(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) During the holidays, there are endless ways to show the humans around you how much you love them. Finding ways to extend the joy of the season to pets who are a part of the family takes a bit more creativity.

(StatePoint) If you’ve been working remotely for months, you’re likely long overdue for a home office upgrade. Having the right tools can make working from home easier and less stressful. 

(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) Whether you’re a parent managing your kids’ remote-learning or a teacher working to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for those in the classroom, there is a cost-effective secret weapon that can be used for countless projects: shelf liner.

(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) Spending more time at home working, learning and simply living? The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to gift your household with lighting that enhances the feel and function of your spaces.

(StatePoint) Children look forward to opening their holiday presents all year. However, there are some things to keep in mind to make sure gifts are safe and appropriate.

(StatePoint) Each American throws out about 4.5 pounds of trash per day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. By incorporating the “Three Rs” (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) into routines, you can help divert some of this waste away from landfills to help protect the environment.

(StatePoint) This holiday season may look a bit different due to social distancing. But just because everyone is not physically together, doesn’t mean your family can’t share its favorite traditions.

(StatePoint) Those who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others are rarely in it for recognition. However, in this especially challenging year, the holiday season is a perfect time to not just show these selfless people your appreciation, but also take inspiration from their kindness. Here are five simple ways to thank the everyday heroes in your life.

(StatePoint) Across the U.S., the COVID-19 crisis is financially impacting people in many ways, including their ability to pay for their medicines.

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

(StatePoint) Financial literacy is an important component of STEAM learning and a building block of a comfortable future. Unfortunately, many schools have limited programs. But there’s good news -- not only can parents impart money-smarts at home -- they can make it so fun kids won’t even realize they’re learning!

(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) 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) Give your home a warm and cozy vibe this fall with a few DIY projects that are sure to add seasonal cheer to any space. Whether you’re looking for a rainy day activity to keep kids busy or searching for affordable décor options, these fall craft ideas are a great place to start -- all you need is your creativity and a few supplies.

(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) 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) One of the keys to encouraging children to develop the healthy habit of regular exercise is to make fitness a priority in the home. With cooler weather and changing scenery to enjoy, autumn can be an ideal time to try new outdoor activities.

(StatePoint) You likely hear the same word of advice every fall: review your Medicare Part D plan. While you may be tempted to stick with what you have, it’s important to remember that plan specifics change annually, your health needs are always evolving, and as this year has shown, unexpected global events can impact your health and finances. For all these reasons, doing your homework is not only important, it has the power to substantially reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

(StatePoint) Every year, eligible individuals can shop for a health plan during Medicare’s Annual Election Period (AEP), which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Doing so can potentially improve your coverage, lower your costs or both. The options are many, including Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Medicare Supplement plans and Prescription Drug Plans.

(StatePoint) It is not always easy to tell how your charitable dollars are going to be used, especially during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

(StatePoint) Whether you are a novice, a virtuoso or just a fan, there are many ways to celebrate pianos and the music that they make.

(StatePoint) As the seasons change and the weather cools, you may be naturally inclined to pay less attention to the health and appearance of your skin. However, experts say that falling temperatures should not coincide with ditching your skin protection routine.

(StatePoint) While some of the traditions of a typical birthday are not possible these days, parents can find new ways to celebrate these important milestones. Here are a few ideas for making your child’s upcoming birthday feel special:

(StatePoint) Social distancing guidelines across the country have made visiting a conventional movie theater difficult, if not impossible. However, what was once a relic of the past has now become an innovation in entertainment, the drive-in movie theater.

(StatePoint) Whether your child is learning in a classroom or digitally, establishing a steady family dynamic is essential to a successful school year.

(StatePoint) While this academic year looks a little different from previous years, some things don’t change. Busy families are still in need of smart tips to save time and money on weekday meals and school supplies.

(StatePoint) Whether kids are in the classroom, learning remotely, or a mix of both, you can help them stay organized and motivated all school year in the following ways: 

(StatePoint) COVID-19 has significantly impacted our lives in many ways. It has even led some people to start reconsidering the importance of life insurance to protect loved ones who would be left behind should something happen.

(StatePoint) It’s been a challenging year for small businesses, with local shutdowns requiring many operations to close their doors, some temporarily, all while weathering the ripple effects of a global economic downturn.

(StatePoint) What better way to enjoy your free time than by making lasting memories with your loved ones? Whether exploring the great outdoors or making music, families can take the opportunity to spend some time together. Here are a few fun ideas to consider:

(StatePoint) Managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is always important, and especially so right now, as individuals living with a chronic lung disease are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from COVID-19. However, misinformation about COVID-19 has made it hard for people with chronic conditions to determine how to stay safe.

(StatePoint) Kicking a smoking habit is a gift that keeps on giving. Your body will experience health benefits almost immediately and in the years to come. While quitting is often easier said than done, relying on tools and support can help. Here are a few tips to help you quit for good:

(StatePoint) Like many Americans, the recent pandemic may have you thinking a lot about your current living space and about buying a home. If you’re a military service member, veteran or family member, both new and tried-and-true tools and resources can streamline the process.

(StatePoint) Barbecue season might be winding down, but that doesn’t mean your flavors can’t be amped up. Experts say that no matter what equipment you’re using, the secret to elevating your grill game and bringing to mind your favorite barbecue joint is hardwood pellets.

(StatePoint) Regular eye exams are essential for kids. Not only will an eye exam help a child see more clearly, but this essential visit can also detect a broad range of issues related to eye health and overall wellness.

(StatePoint) The fall season is the ideal time of year to dine outdoors. To create a healthy and sustainable outdoor dining experience, consider these tips:

(StatePoint) With families spending more time at home, messes are on repeat and cleanups are often an hourly routine. At the same time, many households are looking to reduce their environmental impact affordably.

(StatePoint) Without a few measures in place, your home and garden could be hazardous to birds. Here are some great ways to create a safe haven for beautiful flying visitors.

(StatePoint) Your 65th birthday is an important milestone. That’s when you become eligible for the federal Medicare health insurance program.

(StatePoint) For those with diabetes, a seemingly insignificant foot problem can produce dangerous consequences. Experts say that managing this risk is an important part of diabetes care.

(StatePoint) Success in college requires organization, dedication and a proper work-life balance. It also requires a few useful tools: 

(StatePoint) A new COVID-19 study is currently enrolling patients, and researchers believe it has the potential to change the course of the virus around the world.

(StatePoint) Many Americans are feeling things like their health, job and retirement savings are at risk. 

(StatePoint) As businesses and services reopen nationwide, the death toll from COVID-19 continues to rise, and experts warn that Americans must continue taking precautions to help stop the spread of the virus.

(StatePoint) Weather impacts a range of decisions we make throughout the day, from what to wear, whether to bring an umbrella, when to head out for a jog, or even if you should evacuate the area in an emergency.

(StatePoint) As schools nationwide decide how they’ll reopen for the fall semester, it’s important to schedule your child’s dental visit to ensure they’re in good oral health.

(StatePoint) One in five kids aged 12 to 18 has encountered bullying, according to StopBullying.gov. It can happen in person, online or even by text.

(StatePoint) It’s no secret college can be expensive, and families are often faced with finding creative ways to cover the costs. Whether borrowing student loans or parent loans has always been part of your family’s plan or it is suddenly being considered due to new financial circumstances, there is good news: several smart strategies can help you save money.

(StatePoint) Caring for a baby can be very rewarding. It can also be exhausting. Along with those amazing first-year milestones can arise teething misery that disrupts the entire household.

(StatePoint) If you are like many parents these days, you are on a quest to find new ways to entertain the kids at home. This may be a good time to turn to a classic source of fun that requires no charging, batteries or Wi-Fi, making it screen time parents don’t have to limit.

(StatePoint) Even avid nature lovers will agree that not all aspects of the outdoors belong inside one’s home. While bugs, mud and allergens will sneak their way into interior spaces, the steps you take to manage these elements can keep your home more comfortable.

(StatePoint) As the price tag on a college education continues to rise, students are seeking out a variety of financial aid options to relieve the burden.

(StatePoint) Plasma donations are essential. Used to produce life-saving medicines that treat rare and serious diseases, your plasma donation can help save lives. Experts say that during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s not only safe to donate plasma, but that doing so is vital. By donating plasma today, you can help make a difference not only for patients that need plasma therapies, but to your local community.  

(StatePoint) After months spent indoors at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, it’s clear that many people are itching to get back out there and take a vacation. This is with good reason. Staying isolated for too long can take a substantial toll on one’s mental health and well-being, according to the American Psychological Association.

(StatePoint) Many people may avoid estate planning because they think it can be put off until later in life. But experts agree that adults of any age should have a plan in place to make sure their financial affairs are in order after they pass on, or in case they are incapacitated. A complete and thoughtful estate plan covers more than who will get what -- it helps to ease the burden on your family and beneficiaries by documenting your wishes and instructions.

(StatePoint) For military members and their families stationed away and U.S. citizens living abroad, family and friends are vital connections to life back home. For the 2020 general election, those friends can be an important source of voting information, especially for young people voting for the first time. And this year it’s even more important to register and request an absentee ballot early to avoid potential mail delays or other disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

(StatePoint) Camping is always a great time, but especially when you’re well-equipped. Here’s what to take along with you on your next overnight into the great outdoors: