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2024-05-22T02:01:01

(BPT) – Given the current economic climate, social issues, and rising college tuition, completing a higher education degree has become quite difficult.

While some students are still overcoming the 2024 FAFSA difficulties, consumers are smart to evaluate their investment in a college education the same way any large purchase is made. Understanding the terms and conditions, and particularly the refund policies of the school you attend is vital.

The essential fact is that, according to the National Student Clearinghouse, nearly 76% of the 2.4 million students who started college in fall 2021 returned for their second year. In addition, the same source has reported that 113,000 students withdrew from college in 2021 for legitimate reasons, including medical conditions.

For these students and families, it is important to ask what will happen if your student is forced to withdraw due to an unexpected reason such as an accident, illness, injury, or even job loss. Most schools report only providing a prorated refund through the first weeks of class and nothing thereafter.

According to the College Board, in 2023-24, average estimated budgets (tuition and fees, housing and food, and allowances for books and supplies, transportation and other personal expenses) for full-time undergraduate students range from $19,860 for public two-year in-district students and $28,840 for public four-year in-state students to $46,730 for public four-year out-of-state students and $60,420 for private nonprofit four-year students.

Given this risk and the billions of dollars families invest, it’s smart to learn more about college tuition insurance. The idea is fairly simple: Should a student have to leave college for a legitimate reason covered by the plan, tuition insurance can provide a refund to cover the financial loss. If you cannot afford the cost of an extra semester, then families are smart to evaluate tuition insurance providers like GradGuard, which offer plans that can protect up to 100% of the cost of college from $1,500 to $50,000 per term.

Not convinced it’s worth the investment? Check out these seven reasons why tuition insurance is worth asking for from your school.

1. Tuition refund

Life’s stressors and unforeseen circumstances can lead students to withdraw from college. It’s more common than you think. A 2024 study by Gallup and Lumina Foundation found that more than a third of college students pursuing a bachelor’s degree considered withdrawing from their program for a semester or more.

Should you withdraw, recouping tuition expenses may not be possible. Tuition refunds vary by institution, but according to a 2019 study by HigherEd Study, very few schools offer full or partial refunds.

However, with college tuition insurance, you may be able to receive a partial or full tuition refund should you withdraw for a reason covered by your plan. This safety net can provide much-needed financial relief in an otherwise stressful situation.

2. Return to school

Many students who withdraw from their programs do eventually decide to re-enroll. That said, returning to school after an unexpected withdrawal is easier said than done. If you withdraw and decide to return to school, you may owe additional expenses that can prevent you from enrolling.

Tuition insurance can pay those account balances and help students return to classes when they are well enough to do so. In fact, according to a 2023 survey by GradGuard, 75% of students with paid claims returned or planned to return to school.

3. Reducing financial stress and negative mental health impacts

Mental health can tremendously impact a student’s ability to succeed academically. Sometimes, mental health issues force students and their families to make a hard decision between pursuing mental health support or withdrawing from their studies.

Disruption to your education because of mental health issues doesn’t have to add to your family’s stress. Depending on your plan, college tuition insurance can cover mental health-related withdrawals, ensuring your student gets the help they need without worrying about tuition costs. In fact, according to the 2024 Gallup-Lumina Foundation study, 64% of students who considered stopping out say emotional stress or mental health concerns are significant reasons.

4. Housing and fees

In addition to the lack of tuition refunds, virtually no institutions offer refunds for housing costs and fees. Most national forms of tuition insurance, like GradGuard, can provide refunds for housing expenses and academic fees associated with attending college should you leave for a reason covered by your plan.

5. Accidents, illnesses, and injuries

Accidents, illnesses, and injuries happen. Depending on the severity, a student may have to withdraw from college to take care of their physical health. Focusing on healing is hard enough and only more difficult if a student also has to contend with financial loss because of an academic withdrawal.

College tuition insurance can protect you financially if you have to withdraw due to an unexpected medical reason. If you must withdraw for medical reasons covered by your plan, you can focus on recovery without worrying about tuition costs.

6. Loss of employment

Many students depend on the financial support of their families. If a parent should lose their job, it could impact the ability for a student to complete a term. A new feature some tuition insurance companies like GradGuard now provide coverage for is the involuntary loss of employment of a tuition payer, depending on the plan. This added financial protection can help students overcome a loss if they cannot complete the term.

7. Peace of mind

Overall, the reason college tuition insurance is worth the investment is the peace of mind it can provide students and families. You can rest easy knowing your financial costs can be protected for various reasons. This security can help a student pursue higher education more confidently.

Consider these seven reasons why college tuition insurance is worth the cost. To learn more about the types of plans and range of benefits, visit GradGuard.com/Tuition.

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply, including for pre-existing conditions. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Recommended and provided by Grad Guard, a service of Next Generation Insurance Group, LLC (NGI), the licensed agent for all insurance programs. AGA Service Company, dba Allianz Global Assistance (AGA), compensates GradGuard, their national program management partner, for the marketing, distribution and administration of the products. Insurance plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Pricing may vary by state. Insurance benefits are underwritten by Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233) rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., A+ (Superior) is the 2nd highest standard of A.M. Best’s 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Non-insurance benefits/services are provided by AGA Service Company. Claims are administered by Allianz Global Assistance (AGA). Allianz Global Assistance is a mark of AGA Service Company or its affiliates. AGA Service Company is an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Except as expressly provided for under the plan, consumer is responsible for charges incurred from outside vendors. Contact AGA Service Company at 888-427-5045 or 9950 Mayland Dr., Richmond, VA 23233 or tuition@allianzassistance.com. Schools do not receive compensation for purchase.

2024-05-21T08:01:00

(BPT) – One of the most praised skincare ingredients on social media is Vitamin C, with influencers and dermatologists alike touting its benefits of brightening the skin, adding luminosity and even diminishing the signs of aging.

Is the hype real?

The answer: Yes, but it’s a bit more complicated than that. Vitamin C can indeed do all of these things, and more, for your skin. But because Vitamin C is an unstable molecule, it can break down easily. How it’s formulated and packaged really matters in terms of its efficacy. Not all brands get it right.

“Using a Vitamin C serum consistently not only helps protect and repair damage from UV and environmental stressors, but it can also lighten, brighten and diminish the signs of aging,” says Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, Board-Certified Dermatologist. “But it’s important for consumers to do their homework and invest in products with stabilized formulations and optimal packaging to deliver the best results.”

The market is flooded with Vitamin C serums from many brands. How can you make sure you’re choosing the right one? Here’s what you need to know.

Vitamin C serums are concentrated skincare treatments that use a powerful antioxidant to revitalize, brighten and tighten the skin. The top benefits of using a Vitamin C serum include the following:

• Luminosity. Vitamin C helps produce a brighter and more even skin tone, giving you a radiant, luminous glow.
• Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It helps stimulate collagen production, which increases skin’s firmness and elasticity.
• Brightens dark spots. Can help fade dark spots because it inhibits an enzyme that causes discoloration.
• Antioxidant protection. Helps protect your skin from free radicals that come from environmental aggressors, which cause premature aging. That’s why it’s best to use it in the morning. The protection lasts all day long.

Even with these great benefits, Vitamin C serums are NOT created equal. You might find yourself not getting the results you want or feeling uncertain with what, if anything, it does for your skin. If this sounds familiar, you may have chosen the wrong brand. Here are some common mistakes people make when choosing a Vitamin C serum:

• Choosing a little-known brand. Yes, you’ll find many brands out there on social media, touted by influencers and celebrities. But choosing a respected, trusted brand matters. For example, RoC Skincare, an esteemed brand developed directly with dermatologists, has a Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Serum, which is the result of years of research and clinical testing. It combines a patent-pending blend of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, the most stable and effective form of Vitamin C, with Peptides to help nourish and calm skin. This powerful combination produced incredible results in clinical trials — 94% of users reported instant luminosity and improved elasticity, and within 4 weeks, 100% reported brighter, tighter skin and reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
• Not looking at the packaging. Because Vitamin C can degrade, opaque packaging keeps it stable and effective longer. If you choose a brand with a glass bottle — if you can see the serum in the jar, in other words — that serum may lose its efficacy before you use the last dose in the bottle. It’ll do little for you that plain water can’t.
• Too highly concentrated formulation. Some Vitamin C products contain acids that can irritate the skin and cause redness. Look for a brand that contains a more gentle formulation, like RoC’s patent-pending blend.
• Too expensive. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a serum. More expensive doesn’t mean better. Instead of looking for a high price tag and thinking that might mean it’s a better product, look at clinical results. That should be your benchmark. RoC’s serum is affordable and one of the most effective on the market today.

Bottom line, when choosing a Vitamin C serum, choose one from a company you trust that offers clinical results and is dermatologist-recommended. Brighter, more luminous skin awaits!

Find RoC’s Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum for under $30 at Target.

2024-05-20T13:43:00

(BPT) – Did you know people do more to defend their pets from ticks than for themselves? Pet owners are nearly three times as likely to always protect their pets from ticks than to always protect themselves (36% versus 14%) while only a third (31%) of all Americans are consistently taking measures to protect themselves. Pets are well taken care of, since 85% of dog or cat owners take action to safeguard pets from ticks in some way, such as a tick collar.*

A recent survey for OFF!^® brand insect repellents by The Harris Poll also found that many people are unclear about where ticks live. Three in four Americans (75%) know ticks typically live in wooded areas, yet only half know ticks can live in suburban backyards — and 51% mistakenly think you can avoid ticks by staying in low grass.

Knowing facts about ticks,which may carry Lyme disease, and other bothersome pests is key to defending yourself and your family as you enjoy time outdoors.

For Lyme Disease Awareness Month, here are tips from SC Johnson’s Center for Insect Science entomologist, Dr. Tom Mascari, to help you keep pests at bay.

Snap a pic of the tick

Whether you’re hiking for an hour or camping in a suburban backyard, it helps to know what you could encounter. There are around 80-90 tick species in the U.S. that survive in varying conditions, but only a small percentage of these species may transmit diseases. Reviewing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Tickborne Diseases of the United States guide and the Environmental Protection Agency’s repellent search tool can help you find an appropriate repellent to avoid tick bites.

It’s important to learn where these arachnids live to defend against them. If you encounter a tick, take a picture of it so you can look it up online and discover if the species of tick you encountered can transmit a pathogen in your area. For example, in the United States, Lyme disease-carrying ticks are most prevalent in the Northeast and Upper Midwest.

While not all ticks carry illnesses like Lyme disease, they can cause irritation, discomfort and skin damage — a nuisance to spending time outdoors. “If you are concerned about ticks, having knowledge about where to expect them and how to choose an appropriate insect repellent that best suits your needs can help reduce your worries,” said Dr. Mascari.

Choose the right “PREtection”

Instead of waiting until after you’ve been bitten by bugs, add “PREtection,” a word inspired by expert SC Johnson entomologists, to protect against bug-related risk ahead of time, even before playing with the kids in the yard.

“Ticks love the places you do,” said Dr. Mascari, “and they can live in places beyond wooded areas, so it’s vital to defend against them when spending time outdoors.”

No matter your lifestyle or where you’re heading, OFF! brand recommends various repellent options to keep you protected with a variety of formats and quality active ingredients:

• OFF!^® Clean Feel products are perfect for everyday use. These fragrance-free repellents provide non-sticky protection proven to repel ticks (including ticks that may carry Lyme disease) and mosquitoes (that may carry the Zika, West Nile or Dengue virus). Formulated with Picaridin, which is not greasy or oily, it feels good on skin and won’t damage clothing.
• OFF!^® Deep Woods^® Insect Repellent V (Ticks) is formulated with 25% DEET to provide long-lasting protection against ticks (including ticks that may carry Lyme disease), mosquitoes (that may carry the Zika, West Nile or Dengue virus), biting flies, stable flies, black flies, sandflies, chiggers, fleas and gnats so you can enjoy the outdoors, uninterrupted.
• OFF!^® FamilyCare Insect Repellent IV (Unscented) provides the right level of protection for spending shorter times outside. With a traditional unscented formula with aloe vera and 7% DEET, this is the perfect choice for the whole family for feel-good mosquito protection. This product repels ticks (including ticks that may carry Lyme disease), mosquitoes (including mosquitoes that may carry Zika virus and West Nile virus), biting flies, gnats, “no-see-ums,” and chiggers.

Consider your clothing

When temperatures are 45°F or higher, ticks can be active. Further protect yourself by opting for long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked in socks. Light-colored clothing also makes it easier to see ticks. For more information, check out the CDC guidance on preventing tick bites.

Set up outdoor defenses

Creating a tick defense barrier in your backyard can help safeguard you and your family. Consider stone walls or other physical barriers to separate moisture-prone zones where ticks may live (with more vegetation) from your lawn or outdoor living spaces.

“Ticks cannot jump or fly, but they can be carried by animals like dogs, cats, deer, rodents and birds to move around,” added Dr. Mascari. “A physical barrier makes it harder for ticks and their hosts to get to your favorite outdoor hangouts.”

Check for ticks

When coming inside, make it a habit to check everyone — not just the dog — for ticks.

“Ticks migrate from lower limbs and arms to more dark and humid areas like waistbands, scalps and ears, and they may be as small as a poppy or apple seed. If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it as soon as possible with tweezers, then clean the bite area,” advised Dr. Mascari. Ticks can also be carried into the house on clothing. To eliminate them, dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes or wash them in hot water.

By taking these precautions before enjoying the great outdoors — and checking for ticks when you return — you’ll help ensure everyone has a happier, healthier time, all season long.

*This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of OFF! from March 28-April 1, 2024, among 2,066 adults ages 18 and older, among whom 1,392 are dog/cat owners*

2024-05-19T23:01:00

(BPT) – It’s almost summertime! You are probably looking forward to some time off and quieter days, but what if you could take advantage of your free time these next few months to help advance your studies? The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice well-earned leisure time to take a few online courses this summer. Setting aside even a few hours a week can help accelerate your general education courses.

If you are thinking about taking advantage of the summer to get ahead in your education, there are some things to consider:

Take advantage of your flexible summer schedule.

You may not have to miss out on your vacations or pool days by adding a few classes to your summer schedule. Online courses give students more flexibility and independence with their studies, which may align well with a summer schedule. There are more options than ever for online or remote courses that are easy to fit into a busy schedule since they may not have the scheduling restrictions of set on-campus times and locations.

Focus on a challenging subject without a packed academic course load.

When you have a packed academic calendar and personal responsibilities, it can be hard to find extra time to dedicate to studying and understanding course material. By taking just one or even two courses, you can take the time to focus on a specific subject and give it your full attention.

Get ahead in your studies.

Summer is the perfect time to knock out general education or prerequisite courses. Earning these credits in the “off-season” may free up your time and ensure you have the necessary qualifications to register for key courses during the fall and spring semesters.

Bolster your resume with a second major or a minor.

In addition to staying ahead of your studies, you can use summer courses to make room for a second major or minor while staying on track with your anticipated graduation date. You can either use this time to knock out a few prerequisites for your second major or as an opportunity to explore your new course of study to ensure that it’s the right choice before fully committing. Online education providers like Sophia can help you complete those prerequisites. They offer more than 60 high-quality college-level courses through an affordable monthly subscription that includes learning coaches and integrated course materials. Sophia courses are American Council on Education-recommended for college credit and are designed to be transferred to many colleges and universities.

If you’re interested in online summer courses, take a look at the partner schools at Sophia or start a free trial to give it a try.

2024-05-20T08:31:00

(BPT) – There’s nothing like the joy of expecting a baby. And while prepping for baby’s arrival is an exciting time, it can also be overwhelming — especially when it comes to what you think you need versus what you actually need.

Carter’s, the leading children’s apparel brand trusted by parents, has been around the block a time or two (over 150 years to be exact), and knows exactly what new babies — and new parents — need during those first months. That’s why in 2021, the brand launched its new baby essentials line, a one-stop shop of everything you need for baby’s first year. The collection includes girl, boy and neutral color palettes, and is carried in sizes Preemie to 12 Months. The line also features more elevated sweater-knit styles and sets, making it equal parts charming, practical and the perfect gift for baby showers, new moms, first birthdays or “just because.”

Since launching, Carter’s has dropped seasonal refreshes on the most-loved styles in curated color palettes and prints, including its Original Bodysuit™, 5-Star Sleep & Play™ and mix and match outfit sets. But this season, the brand is changing things up by expanding its line of essentials with elevated designs in new prints, colors and textures, as well as with brand new offerings that parents and gifters will love to see.

Available online now, and in stores June 4, the refreshed collection features a new bath time category with soft, absorbent hooded robes and towels, two new elevated fabrications, plus, the return of its archived neutral palette. “The muted pastels and soft neutrals were inspired by nature,” said Design Director Isabel Arenas. “They’re timeless shades that never go out of style.” The summer line also spotlights three seasonal prints: Sage Voyager, Little Lilac and Elephant Gray. “These prints add a touch of whimsy and personality to your baby’s wardrobe. Plus, they stimulate visual development and curiosity with engaging prints,” said Arenas.

And rest assured that every product, new or not, was thoughtfully designed with the special features that parents know and love … and that make their lives much easier. “These styles focus on quality over quantity. We selected only the best pieces,” said Arenas.

Bodysuits

As any parent knows, bodysuits are a must when it comes to babies — the more, the better (hello, multipacks!). The features: Strong, long-lasting snaps that hold up after wear, wash, repeat; overlap shoulders that expand over baby’s body for easy changes (and can be removed entirely without going over their head in the event of a blowout emergency); soft, 100% cotton that’s gentle on baby’s skin, plus no itchy tags.

Parent Hack: Pair any bodysuit in the collection with matching multipack bottoms to create several easy outfits in a snap.

Sleep & Play

Known as the day-to-night, tummy time, nap time, anytime staple, the 5-Star Sleep & Play™ is the most practical outfit for new babies. Its two-way zip design zips up from the feet so you don’t have to undress baby, and cuddle tabs at the top keep little chins protected from zippers.

Preemie & Newborn Highlight: Skip the mittens — preemie and newborn sizes feature fold-over cuffs, so babies don’t scratch themselves.

Outfit Sets

An outfit in an instant. This parent favorite takes the thinking out of getting a little one dressed. Each seasonal launch is designed with distinct color palettes and prints to make it easy for parents to mix and match with layering pieces and pants (easy pull-on style and elastic waist keeps baby comfortable all day). Accessories like hats, headbands, bibs and socks also make it easy to add a bit of flair to baby’s OOTD. With (new!) unexpected details and textures, these sets make the perfect coming home outfit — and a great gift, too.

Sleeper Gowns & Wearable Blankets

For bedtime, the new sleeper gowns’ open bottom makes for quick, easy diaper changes, while a cinched design keeps baby’s feet warm during sleep time. When baby is finished swaddling (around 3 months), transition into sleep bags, a.k.a. wearable blankets. Safer than traditional blankets, sleep bags all have a TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) rating of 1.0, meaning they’re made to keep baby at just the right temp.

Accessories & More

Don’t forget the little extras like towels, blankets, bibs, mittens, socks, caps and layering pieces. Psst … You can never have too many burp cloths.

Whether you’re expecting your first or fifth child, or you’re just in the market for a baby shower gift, Carter’s collection of new baby essentials has everything you need for those first months — from bodysuits, Sleep & Plays and sleepers, to dresses, rompers, elevated outfit sets and more. Shop the newest drop online now, and in all Carter’s stores starting June 4.

2024-05-16T20:27:00

(BPT) – With an unwavering policy of open innovation with startups around the world, LG has been fostering businesses outside its own to better prepare for the future. These big-picture efforts are centered on LG NOVA, the company’s North American Innovation Center in California’s Silicon Valley — known worldwide as the hub of startups.

Established in 2021, LG NOVA aspires to form a collaborative ecosystem that accelerates the growth of new ideas by working closely with startups on new businesses that can enhance LG’s future readiness.

LG NOVA aligns with LG CEO William Cho’s growth strategy of 3B — Build, Buy and Borrow — to strengthen the company’s future growth engine by embracing talent and technology through exchanges with various innovative companies.

Let’s look at how this essential innovation center works with its partners to bring about groundbreaking advancements. Furthermore, we’ll explore how it is establishing a community dedicated to creating and nurturing businesses that contribute positively to the future of our world.

Discovering Global Startups to Break New Ground in Healthcare

LG NOVA’s “Mission for the Future” program, now in its fourth year, is designed to discover and nurture innovative global startups seeking to improve people’s quality of life in a greener, smarter and more connected future.

In its first three years, LG NOVA received over 4,000 submissions from innovative global startups, with more than 100 companies selected to explore joint business opportunities with LG.

This year is an especially important one, as this month, LG NOVA unveiled its first new venture, “Primefocus Health,” with Darren Sabo, previously head of commercialization of new health ventures at LG NOVA, at the helm as the CEO. Sabo has a wealth of experience in new business development, making him the perfect candidate to take this digital health venture forward.

Primefocus Health is committed to easing the journey from hospital to home for patients. It leverages cutting-edge technologies and novel healthcare treatments through a platform designed to offer patients access to a personalized care plan. This plan, curated by their healthcare provider, aids in the recovery from chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.

This healthcare platform also offers providers access to patient data and information, enabling them to assist, guide, communicate and intervene as necessary during the patient’s home recovery. The platform aims to facilitate remote patient monitoring, providing real-time biometric information that can be integrated into the provider’s electronic health record systems.

LG NOVA is collaborating with more healthcare startups through the Mission for the Future program, including XRHealth, which integrates immersive VR/AR technology to provide comprehensive therapeutic care for remote medical treatment, and Mindset Medical, a sensor-based technology platform that utilizes the cameras in personal devices to virtually capture health readings to enhance diagnosis and treatment effectiveness.

Another example that demonstrates LG NOVA’s focus on digital health is Digbi Health, a virtual care platform to treat polychronic mental and physical illness that was selected during the 2021 Mission for the Future challenge. This solution leverages AI to harness clinical, genetic, gut microbiome, food and behavioral signals to target the root cause of illness.

LG NOVA plans to continuously launch new businesses through ventures in LG’s future growth areas including digital health, clean tech and AI.

Promoting Symbiotic Growth in West Virginia

This year, LG NOVA is joining hands with West Virginia to revitalize the local economy by fostering future businesses while bringing instances of win-win cooperations to this U.S. state and the dynamic Appalachian region.

The announcement introduced the NOVA West Virginia Investment Fund, which aims to drive USD 700 million into the region over five years through investment.

The decision to invest in West Virginia, which is over 2,000 miles away from LG NOVA in Silicon Valley, stems from the REINVENT LG initiative. Under the leadership of CEO Cho, LG has been carrying out various initiatives to redefine everything from its business structure and brand to the way it works. What makes West Virginia the perfect partner is its similar desire to reinvent itself to revitalize the local economy.

Primefocus Health also plans to work closely in the Mountain State.

Increasing Funds to Foster Potential Startups

LG NOVA is also significantly expanding the scale of its investment and speeding up its investments for the future. In 2023, it signed an agreement with Clearbrook, a global venture investment company, to expand the global startup development fund — NOVA Prime Fund.

Through collaborating with external experts to identify the latest technology trends, discover more innovative companies and offer comprehensive support, the company hopes to accelerate the growth of startups and discover opportunities for collaborations across various business areas.

A Talent Acquisition Outpost that Competes with Big Tech

LG NOVA also serves as an outpost to secure the best talent in Silicon Valley, an area dominated by big tech companies. By accurately reading future industrial trends and executing effectively, LG NOVA will be able to move one step ahead of the competition. At the same time, their challenging and brave attitude toward innovation will give a boost to the overall organizational culture.

Dr. Sokwoo Rhee, head of LG NOVA, is the perfect example of this. After founding an IoT startup, Rhee went on to serve in the U.S. government, as assistant director for Cyber-Physical Systems at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology and Presidential Innovation Fellow at the White House.

Joshua Di Frances, the leader of LG NOVA’s incubation office, is another key executive with experience across various areas including medicine, business and the public sector. Di Frances studied neuroscience at Boston University, an MBA from MIT and built an impressive career at CVS Health and the White House. Since joining LG NOVA in 2021, he is working to build new businesses in digital health, cleantech and immersive/AI future technology with his team of entrepreneurs-in-residence.

And, with the recent global boom in startups among AI engineering students, LG NOVA has been hosting the ‘Innovation Festival’ every fall to provide a space where innovative companies and investors can exchange information and expand.

LG NOVA will continue to seek out innovation from outside LG. To learn more about LG NOVA and its efforts to build, nurture and grow future-defining innovations, visit www.lgnova.com.

2024-05-16T12:19:01

(BPT) – Did you grow up playing video games and still enjoy them today? If that sounds like you, you’re in good company. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) just released its annual “Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry” report, shining a light on how people continue to enjoy video games, from childhood to adolescence and into adulthood.

“Video games have been a fixture in American life and culture for generations,” said Stanley Pierre-Louis, President and CEO of the ESA. “Players of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are embracing the positivity that video games bring to their lives. While the games we play and how we play them evolves over time, what remains consistent is how video games enhance our lives in ways that inspire us and bring us closer together.”

That’s the idea behind the study — to take the pulse on how Americans interact with video games, highlighting the role video games play in the fabric of American life. The ESA looks at the demographics of the players, their behaviors, and even parental interactions with their children’s game play. Wondering where you stack up? Here are some findings from the 2024 study:

190 million people ages 5-90 play video games at least one hour a week in the U.S. That’s roughly 61% of our total population. Players are close to evenly split between men (53%) and women (46%). Broken down by generation:

• 79% of Gen Alpha (ages 5-10) play video games
• 76% of Gen Z
• 65% of Millennials
• 53% of Gen X
• 46% of Boomers
• 30% of Silent Gen (ages 78-90)

It won’t surprise you to learn that most people (68%) play video games to pass the time, relax or have fun. But it’s not only about fun. A significant number, almost 40%, use video games to keep their mind sharp – and that number jumps to 61% for Boomers and the Silent Generation. Most players (77%) believe video games provide mental stimulation and can help improve cognitive skills (73%).

Most people agree video games can also increase:

• Problem solving
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Adaptability
• Communication

And about that nostalgia factor, people who grew up playing video games and still do today? It turns out, nostalgia plays a large role in gameplay. People in the study spoke fondly of their memories of playing games with their family and friends growing up, loved discovering the new worlds in the games, and especially love seeing their children enjoying the games they themselves played as children. Of the parents who play video games, 83% play with their children.

The study delved even deeper into the emotional benefits people derive from playing video games, including:

Escape and de-stress

Gaming allows players to disconnect from the world and distract from anything that is causing them stress. Exploring worlds, characters and stories, and engaging in these worlds, allows players to destress and help manage their mental health. Many use gaming as an outlet for when they’re feeling down.

Bonding with children

Games foster skills such as creativity, problem solving and emotion management in both young and teenage children. Parents utilize time playing with their children to communicate about their lives, and many find that it is easier to communicate about difficult or sensitive subjects with their children while they’re playing a video game with them. Game play helps parents better understand their children, both as players and as developing people.

Enhancing relationships

Those who game with their romantic partners do so often and prefer gaming experiences where they work collaboratively. Games that are “low-stakes” and focus on building something together, and games that are designed with co-op in mind, are favorites for romantic partners. Online games are often virtual spaces for people to have a conversation and spend time together doing an activity.

Founded in 1994, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has served as the voice and advocate for the U.S. video game industry for more than 30 years. Its members are the innovators, creators, publishers and business leaders that are reimagining entertainment and transforming how we interact, learn, connect and play. The ESA works to expand and protect the dynamic marketplace for video games through innovative and engaging initiatives that showcase the positive impact of video games on people, culture and the economy to secure a vibrant future for the industry for decades to come. To read the full “Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry,” report, click here.

2024-05-16T14:01:00

(BPT) – While inflation continues to drive up home and auto insurance costs, fraud is a hidden culprit contributing to the hikes. Whether you’re an actual victim of insurance fraud or simply an active policyholder, the reality is that insurance fraud impacts everyone. And as the frequency and complexity of fraudulent activities increase, so does the cost of insurance for all policyholders.

What exactly is insurance fraud? It’s a deliberately deceptive act with the goal of receiving a wrongful payout from an insurance process. It can be committed by applicants, policyholders, third parties or even the insurance providers themselves — and it affects virtually every type of insurance including auto and homeowners.

“The total cost of insurance fraud for non-health insurance is estimated to be more than $40 billion per year. To put that into perspective, insurance fraud costs the average U.S. family between $400 and $700 per year in the form of increased premiums,” said Steve Wang, Manager, Divisional Claims/Head of Special Investigations Unit at Mercury Insurance.

Insurance fraud is committed in various ways, but the main offenses include fraudulent claims, application fraud and premium fraud. Of these, fraudulent claims occur most frequently, which involve offenders filing false or exaggerated claims to receive benefits they are not entitled to. For example, a policyholder may intentionally cause property damage in order to file a claim.

“There are several common schemes consumers should be aware of. Staged auto accidents, adding damage to vehicles after a loss and switching drivers on accident reports are a few of the most prevalent scams. Additionally, there are crime rings that specialize in ‘slip and fall’ schemes, which involve fake injuries and false claims,” said Wang. “Making our job even more difficult is the fact that today’s scammers are technologically savvy and have access to sophisticated equipment.

“They routinely produce fake medical records, duplicate checks, and false identifications and business licenses. To maintain an advantage, we are constantly working to stay ahead of the technological curve,” continued Wang.

Given the widespread ramifications of insurance fraud, consumers may be wondering what they can do to help combat it. According to Wang, if consumers aren’t looking for insurance fraud, they won’t find it. “I always tell people to document suspicious activity and incidents. When it comes to cracking these cases, the devil is in the details,” he added.

Here are some other tips that consumers should be aware of:

• When looking at policies, verify the insurance company: Only buy from authorized companies and agents. Unauthorized insurance operations are illegal and policyholders are unprotected should the company go bankrupt. In California, consumers can verify this information here: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/0150-seniors/0200beforebuy/CheckInsCo.cfm. Know that if the price quoted sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Low premiums are great, but not if the insurer is unable to cover a claim.
• Fill out the application carefully: Never sign blank forms or blank applications. Incorrect, incomplete or false information on an application can jeopardize insurance coverage. It is a crime to supply false information on an insurance application or claim.
• Read the policy: Expect a copy of the policy from the insurer within a reasonable amount of time. Read it promptly to verify that it contains the proper coverage needed. If there is a discrepancy, contact the insurer immediately.
• Involved in an accident? Call the police: Always call the police and document unusual circumstances or activities. Gather as much information as possible at the scene of the accident.
• Maintain detailed records: This includes bills for collision repairs, home/property repairs and medical services. Keep copies of all insurance records, including copies of all premium payments.
• Be vigilant with billing: Watch for double billing or unexplained charges for any service received as part of an insurance claim. Avoid paying for premiums in cash and opt for checks or online payments.

When suspicious activity is observed, regardless of insurance provider, Wang urges witnesses to alert the SIU and to contact law enforcement by calling 800-835-6422 or reporting the incident online: https://www.nicb.org/how-we-help/report-fraud.

To learn more about insurance fraud and its ramifications, visit Uncovering the Truth: Understanding Insurance Fraud and Its Impact.