(StatePoint) October is National Learning and Development Month, a time set aside for broadening one’s personal and professional skills. Here are four cool ideas for marking the occasion:

(StatePoint) Along with the joy of bringing a baby into the world, physical changes from pregnancy and postpartum conditions may cause unexpected effects on the body. It’s important to proactively discuss these topics with friends and physicians to stay informed, know you aren’t alone and understand what effective solutions are available.

(StatePoint) Do you have a favorite pair of jeans sitting in your closet with the hopes that one day they will fit again? You’re not alone!

(StatePoint) In today’s workplace, many employers have abandoned strict dress code policies, providing employees with more flexibility to dress casually.

(StatePoint) Fashion trends are cyclical and those in the know love it! From chunky soles to bold colors and oversized brand logos, this school year, 90s-inspired sneakers are all the rage.

(StatePoint) A baby’s skin is extra sensitive, and if you’re like many parents, you may be looking for ways to reduce your child’s exposure to potential irritants while maximizing skin health. This can be particularly difficult when the products you see on store shelves contain the very ingredients you prefer to avoid: namely, petroleum, brighteners, artificial fragrances, fillers and synthetics.

(StatePoint) Any time of year makes a fine time to learn a new skill, take up an old hobby or set a goal. Here are five cool ideas to try:

(StatePoint) Losing weight is often an idea rather than an undertaking, suggests a recent Gallup Poll, which found that while 51 percent of adults want to shed pounds off their frame, only 25 percent say they are seriously working toward that goal.

(StatePoint) You don’t have to pick between form and function when gearing up for school. Make the grade with these stylish school must-haves:

(StatePoint) Biking to work is good for your health and good for the planet. If you are new to cycling in general or commuting to work by bike, there are a few things to consider before hitting the streets.

(StatePoint) Whether it’s dance lessons, computer projects, art class or yoga, kids these days are busy bees. And while such activities are enriching and fun, experts say that many kids aren’t spending enough time doing something much simpler and every bit as important as structured programming: playing outdoors.

(StatePoint) With so many negative messages about masculinity floating around these days, some say it’s important to spend some time focusing on the positive. Doing so can help give men the confidence they need to be their best selves.

(StatePoint) While we all get bored from time to time, it’s important to know that chronic boredom may be bad for health, as experts have found it can be associated with depression, anxiety and even bad habits like smoking and overeating.

(StatePoint) You don’t need to spend a fortune to look like you own a fortune.

(StatePoint) There’s nothing better than a night on the town. But when you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle, restaurant menus aren’t always your friend.

(StatePoint) At-home and on-the-go, it may be time to take stock of the way you are quenching your thirst.

(StatePoint) When you think about exercise, you likely envision using the treadmill or lifting weights. But every bit as important to your long-term health and wellness are activities that keep your mind sharp and your cognitive abilities strong and limber.

(StatePoint) New research suggests that Americans may be picking up paint brushes over remote controls.

(StatePoint) Are you an older adult looking for some inspiration to stay physically active? This year, the 2019 National Senior Games presented by Humana gathered a record number of more than 13,700 athletes aged 50 and over to compete in 20 medal sports in Albuquerque, N.M.

(StatePoint) If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) you know that it can impact many different areas of your life. What you may not know is that early and consistent management of the disease can greatly improve outcomes and overall quality of life.

(StatePoint) More than 26 million Americans are living with asthma, including 6.2 million children. While there is no cure, asthma can be managed and treated so that those with the condition can live normal, healthy lives -- indoors as well as outdoors.