(NewsUSA) - Online technology has many potential benefits for children and teens, but recent news about online platforms contributing to physical and mental health issues highlight the importance of educating youth about smart internet use and good digital citizenship.

Some of the problems associated with excess internet use include: increased depression and anxiety, self-harm, cyberbullying, body image issues, and obesity.

Other effects include sleep and vision problems.

Finally, some parents report that their children and teens are becoming disconnected from real-world relationships with friends and family.

Managing online time and blocking access to inappropriate content can help address these problems without losing the benefits of internet access.

The OurPact app is a free tool for parents to help them not only protect their children online, but teach them how to be savvy internet users themselves.

Key features of the OurPact app include:

• Multitasking. The app is customizable with separate management preferences for different children, or harmonious control of multiple devices used by a single child.
• Rule-making. The App Rules section of OurPact lets parents know all the apps installed on their children's devices. Parents can block specific apps, or set different rules for different apps, educational vs. games or social media.
• Timing. The screen time allowance feature encourages personal responsibility by allowing children to budget screen time throughout the day on their own, or parents can set the budget.
• Blocking. Excessive texting can interfere with homework or mealtime; OurPact allows for limiting iMessaging and SMS using schedules, allowances, or manual blocks.
• Filtering. A web-filter feature gives parents peace of mind by keeping adult content off iOS child devices.
• Locating. The app can serve as a family locator that works for families of any size, and can serve to keep tabs on kids' whereabouts, coordinate pickups, or find lost devices. Parents also can set up geo fences around specific locations so they are alerted when a child reaches school, home, or Grandma's house.

In addition, OurPact allows parents visibility into their child's online activity via automated screenshots -- periodic, on-demand, or private gallery -- encrypted for maximum security.

OurPact is available via the App Store and Google Play. Visit ourpact.com to learn more and sign up.

(NewsUSA) - The electric car trend shows no signs of slowing down, and the next generation of electric cars are more than up to speed. Although widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) got off to a slower than expected start in the United States, more car shoppers are seeing the benefits of EVs and hybrids. Several improvements in the latest models have helped overcome some hurdles that might have made buyers hesitant to embrace EVs.

Some of the key features consumers want include:

- More power. Consumers want increased range and fast charging. The battery life of newer electric cars allows for several hundred miles on a single charge.

- More style. Car buyers don't want to sacrifice comfort and style, and manufacturers are rising to this challenge with roomy designs equal to those of conventional cars.

"Consumers are ready to switch to electric vehicles," according to Brian Moody, Executive Editor for Autotrader.

"Things they consider when thinking about buying an electric vehicle include reduced environmental guilt, less time refueling, and never having to change your oil again," he says.

One example of the latest in EV technology is the EV6, auto maker Kia's first entry into the battery-powered vehicle market. (Click here to view video).

The EV6 features an ultra-fast 350-kilowatt charger that enables the car to go from a 10 percent to 80 percent charge in less than 18 minutes, ready for up to 210 miles of range.

It's also designed with a distinctive Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature that enables use of the battery as a mobile power source for multiple applications, according to the company website. Other advances include both rear wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive, as well as two battery sizes, 58.0 kWh and 77.4 kWh.

The latest battery technology meets consumers' need for speed with the 576 HP power to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than 3.5 seconds. The style factor is there, too. The EV6 channels the design of current crossover vehicles with a four-door sedan body and seating for five passengers. The EV6 is scheduled to debut in early 2022.

Visit kia.com for more information about the latest in electric vehicle technology.

(NewsUSA) - Deciding to select and partner with a financial planner to bring all the pieces of your financial life together is a big step for you and your future.

But before you meet with your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ for the first time, you should familiarize yourself with the financial planning process, gather key information, have an idea about your goals and prepare a list of questions.

"You should also have an idea of what your CFP® professional is likely to discuss at the meeting," says Elaine King, CFP®.

This preparation is very important, but unfortunately, often forgotten by many new clients when meeting their financial planner for the first time.

"I have found that when some clients first meet me, they spend a lot of time over-explaining or justifying their prior financial decisions," says Charles Weeks, CFP® "In this case, don't worry. Your CFP® professional is not here to judge you -- only to help you!"

Below are some common financial mistakes that many clients make before they meet with a financial planner.

"If any of these sound familiar to you, you may want to address them before meeting with your CFP® professional the first time," Weeks adds.

- Insurance issues. Many people don't know what their insurance policies cover and don't cover. "At a minimum, you need to make sure you carry enough underlying liability insurance to protect your assets and income if you are involved in an accident or lawsuit," Weeks advises.

- Insufficient emergency funds. Weeks says he rarely sees clients with the recommended "emergency fund," three to six months' worth of nondiscretionary expenses. An emergency fund should be kept in a cash or cash equivalent, so it maintains its expected value and can be readily available when needed.

- Cash-hoarding concerns. Some cash is good, but hoarding too much cash can be detrimental. The main problem: Inflation will reduce the purchasing power of cash over time.

- Debt-management doubts. "Know the difference between good and bad debt," Weeks says. Good debt is debt we hold on appreciating assets such as a mortgage or a business loan. Bad debt is debt owed on depreciating assets, such as high-interest-rate consumer debts. Bad debts should be prioritized and paid as quickly as possible.

- Estate-planning procrastination. Your loved ones need a blueprint on dealing with the financial consequences of your passing. "By leaving family members unprepared, you leave them vulnerable to financial hardship on top of the emotional hardship they already bear," says Weeks.

If you are guilty of any of these financial pitfalls, explain them to your CFP® professional, and he or she will help you develop a sound financial plan.

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org for more information on how to find a CFP® professional, common financial missteps and how to make the most of that first meeting.

(NewsUSA) - After spending years working hard and saving up, retirement is that welcome reward of relaxation, travel, and new hobbies, or even a transition to something new such as consulting or a new business endeavor. While most people can say definitively that they would like to and plan to retire, the issue of when is often less clear.

The ideal age for retiring depends on several things -- occupation, health status, financial circumstance, and the state where you reside. While some pension plans allow you to start collecting early- retirement benefits as soon as age 55, generally, most people today are opting to retire later.

Nationally, the average retirement age is 64, though in some states, the average retirement age is 66. The decision to retire later can impact several important life decisions. For example, healthcare considerations for someone who retires at 65 versus 55 are quite different.

We'll highlight some points to consider as you gear up to slow down.

Coverage Shifts

Medicare eligibility begins for most individuals around age 65, so if your retirement coincides with that milestone birthday, it's a good idea to learn more about Medicare as well as Medicare-Related Options for those enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. You can find details about enrolling in Medicare for the first time by visiting this informational site for AARP members.

For those not yet eligible for Medicare, and for other considerations not covered by Medicare such as vision, prescription drugs, and dental care, retirement might mean a shift from employer-sponsored insurance to individual insurance. If you had employer-sponsored insurance, your employer did the insurance research and provided you with coverage options. Now, as a retiree, you can select the coverage options that align with your health and financial needs.

Financial Considerations

By leading a healthy and active life, many people are living longer, which means that even if you retire later, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy. However, costs are also rising on everything from groceries to gas, making the prospect of living on a fixed income stressful. With a little advance planning, though, it doesn't have to be.

Prescription medication is common as you age and can be a regular expense. Nearly 90 percent of adults aged 65 and older use at least one prescription drug. The good news is that AARP members have access to a free prescription discount card from AARP® Prescription Discounts provided by OptumRx® that can be used to save on FDA-approved medications. While anyone can enroll, AARP members can unlock deeper discounts and benefits such as home delivery, coverage for dependents, and more.

Maintaining a focus on your health now also means you may be able to avoid chronic health issues down the road, and you can consider coverage options that cover regular doctor's visits and exams.

Annual wellness visits, eye exams, and dental visits help you monitor and even potentially prevent more serious, and costly, health issues. Most eye conditions can be treated if found early, for example, so you may want to look for health coverage that includes vision benefits. Not only do these benefits include eye exams, but AARP® Vision Discounts provided by EyeMed also provide savings on prescription glasses.

Oral health can also deteriorate with age, and over time, teeth can become more brittle and susceptible to decay, infection, and gum disease. Dental insurance provides coverage for regular visits and any special procedures or treatments that may arise. And AARP members have access to affordable plan options specifically designed to meet their needs.

Resources

When it comes to healthcare, it's important to plan and research to make your retirement years enjoyable ones. Fortunately, there are many tools available to guide you in making decisions that work best for you. AARP members have access to resources that provide detailed information, discounts, and more to ease your healthcare search.

You've worked hard to achieve retirement, so why not enjoy it by taking the necessary steps to ensure continued good health and proper coverage? Start putting your plan in place by visiting this informational site today. 

(NewsUSA) - Choosing a Medicare plan is a big decision for eligible individuals, including those who are 65 or older or are living with a disability, because the plan you select during the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan annual enrollment period is the plan you'll have for the coming year, with a few exceptions.

Eligible individuals should take time to research plans and compare available benefits during the enrollment period -- which runs from October 15 to December 7 -- as there are key factors to consider based on your health needs, such as pharmacy coverage offered through a Medicare Advantage plan or stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP).

For some people, stopping at a local pharmacy is a convenient option to pick up their prescriptions. However, there may be other ways to get prescriptions if you have a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription-drug coverage or a PDP that includes access to prescription drug home delivery pharmacies in the plan's network. The advantages of home delivery via mail can include the comfort of knowing you'll never run out of your prescriptions, and the convenience of having your medications mail-delivered to your doorstep.

Whether you choose a Medicare Advantage plan that offers prescription drug coverage, such as Humana Medicare Advantage plans, or a PDP, check to see whether the plan includes prescription-drug home delivery pharmacies in the network and consider the following tips to help you get the most from home delivery pharmacies:

• Go Online or Download the Mobile App: By utilizing your pharmacy's app or website to manage your prescriptions, you may be able to submit requests for new prescriptions and medication transfers, establish delivery times for eligible medication orders, track your medications and deliveries, and have a live chat with a pharmacy specialist --all from the convenience of your home.
• Get a 90-Day Supply: Many medications will allow for a 90-day supply, resulting in fewer refills and may result in cost savings for you.
• Sign-up for Auto Refills: Spend less time worrying about running out of your medications: the auto refill option, if a pharmacy offers it, will automatically deliver your next order right to your door! If auto refill is not for you, be sure to set your communication preference for refills and you may be able to receive a reminder notification.
• Compare the Costs: Many plans, such as Humana, have a "switch and save" option for some medications, which provides suggestions for generic options at lower costs.
• Build a Personalized Medication List: Seeing multiple doctors usually means having several medications. Use your plan's app or website to maintain a single, complete list of all your prescriptions to avoid adverse reactions.

For more information about prescription drug home delivery pharmacies, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or go to Medicare.gov. To learn about Humana's Medicare Advantage plans, visit www.Humana.com/Medicare or call 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

Additional Information:

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organization and a stand-alone PDP prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

Scott Greenwell, PharmD., is President of Humana Pharmacy Solutions, where he oversees the health plan's pharmacy solutions. He is based in Louisville, KY.

(NewsUSA) - Nationally, the average retirement age is 64, though in some states, the average retirement age is 66. The decision to retire later can impact several important life choices. When it comes to healthcare, it's important to plan ahead, whether you're retiring now or in ten years. Fortunately, there are many resources available to you regarding your decisions on benefits. For additional information visit AARP.org/benefits-discounts/healthcare and learn more about your healthcare options.

(NewsUSA) -Atrial fibrillation (also called AFib or AF) is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

In fact, having AFib makes you up to five times more likely to have a stroke, according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all.

Most strokes caused by AFib could be prevented with effective treatment, but only about half of AFib patients receive proper therapy.

Approximately 5.2 million people in the United States experience AFib, and that number is expected to more than double in the next ten years, according to the American Heart Association.

Although anyone can develop AFib at any age, the risk is greatest for individuals older than 50 years, those with a family history of AFib, smokers and those with high blood pressure or other forms of heart disease.

Although AFib is less prevalent in Black and Latino individuals compared with white individuals, Black and Latino people living with AFib have a higher risk of AFib-related death when they also have conditions such as high blood pressure and heart failure, according to the American Stroke Association.

The best-known symptom of AFib is a fluttering heartbeat, but not all individuals with AFib experience this, and many people with AFib report no symptoms prior to diagnosis.

"Because of this, it's important that people at risk for AFib continuously speak to their doctors about any unusual sensations involving their heartbeat," says Mark Estes, M.D., FACC, FHRS, American Heart Association volunteer medical expert and professor of Medicine and Program Director of the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Other symptoms of AFib include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, faintness, sweating and chest pressure.

Up to 84% of strokes caused by AFib are preventable if patients receive early, effective treatment. That means it is important to talk to your doctor if you are at increased risk for AFib. The American Stroke Association offers a downloadable symptom tracker that can serve as an important tool for conversations with your doctor about how to stay healthy.

To learn ways to manage AFib, the American Stroke Association has created an online portal, MyAFibExperience.org, where individuals with AFib can share their stories and learn from the experiences of others.

(NewsUSA)

"A Queen from the North: A Royal Roses Book"
by Erin McRae and Racheline Maltese

"Rich, diverse worldbuilding sets this story of contemporary royalty apart … a perfect cocktail of political intrigue and slow-burn romance," says Publisher's Weekly (BookLife). Named Library Journal's Best Indie Ebook 2017.

Lady Amelia Brockett, known to her family as Meels, is having the Worst. Christmas. Ever. Dumped by her boyfriend and rejected from graduate school, her parents deem her the failure of the family.

But when her older brother tries to cheer her with a trip to the races, a chance meeting with Arthur, the widowed, playboy Prince of Wales, offers Amelia the opportunity to change her life -- and Britain's fortune -- forever. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3kVAGee.

"Sissies Adventures: Three-Book Set"
by Marisa Howard

The bonds of sisterhood shine through these short stories for young children and illuminate how having a sister is one of life's most precious gifts. Pack your bags -- the Sissies are going on vacation! And big sissy can't wait to show little sissy all the fun things to do, from swimming and building sandcastles to hiking and dancing. Join the Sissies as they visit the sea, the mountains, and Mexico.

"The Sissies Adventure Series," a three-book bundle, is presented by Weeva Kids, a new line of books committed to creating art for children. With every book, young readers are invited to explore the infinite possibilities of their own imaginations and are encouraged to make the world a better, more vibrant place. Purchase at https://bit.ly/2YxRoJj.

"Introspective Journal: Therapy Notebook"
by Nilaja Green, PhD

This journal is designed specifically for therapy patients to capture their before-session, in-session and after-session thoughts, ideas and homework. The "between session" pages are to keep track of experiences that occur when you are not in therapy. Life happens and we don't always hold onto those important moments.

The book also provides information sheets about the varying mental health professions to give you direction when seeking therapy, psychoeducational resources and general information about emotions and self-assessment and information about preparing for therapy. It includes national emergency numbers, a self-assessment, values exercise, information about sleep hygiene, managing distressing emotions, creating joy and meaning and much more. A companion journal for therapists is also available. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3hkBQyM

"Red Deception"
by Ed Fuller and Gary Grossman

What would happen if all the major bridges in the U.S. were bombed, all commerce came to a dead stop, and the nation's natural resources, such as our water supply, were cut off? The importance of protecting America's critical infrastructure has rarely been depicted so powerfully as in Ed Fuller and Gary Grossman's fast-paced thriller, "Red Deception," the follow-up to 2019's "Red Hotel."

The novel posits a scenario that could potentially destroy much of the nation's infrastructure.

Blending career insight with first-hand knowledge of global politics, Fuller, a global executive and crisis management expert, and Grossman, a TV producer and author, have once again drawn a chilling portrait of the fragile fault lines in Europe and the players poised to seize power. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3gwMm4J. Now also available as an audiobook at https://adbl.co/3hRvdnM.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA)

"Final Table"
by Dan Schorr

A political thriller about sexual misconduct in the #MeToo era, one victim's battle to survive and overcome trauma and the cable news machine that feeds off the titillating scandal coverage and inflammatory confrontation. The author brings firsthand experience as a New York City sex crimes prosecutor and sexual misconduct investigator to tackle the world of political and media dysfunction.

Former White House staffer Maggie Raster's chaotic attempt to promote her new business as a television political analyst brings her to the broke poker champion Kyler Dawson's attention and convinces him that she can provide the help he needs to enter a controversial poker tournament. To succeed, she will have to confront numerous challenges including pressure to publicly address the sexual misconduct of her former boss. Kyler also has his own obstacles. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3uPVuYU.

"Trump You: Promises, Lies, and Corruption: My Battle with Donald Trump's Fake University"
by Art Cohen

Trump University was the most expensive legal defeat of Donald Trump's career, but even though he settled for $25 million, he still got off too easy. Years before his White House run, he launched a for-profit education initiative called Trump University in which he promised to share his real estate secrets at seminars held in hotel ballrooms. As it turned out, Trump University wasn't an actual university and didn't feature Trump's secrets. The scam suckered thousands of unsuspecting victims.

This book recounts the inside story of the TrumpU legal saga through the eyes of Art Cohen, a student/victim who personally sued Donald Trump in federal court in 2013 an had a private view of Trump during the height of his presidential campaign. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ywAdnr.

"The 180"
by George Calisto and Kate Calisto

An unexpected and provocative question drives a 180-minute argument that prompts a central question: Would the term "meritocracy" ever have been invented if society had gleaned the fact that variables beyond our control forge our personhood, paths and outcomes? The 180 tells the fictional story of a three-hour meeting where eight college administrators and two researchers engage in a philosophical and academic debate over the matter of luck in our lives.

The administrators and faculty members are unexpectedly thrown into a cauldron of psychological, neurophysiological and metaphysical speculations over what choreographs or drives our ambitions and achievements throughout the lifespan. Learn more and read a free sample at https://bit.ly/3jnAhS5.

"The Frugal Real Estate Investor: Buy Your First Rental Property"
by Aki Suzuki

A modern, practical guide to buying your first rental property without losing your shirt! If you are looking for a comprehensive and trustworthy resource for investing in rental properties, start with this book.

The book shares important lessons learned from a real estate investor's true experience of buying a rental income property for the first time and being successfully profitable from day one. It is full of practical advice from an active real estate investor with his own skin in the game, minus the unnecessary real estate hype or sales talk. Regardless of your vantage point, this book will help build more stability, resilience and peace of mind into your personal and professional finances. Purchase at https://amzn.to/38sOFC9.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Data and analytics touch our lives every day. Sometimes, it is in ways you see, such as when you log on to a video call, pay for your bus ticket or order your latte using your phone. Or view spending trends on your bank account using an app or website. Data analytics are also at work in ways you don't see -- ways that make your life easier, safer, more convenient, and more fun -- especially when it comes to getting where you want to go. Indeed, data analytics are working tirelessly behind the scenes to help you reduce your travel time, make getting from point A to point B easier, manage traffic congestion, and create safer and more accessible ways to use public transit.

When you're waiting to catch the bus to work, your phone app may tell you whether your ride is on schedule -- and exactly how many minutes until the next buses arrive at your stop. Did you ever wonder how the apps know all this? When you visit a new city, do you use apps to figure out how to get from one landmark to the next -- or your lunch stop along the way? Data analytics and smart apps make all this possible. Similarly, when winter weather hits and roads need to be cleared, data and analytics can help cities send extra drivers to harder hit areas needing to be cleared using real-time data, so you know when your street will be plowed.

And it's not all about logistics. Smart technology helps improve many aspects of your daily life: your job, school, community center, parks, and all kinds of entertainment. Check out these examples of the hidden technology from EastBanc Technologies that facilitates daily tasks and activities -- making your life just a bit easier.

TRANSITiQ: People want to have a clear view of all available travel options and predicted travel time, and cities want to increase accessibility and use of public transit. With TRANSITiQ and the power of data, users can see stations, routes, service alerts and even enable location-based push notifications. Notably, TRANSITiQ technology enables accurate prediction of arrival times to stops along transit routes. And by integrating Bluetooth Beacons, cities can help visually impaired users to safely navigate the transportation system. TRANSITiQ also gathers crucial business intelligence for municipalities, including performance reports and other relevant statistics.

CABiQ: Trying to hail a cab during rush hour, or after that night out, can be really frustrating. But with phone apps and other new smart tools at their disposal, operators and drivers can pinpoint hotspots and easily determine where and when to place their cars -- thus optimizing services and helping passengers find their rides quicker. These tools leverage CABiQ technology to analyze historical and near-real-time data about vehicle locations and ride demand, enabling them to map underserved areas as well as popular destinations and pickup points. CABiQ not only benefits cab drivers and their customers; it also provides crucial information to cities to help them with regulation of local taxi services: A central feature of CABiQ is the ability to gather and report timely and accurate information about every trip to the municipality for analysis and enforcement.

SNOWiQ: Today's unpredictable, and often extreme, winter weather demands a rapid response from busy cities whose residents expect roads to be plowed quickly and efficiently. Simply put, cities need to minimize the impact of inclement weather on daily commutes and doings. We've seen how Uber and Lyft have changed ride sharing. What if it were possible for cities to also be responsive to peak times and use contractors to shore up their fleet? With SNOWiQ, cities can optimize snow removal to reduce truck idling time and save money -- and residents can know which routes have been cleared, which ones are next on the schedule, and when it's safe to travel again.

FoodTruckIQ: Food trucks are all the rage. And for good reason. Many of the morsels concocted by these mobile eateries are innovative and positively delectable. So, when you hanker for your favorite food truck fare, how do you find it when its location moves? An app, of course. Behind the scenes, tech is working hard to help you make it easy to find your next lunch -- whether it's trekking cross-town to devour your favorite burrito or seeing what new trucks are parked by your work today. Tech can even help cities avoid turf wars that can happen over prime locations. How do such food truck apps come to be?

Food truck vendors submit logistical information to data scientists, who analyze the information and then share the processed data with developers who build and manage the apps. FoodTruckIQ is the brains behind your next mobile meal.

So the next time you head out to meet a friend at your favorite food truck, need to hail a cab or jump on a city bus, or need a plow to clear your snow-blanketed street, rest assured that data analytics will help make it happen. Smart technology is already everywhere, making daily life just a little bit more enjoyable.