2023-05-01T09:01:00
(BPT) – Your child has applied for schools, and now your mailbox is flooded with financial aid award letters. Do you have a plan for how to cover the rest? Check out the most common options to finance college costs, from CollegeAve.com.
2023-05-01T08:01:00
(BPT) – Even before the pandemic, mental health professionals at schools were concerned that support services for students were insufficient to keep up with demand. The last few years have further deepened this mental health crisis — beginning as early as elementary school and persisting through college campuses nationwide.
Recent publications by the American Psychological Association and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) confirm what faculty and administrators already know: Today’s students need a lot more support — flexible, accessible, and proactive support — in order to thrive.
Stressors contributing to this crisis today go beyond those caused by the pandemic and are not just about academics. The recent NASPA study found the most significant causes to be personal/family-related, financial issues, and diagnosed mental health concerns. Challenges are even greater for students balancing multiple work and family obligations. And the crisis is not limited to students: In the NASPA study, nearly 3 in 4 respondents agreed that student, faculty, and staff mental health have all declined over the past year, highlighting the need for a holistic approach supporting the entire campus community.
How institutions can respond to student needs
Because many students are juggling study, work and family, a successful student support program must be easily accessible, and must also address student needs beyond mental health concerns.
For example, at DeVry University, students are provided with a personalized support team that includes a Student Support Advisor and Career Advisor. Students can also access a variety of useful tools, free of charge through their StudentLinc program, which offers an array of emotional well-being and life-balance resources and support whenever and wherever they’re needed.
StudentLinc offers guidance to help students address everyday issues, through short-term counseling from licensed clinicians available 24/7, 365 days a year, therapy via text with licensed counselors Monday-Friday, digital group support via live sessions hosted by licensed counselors — plus other resources, training, and referrals to help address challenges like child or elder care, adoption, pet care, home repair, education and housing. For students unsure of what assistance they need, they can access a Mental Health Navigator to receive personalized guidance for program support and resources.
Beyond mental health support, StudentLinc also provides free legal consultations with a local attorney, consultations with financial experts and more, via phone, on the web and via mobile apps.
“By making sure every student can access each service at no additional cost and with complete confidentiality, we encourage our students to feel secure and comfortable making the most of these resources to help them pursue their education and career goals, despite the challenges they may face,” said Elise Awwad, chief operating officer at DeVry.
Providing holistic support extends well beyond the student body
To create a culture beneficial for all members of the community, it’s vital to provide health and wellness resources for everyone on campus.
DeVry offers wellness support for employees through an Accolade Health Assistant and nurse at no cost to employees. Their team can help create a confidential mental health plan that works for each individual seeking that resource. Employees can also access the Ginger app, offering confidential mental health care through services like unlimited access to coaching via text-based chats and self-guided activities.
In addition, the university provides employees and their families with a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program through EmployeeConnect, including unlimited, online assistance 24/7 via phone, online or through their mobile app. Employees can access free information and referrals on family matters such as child and elder care, pet care, vacation planning, moving, car buying and college planning; legal information and referrals for family law, estate planning and financial guidance — plus online resources including articles, videos and interactive tools like budgeting worksheets. Employees can also access in-person guidance or consultation with counselors or network lawyers as needed.
“It’s crucial to offer effective, holistic support for our students, faculty, and staff,” added Dave Barnett, chief human resources and university relations officer at DeVry. “Our Culture of Care is rooted in the belief of care for oneself, care for our colleagues, and students. We provide opportunities for everyone to share stories, discuss relevant issues, and take mental health breaks, so staff and faculty will be at their very best, both for themselves and for our students.”
To learn more about all the ways DeVry University provides a supportive campus environment, visit DeVry.edu.
2023-05-01T01:01:00
(BPT) – No matter your exact role in an organization, especially in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), workdays can be stressful. For IT professionals at resource-constrained SMEs, every day brings new challenges and new stressors. You probably have a plan for everything — what to do if a server goes down, how to make sure employees have access to critical work resources, incident response plans for worst-case scenarios … but amid the busyness and intensity that comes with a role in IT, what’s your plan to protect your mental wellness? What are the solutions? Mental health is a complex state of being affected by multiple variables, both in and out of the workplace.
To help promote mental well-being for IT professionals and others throughout your organization, it’s crucial that everyone is offered the resources and encouragement to engage in self-care and positive work practices so everyone can thrive.
The state of mental health among IT administrators
One of the more stressful roles in any SME is that of IT administrator. In a recent survey by CIO Insight, nearly 8 in 10 IT admins (77%) described their jobs as stressful, 1 in 4 said they’ve experienced a stress-related illness because of work, and nearly one-fourth (23%) said they clock 8-12 hours of unpaid overtime every week.
For IT admins or any other positions similarly meeting frequent deadlines, managing complicated systems, supervising teams or assisting clients, stress is bound to arise — and can lead to burnout over time. While how you’re feeling may not be a comfortable topic in the workplace due to stigma regarding mental health, there are ways your company can encourage and promote wellness among employees.
How to reduce stress
To help employees better cope with stress and avoid burnout, here are proactive steps SMEs can take.
1. Encourage empathy
Understanding that everyone has mental health needs is a positive first step toward being kinder to others, and to yourself. For example, scheduling back-to-back meetings all day may not be the best use of any worker’s time — and doesn’t allow for any reflection of what’s been shared, much less giving employees a sense of control over their day. Then recognize that when someone needs a moment to take a few deep breaths before handling a difficult situation, it does not mean they’re avoiding the problem — it means they’ll tackle the problem with an attitude that is much more calm, collected and rational.
2. Recognize the importance of breaks
Taking brief moments throughout the day for some deep breathing, a meditation app or getting outside for a short walk are crucial for maintaining a healthier mental (and physical) state, which will ultimately lead to more productivity — and a lot less stress and burnout.
3. Say goodbye to the “power through” culture
While corporate culture often celebrates those who “soldier on” despite exhaustion, this mindset is not sustainable. Ensuring that everyone is recognized for their contributions rather than their willingness to burn the midnight oil will go a long way toward preventing a stressful environment.
4. Help employees discover what supports their mental health
For some employees, camaraderie of peers and frequent social opportunities feeds their sense of well-being. For others, a quiet, calm work environment is what they need to thrive. Proven practices to help boost anyone’s overall well-being include:
What can your company do to help ensure everyone has the ability to care for themselves through these practices?
5. Encourage everyone to use company resources
One underutilized resource is the employee assistance program, which offers a variety of resources to help employees cope with their concerns. Other resources include their healthcare benefits, which may provide access to mental health services. Reminding everyone that these services are available could be just the encouragement someone needs to use them.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs immediate help, don’t wait. Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, or go to the nearest emergency room. Additional resources:
To learn more on how to prioritize your mental wellness and uncover mindfulness strategies, join JumpCloud’s Tom Bridge and noted meditation expert Alexis Santos for a live event on May 18 to learn daily strategies you can use to bolster your mental health, and participate in a 5-minute meditation to help you refocus and re-center. Visit JumpCloud.com/resources/mindfulness-strategies-for-it-mental-wellness to register.
2023-05-01T00:01:00
(BPT) – By Kenji Inaba, MD, FACS, FRCSC
Injuries that cause severe bleeding can happen at any time and anywhere — in your kitchen, at work or from a car accident. And without quick intervention, these severe injuries can cause death from blood loss within minutes. The good news is that anyone can step in to help save a life with the simple lessons learned in STOP THE BLEED® training from the American College of Surgeons.
The early minutes after an injury are critical. Every second matters. As a trauma surgeon, I have seen lives saved because someone — including members of the public — was able to step in to stop bleeding. Unfortunately, I have also seen patients succumb to their injuries from blood loss. In fact, studies show that uncontrolled bleeding from trauma is a major cause of preventable death for all ages.
Recognizing the power that everyone has to help prevent bleeding deaths, the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma led the development of the STOP THE BLEED® program nearly a decade ago. Through a short class and hands-on training, the program informs, empowers and educates any individual to help control bleeding injuries until help arrives. More than 2.6 million people around the world have been trained to learn these basic life-saving skills, and this number is growing every day.
Our goal is to make life-saving bleeding control techniques as accessible and as common as CPR training and other first aid techniques. May is National STOP THE BLEED® Month, so it’s the perfect time to take action so that you can learn to save a life.
Be prepared: Injuries that cause severe bleeding can occur at any time, anywhere, and to anyone. As summer begins, we often see more injuries as we all engage in more outdoor activities.
Not that long ago, after an injury, bystanders would call 911 and wait at the scene until first responders arrived. However, decades of research in trauma care have taught us that the intervening period between the 911 call and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrival can be quite long, and during this critical time, untreated patients can bleed to death.
While there is no way of predicting when these incidents may occur, we now know that a bystander who is trained in STOP THE BLEED® can not only initiate a 911 call but can also intervene and save a life.
Training is for everyone: STOP THE BLEED® training is for non-medical professionals: moms, dads, sons, daughters, office and non-office workers, teachers — really anyone with or without formal medical training. Many of the techniques are similar to what I teach the resident physicians on my trauma team, but we have customized the training into three basic steps that are easy to learn and remember.
Training is short and has lifelong benefits: All STOP THE BLEED® courses are not-for-profit and are free to attend or cost only a small fee. Through hands-on training, the course teaches and empowers students to recognize a life-threatening bleeding injury and safely intervene. First, we encourage everyone to call 911 and ensure that the scene is safe. When that is done, we teach three simple steps that can be performed before first responders arrive:
Training takes about an hour to complete — shorter than the length of most movies — and courses are available in-person or online. These techniques are simple, but they can truly make a difference when someone experiences a severe bleeding injury. If we all learned proper bleeding control techniques, countless lives could be saved. Maybe even your own.
To learn more about STOP THE BLEED® and find available courses, visit stopthebleed.org.
Kenji Inaba, MD, FACS, FRCSC, is Chair of the STOP THE BLEED® Committee of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma and the Chief of Trauma at Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California.
2023-04-27T10:01:00
(BPT) – For anyone seeking a career that’s in demand and offers a wide variety of positions, the skilled trades and construction should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re interested in construction, architecture and design, technology, finance, business administration, sales or HR, the array of jobs available in the field may help you find your perfect fit.
Benefits of working in the skilled trades
Because the skilled trades are in such high demand and the construction field is so vast, the sheer variety of positions allows not only for many different entry points into the industry, but also plenty of opportunities for advancement. At companies like 84 Lumber, the largest privately held building materials supplier in the nation, opportunities are varied and financially rewarding for people with or without college degrees.
“The opportunities are endless. Team members have started in the warehouse/yard and are now leaders within 84 Lumber,” observed Joe Jena, director of talent acquisition. “Careers in the skilled trades are valued, as we would not be able to live our everyday lives without them.”
Another advantage is that once you’ve acquired experience in one sector, you can go on to learn other aspects of the industry, then advance to a supervisory role or even work toward owning your own business.
“The skilled trades provide not only an excellent career path with job stability, but also supports a person with entrepreneurial aspirations,” said Ken Kucera, vice president of installed sales and manufacturing, 84 Lumber.
Possibly the biggest benefit rests in how vital these roles are in society. “The genuine lack of skilled tradespeople is creating a dearth of labor, and a huge opportunity for those willing to learn new skills. There simply aren’t enough skilled workers to keep the economy running if we don’t fill those roles,” said Matt Pabis, general manager of the truss plant in Coal Center, Pennsylvania, for 84 Lumber. “The possibilities and opportunities for success in the future are very great, either as a tradesperson or business owner in the skilled trades.”
Great jobs are available — with or without a four-year degree
While some positions in the field may benefit from the education a four-year degree provides, most jobs are attainable with an associate’s degree, technical school certification or even just via on-the-job training.
“My college education was beneficial for the current role I hold. Having studied logistics, supply chain management, operations, inventory, etc. definitely gave me the foundation to build on in taking this role,” added Pabis. “But on-the-job training was integral in my advancement as a truss designer.”
If you’re on the fence about what kind of education you’ll need to succeed in a career, it’s worth weighing the cost and the time commitment of a four-year degree, along with the potential return on that investment.
“While a majority of recent graduates decide to pursue an education at a four-year school, skilled trades development is a lot quicker and, in most cases, provides the same type of return and faster opportunity to start advancing in a career,” explained Mauricio Bleichner, recruiting lead-components for 84 Lumber. “We encourage individuals to develop their skills with comprehensive training in carpentry, machine maintenance and architectural drafting. These advanced programs offer recent graduates the opportunity to start a profitable career without incurring the cost of a four-year school.”
On-the-job training opportunities
These types of positions are in such high demand that many employers will provide or support ongoing education to ensure that every employee can succeed, even if they begin with little to no experience or education under their belt.
“When I started, I had little construction experience, and no formal training,” recalled Casey Lemoi, install manager. “One thing 84 Lumber does is create a culture of learning. We have a whole department full of awesome people who are constantly developing new training and programs to help us further our careers within the company and construction trades.”
Wherever you are in your career path, it’s worthwhile to pursue a job in a field that will always be needed. “Skilled trades are in demand and will always be essential to society,” added Lemoi. “Skilled tradespeople are shaping the future of our world, one project at a time.”
National Skilled Trades Day is May 3, 2023. Whether you want to be a chef or a plumber, a medical coder or a roofer, a construction worker or a vet tech, there are many options available.
Learn more about career possibilities at Careers.84Lumber.com.
2023-04-27T08:01:00
(BPT) – The arrival of spring brings excitement and anticipation for the many milestone celebrations that will take place. And, it’s not just the annual Mother’s and Father’s Day, but high school and college graduations, weddings and seasonal gatherings such as Memorial Day barbecues and summer pool parties. Whether hosting a gathering, visiting a new destination or heading out for a celebratory night on the town, curating a memorable experience for family and friends also means making an investment in what kind of celebration best suits you and your guests.
For AARP members, a wide range of benefits and discounts can help make planning a celebration easy while also staying affordable. Here are some tips and tricks on ways to save for this season of celebrations.
1. Plan an Affordable Trip
Witnessing life’s biggest milestones in person sometimes requires getting there by plane, car or rail. Luckily, planning a celebratory family vacation or a solo trip to a destination wedding or college graduation is a breeze with AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia, a one-stop shop where you can book flights, hotels, rental cars and more. AARP members can also earn a $50 gift card of their choice when they book any flight vacation package, which can be redeemed at popular retailers like Amazon, Starbucks and others.
“Recent research from AARP’s Travel Trends studies shows that multigenerational trips are almost at pre-pandemic levels, and folks are booking a range of different types of travel from weekend beach trips to big international adventures,” said AARP Director of Travel Matthew Phillips. “Tapping into membership benefits can help you save when looking to book for a larger group.”
For road trips, rental cars are a great option when you want to save mileage on your personal car, or just need a bigger vehicle to fit the whole family. AARP members can take advantage of up to 30% off base rates with Avis and Budget and a 3% credit to use on other rentals within 12 months. Plus, you get an upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability), and an additional driver at no cost and more. Driving one-way from the Southeast to Northeast? For a limited time, you can also enjoy great deals on daily and weekly rates with Budget!
Finding appropriate accommodations that suit your needs is just as important as choosing the destination and booking transportation. AARP members can save 10% or more off their stay by booking accommodations from one of the many IHG Hotels & Resorts, including Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express locations worldwide. Reservations can be booked online or by phone through IHG Hotels & Resorts.
2. Reserve Your Night Out to Celebrate
A foolproof way to make someone feel appreciated on their special day is dining out. When looking to take guests out to celebrate a special occasion, it’s important to consider options that are both affordable and ones that appeal to your whole entourage. AARP members can save 10% off your check when you present your AARP membership card when dining on a Bloomin’ Onion® or Bang Bang Shrimp® at all Outback Steakhouse® and Bonefish Grill locations. The discount is also available for curbside carry-out at select locations. With these deals, you can splurge on good eats without draining your wallet.
3. Entertain Your Entourage
Music, comedy and sporting events have an extraordinary way of bringing multiple generations together to create a core memory. Check out what Ticketmaster has to offer in your area and enjoy a perfectly entertaining day or night out on the town. AARP members can take advantage of discounts when purchasing tickets to select events through the platform. Offers include 2-for-1 tickets, 4-packs, and events with select tickets under $40 so you can save the most when planning an event for a group of friends or a family show.
4. Keep It Low-Key with a Gathering at Home
They say home is where the heart is — and sometimes all you want is to celebrate and show your appreciation for others where you are most comfortable. Whether you are hosting a party or attending one, AARP members can save both time and money by purchasing supplies or hostess gifts such as flowers, gourmet foods, gift baskets and more all through FTD, with 25% off each listed category and 30% off additional select items using promo code AARP30.
No matter what you’re planning, don’t forget to optimize your celebratory experiences by taking advantage of the benefits and savings available to AARP members. Learn more by visiting aarp.org/save.
2023-04-26T11:11:00
(BPT) – For many Americans, life today feels typical — we’re back in school, returning to the office and are enjoying our hobbies and social lives. Connecting in-person with friends and family is once again a regular part of our routine.
Unfortunately, seniors (those aged 55+) have been more isolated than younger demographics during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Restricted visitation in assisted and long-term care facilities, lack of community events and lesser access to digital social networks has led to an increased amount of social isolation among the aging population.
Even prior to the pandemic, 1 in 4 senior adults were socially isolated, according to the National Institute on Aging. Then in August 2021 a report published by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and depression among older adults increased significantly during the pandemic. Now, The Walgreens COVID-19 Pulse Check, a quantitative study commissioned by the healthcare retailer, reveals that an estimated 17 million (42%) of seniors agreed they are less socially active now than they were before the pandemic. Additionally, an estimated 8.2 million (20%) of seniors feel lonelier now than before the pandemic.
Luckily, there are tools caregivers can use to ease the physical and mental effects of social isolation among seniors. Finding safe ways to connect with the elderly and engage them in the latest happenings can do a world of good for those who might be feeling left behind.
Here are some top tips for supporting your aging loved ones in our ‘new normal.’
Prioritize connecting consistently
Does the senior in your life know how to video chat? Conversations held face-to-face — even through cell phones — can make a huge difference in decreasing feelings of loneliness. Consider listing out instructions for loved ones to follow so they can practice this skill and ‘see’ what’s going on virtually in your day-to-day life. Do they prefer to connect the old-fashioned way? Set up a weekly phone call or send friendly notes and gifts through the mail. Reminders that they are loved, appreciated and in your thoughts can boost serotonin and help them feel a sense of inclusion. You could also consider local volunteering opportunities in the community to help create ‘in real life’ experiences with like-minded seniors. Look online for nearby groups or organizations and offer to be their taxi service to help them get there with confidence.
Encourage shopping with confidence
Part of feeling back in the swing of things is the ability to run errands and take care of day-to-day tasks. To make seniors feel comfortable when, say, shopping, look to stores that offer safe, accessible ways to make purchases. Trusted healthcare destination Walgreens hosts Seniors Day the first Tuesday of every month where senior shoppers 55 and older and caregivers receive a 20% discount off eligible regular-priced merchandise, including health essentials like Walgreens at-home COVID-19 tests and Free and Pure vitamins and even their favorite snacks and treats! At checkout, seniors should let a team member know they are shopping with the Seniors Day discount to apply the savings. They can also benefit from the discount online all week with code SENIOR20 at checkout (Sunday-Saturday of that week). Whether joining someone on a Seniors Day shopping trip or assisting them with placing an online order, Walgreens enables safe, senior-friendly shopping in a variety of ways.
Create welcoming and safe social spaces
COVID-19, now shifting to an endemic stage in the eyes of the federal U.S. government, is still contagious and can be more dangerous for immunocompromised people like our senior population. Take proactive safety measures to make sure all guests, especially seniors, are comfortable when gathering socially. Hosts should ensure seniors have transportation to and from the event and ask attendees to take an at-home COVID-19 test prior to arrival. Furthermore, seniors and their loved ones should take at-home COVID-19 tests regularly to best maintain a safe ‘bubble’ for socializing. Walgreens now offers their own at-home COVID-19 test available for purchase at a great everyday value. Be sure to arrange the event space in a way that makes social distancing possible and have hand sanitizer readily available. When possible, consider also offering programming in outdoor or large spaces — gardening or even a stop to a local art museum make for a great, distanced gathering. Just know that the more preparation you do, the more inclined a senior may be to join in on the socializing fun and ‘new normal’ we are learning to embrace.
2023-04-25T07:01:00
(BPT) – Did you know that the younger someone is when they start drinking alcohol or using other drugs, the more likely they are to develop a substance use disorder as an adult? And with more than 140,000 people dying from excessive alcohol use in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s crucial for all the important people in young people’s lives — parents and caregivers, educators, and community members — to talk with them regularly about the harms of alcohol and other drug use and to look for signs that may signal they need additional support.
You can help kids understand the risks of substance use, provide them with a supportive and nurturing environment, and help prepare and empower them to make good choices — and it all starts with talking. In fact, the sooner you talk with kids about alcohol and other drugs, the greater chance you have of influencing their decisions about substance use. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign provides resources and tools that will help you get informed, be prepared and take action by starting meaningful conversations with kids at an early age and continuing to talk as they get older.
Get Informed
Before you start talking with youth about substance use, it’s important to get informed about the dangers of underage drinking and other drug use. The adolescent brain is still developing, which is why drinking alcohol or using other drugs has especially negative consequences for young people. Consequences can include impaired judgment and increased risk for injuries, violence, behavioral and academic problems, and even death due to events such as motor vehicle crashes, accidents, suicide and homicide. In addition, the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that adolescent overdose deaths increased by 109% from 2019 to 2021, largely due to opioids (90%) and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, counterfeit pills, and stimulants.
You can learn more about the effects of underage drinking and other drug use by listening to the campaign’s “What Parents Are Saying — Prevention Wisdom, Authenticity, and Empowerment” podcast. It features parents, caregivers, and experts lending their knowledge, unique perspectives, and experiences to discussions about youth substance use and mental health. Additional “Talk. They Hear You.” materials, including videos, fact sheets, and brochures, provide information about the risks of drinking alcohol and using other drugs, as well as discussion starter ideas and suggestions on what to say and how to say it.
Be Prepared
To make sure you’re prepared for these important conversations, download the “Talk. They Hear You.”® mobile app on the App Store, Google Play, and Microsoft Store. The app’s resources and tools will show you how to turn everyday situations into opportunities to talk with kids about underage drinking and other drug use — equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to start and continue conversations on these difficult topics as they get older.
The app can also help communities promote and implement the “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign locally and assist student assistance professionals, school leaders, and families in working together to support the needs of students who may be struggling with substance use, mental health, or school-related issues.
Take Action
Having short, frequent conversations with youth can have a real impact on their decisions about substance use. And lots of little talks are more effective than one “big talk.” Sitting down for the “big talk” about alcohol and other drugs can be intimidating for everyone involved. Try using everyday opportunities to start and continue the conversation — in the car, on the bus or subway, during dinner or while watching TV or playing video games. Having many little talks takes the pressure off trying to get all the information out in one lengthy discussion, and kids will be less likely to tune you out. During these conversations, kids may ask you some tough questions — and “Talk. They Hear You.” has tips to help you be ready to answer them. The campaign’s fact sheets and discussion starter videos show you different ways to talk about substance use and have open, honest conversations.
If you’re an educator or part of a community organization, you can use the “Parents’ Night Out” materials and discussion starter video series to host interactive, facilitator-led educational sessions on substance use prevention. User-friendly toolkits are available for download and include all the materials needed for a single hour-long “Parents’ Night Out” session, or a series of three one-hour program sessions. These toolkits contain everything you’ll need to plan, prepare and host in-person and virtual “Parents’ Night Out” events in your community. Visit the “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign website to learn more.
What if a child needs more support?
The campaign’s Screen4Success tool, available via the “Talk. They Hear You.”® mobile app, can help parents and caregivers better understand the health, wellness and wellbeing of their children and find resources to address their needs. Screen4Success asks questions about substance use, mental and physical health, general wellbeing and family life. This provides an easy way to identify areas where children may benefit from additional support. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to fill out the screener with their kids, as it provides opportunities for discussion at the moment. If that’s not possible, they can send it to their kids to complete on their own.
This May, in observance of National Prevention Week, pledge to start — and keep — talking with kids about underage drinking and other drug use prevention: because when you talk, they hear you!
2023-04-24T17:41:00
(BPT) – During seasonal and promotional holidays, many people make purchases online, which increases their risk of accidentally purchasing counterfeit products. How can you avoid getting scammed? You should be cautious and critical when purchasing items online, especially consumer electronics (e.g., headphones, earphones, cameras, etc.), to ensure that the website and the products are authentic.
For retail shopping in general, there’s usually a peak for scammers around holidays including Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and during back-to-school season. To help you stay safe online for any occasion, the product experts at Shure Incorporated offer red flags to watch out for while shopping online.
1. The price seems too good to be true
Price used to be an obvious sign that indicated you were buying an imitation product, but that is not always the case anymore. It’s gotten harder to identify counterfeit products from their price alone; make sure to exercise caution if you find a price on an item that’s much lower than retail stores or authorized retailers when you comparison shop, especially when it comes to electronics. It could be a sign the product is counterfeit.
2. Imitation is not the sincerest form of flattery
Unfortunately, it’s still all too easy to be fooled by a product that looks like the product you want. How can you avoid buying a lower quality product? Your safest bet is to purchase the item directly from the manufacturer or reputable authorized dealer you trust, whenever possible. Consider the safe payment options in the checkout process that offer consumer protection in the event of a return or a dispute.
3. Authenticity matters
Be smart with your online searches. While it’s easy to be directed to a legitimate-looking search result based on your search engine query, sometimes search results can include dangerous websites. The lure of deep discounts on those websites that look like an official company site can also be enticing.
Many scams include fake websites with a similar URL — company name included — designed to look like the genuine company website. This dishonest tactic is particularly common with scams targeting customers of banks, as well as retailers; this tactic is now used to mimic brands, as the technology used to mirror the look and feel of a company’s website becomes more sophisticated. Look carefully through search results and check URLs. Typically, a company’s correct URL will be simple, containing just the brand name with “.com” after it, as with Shure.com. When you’re on a website, especially for unfamiliar brands, look for small errors like spelling mistakes, odd font changes or grammar that seems peculiar. This can be a tipoff that it’s a scam. (The same is true for many phishing emails.)
4. Don’t click on links in sales emails
Fake promotional emails can hit your inbox instead of ending up in your junk or spam folder where they belong, so don’t risk clicking on links in an email offering discounts or sales. Phishing attempts are on the rise, and it’s all too easy to assume an email is legit just because it looks like others you’ve received from a legitimate company. Go straight to the company’s website instead.
5. Better to be safe than sorry when working from home
Since the pandemic began, more companies have allowed employees to work from home. Many employees today are fully remote, or work on a hybrid schedule. If this describes you, you’re probably one of the many employees who searched for the best work-from-home setup deals and prefer purchasing them online.
With sales emails and social media ads catering to your WFH needs, you may be attracted to new brands selling inexpensive products that appear to be made of good quality online, but it’s important to be safe when shopping with unfamiliar brands. It’s important to research brands you’re buying from before you make your purchase, so you don’t end up with a low-quality item. One way is to check online customer reviews on products before you head to checkout.
Keep these tips in mind as you shop online to stay safe, and always do some research on a company before entering your information to create an account or make a purchase — no matter how small. A little know-how can prevent bigger problems down the road.
2023-04-24T11:01:00
(BPT) – If you’re mindful of your impact on the environment and want to do your part to protect the planet, considering how you can use greener power options like portable power stations vs. gas generators can have an impact. Now, with new powerful options, you can put these worries to rest.
Anker’s 767 Portable Power Station is a great choice for storing energy that’s clean, renewable and free. Whether you’re an RVer, van-lifer or just want options for fun family activities like camping, tailgating or family picnics where power is not as accessible, the Anker 767 is an ideal choice. However, if you simply want peace of mind during natural disasters that you can keep your fridge, a few lights, fan and of course your cell phones charged, it’s a worthwhile investment as well.
While you can certainly recharge this Portable Power Station using a standard home outlet, Anker’s 767 can also be recharged using up to five compatible solar panels. This includes the Anker 625 100-watt solar panel or Anker 531 200-watt solar panel, providing a truly green power source that’s great when power is nowhere to be found — even on cloudy days.
Here are five great use cases for how a Portable Power Station can work for you.
Emergency back-up power: Knowing you can power the essentials in your home if the power goes out provides peace of mind, especially during snow, hurricanes and storm season. You can power lights, appliances, mobile phones, entertainment devices and more. And with restrictions for apartment dwellers that can’t use gas generators, portable power stations are ideal.
Outdoor escapes: If you’re an outdoor or mobile living enthusiast who loves to camp, a power station keeps your devices charged no matter where you go. RV owners and van-lifers will also appreciate not being restricted to campsites with outlets, meaning more adventures with fewer limitations.
Movie nights in the backyard: Do you want to be the envy of the neighborhood and have the perfect party option on-hand wherever? The 767 is ideal for powering everything from an outdoor projector to a popcorn machine and some mood-setting string lights.
Tailgating and team celebrations: For people who start cheering their favorite team to victory well before the game starts, a portable power station is a tailgating MVP. You can power grills, Bluetooth speakers, TVs, phones and more, from kickoff through overtime.
Working outside: Whether you want to move your office to a local park for the day or have a backyard construction project planned and must figure out how to keep your laptop, phone, portable hotspot or tools powered up, there is a simple solution. Grab your gear and roll the 767 to your destination, which will solve your power needs for the day. Now get to work!
With the Anker 767 and solar panel(s), you’re doing more than utilizing a renewable energy source; you are supporting a company that keeps Mother Nature top of mind. In 2022, Anker started bringing environmental thinking into every dimension of its product design process, including materials, structure and technological innovation.
Learn more at Anker.com.
