(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) From encouraging dialogue on mental health to initiating grassroots fundraising efforts for pediatric cancer, students across the country are choosing issues they’re passionate about and generating real change. Parents, educators and community members may ask a pertinent question: how can we develop this initiative in every child?

(StatePoint) Once the domain of lawnmowers and gardening tools, today’s backyard sheds are being repurposed into unique, functional spaces (think: she-shed, bunkhouse or even a bar pub) complete with plumbing and electricity.

(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) Many businesses -- and almost all employees -- would like it if there was a way for companies to help members of their workforce save for financial goals or pay off student loans. While most employers would like to offer such benefits, many have limited budget flexibility. But now, new options are helping them offer more meaningful perks without making substantial increases to their benefits budget.

(StatePoint) As America’s opioid epidemic continues to impact communities large and small, new trends are raising new challenges for doctors and policymakers.

(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) It’s time to celebrate colorful falling leaves and cooling weather with fun seasonal activities. The good news? You don’t have to travel far from home to get your fall fix.

(StatePoint) When you see a product labeled “eco-friendly,” or “environmentally sustainable,” it can be tempting to take this at face-value and feel good about your purchase. However, a new report shows that while many major companies are making claims that they are tackling the plastic pollution crisis, there are reasons to be skeptical.

(StatePoint) The average menstruating woman uses 11,000 feminine hygiene products over her period lifetime. End-on-end, that amounts to eight times the height of the Golden Gate Bridge! For this reason, experts say the products you choose can make a significant impact on your health and the environment.

(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) 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) While most people care about their vision, fewer people take steps to protect their eye health. Open enrollment season, running through December, is the time to weigh your vision insurance options for the following year’s coverage.

(StatePoint) Candy and sweets are fun to eat, but too many treats can take a toll on dental health. And when it comes to celebrations that are all about the sugar, families can do some damage control with a check-in to make sure everyone’s dental health routine is up to par.

(StatePoint) Imbalances in mood, learning, memory and motivation could be a result of PKU, which is short for phenylketonuria. Also known as PAH deficiency, this is a rare genetic condition that disrupts neurotransmitters in the brain and requires a special diet.

(StatePoint) If you have Medicare and are looking for ways to save on the ever-increasing cost of medications next year, consider adding a prescription plan known as “Part D.” By making medications more affordable, Part D plans can help you stay on track to achieve your 2020 health goals.

(StatePoint) Approximately 30 million people in the U.S. have some form of liver disease, which occurs in people for many different reasons. Some common types and causes of liver disease include hepatitis, caused by viruses A, B, and C, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is caused by too much fat in the liver cells, and alcohol-related liver disease, caused by consuming too much alcohol. Having liver disease over a long period of time can result in cirrhosis, an advanced chronic liver disease, which then puts a patient at risk for hepatic encephalopathy (HE) – a serious complication of advanced liver disease.

(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) Sleep is essential to good health. Unfortunately, over a third of Americans are not getting enough sleep, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over time, sleep deprivation can take a toll on one’s overall wellness.

(StatePoint) Recognizing and taking steps to address the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias can be extremely challenging -- especially in the early stages. It’s easy and common to dismiss cognitive changes in oneself or a family member as “normal aging.”

(StatePoint) Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are increasingly popular, offering robust benefits including vision, health, dental, drug coverage and more. For the more than 22 million people with an MA plan, the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP), running from Oct. 15-Dec. 7, is the only time each year when they can shop for alternate plans.

(StatePoint) When looking for a financial planner who can bring all the pieces of your financial life together and put you in the driver’s seat of your own financial future, experts say it’s important to look beyond his or her resume.

(StatePoint) There’s no doubt about it -- what you do each day for work can make a huge impact on your overall well-being. According to a Society for Human Resource Management survey, key job satisfaction aspects include job security, respect, trust and a positive and healthy environment. If you don’t have these things in your workplace, you may be considering making a career shift.

(StatePoint) There are more than 300,000 professional financial advisors in the U.S. It’s fair to say that a majority are dedicated to helping their clients achieve their financial goals. However, some unethical individuals seek to take advantage of clients’ trust and lack of financial knowledge to benefit themselves.

(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) PMI, APR, LTV…these unfamiliar acronyms don’t need to bewilder or intimidate uninitiated homebuyers.

(StatePoint) For many people, getting married and buying a house is still part of the American Dream. That’s reflected in the numbers. The homeownership rate among married couples in the U.S. is 80 percent, according to recent data reported by Statista. But what if something were to happen to you or your spouse? Would the person left behind still be able to afford the mortgage?

(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) 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) 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) When thinking about road trips, you might envision college kids heading on adventures, but older adults take road trips, too, according to a recent survey by Cigna.

(StatePoint) As you prepare your young adult for college and beyond, it’s important to talk about the road to financial independence, which includes building healthy credit. This is vital for big life moments like getting a car, apartment, house or job, and your child’s credit report will be the financial resume necessary to help him or her achieve these goals.

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

(StatePoint) While you can’t choose your family, you can choose how close you live to them. A new survey suggests some healthy boundaries between parents and in-laws make for a happier family relationship -- something to keep in mind when shopping for a home.  

(StatePoint) Enrollment in Medicare Part D is on the rise. Having increased 12 percent since 2017, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the popularity of this prescription drug benefit may be due to the decline in the cost of basic premiums, projected to drop for the third year in a row.

(StatePoint) Whether your life revolves around cubby holes and recess or rolling campus hills and term papers, helpful hacks can ensure students, teachers and families are organized in dorm rooms, classrooms and households.

(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) As housing prices soar nationwide, a growing number of Americans are unable to find affordable housing. Experts say that the problem has reached a crisis point, and is harming the welfare not only of individuals and families, but of communities and the economy at-large.  

(StatePoint) The transition from childhood to adolescence is a complex time for kids, but it’s also a complex time for you, and you may find yourself unsure how to give your children more independence and when to stay involved. But when it comes to doctor’s visits, medical experts emphasize the importance of empowering teens to talk to their doctors one-on-one.

(StatePoint) Play is important for everyone, no matter their age --- and when grandparents, parents and children play together, that’s where the real benefits of unstructured fun are discovered.

(StatePoint) Considering a career in financial planning? Those in the industry point out that financial planning provides opportunities to chart one’s own path, maximize growth potential, and maintain work-life balance.

(StatePoint) With more people nationwide opting to create their own businesses or work for their employer remotely, the home office has become one of the most used spaces of the house, with many people spending more than eight hours a day in this room. If you’re one of these people, the kitchen table just won’t cut it if you’re looking to get serious and organized.

(StatePoint) As we age, we sometimes regret those life lessons that might have served us better when we were younger. If you could roll back the years, what would you tell your younger self about money? 

(StatePoint) Routine check-ups are essential for adolescents and young adults. As health risks and concerns are rapidly changing during the teen years, these preventive services can help keep your teens healthy and safe. Experts say that conversations between doctors, patients and their families during these visits are very important.

(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) Songbirds are not only beautiful, they are a vital component of the ecosystems they inhabit. If you have a garden, you may have observed this in action.

(StatePoint) Whether you’ve completed an amazing renovation, or you are selling your house, you’ll want to take perfect pictures of your home to share.

(StatePoint) From cleaners and sprays to air fresheners and more, essential oils are making their way into the mainstream as commonplace, common sense household solutions. 

(StatePoint) When children misbehave, there’s often a reason for it, according to experts, who point out that understanding the behaviors can help you manage them more effectively, especially during play time.

(StatePoint) College may be getting more expensive, but new research suggests that more families are preparing to meet those costs one way or another.

(StatePoint) Every day, roughly 10,000 baby boomers nationwide turn 65, according to the Pew Research Center, which means that a growing number of Americans are dealing with the many challenges associated with aging parents or relatives. Among them is determining when parents may need assistance they aren’t currently receiving.

(StatePoint) As misinformation continues to spread about vaccines, medical experts are reminding parents and the general public that vaccinations save lives.

(StatePoint) The world of wine can sometimes feel intimidating to the uninitiated, but a bit of knowledge about wine from experts can help anyone navigate everyday situations.

(StatePoint) For many Americans, making the jump to buying that first house is a significant achievement that allows them to put their mark on their own space, while creating room for family and pets.

(StatePoint) Current research shows that contaminants in school drinking water can pose a threat to student health. Municipal water, which is not always optimal quality, may contain chemicals, bacteria, lead or microplastics -- all contaminants which have been found in tap and fountain water in schools nationwide.  

(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) 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) While a pest problem can cause embarrassment and concern, you can take comfort in the fact that not only is the problem is more common than you may think, but there are new ways of dealing with insects that can help you manage the problem without using harsh chemicals.

(StatePoint) A military background brings with it an ability to collaborate, problem-solve and thrive under pressure, making veterans well-positioned to take on leadership roles in the corporate world.

(StatePoint) As most students know, a mid-term jolt of motivation never hurts. 

(StatePoint) Choosing the right doctor is one of the most important decisions people can make for their health. If you are unsure who to turn to for your general care, experts point out that internal medicine specialists, or internists, specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a broad spectrum of illnesses that affect adults throughout their lives, making them the right choice for many adults.

(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) Student loan debt is a fact of life for many college graduates and their parents, with borrowers owing approximately $1.6 trillion in federal and private student loans in 2019. While some graduates easily repay their loans, others struggle to manage their debt.

(StatePoint) For busy families, it may seem like there isn’t always enough time to comparison shop in order to find the best deals on groceries and the many items kids need to be successful in school. A few tips below will go a long way to helping you navigate store aisles for savvier shopping.

(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) 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) There’s a lot of learning that takes place during and after college, including many lessons outside of the classroom. When it comes to personal finance, however, young people don’t need to learn their lessons the hard way.

(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) Farmhouse style is cozy, rustic, charming and eclectic. While creating the vibe in your own home is easy, according to home decorating experts, it requires some attention to detail.

(StatePoint) Raising a child in the U.S. is an expensive proposition, particularly when using name-brand products. For most growing families, finding ways to make life more affordable is a top priority. Unfortunately, when it comes to feeding babies, many unknowingly make unsafe choices in an attempt to stretch their budgets for things like baby formula.

(StatePoint) For U.S. workers, living expenses continue to generally outpace pay increases, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, a recent study by Randstad US and Apartment Guide found that 44 percent of employed Americans say their annual residential expenses (rent, mortgage, utilities, household maintenance, etc.) increase more than their salary does each year — and 37 percent of house, room and apartment renters claim the cost of their home is too high when compared to their income. This has resulted in long commutes, as well as a need to supplement expenses by taking on side gigs and seeking out roommates.

(StatePoint) Want to get kids -- and the entire family -- hooked on books? It may be simpler than it sounds, as reading to and with children at a young age has the potential to form a life-long habit. What’s more, experts say that personalized books can offer children a greater motivation to read while helping them to build certain skills more effectively.

(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) All children develop at their own pace. Sometimes however, a child may not do certain activities that other children the same age are doing -- like sitting without support, rolling over, walking or other physical skills. Parents may question whether their child has a physical developmental delay.

(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) Americans’ need for competent and ethical financial advice continues to grow, but the population of professionals who can provide such advice is shrinking.

(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) Your furball is part of the family, so if you’re like most, you don’t make major life decisions without thinking of your pet’s needs — including where you live and how you move into a new home.

(StatePoint) Smart financial decisions can help your family make good college investment decisions. Unfortunately, unexpected costs throw many families for a loop. To plan realistically, consider the following:

(StatePoint) The definition of an overachiever is someone who goes above and beyond their daily responsibilities to make a positive impact on the world.

(StatePoint) Throwing a backyard bash for kids? Here are a few festive ideas for a day of fun:

(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) A large amount of food in the U.S. is never eaten. However, there are many easy ways families and communities can eliminate food waste in their daily lives, while also protecting the environment.

(StatePoint) If you have bugs in your home -- as many households do and the majority worry about -- there may be good reasons for this. Insects are resilient, strategic and way smarter than you may realize.

(StatePoint) Whether celebrating a birthday, retirement, or other gift-giving occasion, for a surefire win, turn to gifts that one can sip -- those are the best kinds of gifts, after all, giving recipients a chance to kick their feet up and relax with a delicious beverage after a hard day -- something everyone deserves.

(StatePoint) In his distinguished career, actor Ted Danson has played many iconic roles, including a cantankerous but caring doctor. In real life, the 70-year-old says good relationships with health care providers are critical for healthy aging.

(StatePoint) From car loans to student loans, credit card balances and other revolving debt, U.S. consumer debt is higher today than ever before.

(StatePoint) Native Americans serve in the U.S. military at a higher rate per capita than any other population group and have done so since the American Revolution. Yet there is no monument or memorial in the Nation’s capital that commemorates the contributions of American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This is finally changing, as the first memorial to their service is being built.

(StatePoint) Fifty-two children died in hot cars nationwide in 2018 of pediatric vehicular heatstroke -- more than any other year on record in the past 20 years. Experts say that these tragic deaths are entirely preventable.

(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) 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) Visits to the doctor can be very productive with a little preparatory work in advance of the appointment, say experts.

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

(StatePoint) Redecorating? Experts say to keep in mind that the days of matching metals used for lighting, cabinet hardware and plumbing are over. Today’s rule: mix it up! When done right, combining colors adds visual interest and depth to a space.

(StatePoint) While we all know that minimalism is “in” right now, thanks to Japanese cleaning guru Marie Kondo and her “Tidying Up” show on Netflix, decluttering your whole house can feel daunting.

(StatePoint) Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, it always helps to have a little guidance and inspiration.

(StatePoint) Approximately 2.5 million people in the U.S. are living with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and as many as 75 percent of people with the disease don’t know they’re infected. Untreated, HCV can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer. While these numbers may sound startling, there’s good news, too.

(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) Kids often view money as having one function only: to buy stuff, right now. Give a young child $5 and he’ll likely spend it all, often looking for things that cost $5.  

(StatePoint) As Americans have increasingly realized they need competent, professional advice about how to manage their money, financial planning has grown significantly as a profession over the past several decades.

(StatePoint) Whether you’re applying for a new credit card, refinancing a loan or buying a house, lenders consider many factors when making their decision. One of those many factors is your credit score, which helps paint a picture of your credit usage and behaviors over time.

(StatePoint) Speaking with your kids about money is not the easiest thing to do, but it can help prevent many problems for them down the line.

(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) When visiting one of the stunningly diverse 419 national park sites nationwide, experts say it is important to recognize the individuals who have spoken up over the decades to protect and enhance these incredible places, as well as the work that is still needed.

(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.

(StatePoint) Chances are high that you know someone with COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It’s the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., and more than 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with it. But according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), millions more people have COPD and don’t realize it. Could you or someone you know be among them?