(StatePoint) A new study reveals that the majority of small business owners and the self-employed share pressing money management struggles.

(StatePoint) While most of us associate playtime with childhood, adults are increasingly acknowledging the importance of play and leisure time for themselves.

(StatePoint) Never underestimate the power of scent. When you first open that dryer door or pull a warm, freshly laundered shirt over your head, you feel good, confident, clean and ready to face the day. You might not consciously think it, but you feel it. But in summer, long days outdoors result in frequent clothing changes and towel usage, creating “loads” more smelly laundry than usual.

(StatePoint) With the encouragement and support of parents, a love of learning can begin early and last a lifetime. To inspire kids to have fun while learning this summer, consider the following tips:

(StatePoint) If you’re like many Americans, your family has spent the past year discovering -- or rediscovering -- the joys of vacationing in the great outdoors.

(StatePoint) Whether you’re hosting a get together or just want to keep everyone in your household entertained, it’s the best time of year to take the fun outdoors. Check out these five ideas for backyard fun for people of all ages:

(StatePoint) Whether it’s spilling a to-go coffee on your stark white shirt or dropping your blush brush in your lap, stains can happen anywhere at any time, even to the most poised among us. But how -- and when -- you deal with the stain can impact whether your garment survives the snafu.

(StatePoint) The USDA’s Dietary Guidelines recommend adults eat anywhere from five to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. While meeting or exceeding your recommended daily dose is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, it’s just as important to ensure that you’re consuming produce safely. This fresh produce season, keep in mind that rinsing with water doesn’t completely eliminate pesticides, or the wax that’s sprayed on produce to help extend its shelf life.

(StatePoint) What motivates entrepreneurs to become self-employed? How do they measure success? What’s their cutoff for profitability and self-reflection on status? A new survey examining these very questions provides important insights to small business owners and those looking to start their entrepreneurial journey.

(StatePoint) Music is a mood booster and can help promote mental health. This past year has been particularly challenging, inspiring many people to reap the many benefits of bringing more music into their homes. Here is how you can too:

(StatePoint) With many offices continuing to function remotely or hybrid style, video conferencing will remain a mainstay of the American workforce for the foreseeable future. Here’s how to ensure your meetings stay professional and productive:

(StatePoint) Collectively, we’ve all paused to assess and adjust as we navigate a new normal amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, yet understandably, this has included a pause in consistent medical care for some. Nearly half of Americans surveyed by the Kaiser Family Foundation say they or a family member have skipped or delayed medical care because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to worsening conditions for many.

(StatePoint) In the warm weather months, you can keep toddlers and preschoolers engaged with these great learning toys and games perfect for the season:

(StatePoint) Did you know that certain kitchen habits can increase the likelihood for bacteria growth, food contamination and foodborne illness? However, a few simple tweaks to your routine can help reduce these risks and keep foods fresher for longer, leading to less waste.

(StatePoint) Keeping your household well-stocked of items you need to run things smoothly is essential, particularly during the spring cleaning season. But whether it’s home improvement supplies or laundry necessities, selecting the best products may be a bit more challenging these days. Not only are new products introduced to store shelves all the time, if you’re like many consumers, you’re staying home more with fewer opportunities to compare products in-person.

(StatePoint) While pine-based cleaning products aren’t anything new, most people don’t realize they’re among the most functional cleaning products to have on hand, even when it comes to sprucing up your hardest-to-clean items and spaces.

(StatePoint) It’s no secret that spending the past year in quarantine has made people focus more on their homes. DIY projects are at an all-time high. Painting. Furniture fixups. Baking. Outdoor and indoor gardening.

(StatePoint) The backyard is one of the most popular spots of the home to relax, host and have fun. However, it all starts with a beautiful lawn. If you’re in the weeds -- literally -- there are great resources available to help you tackle lawn care so you can make the most of your outdoor spaces and have a better overall outdoor experience.

(StatePoint) Are you an older adult looking for your next big adventure? The Peace Corps is encouraging U.S. adult citizens to volunteer their service abroad to promote world peace and friendship.

(StatePoint) In a pandemic year marked by distance, loss and virtual stand-ins, Americans have become more intentional about connecting with family and friends. Here are a few ways technology can help you show you care in 2021.

(StatePoint) More than a year into the pandemic, the “open” sign in countless online and retail storefronts has evolved into a universal symbol of the grit of small businesses. Tenacious entrepreneurs nationwide made a way to stay open in spite of all the obstacles.

(StatePoint) In today’s world, intimacy can sometimes be sacrificed for immediacy. We often send texts or emails, rather than hand writing letters, cards or notes.

(StatePoint) Whether rediscovering the joy of riding a bike or taking a ride for the first time, cycling saw a boom during the pandemic, and many believe this trend is here to stay.

(StatePoint) Lead scorer of the University of Pittsburgh women’s basketball team, Latia Howard was being recruited by the WNBA and at the top of her game. But that all changed after she suffered a stroke at just 21 years old.

(StatePoint) Pools are great for play, exercise and therapy. However, it is critical that while enjoying ourselves, we take appropriate safety precautions.

(StatePoint) As comfort continues to reign supreme for clothing and accessories, it’s easier than ever to incorporate on-trend pieces into stylish yet casual outfits. Even though we may not be dressing up as much, there are still plenty of ways to ensure your unique style preference shines through - and footwear can be a great place to start when updating the wardrobe!

(StatePoint) More than 200,000 American men and women in uniform complete their service and transition out of the military each year. The shift to civilian life – especially the search for a new career – can be challenging for many. Veterans often struggle to translate their skills and experiences into qualifications for a civilian role and may encounter stereotypes impacting their ability to be hired.

(StatePoint) A new survey from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows that most parents and caregivers in the United States are optimistic about their children’s futures, but see clear barriers to helping them grow up to be independent, financially stable, and healthy.

(StatePoint) Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, countless lives were saved thanks to nurses, who sacrificed their time, health and even the joys of family to serve others and protect their loved ones.

(StatePoint) When Velia Martínez was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2005, she was shocked. The joint pain, fatigue and other symptoms she was experiencing made it difficult for her to get up in the mornings, which was frustrating because she had always been an active person.

(StatePoint) The American Medical Association (AMA) is urging Americans to get vaccinated as soon as they’re eligible and continue precautions against COVID-19 infection. But patients have many questions.

(StatePoint) It’s important for everyone living with a lung disease like asthma to feel a sense of connection and belonging and to be understood. Beyond managing the physical challenges of the condition, coping with the mental and emotional aspects can be difficult. Finding a support system helps make living with a chronic lung disease a bit easier.

(StatePoint) Last year, when the pandemic suddenly shut down our everyday lives and for many of us, pushed them into tiny, isolated spaces, we had to adapt.

(StatePoint) While young children have been less vulnerable to COVID-19 health dangers, a new study finds that they’ve been tremendously impacted by the disruption to preschool activities triggered by the pandemic.

(StatePoint) Plant parenthood among Millennials and Gen Z has been on the rise in recent years, and time spent at home throughout the pandemic has inspired even more people to start houseplant collections. In fact, over the past year, searches including “indoor plants,” “buy plants” and “plant delivery” spiked, as many set out to create beautiful, calming sanctuaries at home and spruce up their Zoom backgrounds.

(StatePoint) The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a particularly heavy toll on U.S. service members, according to advocates.

(StatePoint) Whether you’re putting down roots or putting your home on the market, kitchen upgrades make a huge impact. Not only do they have daily “good feeling” appeal for current homeowners, they can offer a great return on investment when it’s time to sell.

(StatePoint) To help bring light to the rare disease sarcoidosis, the American Lung Association sat down with Rhonda Jenkins, program manager at the Respiratory Institute within Cleveland Clinic to discuss connecting patients with resources and the community with understanding.

(StatePoint) American women have been making military history for centuries. Their service to the United States stretches back to the country’s very beginning, when many cared for wounded Revolutionary War soldiers. Since then, women have blazed countless trails within the military – from the first to enlist during World War I to those filling combat roles today.

(StatePoint) The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things about living with chronic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which affects 12 million adults in the U.S. While being at home in closer proximity to a restroom more often may have helped, some report they have experienced worsened gastrointestinal symptoms during the last year.

(StatePoint) Planning on retiring single? You aren’t alone. Nearly 22 million Americans age 65 and older were unmarried in 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, representing 41.5% of those in that age category. And for women, it’s more likely to be the case. According to the Administration on Aging, 54% of older women are unmarried, as compared to 30% of older men.

(StatePoint) Americans are living longer than ever before, and with continually rising health care costs, the need for a long-term care solution becomes more of a “when” than an “if” situation, according to financial experts, who warn that Americans are largely waiting too long to plan and prepare.

(StatePoint) Having kids can mean having a lot of stuff, not all of which is made from eco-friendly materials. However, if you’re like many parents, you want your children to have a clean, healthy planet to live in when they grow up. Going green while parenting might sound challenging, but it’s definitely not impossible. These tips and insights can help get you started:

(StatePoint) Silicosis, a type of lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, mainly affects workers in jobs such as construction and mining. Over time, exposure to silica particles causes scarring in the lungs, which can harm your ability to breathe.

(StatePoint) With warm weather, longer days, and more free time, it’s easy to find ways to stay fit in summer without a gym. And while you may squeeze in a solo workout here and there, making fitness a social activity can keep participants motivated and accountable.

(StatePoint) Even relaxation and fun take some preparation. But there’s no reason to work harder than you need to. Follow these hacks to get to the good stuff faster this summer.

(StatePoint) Choosing the right type of grass optimizes the chances that your lawn will be healthy, beautiful and easy to maintain. However, experts say that there are many factors to consider.

(StatePoint) From heat waves to fireworks, summer can take a toll on pets’ emotional and physical wellness. According to some pet experts, the heart of relief for a number of common seasonal pet woes is CBD. Here are some insights into how to use it, plus additional measures you can take for a safe, healthy summer with pets.

(StatePoint) It’s time to extend your home’s living spaces to the outdoors. To get your patio prepped for a summer of relaxation and fun, consider the following décor ideas and inspiration:

(StatePoint) Many people prioritize skin protection when spending time outdoors, but skin damage from UV rays and free radicals can occur inside too. Consider these tips and insights this summer:

(StatePoint) Summertime is often synonymous with longer days, sweet sunshine and memorable times with friends and family.

(StatePoint) For over a year we have been living in a prevention mindset, avoiding coronavirus exposure at all costs. Unfortunately, for many, this new way of life has also meant avoiding healthcare settings and delaying medical care for other serious health threats, including bladder cancer.

(StatePoint) What does helping the environment have to do with veterans suffering from psychological trauma brought about by their combat experience? A lot, actually.

(StatePoint) Experts predict allergy season to be exceptionally severe this spring, according to the Allergy & Asthma Network. Rising global temperatures and a forecast of warm, dry air this spring after a winter of heavy snow could significantly increase pollen production. This comes after a year many people spent mostly indoors in quarantine.

(StatePoint) While the tireless work of medical professionals, teachers and grocery store workers has rightfully been celebrated throughout the pandemic, you may be less familiar with the work of housing counselors. During a challenging year that exacerbated the U.S. housing crisis, those close to the situation say that housing counselors are the pandemic’s unsung heroes.

(StatePoint) What does paying for college during life’s “new normal” and current economic climate look like? A new survey highlights parent plans and concerns regarding the upcoming 2021-2022 school year.

(StatePoint) For the past year, many of us have lived, played, worked and gone to school right at home, making clutter inevitable – especially when it comes to kids’ bedrooms and playrooms. 

(StatePoint) Volunteers have the power to tackle society’s greatest challenges.

(StatePoint) With many schools continuing to meet remotely, students nationwide have lacked access to on-campus music facilities and in-person instruction. Fortunately, there are some new avenues and resources that are making music education at home a viable prospect.

(StatePoint) While the rollout of the vaccine has been a relief for the nation’s teachers, many of whom have been working in-person on and off since the start of the pandemic, the reality is that not everyone will get the vaccine. What’s more, being in the school building all day with children who are not yet approved for immunization leaves many educators and school staff vulnerable to COVID-19, no matter how many precautions they take while off the clock.

(StatePoint) Women-owned small businesses are an economic driving force. Today, nearly 13 million women-owned businesses nationwide employ 9.4 million workers and earn $1.9 trillion in revenue.

(StatePoint) To celebrate spring, Carla Hall, renowned chef, author, and television host, offers two delicious recipes that make carrots the star ingredient of the season.

(StatePoint) Is your money management a streamlined process? If you’re like many Americans, you may be spending more time than you’d like to be.

(StatePoint) Windows let in light and fresh air and can provide breathtaking views, but it’s vital to observe window safety, especially when young children are in the home, say experts.

(StatePoint) If you contribute a portion of your income to a 401(k), you may think you’re all set for a comfortable retirement. Experts say it’s important to take a closer look at these savings.

(StatePoint) The global challenges of the future will require kids today to have a strong STEM foundation. Unfortunately, girls are not always expected or encouraged to pursue these fields of study. Here are some great ways to boost girls’ interest in math and science:

(StatePoint) When it comes to the emotional well-being of students post-pandemic, a new study reveals that teachers expect significant challenges when schools make a full return to in-person learning.

(StatePoint) Spring is the official start to bug season, making it important to prepare your home. Here are four steps you can take you keep bugs at bay:

(StatePoint) A new survey reveals that women are increasingly earning the title of “breadwinner” in their households.

(StatePoint) Children are never too young to learn the importance of sustainability or begin adopting eco-friendly habits, and experts say it all starts with playtime.

(StatePoint) 3M Sponsored Content.

(StatePoint) Daylight Saving Time (DST) is here, which means you are operating on a brand new schedule. Unfortunately, time changes can cause many negative physical and mental effects on the body -- and be a logistical nuisance to boot! To make DST work for you, consider the following tips:

(StatePoint) When it comes to recycling, you may not often think about something as small as your contact lenses. Did you know, though, that 45 million Americans who wear contact lenses flush anywhere between 1.8 and 3.36 billion lenses down the toilet or sink per year? As a result, contact lenses could be contributing to the trillions of microplastics in waterways that can harm marine wildlife and even enter our food supply.

(StatePoint) Over the last year, our kitchens have become a place where we prep for an important presentation, help with schoolwork, cook meals together and laugh with friends at a virtual party.

(StatePoint) Since its founding in 1941, the USO has provided generations of service members and their families with crucial support. During that 80-year history, the world, the military and the needs of service members changed. The USO also adapted, adjusting and expanding its operations to help boost their morale and keep them connected to home.

(StatePoint) The pandemic has changed the way we work, learn and socialize, so it’s no surprise that it’s also changed the way we think about travel. One thing is certain, as the vaccine rollout continues, globetrotters worldwide are eager to return to their regularly scheduled travel.

(StatePoint) More than 2.7 million American children are growing up in grandfamilies -- families in which grandparents, other adult family members, or close family friends are raising children. A new report highlights how the pandemic has amplified their unique challenges, and offers solutions to better serve them.

(StatePoint) Plastic contributes to climate change and is a major pollutant, harming wildlife and people. Here are a few tips for reducing your plastic footprint at home that will also contribute to a healthier planet.  

(StatePoint) Have the cold winter months left your home feeling a bit dirty, drab or disorganized? Are you feeling the urge to purge? Then it’s time for some spring cleaning. With a few simple tips and tricks, your home—and mood—can be refreshed and revitalized.

(StatePoint) Proper oral care is essential to overall wellness. Here are a few tips and strategies for each stage of your child’s development:

(StatePoint) Running a household on a budget? Smart shopping strategies can help your family save on favorite foods, wellness essentials and more.

(StatePoint) More than 500,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 and there have been more than 28 million cases nationwide. Doctors say it’s vital that Americans get vaccinated when it’s their turn, and continue to take precautions against infection.

(StatePoint) The COVID-19 pandemic permanently evolved our definition of “home,” inspiring us to reconsider how we use and live in our spaces. For many, it’s no longer just the place where we relax and regroup at the end of the day – it’s also an office, daycare, eatery, gym or classroom.

(StatePoint) While life around the globe has changed significantly since the  Peace Corps was founded 60 years ago, the agency’s mission to promote world peace and friendship between Americans and people around the world has not.

(StatePoint) If you are like many consumers, it’s important to you that you are stocking your pantry and refrigerator with foods, beverages and wellness products your family will love. However, being a careful shopper is particularly tricky these days, as you are likely getting in and out of the supermarket in a hurry or even staying home and ordering items online.

(StatePoint) Working or learning from home? It’s more important than ever to ensure you move throughout the day. Doing so will help keep your mind and body healthy and agile. Here are a few tips to move more throughout the day.

(StatePoint) As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many older adults are following the advice of public health experts and remaining at home to limit risk of exposure. Bad weather conditions can also keep people inside for days at a time. But a strong body and mind are as important as ever, and the good news is being indoors doesn’t mean having to give up on exercising.

(StatePoint) With the start of 2021 behind us, it’s time to start fresh, create new habits and take on new skills. Whether your goal is to get outdoors more to enjoy the fresh air or to learn a new instrument, develop a plan to start enjoying some COVID-safe activities. Here are a few tips to get going:

(StatePoint) The United Service Organizations (USO), the nation’s leading not-for-profit charity that serves the men and women in the U.S. military and their families, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.

(StatePoint) If we’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s that life can be unpredictable. Having sufficient life insurance can provide financial stability and security to loved ones during times of uncertainty.

(StatePoint) As more Americans get vaccinated against COVID-19, you may find yourself out and about more. Whether you’re returning to the workplace or just getting a haircut, mask requirements may be in place in certain venues you frequent.

(StatePoint) Spring is a great time to refresh your home. Whether you’re planning a major clean sweep or just giving problem areas a little extra TLC, experts say that a few simple strategies will make the job easier and the fruits of your labor last longer.

(StatePoint) Time for your annual spring clean? Make sure you’re equipped with the right tools and strategies. Here are a few cleaning hacks to help ensure a smooth and easy process.

(StatePoint) The arrival of spring brings with it warming temperatures, blooming flowers and endless springtime celebrations. It is also an opportunity to try something new, whether it is in the garden, kitchen or around the home.

(StatePoint) If you’ve ever noticed a bird attack your windows, you may wonder why this strange behavior is occurring. Beyond the potential disruption it might cause your family, repeated attacks can be harmful to birds. Understanding the problem however, can help you put a stop to it, and better protect the birds nesting on your property.

(StatePoint) With the pandemic continuing to disrupt routines, you may have growing anxieties about how the extended crisis will affect your child’s social and emotional health long-term.