(StatePoint) 2020 was more than just a health crisis, it had ripple effects on nearly every aspect of our lives, including our long-term financial plans.

(StatePoint) It is hard to imagine the Big Game without hot wings, zesty delivery pizza or homemade buffalo chicken dip, despite the anticipated heartburn that might follow. On top of all your favorite rich and spicy foods is the anxiety you may get from the game itself, not to mention the built-up stress associated with the past year.

(StatePoint) Social isolation among seniors is not only linked to numerous negative health consequences like depression and cardiovascular disease, but it’s also a primary contributing factor in financial exploitation and scams. Estimated to affect one in 10 older adults and cost billions annually, the threat of elder financial fraud is pervasive, and especially so right now.

(StatePoint) While comfort will continue to reign supreme for clothing and accessories in 2021, when it comes to footwear, there are a variety of fun fashion trends that make a statement. The good news is that there’s no need to overhaul your entire closet. And it’s easier than ever to incorporate on-trend pieces into a comfortable and casual outfit.

(StatePoint) Therapeutic and rehabilitation benefits of crafting are well-known to those who’ve experienced them firsthand, but advocates want more people to understand what a powerful healing tool it can be, particularly for the nation’s veterans during this time of increased isolation and anxiety.

(StatePoint) Is “quitting smoking” on the top of your list of goals for the year? Was it last year too? Here are some insights from those in the know into kicking this habit to the curb for good.

(StatePoint) 3M Sponsored Content.

(StatePoint) Thinking of remodeling your home? From safety and security to product and contractor selection, there are many factors to consider.

(StatePoint) Each year, millions of Americans get sick from “seasonal influenza” (“the flu”). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 38 million people got sick with the flu during the 2019-2020 flu season. The flu is more dangerous than the common cold and children are at higher risk for developing serious complications. More than 12 million children under the age of 18 were diagnosed with flu last year, and of those children diagnosed, more than 52,000 were hospitalized. However, there are preventive steps parents can take to protect their children and family from the flu.

(StatePoint) Recent historic economic downturns and significant unemployment numbers and job losses have created considerable financial worries for families across the country. Health and safety concerns about returning to schools, childcare facilities, and office settings have only added to the uncertainty and stress that Americans are currently feeling.

(StatePoint) Constipation is something that most people have likely experienced at one time or another. For some people however, symptoms can occur over the long term.

(StatePoint) When it comes to keeping your home healthy, safe and clean, it’s all about balance. Using the following tips, you can make 2021 the year you perfect your cleaning technique affordably:

(StatePoint) Afterschool programs help students succeed in school and in life and provide invaluable support to communities. As we’ve seen this year, these programs play an especially important role when students, families, and communities are struggling.

(StatePoint) As we head into 2021, adults and kids alike may still be enjoying the excitement of digital devices received as gifts over the holidays. However, the new year is always a great time for a reset, so alongside those new devices, consider adopting some new digital habits.

(StatePoint) More Americans are investing their time and energy in the pursuit of fitness these days, with the percentage of people belonging to gyms and health clubs nearly doubling from 2000-2017, according to Statista. Beyond casual workouts, participation in extreme sports and endurance events has grown exponentially in the past 25 years. Whether you’ve recently started exercising, are ramping up your efforts or have always been an avid sports enthusiast, you’ve probably dealt with soreness and fatigue after a tough workout.

(StatePoint) Parents of children enrolled in afterschool programs are happier with their participation than ever before, according to a new study. At the same time, there aren’t nearly enough programs available, and students from low-income families are the most likely to lack access. For every child in an afterschool program today, three more are waiting to get in.

(StatePoint) Millions of people nationwide face hunger. And the COVID-19 pandemic has thrust even more Americans into this vulnerable position.

(StatePoint) Considering a career change? You’re in good company -- 18 percent of the deskless workforce who had a job during COVID-19 plan to leave for better benefits or job security, according to a recent survey by Quinyx.

(StatePoint) With nearly half of all Americans employed by a small business, these establishments need our support more than ever.

(StatePoint) With kids and teens spending more time online than ever these days due to social distancing guidelines and remote-learning, you may feel the time is now to graduate them to their very own device.

(StatePoint) If maintaining good health is top of mind these days, as it is for many, be sure to factor dental hygiene into the equation. Medical experts say that a healthy mouth is critical to whole-body health, and warn that during the COVID-19 pandemic, certain stress-related oral health concerns are on the rise.

(StatePoint) During the cold and flu season and amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be more medicines in homes being used to treat all kinds of symptoms. It is important to remember that you can keep curious kids safe by keeping medicine up and away and out of sight and reach.

(StatePoint) The New Year is the perfect time to hit “reset” and start over with fresh dental habits that can help improve your health.

(StatePoint) High blood pressure -- the leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke -- continues to disproportionately affect communities of color. Addressing this health inequity is especially important right now, as people with hypertension and serious heart conditions are at an increased risk for more severe outcomes if they acquire COVID-19.

(StatePoint) Approximately 2.4 million people or 30 percent of people living with dementia in the U.S. may experience hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis. These symptoms might include seeing something that isn’t there or believing something that isn’t true and can be frequent, persistent and recur over time.

(StatePoint) Many people are avoiding in-person doctor’s visits to limit potential exposure to coronavirus -- or are simply ignoring health concerns altogether. However, when it comes to medical emergencies such as stroke, immediate medical attention is critical.

(StatePoint) As the weather grows cold and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact communities nationwide, many people are spending more time at home.

(StatePoint) In the 2019-2020 flu season, influenza caused up to 22,000 deaths in the U.S. This year, with so many medical resources being used to care for COVID-19 patients, it’s especially important to protect yourself from the flu.

(StatePoint) It’s almost never too cold to head outdoors when you’re well-prepared. On your next cool-weather hike or camping trip, keep these considerations in mind for a safe and comfortable experience:

(StatePoint) Screen time among children and teens has skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the cold-weather months, when families are more likely to be spending free time indoors, it’s especially important that parents and caregivers set schedules to help ensure safe, healthy and balanced use of digital devices, according to experts.

(StatePoint) Working and learning from home is the new norm for millions of American families. They’re engaged in a daily juggling act, making sure everyone has the bandwidth and privacy to complete their work, whether it’s the latest algebra assignment or the monthly all-staff meeting. Add in streaming services, online shopping and an assortment of other digital activities and it’s easy to see why cybersecurity might become an afterthought.

(StatePoint) Preparing for unpredictable winter weather? Take stock of your home, vehicle and planning tools to ensure your family stays safe and warm all winter long.

(StatePoint) As temperatures fall outside, it’s time to get ready for the chillier months ahead. Most homeowners want to keep their home cozy and their heating bills low during the winter, but struggle to keep the warmth in and the cold air out. Weatherizing can seem daunting, but there are many benefits -- from reducing drafts to lowering energy use. Follow these low-cost tips to protect your home and your wallet. 

(StatePoint) For many, Peace Corps service is a first step toward a career or the continuation of a life’s work.

(StatePoint) Diabetes management and foot care go hand in hand.

(StatePoint) School closures and hybrid learning models have forced educators, parents and students to adapt to new forms of learning; the impact of this is not to be underestimated. Teachers and parents around the country have expressed concerns about the accessibility and quality of education under these conditions.

(StatePoint) Flu season is here, and amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more important than usual to take steps to avoid getting sick. Here are five top tips to help your household stay healthy:

(StatePoint) Athletic arenas, stadiums and even youth sports centers have shuttered their doors to large crowds amid COVID-19, yielding a massive, growing revenue loss for a major American industry and contributing to thousands of layoffs nationwide. However, analysts say a new scientific breakthrough could soon put an end to the extended timeout.

(StatePoint) The business landscape changed significantly in 2020, and new research suggests that cyber criminals took note.

(StatePoint) For better or worse, the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the devastating impact health inequities have on people of color; especially members of the Black and Hispanic/Latino communities.

(StatePoint) When it comes to saving money, it helps to cut out smaller expenses that add up over time – like frequent lunch dates, unused gym memberships or online subscriptions. But if you really want to make a dent in your budget, you need think bigger.

(StatePoint) The new normal and natural disasters are dominating the headlines. At the same time, consumers have embraced socially distant adventure travel. Whatever your reasons for wanting to be prepared, easy to carry, functional gear will prepare you for what’s to come. Here’s how:

(StatePoint) Among mask mandates, social distancing, outspoken political views and personal challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a heightened risk for public spaces turning into places of conflict.

(StatePoint) Patient volumes are hitting only 74 percent of pre-pandemic levels, according to the American Dental Association. With many people delaying dentist office visits, at-home oral care routines are more important than ever.

(StatePoint) Amid the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, with hospitals and health care workers already overburdened, medical experts say it’s more important than ever to slow the spread of the flu. In a typical year, the flu causes tens of millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths in the U.S.

(StatePoint) While you may take electricity for granted in today’s world, you might not in the future -- that is, if current trends continue. As a new report highlights, the U.S. electrical workforce is aging out and not being sufficiently replaced -- a trend which could have potentially devastating and far-reaching impacts nationwide. The report’s authors say that the time to fill the pipeline of new electrical workers and invest in training and retention is now.

(StatePoint) Children look forward to opening birthday presents and gifts for special occasions. However, there are some things to keep in mind to make sure gifts are safe and appropriate.

(StatePoint) With more of life centered at home due to cool weather and social distancing, it’s time to ensure the space where your family spends the majority of its time is healthy and safe.

(StatePoint) Students are the greatest hope for the future, but for many, their plans are threatened due to burdens posed by COVID-19. Here are just a few of the issues students and families face today, and steps being taken to address these concerns:

(StatePoint) Americans love the great outdoors and are venturing out to trails, rivers, lakes and campsites more often for a breath of fresh air from the COVID-19 restrictions in place across the country.

(StatePoint) Our homes are our sanctuaries. It’s more important than ever to ensure your home is a safe and healthy environment for you and your family. Indoor air quality can have a negative effect on your health, and the air inside your home is oftentimes more polluted than the air outside. Explore five effective wellness design principles that can lead to better indoor air quality and on overall healthier home.

(StatePoint) Hispanic communities have been making vital contributions to the American cultural landscape and the national economy for decades.

(StatePoint) Your neighbor is selling fashion masks. Your uncle – expert at everything – wears a sophisticated respirator with a valve. Your dental hygienist wears a medical mask. Your kid is running off to sports practice in a team-supplied neck gaiter. Is there a difference between these face coverings?

(StatePoint) Screen time is on the rise for kids and teens as a result of remote learning and social distancing measures. At the same time, cyberbullying and hate speech are reaching new heights amid the current crisis, according to analysts.

(StatePoint) With a little creativity, having fun while following social distancing guidelines can be an opportunity to carve out brand new experiences.

(StatePoint) As more of life is centered around home, good design can help you augment and replace natural light, while creating a beautiful, productive, safe haven during the darker, shorter days of fall and winter.

(StatePoint) Sponsored by Amgen. Did you know that 25 percent of the 805,000 heart attacks per year in the U.S. are recurrent heart attacks? The American Heart Association reports that once you’ve experienced a heart attack, your chances of having another one is higher. In fact, nearly one in five patients who’ve had a heart attack will have another cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, within one year.

(StatePoint) Less than 30 percent of the world’s researchers are women, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. However, one team fighting against COVID-19 is not only leading the charge to save lives, but also in empowering women in science, encouraging the next generation of girls and young women to pursue STEM education.

(StatePoint) The typical routine a school year brings has been lost this year, as students adjust to hybrid or fully remote learning models and ever-changing reopening plans. According to McKinsey, 75% of the 50 largest school districts in the country have decided to start remotely, and the UN estimates that 94% of the world’s student population has been impacted.

(StatePoint) It’s never fun to think about the possibility of getting sick or hurt, losing a home, needing extended medical care, or even dying, but these are extremely important topics to confront when planning your financial future.

(StatePoint) Electrical fires often occur unexpectedly in locations that may be hidden from view. As the second most common type of home fire in the U.S., more than 40,000 electrical fires occur in American homes every year, resulting in hundreds of deaths, over 1,000 injuries and more than $1 billion in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

(StatePoint) When it comes to your skin and hair care routine, it can be all too easy to forget the scalp. After time though, this neglect can take a toll on the health of your hair, according to experts.

(StatePoint) According to a new survey from Boston Scientific of more than 500 people with chronic  pain, 60 percent aren’t satisfied with their current treatment or therapies. Professional golfer Grant Waite can relate.

(StatePoint) Football season is here (sort of), and for many, tailgating is a main event. While there will be nothing traditional about tailgating this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t grill delicious food and enjoy a few beers before game time in the comfort of your own backyard or driveway.

(StatePoint) A camping trip is not only fun and relaxing, it can be the perfect opportunity to test out new skills and acquire more knowledge. Here are five ways to make your next camping trip a learning experience for family members of all ages:

(StatePoint) Hitting the trail for a hike is good for the mind and body. Fortunately, there are still plenty of opportunities to get out and do so this fall. As you plan your next outdoor adventure, consider supporting your journey with the following tech tools and gear:

(StatePoint) The negative effects of social media have been much discussed as of late, thanks to the recently released documentary on Netflix, “The Social Dilemma.”

(StatePoint) Many people deal with foot and ankle concerns by simply ignoring them, hoping the problem goes away. However, certain symptoms could be a sign of a serious condition, warn experts.