(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) This year, going back to school may mean attending class physically or virtually, with states and districts deciding on a case by case basis. Wherever your child attends school this fall, eye exams are essential for a successful academic year. Here’s what to know:

(StatePoint) Asthma is a lung disease that makes breathing difficult for over 24 million Americans. While there is no cure, proper management can help those that live with asthma lead a normal, healthy life.

(StatePoint) You’ve been grilling all summer long, which means you may be in need of some new ideas this Labor Day Weekend. Experts say, no matter what equipment you’re using, the secret to making a big impact on the flavor of your food is BBQ pellets.

(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) When it comes to selecting a personal loan, making the right choice is essential, particularly when you’re in a tight financial spot or have imperfect credit and fewer options.

(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) 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) The back-to-school season may look and feel different this year, but there are some essentials which can aid college students no matter how and where their learning takes place in the fall.

(StatePoint) One health issue pregnant women should think about is the risk for a dangerous blood clot. Blood clots occur usually in the legs, arms or lungs. Women are especially at risk for a blood clot during pregnancy, childbirth, and the three-month period after delivery.

(StatePoint) The lazy days of summer are often a carefree time, but this year is a bit different given the pandemic and a volatile stock market. Many Americans are feeling things like their health, job and retirement savings are at risk.  

(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) Summer brain drain is real, and this year’s pandemic has only exacerbated the problem. To keep your kids from getting bored while helping them expand their world, incorporate these cool ideas into those long summer days:

(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) 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) This back-to-school season may look a little different, but no matter what learning environment kids find themselves in this fall, bullying is a real cause for concern.  

(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) 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) 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:

(StatePoint) Saving money is a top priority for many Americans, but it becomes even more important during times of economic turmoil. Luckily, there are many simple steps you can take to eliminate wasteful spending in your daily life.

(StatePoint) The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life for the 44 million caregivers in the U.S. and the people they care for, with social distancing creating new routines, concerns and challenges.

(StatePoint) If you are looking for new things to this summer do while staying home or social distancing, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian has you covered.

(StatePoint) Spending a lot more time at home indoors these days or adjusting to going back outside? New habits and big lifestyle changes can have an effect on one’s skin.

(StatePoint) If you’ve been spending a lot of time indoors lately, you may be ready to get outside for some fresh air. Here’s how to make your backyard the center of family fun.

(StatePoint) Heading off to college is exciting, and a time full of endless possibilities. However, circumstances have changed for many American families over the past several months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and you may be wondering how you will pay your upcoming college tuition bill and other school-related costs.

(StatePoint) It’s the perfect time of year to get outdoors. Whether you stick close to home or go on an adventure, here are some tips to make the most of your time:

(StatePoint) When it comes to handling any type of fuel, knowledge and caution are essential, warn experts.

(StatePoint) Dementia can be devastating for the people who live with it and their family members, and it’s a diagnosis more Americans will face as the U.S. population ages.

(StatePoint) Children are spending more time online due to social distancing measures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. And while the internet can be an amazing gateway to knowledge and a tool to connect with family and friends, if parents and caregivers don’t follow certain precautions, it can also pose safety hazards.

(StatePoint) With record numbers of Americans filing for unemployment and many facing income loss, the financial impacts of COVID-19 are far-reaching.

(StatePoint) Many Americans are feeling the effects of job loss and furloughs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For people with a chronic condition, loss of insurance coverage can create additional stress during this uncertain time. However, it’s vitally important for them to stay adherent to their medication to maintain their health and to reduce their risk of complications from COVID-19.

(StatePoint) The recent economic downturn has caused many Americans to worry about their money, but there is at least one potential bright spot: lower interest rates. For homeowners, this means that it may be time to consider refinancing your mortgage. Refinancing can give you an opportunity to lower your monthly mortgage payments and save money by paying less interest over the term of the loan.

(StatePoint) Cancer can be a difficult and overwhelming diagnosis, and if you have cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment, your top priority is to get healthy. After your cancer diagnosis, there are many new things you might need to learn and manage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Blood Clot Alliance want you to protect your health by understanding your risk for dangerous blood clots, because cancer and some cancer treatments can increase your risk. About 900,000 people in the U.S. each year are affected by blood clots, and about one in five of these blood clots are associated with cancer.

(StatePoint) With hospitals around the country reporting a recent drop in the number of stroke cases arriving in their emergency rooms, some health experts suspect that fear of COVID-19 may be causing people to avoid going to the hospital and calling 911 for non-COVID related medical emergencies, like stroke.

(StatePoint) Summer living can make your family’s clothing vulnerable to stains, splatters and more, even if you are spending more time at home these days. But it’s possible to restore your family’s clothing to like-new condition every time laundry day rolls around with these tips and strategies:

(StatePoint) The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of aspects of daily life, including regular visits to the dentist.

(StatePoint) Extended time at home is making many families more aware of what products they simply can’t do without. While you may have predicted what some of these essentials would be -- ahem, toilet paper -- other, not-so-obvious items are helping to make quarantines more comfortable nationwide.

(StatePoint) These uncertain times are forcing more people to reexamine finances and rewrite their household budgets. According to the Pew Research Center in a survey conducted soon after the COVID-19 crisis began, 33% of Americans either lost their jobs or suffered a pay cut or reduction in work hours. Plus, 49% said the outbreak is a major threat to their personal finances.

(StatePoint) Spending time in the hospital can be a challenge, and the last thing you need is another setback on your road to recovery. This is why it is so important to know that being in the hospital -- particularly if you are dealing with surgery, a physical trauma, or a serious illness like cancer -- places you at increased risk for the development of a deadly blood clot.

(StatePoint) Keeping children content and occupied isn't always an easy task -- especially with more and more days being spent at home. As parents and caregivers, it can also be challenging to come up with creative solutions and fun projects that differ each day. However, even if you lack crafting abilities, you can still inspire your kids and help them stretch their creative muscles with items commonly found right at home, including scissors, straws, rulers and duct tape.

(StatePoint) With millions of people nationwide filing for unemployment since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals and families across the country are suddenly finding themselves without health insurance at a precarious time. Fortunately, new options may be able to help those on tight budgets.

(StatePoint) As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of veterans and active duty military personnel are on lockdown, many suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or substance abuse. With the additional challenge of social isolation, finding ways to combat depression, anxiety and loneliness is critical.

(StatePoint) After years of hearing study after study about the negative effects of excessive screen time, parents are now being told to set aside any concerns about limiting device time.

(StatePoint) When it comes to the essentials that families use and replenish most often, some smart shopping strategies can allow you to stretch your dollar and keep your household budget on track.

(StatePoint) With many events canceled and public venues closed, the backyard is likely going to be the new hot spot destination for families nationwide. But staying home doesn’t have to be boring. Using these tips, you can put together an afternoon of sunshine and fun, right in your own backyard.

(StatePoint) Do you spend summer days outdoors mowing the lawn, tending to the garden and working on the house? Here are a few steps you can take to help you care for and protect your skin as you complete your seasonal chores:

(StatePoint) You’ve finally found the perfect home. Now comes the hard part: moving. But don’t let misconceptions complicate the process. To keep frustrations to a minimum and make your move more manageable, here are five common moving myths, debunked.

(StatePoint) If you have school-age children, you are probably one of the many parents facing the challenge of educating your kids at home. While there are countless learning options available—from virtual music classes to videos about zoo animals—financial literacy is one important subject that should not be overlooked.

(StatePoint) For many Americans, the current state of the economy is creating real financial challenges and concerns. However, the federal government’s recently enacted CARES Act is intended to provide some financial relief to families and business owners who may be struggling to manage their finances, using cash disbursements, expanded unemployment benefits, and different loans and tax credits.

(StatePoint) Stress is an important and natural stimulant that compels us to adapt to a new environment or lifestyle change. It causes a physiological response that helps us either flee or fight the threat or stressor. But spending too much time on high alert can have damaging health effects.

(StatePoint) Today many parents are seeking ways to keep their kids engaged and learning beyond the schoolwork remotely assigned by teachers.

(StatePoint) In these unprecedented and uncertain times, play is critical to physical and emotional well-being, helping both kids and adults decompress and stay positive while providing countless learning opportunities.

(StatePoint) Staying at home and practicing social distancing can feel more challenging as the weather warms and the itch for family fun at the beach becomes stronger. However, being socially responsible does not mean you need to put the fun on hold.

(StatePoint) If your child is all about a particular television show, there are a number of interactive and educational ways to extend the fun beyond the screen. Here are a few ideas:

(StatePoint) The impact of scientific exploration has vastly shaped the world we live in, and in this challenging time, it has never been more relevant than it is today.

(StatePoint) Self-quarantines and stay-at-home orders as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are having an impact on employment right now, and that may continue for some time. During this period of uncertainty, finding ways to pay bills or keep medical benefits are top concerns for many. Here are some tips from Janine Nowatzky, managing director of Inside Rx.

(StatePoint) Unfortunately, during times of hardship, families are often targeted by fraud artists attempting to take advantage of those needing assistance. The COVID-19 crisis is no exception, with many scammers pretending to extend a critical lifeline to struggling homeowners through so-called “foreclosure rescue fraud.”

(StatePoint) With routines upturned and health concerns top of mind, many people are feeling an extra amount of stress these days, too much of which can be bad for one’s mental and physical health.

(StatePoint) As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, many people are staying in their homes to help prevent the spread of the disease. Feeling lonely from time to time is natural, but this unprecedented time of social distancing could lead to increased loneliness.

(StatePoint) When it’s not possible to be near loved ones, being connected becomes more important.

(StatePoint) Ask kids what their favorite school subject is and fewer and fewer will say “math” as they age. While 37 percent of 4th graders report that math is one of their favorite subjects, only 15 of 12th graders say the same, according to National Center for Education Statistics.

(StatePoint) On rainy days, it can be tempting to hand children devices and let them fall down a YouTube rabbit hole. After all, there can be a lot of hours to fill when the weather isn’t cooperating with your weekend plans.

(StatePoint) Many people underestimate the power of lighting to set the mood and introduce different design elements into their home’s interiors. As a result, they often make the mistake of relying solely only overhead fixtures to light their homes.

(StatePoint) Family caregivers lead busy and at times, stressful lives, often balancing work, their own kids and spouses, hobbies and more, all while ensuring their loved ones are happy and healthy.

(StatePoint) The majority of the more than 25 million Americans living with asthma enjoy active, healthy lives. But for others, despite using high dose asthma medicines and avoiding triggers, severe symptoms are a part of daily life.

(StatePoint) If you’ve decided to pursue a career in financial advising, there are a few things you should know about the many opportunities within this fast-growing field.

(StatePoint) You may not think about it often, but wild birds use your lawn as a rest stop and place to call home. As you spruce up your lawn and garden for the season, there are simple steps you can take to protect them and help them thrive.

(StatePoint) When warmer weather arrives, it’s all about spending time in your home’s outdoor spaces. Here are a few new ideas for transforming your porch, deck or yard into an oasis of relaxation.

(StatePoint) While lighting is an essential piece of new home design; it’s often selected and installed at the end of the building process. What’s more, statement-making decorative lighting is often not part of the initial design at all.