Lorena Gallo) serves as one of the executive producers on the film, as well as its narrator.The story follows her journey from a young and innocent immigrant bride to a victim of domestic violence. In 1993, after years of abuse at the hands of her husband, John Bobbitt, Lorena fought back, cutting off her husband’s penis with a knife and becoming an unlikely international media sensation. The film follows her evolution into a strong and thoughtful woman who has devoted her life to advocating for abused women."There are many reasons why I feel it’s important to share my story now," Ms. Gallo says in an interview."Lifetime gave me a platform ...

A $50 haircut will set you back a mere $25 when purchased with the click of a mouse on a group buying website. Recommend the deal to two friends and get two $10 credits, used towards a deal at a local restaurant that gives $40 worth of food and drink for just $20 — a free meal. Welcome to the world of group buying, Internet style, where the power of the Web can be utilized to offer surprisingly large discounts to a sizable number of people for things they actually want to buy. The industry has exploded in the past few years and continues to climb. It’s expected to grow 138 percent to $2.7 billion this year in the U.S. alone, according to Local Offer Network. The best-known group buying site — Groupon — is expected to bring in between $3 billion and $4 billion this year alone, up from $760 million in worldwide revenue last year. However, of the 63,000 deals offered in the U.S. last year, Groupon accounted for fewer than half. Instead, smaller group sites are attracting customers with i...

When the economy nosedived, and companies had reason to be scared, a few businesses got resourceful. Low incomes and record job losses pushed consumers toward trends like buying in bulk and using group discount websites. And where there was demand, supply soon followed. In came the success of wholesalers like Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s. But warehouse clubs weren’t the only stores seeing growth in bulk sales. Farmers markets, co-ops and natural food stores observed more supersized shopping. Whole Foods said bulk food purchases were growing by approximately 25 percent every year. That wasn’t the only buying trend to emerge, however. “The Groupon following led to an explosion of similar sites, like LivingSocial and Dealfind, not to mention all of the city-specific ones,” says Joe Kalfa, the leader of a new movement of group buying called All Our Power. “You can buy virtually any commodity in bulk and get all kinds of group discounts on spas, restaurants and vacations galore, but what a...

( NewsUSA ) – As the coronavirus pandemic rapidly turned the "new normal" household into hubs for all daily activities, Summer 2020 now means moving parents’ offices, kid’s camps, vacation destinations, and virtually everything under one roof.Although this dynamic could forge family bonds, it can also ignite the already heated stresses and struggles facing many Americans during this difficult time – making optimal home climate control a critical key to keeping their cool as temperatures heat up this season.Recent studies show how our increased togetherness can significantly disrupt domestic bliss. In fact, research suggests that people forced to live in quarantine conditions face a greater risk of anxiety, depression, anger, irritability, insomnia and post-traumatic stress symptoms.And, despite feeling close to their children during the pandemic, 61percent of parents say they have shouted, yelled, or screamed at them at least once over the past two weeks, according to a U...

( NewsUSA ) – In today’s constant contact, cell-phone celebrated, digital world, most people can go days or even weeks without spending any time in natural sunlight. Instead, we eat breakfast inside, or on the go, only to race to an office, filled with artificial light and plastic plants, for 8 to 10 hours a day. It’s no wonder why Americans’ mental health is suffering.Compare that hectic routine to those memorable moments when you’re able to sit quietly, let the sunshine warm your face, hear the birds, and allow nature to envelope you. While everyone longs for less stress, actually relaxing can be dauntingly stressful!However, a new study out of the United Kingdom sheds light on one way people can de-stress: bird watching. The study finds that people who watch birds from their home have lower depression, anxiety, and stress compared to those that live in less leafy areas that have fewer birds. People "felt relaxed and connected to nature when they watched birds in their garden...

( NewsUSA ) – Amy bought her first house in Grand Rapids, Michigan at age 23. Fast forward two years and she has since sold that house and relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Two houses in two years at age 25: Here’s one Millennial who isn’t sacrificing homeownership for mobility. The relocation shuffle Although Amy was perfectly happy with her first little house and made lots of friends in Grand Rapids, a job opportunity popped up that was too good to turn down. She recently relocated to Pittsburgh, where she serves as a regional sales manager for a major food distribution company.Before her move, she experienced the ups and downs of both buying and selling houses in two different states. Selling a first home in Michigan "Lucky for me, Grand Rapids has a shortage of homes for sale and a lot of buyers. I didn’t have a chance to make any improvements on my house, a farmhouse built in 1904, but I did add a simple deck and lots of flowers and new bushes. It has more curb appeal ...