(StatePoint) While basic sun protection is likely your top skin care priority in summer, during the fall season, it’s time to address other skin care concerns. One matter in particular to pay close attention to is scarring. This is because sun exposure can cause further discoloration in scars. What’s more, scar tissue is more susceptible than other skin to sun damage.

(StatePoint) Visible light (VL) is the light we can see, and excessive amounts of exposure can contribute to the production of free radicals, which may have negative, aging effects on the skin. VL comes in many forms, from sunlight to the light emitted from digital screens like cellphones and laptops. That’s why experts advise taking steps to protect your skin year round.

(StatePoint) New research reveals that not only has America’s largest generation -- millennials -- become more civically engaged since the pandemic began, but that the time is right for nonprofits and companies to help all Americans see how profoundly they can influence social change.

(StatePoint) As the weather cools and women switch from open to closed shoe styles, the transition can be painful.

(StatePoint) Do you suffer from acne or breakouts? Don’t stress! Millions of Americans of all ages are affected by acne and it’s easier and more affordable to treat than you may think.

(StatePoint) Did you know that single-use plastic is a major driver of climate change and is harmful to human health -- even when it’s recycled? According to a new report, leading consumer goods companies are driving the expansion of plastic production. And by doing so, are threatening the global climate and the health and safety of communities around the world.

(StatePoint) Many people look forward to their retirement for years. However, once it begins, they may find all the newfound free time overwhelming.

(StatePoint) Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a rare disease that can be passed down from generation to generation within families. This condition causes numerous cysts to grow in the kidneys, resulting in the kidneys enlarging and losing function over time. Additionally, nearly 50 percent of affected patients over age 60 will experience kidney failure or end stage renal disease (ESRD). The most common form of PKD is Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) which, according to the National Kidney Foundation, accounts for nearly 90 percent of all PKD cases.

(StatePoint) A fall can result in unwanted outcomes, including injury, loss of independence, and a decreased ability to do the things that are most important to you or a loved one.

(StatePoint) Replacing your roof? Insights from a new nationwide survey may help you better understand the many facets involved in this important decision.

(StatePoint) When Chad VanCamp, 42, began feeling intense pain in his tailbone whenever he sat down, life changed. Suddenly, his favorite hobbies became unbearable and he began dreading everyday activities that most people wouldn’t think twice about -- car rides, airplane trips and even going out to dinner.

(StatePoint) For lung cancer patients with a certain type of KRAS mutation, a new treatment option is offering new hope.

(StatePoint) Hate bugs? You’re not alone. Nearly seven in 10 Americans can’t sleep if they know there’s an insect in the room, according to a recent survey conducted by OnePoll for Zevo. The same poll also found that two in three Americans would give up a month’s pay to not deal with bugs!

(StatePoint) The best kitchen updates don’t just enhance the beauty of your space. They allow you to simplify your life, make better choices, and improve your relationship with your kitchen. And who knows? They may even make you a better cook! To that end, you may want to consider trading in your gas or electric cooktop for an induction model. If you’ve been keeping up with the Joneses and haven’t considered induction technology, that’s not surprising. While popular in Europe, adoption in the United States has been slower.

(StatePoint) More than 25 million people in the United States are living with asthma, amounting to about 1 in 13 people. Asthma is a lifelong chronic lung disease that causes difficulty breathing and often limits regular daily activities.

(StatePoint) As a new school year kicks into gear, make sure your child is ready to safely return to in-person learning and extracurricular activities. This means being on top of routine medical visits and ensuring they are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases (like measles and mumps). While parents may have delayed their children’s vaccinations and preventive care due to the COVID-19 outbreak, medical offices and clinics are taking extra steps to see children safely during this time. Call to schedule an appointment today. And if your child is 12 years or older and hasn’t received their COVID-19 vaccine yet, talk to their doctor about getting it as soon as possible. If your children don’t currently have health insurance, it is not too late to get them covered!

(StatePoint) September, which is World Alzheimer’s Month, is an excellent reminder to keep your mind and body healthy through the years. Experts say that doing so can reduce your risk for cognitive decline. Try taking on these new hobbies to keep your mind sharp as you age:

(StatePoint) The pandemic has changed our lives in numerous ways. As a result of all the upheaval, many people are reassessing their priorities and thinking about early retirement. According to Pew Research, 28 million baby boomers retired in 2020 and a recent study found 39% plan to retire by 65, while 18% said they plan to retire by age 59. Before taking that step, here are four questions to ask yourself.

(StatePoint) The transition to campus life can often feel abrupt. Beyond adjusting to the rigors of a college curriculum, students must quickly develop the self-management skills needed to thrive on their own. One such skill that should be prioritized is staying on track with prescribed medications.

(StatePoint) The start of a new school year brings many “to dos,” including back-to-school shoe shopping. It’s important to find the right shoes for your child at different stages in their lives. Foot and ankle surgeons, often referred to as foot physicians or podiatrists, recommend shopping wisely for the proper shoes to help minimize foot problems caused by poorly-fitting shoes and help you address any foot issues your child may have.

(StatePoint) If you haven’t visited your physician since the start of the pandemic, medical experts say that the time is now to book check-ups and screenings for the entire family.

(StatePoint) Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Yet, according to a recently released report, Black women in the United States face a perfect storm of issues spanning across every aspect of the health care system and society at-large that are causing them to die about 40% more often from breast cancer than white women. Indeed, in some metropolitan areas, the gap can be as high as 74%

(StatePoint) Many older adults have been delaying preventive health care during the pandemic because of fear of visiting the doctor’s office. As more people get vaccinated for COVID-19, now may be a good time to make up for gaps in care, according to Dr. Gina Conflitti, chief medical officer for Medicare Advantage at Cigna.

(StatePoint) When you start thinking about how to achieve financial security, a few basic things probably come to mind: insurance for your car and home; disability insurance in case you’re injured and can’t work; life insurance to protect your family in case something happens to you. But there’s one important type of financial protection that many people overlook: umbrella insurance.

(StatePoint) Climate change is making natural disasters more extreme, from extending the duration of disaster seasons to increasing the intensity of fires, storms and floods. Indeed, the U.S. Geological Survey notes that with increasing global surface temperatures, the intensity of storms will likely increase. The agency also predicts coastal flooding to double in the coming decades.

(StatePoint) “There’s no place like home.” There’s a reason why Dorothy preferred the warm feeling of rural Kansas over the hustle and bustle of Oz. Scientific studies show that busy urban life can actually take a toll on mental health.

(StatePoint) When you quit smoking you can lower your risk for a number of serious health problems, including lung disease, lung cancer and heart disease. But kicking the habit isn’t easy, especially if you’ve smoked for a long time.

(StatePoint) As college students gear up to return to campus, they will have long lists of things they need, or need to take care of, before they leave. One item that might be overlooked is their healthcare.

(StatePoint) Is your family returning to brick-and-mortar stores to prepare for the return of brick-and-mortar school? A new survey offers insights into what you can expect and how you can prepare for the experience.

(StatePoint) After a year during which many Americans stayed home to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, they’re now taking to the highways, railways, byways and highways in great numbers for vacations of all kinds. If you’re among them, consider packing these travel must-haves for a healthier experience.

(StatePoint) Karen S. was a long-time oncology nurse when she got her own cancer diagnosis at age 54. What she thought had been recurrent urinary tract infections was revealed to be bladder cancer.

(StatePoint) Did you know that nearly four out of five teens prefer contact lenses over glasses? With a new school year comes new routines and new responsibilities, making this a good time of year to make the switch. Here’s what to know about glasses, contacts and your teen’s eyes:

(StatePoint) Many students spent the last school year learning virtually, and now, there are a lot of items on parents’ and teachers’ to-do lists to help get ready for a return to traditional learning this school year. Below are tips to help simplify the transition – at home, in the classroom and in a dorm room.

(StatePoint) More than 34 million Americans are living with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 90-95 percent of those diagnosed have Type 2 diabetes. With many Americans having deferred medical care since the start of the pandemic, delayed or overdue diabetes diagnoses are expected in the coming months. Experts encourage those living with diabetes and their loved ones to navigate the disease head-on and with confidence.

(StatePoint) Despite significant gains in vaccinations and fighting COVID-19, the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant poses a significant risk for unvaccinated people.

(StatePoint) Did you know many home and yard projects contain hidden dangers for your feet? The good news though, according to foot and ankle surgeons, is most injuries are avoidable if you take appropriate precautions.

(StatePoint) Employing one in eight adults nationwide, the healthcare industry is vital to the economy and communities across the country. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was hit hard, with many Americans avoiding routine and elective care.

(StatePoint) It was August of 2019 when cabaret performer and New Jersey native, Angela Frost, found her summer sidelined by hepatitis A. About a week after she and a group of friends dined out together, she started to feel sick. Her symptoms began like the flu—body aches, loss of appetite, nausea—and then she developed jaundice.

(StatePoint) Though it is the most common form of dwarfism, occurring in one out of every 25,000 births, achondroplasia is often misunderstood as a condition only affecting one’s height. Beyond disproportionate short stature, achondroplasia is associated with a number of serious health complications, sometimes resulting in the need for invasive surgeries. What’s more, individuals with achondroplasia have disproportionately short limbs, which impairs functioning and can lead to delayed development of self-care skills.

(StatePoint) When Velia Martínez was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2005, she was shocked. The joint pain, fatigue and other symptoms she was experiencing made it difficult for her to get up in the mornings, which was frustrating because she had always been an active person.

(StatePoint) An estimated 4.5 billion prescriptions will be filled this year in the United States, with about half of consumers taking at least one prescription medication over the past 30 days.

(StatePoint). The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a rapid acceleration of telehealth as people looked for ways to access care safely. While technology kept many in the United States connected to care and loved ones, many low-income older adults were left behind by the sudden need to understand and access technology and internet services.

(StatePoint) Fresh air is essential for mental and physical well-being. However, Americans on average spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

(StatePoint) Even before the pandemic, wedding etiquette was tricky. After a year like no other, the dos and don’ts around “I do’s” and being a good guest have become even more complicated.

(StatePoint) Following the Colonial Pipeline closure earlier this year, many people panicked.

(StatePoint) While most of us associate playtime with childhood, adults are increasingly acknowledging the importance of play and leisure time for themselves.

(Statepoint) While there are certain holidays and events each year dedicated to members of the U.S. military, the need to support veterans and active-duty military members and their families is an ongoing effort.

(StatePoint) When it comes to in-store shopping, new data indicates that consumer confidence is on the rise. Experts attribute the confidence in part to a number of innovative technologies that have transformed the shopping experience.