(StatePoint) What if memorable home-cooked meals didn’t have to take hours to prepare to be healthy and wholesome? By getting smart about how you stock your pantry, you can speed up food prep while still serving up flavor in every bite.

(StatePoint) Spring is the perfect time for a home refresh! While dusting the ceiling fan and scrubbing the tub are likely already on your to-do list, the most essential task of all may not be on your radar: cleaning and testing your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. A fresh home is great, but a safe one is even better. Did you know that working smoke alarms in the home doubles your chances of safely escaping a house fire? That’s according to the National Fire Protection Association. This spring, Kidde, a pioneer in early smoke detection for over 100 years, is highlighting the importance of keeping your smoke and CO alarms up to date. Here’s what they want you to know:

StatePoint) Have you ever lamented how much of your earnings go to taxes? One way to ensure that more of your money benefits you and your future is by making strategic contributions to tax-advantaged savings accounts.

(SPM Wire) April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, an annual opportunity to improve the lives of those affected by the disease.

(StatePoint) Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) and paid sick leave help workers maintain their livelihoods while taking care of themselves and their families. And now, several states in the South have begun to expand worker access to these critical benefits.

(StatePoint) When families have safe, stable housing, access to high-quality early development programs, and other supports that meet their needs, young children have a strong foundation to grow. However, too many families are struggling to meet children’s basic needs.

(StatePoint) As you age, it’s important to keep an eye on your vision. While some vision changes can be expected over time, others may signal something more serious, such as cataracts, glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can result in vision loss, blurred vision and glare.

(StatePoint) Cult-favorite products acquire that status for a good reason. They’ve already been purchased, tested and adored and by other consumers. The good news is that identifying the fan favorites that can help you revamp your routine doesn’t have to require hours of research. Simply looking for The Product of the Year red seal of approval when shopping means the product has the thumbs-up from consumers like year.

(StatePoint) Rare lung diseases affect people nationwide, yet many patients go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. One rare lung disease that illustrates the challenges of timely diagnosis is autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP). Like many rare lung diseases, aPAP has no cure, but treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

(StatePoint) Early experiences during the prenatal period and first three years after birth shape brain development and the development of all other systems in the body — with substantial effects on learning, behavior, and physical and mental health. Unfortunately, there is a great discrepancy between the rising costs of raising young children and the level of federal government investment in them.

(StatePoint) Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is spreading across the country, but it’s not too late to take steps to protect babies from severe illness associated with the virus.

(StatePoint) Shopping for a new roof but unsure if metal is the right material for your home? Metal roofing is tougher, safer and longer-lasting than asphalt, with an expected lifespan of more than 50 years. Additionally, metal roof systems offer energy cost savings, withstand extreme weather, and boost resale value.

(StatePoint) The beginning of the year is a natural time for a reset, especially when it comes to budgets and better-for-you habits. With cold and flu season still in full swing, it’s also a time when many people start thinking about how to stay healthy without spending more than they planned.

(StatePoint) Living to 100 may sound extraordinary, but research suggests it’s more achievable—and enjoyable—than many people think. Studies show the majority of centenarians rate their health as good, and large numbers of people in this age group are mobile, active and optimistic.

(StatePoint) The use of checks may be declining, but check crimes are actually on the rise due to new, creative criminal schemes. Once a check is stolen, it can be altered or signed on your behalf to withdraw money from your account, and there are online marketplaces where criminals will sell stolen checks for other criminals to use for fraud.

(StatePoint) If your diet includes indulgent treats and sweet beverages, take note – too much sugar in your diet can weaken your teeth, leaving your smile vulnerable to cavities. Follow these five sugar intake tips so you can prevent cavities and improve your oral and overall health.

(StatePoint) Employers can provide meaningful support to their workers when they face domestic or sexual violence, but a new survey finds most are unprepared to do so. The majority of survivors of domestic violence report that they were in the workforce when the violence occurred, and four in five (79%) say it made it more difficult for them to stay in their jobs. Yet doing so – and maintaining their income – is essential for many trying to create a safe and stable future.

(StatePoint) With a few smart updates, especially those that protect against winter’s biggest water woes, you can transform your home into the calming sanctuary you need during the coldest, darkest days of the year.

(StatePoint) For years, young families have struggled to find quality affordable child care—a problem created by long-term lack of government investments and exacerbated by the pandemic and inflation. Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called the nation’s child care system “a textbook example of a broken market.” Thousands of programs have closed in recent years and for those still operating, prices are high and waitlists long.

(StatePoint) Are you currently looking to rent a home or apartment? Then you need to protect yourself from rental fraud.

(StatePoint) The American Medical Association (AMA) is offering Americans 10 evidence-based tips for staying healthy long-term:

(StatePoint) For the millions of Americans touched by Alzheimer’s disease, 2025 brought major advances in understanding of brain health and progress in diagnosis and treatment. Here are the year’s biggest advances, along with how you can take action with this knowledge in 2026:

(StatePoint) In a time of confusion and inconsistent information, healthcare professionals want you to know that it’s not too late to get vaccinated this respiratory season. Getting vaccinated helps protect against potentially serious diseases like influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal disease.

(StatePoint) Managing your finances can be challenging, especially when you’re not sure where to turn for help.

(StatePoint) Greater income allows parents to better meet children’s basic needs, and financial stability can reduce parental stress. Advocates say that child tax credits (CTCs) provide one avenue for states to increase family resources and are encouraged by progress being made by Washington, D.C. and states around the country.

(StatePoint) Have you tossed plastic into a recycling bin recently? There’s a large chance that material won’t be recycled. That’s according to a new report, which finds that after decades of being touted as a solution to pollution, plastic recycling is not all it’s cracked up to be. The report also highlights the growing scientific consensus on the health risks and economic costs of plastic pollution.