Liquid Assets: Water Testing for Household Well Owners A Snap

Testing one’s drinking water can be intimidating to a household well owner, but it can be easy if you know a few basic steps, says the National Ground Water Association (NGWA).

If you are concerned about your well water, these three steps can help get owners the appropriate tests for contaminants that might present a health risk — or create taste, odor, or appearance problems:

1. Determine what you should test for in your water.

2. Obtain a reliable water test.

3. Get an interpretation of your test results so you can take any appropriate action.
An excellent place to start learning more about these three steps is the NGWA website,
www.WellOwner.org.

What to test

NGWA recommends that well owners test annually for bacteria, nitrate, and anything of local concern: for instance, naturally occurring hazards, such as arsenic, or man-made, such as chemical or heavy metals from industrial or waste sites.

Most county health departments do some water testing, and many well owners are within a reasonable distance of a drinking water testing lab. Both are good places to start in finding out whether there  might be a local issue.

Getting a water test

Knowing where to start in getting a water test isn’t difficult. Go to www.WellOwner.org, and “click” on the “Water Testing” tab near the top of the page.

Next, use these buttons:

• Click for county health department contact info” — This takes you to a webpage where you can access contact information for local health departments nationwide. Ask your health department if it tests water, and if so, for what and how much it costs.

• “Find a certified testing lab” — This takes you to a map where you can navigate to your state agency webpage to obtain information about certified drinking water testing labs.

Interpretation of your water test results

For an interpretation of test results, start with the agency or lab that did the test. If you need additional help, www.WellOwner.org links to an online water test interpretation tool located under the “Water Testing” tab. Type the values from your water test results into the appropriate fields in the online tool and it will provide an explanation of the results — usually including the risks to health, any warranted actions, and appropriate water treatment technologies.

Top Spring Trends for Lips, Skin, and Nails

 

 If the monochrome of winter has you dreaming of brighter days ahead, you’re not alone. Thankfully, the spring beauty forecast is in, and it’s all about color, shimmer and glow for nails, lips and skin.Vogue published a feature highlighting all the biggest beauty trends stemming from the Spring 2022 runways, and among them was "high-gloss pouts." Now, maybe it’s the two years of near-constant mask-wearing that makes this such a welcome trend, but the fact that lips are back in the spotlight is something to get excited about.

• GET THE LOOK: To achieve that high gloss effect at home, look no further than the Lipgasm™ Lipglosses by female-owned brand Trust Fund Beauty (TFB). Simply swipe across your lips for a sexy and moisturizing finish to your lipstick or lip liner, or use it on its own for a glossy shine.

  Spring’s emphasis on sparkle doesn’t stop at a glossy lip. As the runways previewed, glitter is in for hair and skin as well. So how can you pull off a head-to-toe shimmer for everyday without looking like a disco ball? It’s easy with the right liquid and powder products.

• GET THE LOOK: TFB’s That Glo Tho™ Liquid Highlighter can be used on its own or mixed with foundation, primer or moisturizer for a subtle sheen. It comes in two shades: champagne (Lit AF) and bronze (Glowy AF). The powder version of each shade is designed with a buttery soft lightweight texture that blends seamlessly into the skin for a healthy glow.

  Toss those winter gloves, and get ready to flaunt your nails, because vibrant tips are coming back in a big way. Snapshots from Fashion Week show spring nails in a range of colorful shades, playful patterns and artistic designs. Boring nails? Don’t know her.

• GET THE LOOK: Known best for their 21-free Nail Lacquers, all made in the USA, TFB offers bold AF shades for every style and personality with an array of spring colors, including aqua blue (Spill the Tea), pink coral (CEO of Wellness) and a buttery yellow (Never Boring).

  Spring is the perfect time to experiment with your beauty products and go bold with your skin, lips and nails. With its selection of vibrant hues and its ever-evolving, cruelty-free product line, TFB is the brand to take your look (and your attitude) to new heights.

"We are on a mission to redefine the meaning of non-toxic and vegan beauty, making it more accessible, inclusive, loud and proud," says Amanda Zweig, Co-Owner, Creative Director of Trust Fund Beauty. "We’ve been a trailblazer in beauty since our 2013 launch, and we’ve only continued to elevate our standards."In addition, the company is committed to sustainability by partnering with organizations such as Pachama and TerraCycle to offset carbon emissions and plastic consumption. All Trust Fund Beauty products are non-toxic, cruelty-free and vegan.Visit trustfundbeauty.com for more information

How to Boost Your Business in A Digital Environment

  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 acumen, with comments about his material and delivery such as, "his examples were detailed and easy to understand, with stories that made a point," and "he was the best presenter I have seen in a while, very engaging and entertaining.""It’s always an honor to present my business topics to designers, showroom consultants, architects and manufacturers," Nowakowski said after the presentation."When I received the feedback, I was thrilled that the audience walked away with knowledge they can use," he adds.The webinar focuses on providing the audience with information on digital disruption in the marketplace and what strategic tools can keep a business relevant and valuable in servicing customers.For example, participants learn how value comes from differentiation, and the importance of what makes a business unique."What do you do that your competitor doesn’t do? What does your competitor do that you don’t?" Mr. Nowakowski asks.Mr. Nowakowski also emphasizes how business basics never change, even in the age of disruption, and reviews tactics on how to stay in front of customers in a digital environment that includes using advertising, phone surveys, and quality service.The full presentation of Staying in Front of Your Customers in Digital Environment is available. 

School Choice Week Celebrates ‘Magic’ of Education

(NewsUSA) – Celebration is on the horizon. Americans are gearing up for the twelfth annual National School Choice Week, the nation’s largest celebration of opportunity in education on January 23-29. As president of the Week, I know firsthand that exploring your K-12 education options can change the trajectory of your family.This annual public awareness week celebrates great schools and empowers families to find the right fit. This year there’ll be more than 25,000 events and activities planned by schools and homeschool groups. Participants celebrate the Week however they like: Some host open houses, some plan multi-school fairs, some run student showcases.The reason so many people celebrate the Week is the same reason I’ve worked in education so long: Because learning is magical. It fuels children’s natural curiosity and allows them to unleash their talents and gifts into the world.What’s especially magical is kids finding a learning fit where they excel. Whether it’s at their neighborhood public school, a public charter school, a magnet school, a private school, an online school, or through homeschooling, it is ever-exciting and awe-inspiring to see kids who love learning and are fulfilling their potential. And it’s a tragedy when that fails to happen.Too often the happy "magic" of learning falls to the wayside as we become preoccupied with the stress of school searches or classes that aren’t the best fit. School Choice Week helps families rediscover the positive in education, bringing them support and a time to celebrate their choice, whatever it may be. Those who celebrate it believe that every child, given the right environment, can succeed. They believe that great teachers always deserve a "thank you!"After two disrupted school years, this School Choice Week is a much-needed moment for families to take a deep breath and rediscover the magic of learning.So, here are three simple ways you can be involved in the Week. First, start a conversation with your child about what they like about school and what they wish were different. Second, learn more about educational choices at schoolchoiceweek.com/state-guides, or share that information with a friend. Third, show appreciation for your school by volunteering at it or saying thank you to a teacher during Jan. 23-29.By working together, we can help more children experience the magic of an educational fit where they thrive. And when students experience that magic, their futures are so much brighter. Andrew Campanella is president of National School Choice Week and the author of "The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps to Finding the Right School for Your Child."

Five Designers Share 2022’s Hottest Trends for Hardwood in the Home

(NewsUSA)https://trackit.newsusa.com/track.gif?id=36988" alt="" /> – With its beautiful looks and remarkable durability, Real American Hardwood™ has long been a beloved material in American home interiors. "Homeowners are always looking for fresh and exciting ways to use wood," says Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center. "They often find inspiration in the work of the best architects, designers, and decorators, sought-after talents who offer trendsetting ideas on using oak, maple, walnut, and other classic species." So, we checked in with five of the most accomplished residential designers in the business to uncover the top trends in hardwood for the year ahead — and beyond.

These Three Facts about Sudden Cardiac Arrest Could Help Save a Life

(NewsUSA) – This February, American Heart Month, you can learn critical information about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) that could help you save a life. Three key things to remember:1. SCA is not a heart attack: SCA is an "electrical" problem affecting the heart rhythm, and a heart attack is a "plumbing" problem affecting blood flow.It’s a very common misperception that a heart attack and SCA are the same thing. However, they are very different.A heart attack occurs when part of the heart’s blood supply is reduced due to a partial or complete blockage, and the heart muscle becomes injured or dies.SCA, on the other hand, is related to the heart’s internal electrical system. When this system fails, it may trigger a dangerously fast heartbeat causing the heart to quiver and stop pumping blood to the body and brain. This can cause a victim to pass out suddenly — this is SCA."A heart attack victim is usually awake and can seek help, but a sudden cardiac arrest victim typically passes out immediately and must rely on others to provide immediate treatment," says Mary Newman, president and CEO of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation."The two conditions require vastly different treatment. The chance of survival following a sudden cardiac arrest decreases 10 percent with every passing minute."Though a heart attack and SCA are different, they are sometimes linked.Brent Miller, 50, survived both. Brent knew something wasn’t right when he started to experience frequent severe crushing chest pain in early 2021. He was an avid runner, so a heart problem may not have seemed likely. However, Brent knew to not ignore his symptoms. He went to the hospital and learned he was having a heart attack.Brent’s doctors implanted a stent in his heart to restore blood flow. The quick medical attention saved his life, but the heart attack weakened his heart’s pumping ability. This condition put him at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. As part of his recovery, his doctor recommended he wear a lifesaving wearable defibrillator known as LifeVest for protection. Watch Brent’s story on the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation website.2. SCA is sudden by its very nature; often the first sign a person has this condition is that they collapse and experience cardiac arrest.SCA has no warning signs. However, there are factors that may indicate someone is at risk for SCA. For example, certain heart patients may be at increased risk, including those who have suffered a heart attack or have been newly diagnosed with heart failure.Anyone who feels they might be at risk should see a cardiologist for evaluation. If you are at risk for SCA, a doctor may recommend a wearable defibrillator, implantable cardioverter defibrillator, medications, or other measures to prevent sudden death.In Brent’s case, following his heart attack, his doctors determined he was at high risk for SCA and prescribed LifeVest, a wearable defibrillator designed to detect certain life-threatening rapid heart rhythms and automatically deliver a lifesaving treatment shock."My SCA was very immediate; I did not feel it was coming on at all," says Brent. "I was talking to my wife, and I collapsed." Learn how Brent survived sudden cardiac arrest on the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation website.3. An SCA victim requires immediate emergency care, including CPR and a defibrillation shock — and you can help.If you witness what you think is sudden cardiac arrest, the first thing to do is to call 911 immediately before administering urgent and immediate care. After calling 911, start CPR compressions: Push hard and fast on the center of the chest. An SCA victim requires defibrillation and bystanders should seek an AED (automated external defibrillator) to provide treatment.If a patient is wearing LifeVest, which does not require third-party intervention, the device is designed to prompt bystanders to step aside while treatment is delivered. When Brent experienced SCA, he was at home in his bedroom. He suddenly lost consciousness. LifeVest detected the abnormal heart rhythm and delivered a treatment shock that saved his life."If I wasn’t wearing LifeVest that day, I have no doubt that I would have died," Brent says. "I’m just extremely grateful."With appropriate therapy, cardiac patients can often return to doing many of the things they enjoy. After experiencing both a heart attack and SCA, Brent has recovered and undergone cardiac rehab. He continues to run and is now training for a half-marathon in April.Learn more:

Welcome to The Future of Diagnostic Tests

(NewsUSA) – If you have a chronic or recurring infection, getting accurate results of diagnostic tests can make a big difference in your quality of care and quality of life. Patients with infections value the resolution that comes from accurate testing, diagnosis, and good treatment that MicroGenDX’s Next-Generation DNA Sequencing (NGS) enables.When a patient is infected, they will usually be prescribed an antibiotic or antifungal by their healthcare provider. These antimicrobials are often chosen based on culturing, growing the specimen in a petri dish. There are limitations to this 150-year-old technology that MicroGenDX is helping to solve.MicroGenDX uses DNA sequencing technology to identify all bacteria and fungi in a sample from an infected patient, no growth required. NGS detects many microbes that cultures often miss. This provides a patient’s physician with a more comprehensive result enabling appropriate and optimized therapy."Our mission at MicroGenDX is to improve clinical outcomes by offering clinicians and their patients the most informative and impactful microbial diagnostic tests that science can provide," says CEO Rick Martin. MicroGenDX makes a difference for patients like Kelsey, who struggled with a urinary tract infection so painful that it left her bedridden. When Kelsey finally received the correct antibiotic to treat her infection based on MicroGenDX test results, she was able to recover and return to a pain-free life."What makes MicroGenDX unique is our curated database of over 50,000 microbes, our improved turnaround time, our patient-friendly price point, and our clinical research data that strongly supports the clinical utility of Next-Generation Sequencing," Martin emphasizes.Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a technology that allows for more specific identification of disease-causing organisms than the traditional cultures and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genetic tests used by many labs. Although the technology itself is not new, MicroGenDX, which has been in business for 12 years, has made NGS possible for use in an everyday clinical setting. In the past, NGS technology was expensive and time-consuming. Today, NGS is used by a variety of major companies and research institutions, including NASA, through MicroGenDX, and MicroGenDX is helping to open the door for the use of NGS in clinical medicine.MicroGenDX provides results for diagnoses related to urinary tract infections (UTI), prostate infections, hip and knee infections, wound infections, sinus infections, lung infections and more. The company continues to conduct research to expand the evidence base for the technology, with more than 35 published clinical studies and more than 40 ongoing clinical trials.MicroGenDX’s NGS has a number of benefits over traditional culture and PCR labs:- Accuracy. The MicroGenDX test matches patient samples against its microbial database of 50,000 species for maximum accuracy in the NGS results.- Affordability. The MicroGenDX offers low rates for both qPCR and NGS to help clinicians and patients control costs without sacrificing quality.- Speed. MicroGenDX has the quickest turn around time of any NGS provider on the market at 3-5 business days for most NGS samples.- Variety. The MicroGenDX lab accepts a broad range of samples and can provide information on hard to culture and uncommon bacterial and fungal species, including Mycobacterium and Molds.- Antibiotic Resistance: MicroGenDX recognizes the threat that antimicrobial resistant organisms present to current medicine and the over 35,000 deaths a year it causes. The use of NGS allows for targeted antibiotic treatment that helps combat the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. MicroGenDX also detects the presence of 17 antibiotic resistance genes allowing clinicians to avoid ineffective treatments.Visit microgendx.com for more information about the company’s services, and check them out on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Seek Sound Investment Advice for Financial Success

(NewsUSA) – After years in the shadows of trendy tech stocks, solid value stocks are having their moment. Opportunistic value investors who are willing to go against the trends can acquire stocks cheaply, and benefit from generous dividends over time.If you are a value investor or looking to get into more value stocks or seeking other financial guidance, having the right investment advice is essential, as the options can be confusing and overwhelming.Regular investment newsletters from competent authorities can help investors sort through the mountain of stock information and make smart decisions that work for them.When choosing an investment newsletter, keep these factors in mind to separate the experts from the fly-by-nighters.- Broad base. A quality investment newsletter offers information about a diversified portfolio and a broad base of investment themes. The best investment newsletters provide details of what individual stock and other assets the experts are into; look for newsletters with information about capital gains over the medium- to long-term, and generating dividends.- Access to material. At the end of the day, your investment decisions are your own, but it is important to be informed, and the right investment newsletter offers current and complete access to research material.- Expert knowledge. Learn what the experts recommend, and what sectors they are investing in and why. The best investment newsletters offer new ideas and updates via trade alerts.- Share with others. Investment newsletters that offer members’ forums as well as expert Q&A sections are especially helpful for making sound decisions. Member forums are a rare and valuable feature, so look for them when choosing an investment newsletter. You can take advantage of the knowledge and experience of fellow newsletter subscribers and learn tips from them, as well as from the expert newsletter authors, on long-term wealth building across a range of sectors or investment classes.- Resources. The best investment newsletters provide the background that their experts use in making their own investment decisions; you get a window into their thought process that will add to your understanding and appreciation of their recommendations.- Reputation. For more proof that you are choosing a quality investment newsletter, you can check out what others are saying on a reputable review site such as trustpilot.com.Find an example of an investment newsletter with the power to improve your financial picture at invest4deepvalue.com. 

 

Rally for Wounded Warrior Project’s Carry Forward Virtual 5K

(NewsUSA) – The 2021 Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Carry Forward® Virtual 5K, presented by USAA®, is off and running! And, it’s easier than ever to participate in this powerful, unique event that allows supporters to help put WWP’s mission in motion in their communities or neighborhoods.Celebrating its fourth year, the Carry Forward Virtual 5K supports the life-changing programs and services – including mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitation care – dedicated to improving the lives of warriors and their families. Please honor the courageous men and women who have served in the U.S. military and consider participating in the Carry Forward Virtual 5K.Supporters can participate in a walk or run as an individual or part of a team. Virtual Carry Forward events allow participants to support wounded veterans with a 5K they can host in their communities at their convenience."Fujitsu supports causes that are near and dear to our hearts, and helping those who have served our country is the right thing to do," says Matt Peterson, President and COO, Fujitsu General America, Inc. "We are proud to be the sponsor of Wounded Warrior Project’s Carry Forward Virtual 5K, and hope you will join us in taking strides to make the world a better place." To get involved, visit fujitsugeneral.com/cares/warriors.Whatever your preferred method, the WWP Carry Forward Virtual 5K offers a one-of-a-kind chance to:

Fujitsu and Make A Wish Partner to Help Make Wishes Come True

 

Hope is essential for children with critical illnesses, and you can help unlock its life-changing power today.Parker’s wish is to have a rainbow playset, and Jade wishes for a white fluffy puppy. These children and countless others hope to capture your heart and ignite your desire to support the Make-A-Wish mission to grant the wish of every eligible child.Make-A-Wish is the world’s largest wish-granting organization, serving children in nearly 50 countries. With generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 40,000 volunteers around the globe, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. An integral part of a child’s treatment journey, Make-A-Wish has fulfilled the wishes of more than 340,000 children nationwide since its founding in 1980.There remains a tremendous gap between the number of wishes granted today and the estimated 27,000 children in the United States that are diagnosed with a qualifying condition annually. Together, we can raise the funds necessary to help close that gap."Fujitsu is known as a global leader in ductless mini-splits, but we’re actually much more," said Matt Peterson, president and COO of Fujitsu General America, Inc. "We also supply VRF, unitary ducted, and commercial rooftops as a full line equipment supplier. But we’re also much, much more than that. We support causes that are near and dear to our hearts. One of them is Make-A-Wish. If you know our culture, supporting children with critical illnesses is a no-brainer to us. It’s the right thing to do. We hope you will find a way to join us in this incredible cause as we strive to make the world a better place. Visit fujitsugeneral.com/cares/wishes to learn more about how you can get involved."There are many ways to support this extraordinary organization that grants wishes that help children replace fear with confidence, anxiety with hope and sadness with joy.Here are just a few more ways to make a difference:* Donate monthly to help reach every eligible child and ensure more children re-discover hope when they need it most.* Fundraising, whether it’s through athletic events, lemonade stands or birthday fundraisers, empowers passionate supporters to rally networks in their communities.* Volunteers are the backbone of making wishes come true. Share your time and talents as a volunteer and transform a child’s life.Research shows children who have wishes granted build the physical and emotional strength needed to fight a critical illness. This can improve their quality of life and produce better health outcomes.Together we can transform lives, one wish at a time. Visit Wish.org to learn more and see how you can get involved today! 

Toys For Tots Literacy Program Gears Up for Back to School

 

Toys for Tots is the nation’s flagship children’s Christmastime charity, but the Program extends to helping children and families in need year-round. As children gear up for the new school year, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program continues its successful Back to School Books campaign in the hopes of doubling their literacy efforts. Last year, the Program distributed 1.8 million books and this year the Program hopes to distribute over 4 million books.A key objective of the Marine Toys for Tots Program is to play an active role in the development of children by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program, launched in 2008 in partnership with The UPS Store, is one way to meet this goal. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program provides economically disadvantaged children with the books and educational resources that can help them build the confidence and self-esteem that will help them compete academically and succeed in life.Data show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school, and that the ratio of books per child in some low-income neighborhoods is 1 age-appropriate book for every 300 children."This program not only brings the joy of reading to these children, but also serves as an important tool in breaking the cycle of poverty," says Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.Since 2008, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program has provided an average of 2 million books to children, schools, and libraries each year. This year, Toys for Tots is teaming up with organizations such as Rise Augusta and Kids in Need Foundation for opportunities to distribute books to children in need year-round.Please visit our donation page to support our Back to School Books campaign.

New Mobile App Records, Saves and Shares Recipes and Family Memories

 

)hat if Grandma’s cookbook could talk? What if lost recipes could be recovered and safeguarded for posterity? What if delectable treats from the past and present were readily accessible? The new DishtoryApp mixes it all together and makes it possible!Nothing tells a family’s history like the food they share and the dishes they prepare together, so Ohio natives and longtime friends Chris Kozak and Dan Zawisza created Dishtory.It is the first mobile app to provide a platform for culinary artists, aspiring chefs and home cooks to record, save and share family memories through text, photo, audio, and video — all in one place — forever. More than a meal, Dishtory provides sensory memory of the tastes and aromas that deserve to be preserved.The inspiration for the user-generated and crowdsourced Dishtory app began with a conversation between co-founder Dan Zawisza and his mother when he was seeking her Christmas sugar cookies that he remembered from childhood to share with his own family.After playing phone tag, she left him a detailed message describing how to make the coveted cookies."After listening to the voicemail, I thought to myself, ‘I will have this recipe now for the rest of my life and in my mom’s voice,’" says Zawisza."This was a totally new concept, and I want to give everyone the ability to share the same experience."Co-founder Chris Kozak, who has family roots in the restaurant business says, "With smartphone technology, we saw an opportunity for innovation to give everyone the opportunity to record, save and share recipes – from a tasty dish at a backyard cookout to recipes that have been passed down through generations."Dishtory serves up the unique stories behind each dish from the primary source ensuring that family culture and legacy live on in the kitchens of future generations.Unlike written recipe cards, the audio heirlooms cooked up on Dishtory remain and can be shared easily and bring the voice of the distant or departed loved one to life.During holiday time, it’s a fun, free gift to share with family and friends. The app can provide an original holiday experience at parties — an interactive activity to share the history and recipes of your family’s distinct and singular dishes. Modern families in various forms are embraced. The app can help recover long lost recipes through technology, provide inherited recipes for adopted children and blended families, offer healthier twists on old-fashioned recipes (e.g. alternative milks, gluten-free, etc.) and so much more. 

Treating Sun Spots Just as Important as Wrinkle Care

 

Women ages 30 and older are growing increasingly aware of new wrinkles with each passing year. Yet, evidence suggests that sunspots may have as much of an impact on age-related appearance as wrinkles.

Nearly 63 percent of women older than age 35 experience sun or age spots, discolorations and uneven skin. The dark side? The problem reflects your apparent age — or lack of youth.

“Getting a clear, even skin tone without discoloration is just as important as wrinkle-fighting to achieving a rejuvenated, youthful appearance,” says Dr. Ellen Marmur, prominent New York City dermatologist and author of “Simple Skin Beauty.” “To some patients, it’s even more important.”

Dermatologists like Marmur call it hyperpigmentation, but its various types are commonly known as age spots, sun spots, liver spots, freckles and melasma, brown patches of  the skin triggered by a hormone imbalance. Age spots, sun spots and liver spots are all the same ailment — pouches of melanin where the skin pigment has overproduced and dumped uneven amounts, the majority of which are a result of sun damage.

According to Marmur, the two most used topical treatments for discoloration are hydroquinone and retinoids, which both may have irritating side effects and require a prescription. However, a new alternative, StriVectin-EV Get Even Brightening Serum, is an over-the-counter solution that’s clinically proven to work quickly minus the same risky side effects.

“StriVectin-EV Get Even products, both the serum and new Get Even Spot Repair, combine natural ingredients like willow bark, vitamin C and licorice with our unique, patented form of niacin for the most even supply of pigment, skin repair and anti-aging effects,” explains chief scientist and professor of Medicinal Chemistry Myron Jacobson. “Studies reveal 85 percent of women see reduced sun spots and more even skin color after eight weeks of use.”

But to treat the long-term problem, sufferers of dark spots should also heed the following sun-related advice:

•    Wear sunscreen year-round with an SPF of 30.
•    For prolonged sun exposure, get a wide-brimmed hat to wear outdoors.
•    Neutralize stubborn spots with peach-toned concealer while using StriVectin-EV Get Even products to slow down melanin production.
•    Beware of products that bleach skin, as this can cause white spots, another form of discoloration.

No Shelf Required With E-Readers at Your Fingertips

 

With hectic schedules ruling the day, people often underestimate the importance of taking time to relax and recharge—even if for only a few minutes.

To that point, why not do so with a good book? Whether you’re curled up on the couch after work or simply on your lunch break, eReading companies such as Kobo have enough options to keep you interested—and relaxed.

No matter what age you are, there’s something for everyone’s taste or preference.

The 20s can be fraught with stress and tension. You’ve left the comfort of home, so now what? Consider books that will help direct you on your own path. There is “How to Be Interesting” by Jessica Hagy and “The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now” by Meg Jay.

The 30s might have you pondering marriage and family, in which case, “Smart Parenting for Smart Kids: Nurturing Your Child’s True Potential” by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Mark S. Lowenthal might be informative and invaluable reads. For a mind-candy read that’s sure to entertain, try “Bridget Jones’s Diary” by Helen Fielding.

By their 40s, people are looking for a little romance or a thrill. Books such as “Inferno” by Dan Brown, or “Committed” by Elizabeth Gilbert may have just the appeal you’re looking for.

In your 50s, the kids are (hopefully) out of the house, and you now have time to read and travel. To that end, “Still Alice” by Lisa Genova and “Live By Night” by Dennis Lehane could be the thing to toss in your suitcase.

The 60s, or Golden Years, mean retirement and the ability to enjoy the things you love most. Whether it’s spending time with family, keeping fit, or curling up with a good book, there is “Beautiful Ruins” by Jess Walter or “Paris” by Edward Rutherfurd.

As well as offering instant access to millions of titles online, digital reading companies offer a cornucopia of eReading device options and free reading apps for most smartphones and tablets, making it easy to expand your “just read” list. Whatever your age—young or old, married or single—books are a source of entertainment, escape and inspiration, but most of all, enjoyment.

Your Local Subway Now Has Biggest Menu Changes in History

 

What’s your favorite Subway sandwich? Well, it’s time to visit your local Subway® restaurant and try it again because it just got better. You might even find a new favorite. The company is making the biggest changes to the menu in the brand’s history, and your local Subway is ready to share all the new items and serve up a delicious sub sandwich, from the new Turkey Cali Fresh to the All-American Club™.The Eat Fresh Refresh menu updates include 11 new and improved ingredients, six all-new or returning sandwiches, and four revamped signature sandwiches. Whether you’re a classic sub lover, want to double down on protein or enjoy a flavor blast with a new MVP Parmesan vinaigrette, Subway offers endless customization and options for any appetite.Your local restaurant has been baking great bread for years, and it just got better. Tasty bread is the core to every sandwich. To that end, Subway is adding two new choices — Artisan Italian and Hearty Multigrain. A panel of world-class bakers spent two years working to perfect the recipes and baking techniques that set their sandwiches apart.Other new and improved ingredients in the Eat Fresh Refresh menu include new deli-thin sliced ham and turkey, hickory-smoked bacon, smashed avocado, artisan BelGioioso® Fresh Mozzarella from Wisconsin, and tangy MVP Parmesan Vinaigrette™.One thing that hasn’t changed: high-quality, premium 100% wild-caught tuna, sourced from leading global suppliers who remain committed to consistency and safety at every stage of the supply chain. As tuna has always been a fan-favorite, there will be no changes to this sub, as it remains an anchor of the menu with simple ingredients.You can explore all these new menu items by downloading the updated app available through the App Store and Google Play. The Subway app makes ordering and customization easier than ever with an enhanced dashboard and order tracking features. For added convenience, your local restaurant is rolling out a new Subway Delivery option in select areas for more accessibility and meal-time ease."Subway has been serving freshly made, customizable, and better-for-you sandwiches for more than 50 years, and we wanted to give our guests more new and improved flavors that are craveable as well as fresh and customizable," explains Paul Fabre, SVP Culinary Innovation at Subway. "Our new culinary team is delivering monumental updates to the entire core menu so that when our fans come in, they notice everything is better."Visit subway.com for more information about the Eat Fresh Refresh program, to place orders, or download the Subway app.

Healthy Tips For Going Back to the Office Post-COVID

 Whether you are just starting out with your first job and apartment, or entering the later stages of your working life, there is no wrong time to plan for retirement.For Millennials and Generation Z, saving may seem less important, but don’t discount its importance."Even though retirement is decades away, acting now can lead to better financial security throughout your entire life," says Mark Wernig, CFP®, Lead Advisor and Principal at Dowling & Yahnke Wealth Advisors.For those who are younger, take some smart steps now, and you can reap the benefits whenever you retire. The following tips can help you to save for the future:- Make saving automatic. Young adults should invest in a 401(k) plan with their employers, with an automatic contribution. This makes saving easy, you don’t have to think about it, and you will reap the rewards later.- Put money back. Many adults deal with debt from student loans, car loans and mortgages. Set financial goals and know the interest rates on your loans, so you can make a budget and try to pay them off as soon as possible.If you are a Baby Boomer farther along in your career and retirement is fast approaching, don’t despair. It’s never too late to maximize your savings with these smart strategies:- Play catch-up. The "catch up" provision for individuals ages 50 years and older lets you add extra money to many corporate retirement plans, such as 401(k)s, traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Roth IRAs."Workers age 50 and older can make an extra $1,000 catch-up contribution to an IRA in 2021, for a maximum possible IRA contribution of $7,000 in 2021," says Spencer Betts, CFP®, Chief Compliance Officer and financial consultant at Bickling Financial Services.- Postpone Social Security. Age matters. The full retirement age for Social Security is 67 for anyone born after 1960. For every year you delay taking your Social Security (age 68 to 70), you increase your benefit by 8%.- Revisit your health care plan. Health expenses are one of the top sources of spending in retirement. Make sure your health insurance plan meets your needs and do some research to switch plans if necessary. In addition, be aware of health care savings accounts (HSAs), which are pre-tax savings accounts that allow tax-free withdrawals for health expenses. HSAs also have a catch-up option for those over the age of 55.Regardless of your age, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional can provide guidance and advice as you consider these points in retirement planning .

Let Your Small Business Thrive with Smart Financial Planning

 

Sales on Small Business Saturday and during the holiday season can often make or break a small business.During this time, many small businesses are focused on revenues and operational efficiency. But they should also dedicate time to address their financial risks.Small business owners can manage these risks by adapting their individual financial plans to the risks of business ownership.The top financial planning areas of concern for small business owners are:1. Tax planning. Businesses and individuals have different marginal tax rates at different income brackets. A CFP® professional can help you coordinate your business and personal income taxes for maximum returns.2. Insurance coverage. Small businesses require specialized insurance coverage beyond what the owners may have for themselves and their families. Small businesses need to have a safety net in the event that they are affected by a natural disaster, death or disability of the owner or other key individual, loss of property, or lawsuits from negligence or defective products.3. Retirement. Small business owners need more retirement planning rather than less. The good news is that business ownership affords all sorts of tax-advantaged ways to save for retirement. The ability to put aside amounts is considerably larger than what is permissible to non-business owners.4. Investments. Most small businesses are self-financed by their owners. This may mean that the business is the owner’s major or only investment. Small business owners who have extra capital may want to reinvest the money back into the business. CFP® professionals may help you diversify your investments to offset your financial risk as an owner.5. Succession planning. Small business owners need to have a plan for what they want to do with their business after retirement. The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly added a great deal of complexity to the lives of small business owners who wish to monetize their life’s work and pass on their business to someone else

Three Financial Planning Tips for New Parents

 

New parents have so much to think about that financial planning may not be at the top of the list. However, once sleep deprivation wears off, new parents will be thankful if they have completed some financial planning in advance."Smart financial planning not only protects families against unexpected bumps in the road, but also teaches children good financial habits," says Brad Ledwith, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.Three key financial considerations for new parents or parents-to-be include:Life Insurance Plans. When you become a parent, it’s time to be proactive about life insurance. If you don’t have a policy, get one to ensure that your family is provided for in the event of your death.Remember that both parents need policies, even if only one parent is employed. "Term life insurance is generally a good option for new parents because of its affordability and provision for income loss in the event of one parent’s death," Ledwith explains.Education Savings Accounts. With the cost of tuition rising annually, it is never too early to think about college savings options. Consider setting up a 529 plan, which allows parents, grandparents and others to deposit money into an account that grows tax-free.The proceeds must be used for education purposes. The details vary by state, so be sure to check the rules of your state. Go-to sites for more information on 529 plans are Savingforcollege.com, American Funds and College America.Custodial Accounts. Custodial accounts are a great way to keep monetary gifts to children in a safe place with no restrictions on future use. Funds in a custodial account can be used toward cars, housing, vacations or any other expense.Custodial accounts also serve as educational opportunities. As children learn how to save, delay gratification and work toward a goal, a custodial account gives them an opportunity to learn about fiscal responsibility. When your child is older, you can teach him or her how to buy stocks with some of the money in a custodial account."Eventually, the child will wind up with the means to finance something that will serve him or her for years to come, such as a car or their first apartment. It’s a fantastic lesson about how money can work for you," says Ledwith.Key financial decisions for your family happen at all life stages — whether it’s budgeting to help afford everyday expenses when you have children, seeking tax breaks to help you save for college or planning to financially protect your family if anything happens to you. Working with a CFP® professional can help you adapt your finances to meet the needs of your growing family.