(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) Millennials are no strangers to watching numbers. Lives today are affected by a vast number of online and social media statistics -- likes, followers, scores and ratings. However, a new survey suggests that despite the time and attention this generation devotes to social media, they are more focused on the importance of a very different number: their credit scores.

(StatePoint) Childhood is a time for imaginations to run wild. But when children’s schedules are filled to the brim with too many structured classes and extra-curricular activities, it can limit self-expression.

(StatePoint) When walking up the stairs and playing golf started to become difficult even on a good day, retired Navy Captain Allen Brady attributed the change to aging. Having spent six years as a prisoner of war, Brady was no stranger to living with a challenge. But, when he couldn’t finish a round of golf without feeling fatigued and short of breath, he and his wife knew something was wrong and decided to visit a cardiologist. Brady was diagnosed with a severe form of aortic stenosis, the most common valvular heart disease affecting an estimated 1.5 million Americans.

(StatePoint) Just a couple of decades ago, when it came to technology, the average student could slide by with just a calculator and perhaps a wristwatch. To make the grade these days, your kids will likely need a full suite of mobile devices.

(StatePoint) Picture this: you’re getting ready for the day and check your phone to see what the weather will be like. Your weather app shows 58 degrees, so you throw on a light jacket and head out the door. By the time you reach the end of the block you’re hit in the face with a blast of wind and cold air. It feels more like 35 degrees.

(StatePoint) Consumers face major financial decisions at every stage of life. But experts say a basic understanding of financial concepts can help you make better decisions related to money management and reduce your stress at the same time.

(StatePoint) Whatever industry you work in and no matter what your role is, it’s possible you have wondered how emerging technologies will affect your job in the years to come or whether you’ll even have to switch careers entirely at some point.

(StatePoint) From fitness apps monitoring daily activity to calendar apps that send appointment reminders, having high-quality, real-time information in the palm of your hand can be an effective way to stay accountable to your goals. So if you’re looking to better manage your money, it may be time to consider how an app can help.

 (StatePoint) For many Americans, the Cold War is a distant memory or something read about in history books. But for thousands of workers who supported the war effort as an integral part of the nation’s nuclear defense system, it continues to be a bitter reality, as many are battling serious radiation-induced health problems from working in or near nuclear plants or uranium mines. According to experts, newly implemented reductions in benefits are making it harder for workers to get treatment for related conditions.

(StatePoint) With the right games, toys and activities on-hand, playtime can pull double duty, being an opportunity both to have fun and help kids reach important milestones.

(StatePoint) As more states nationwide adopt laws requiring high schools to offer personal finance classes, a new survey suggests that generation Z is on board with the trend.

(StatePoint) As STEAM learning has grown in prominence in classrooms across the country, so has the role of tools and resources facilitating this approach to learning.

(StatePoint) Dogs are important and adored members of their families, however, millions go missing every year. The reasons are varied and probably not all that surprising. A curious dog might jump over a fence or dig a hole under one. A pup might sneak out a door or gate inadvertently left open. Worn or broken leashes or collars could also allow a dog to escape your control.

(StatePoint) The games children play can inform the way they see the world. Here are some fun ways to make playtime an opportunity to help young kids explore new ideas and develop their interests:

(StatePoint) If you ever experience eyestrain, tired itchy eyes, blurry vision or headaches, it may be time to give your home a lighting makeover.

(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) Getting regular physical activity helps children meet developmental milestones and promotes mental and physical wellness. However, forming this healthy habit works best when you get started early. To motivate your kids to move more, consider the following ideas:

(StatePoint) Is your data secure? Whether you’re a typical consumer gearing up with smart home technology or a business owner with dozens of clients, understanding the latest trends in cybercrime can help you protect what matters.

(StatePoint) Fall means family outings and spending time outdoors. Amid all the fun, it’s important to be conscious of your environmental impact. One small way you can be a force for positive change is by properly disposing of old rechargeable batteries once they no longer power devices. You probably don’t know it, but battery recycling touches more areas of your life (and outings) than you realize.

(StatePoint) Whether you’re hoping to make your dog an Instagram sensation or you just want a nice portrait for the mantle, you’ve likely discovered pets, in general, can be elusive around cameras.

(StatePoint) Is your workstation helping you achieve your goals or hindering your progress?

(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) Teachers, students and families know that having the right supplies in and out of the classroom is critical. To stay focused and successful, consider these gear ideas for school:

(StatePoint) Are you living your best campus life? Consider these top picks to invigorate your dorm and elevate your style.

(StatePoint) Playtime is important to a child’s development. Offering many social and emotional benefits, it helps lay the foundation for children’s future success and prepares them for school. One classic toy -- building blocks -- should be incorporated into every child’s playtime. Here are three reasons why:

(StatePoint) We’ve all heard those time-tested ways to save money -- dine out less, sign up for rewards programs or switch off the lights when you leave the room. But in today’s digital world, there are some great ways to save that you may not have thought about.

(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) The job market is rapidly changing, thanks to new and emerging technologies. As a result, job training has become highly specialized, even at the high school level.

(StatePoint) When you look down at the ground you may not realize the millions of miles of buried utility infrastructure that keeps society clothed, fed, powered, connected, and a whole lot more. Unfortunately, many of us are on an out-of-sight, out-of-mind basis with the pipes, wires, and cables situated right under our feet, and this can have disastrous consequences when we try to dig without doing our homework first.

(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) In today’s world where moving fast is the norm, you may think that finding the time to apply for a home loan is about as likely as finding the time to remove your jam-packed storage room of all the objects that don’t bring you joy.

(StatePoint) As the popularity and availability of electric vehicles (EV) continues to grow in the U.S., a new survey suggests that many consumers still have a lot to learn about the technology.