ALS is a disease that makes the nerve cells stop working and die. The nerves lose the ability to trigger specific muscles, which causes the muscles to become weak and leads to paralysis. Unfortunately, about 80 percent of people who get ALS die within two to five years of diagnosis.

After Mr. Alderman's diagnosis, he became determined that ALS might eventually take his life, but it would not destroy it.

For the past 18 years, Alan has been fighting against ALS. He has been active in fundraising, advocacy, and raising awareness for ALS. This winter, he rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in a rowboat to help raise funds and awareness for the organization Row4ALS.

While most of us don't want to face the ocean in a rowboat, what can we do to help fight ALS?

The National ALS Registry helps gather information from people like Mr. Alderman who are living with this terrible disease. The National ALS Registry is the only population-based registry in the U.S. that collects information to help scientists learn more about who gets ALS and its causes. Researchers and scientists from all around the world can access the Registry data.

During the seven years of the National ALS Registry's existence, researchers have learned a lot about ALS. But there is still a long way to go to understanding this disease. The Registry relies upon the participation of the people around the U.S. living with ALS.

The Registry has found that over 16,000 persons with ALS live in the United States. In addition, the Registry is funding research to find out what may cause ALS, such as exposures to environmental toxins and pollution, genetic links, and certain medical conditions or medications.

While we don't know the causes of this disease, we do know that to get a full picture of this disease - and to understand its possible causes, and potential treatments - the Registry needs as many patients as possible to register. All of the data are confidential; researchers do not get patients' personal information.

Every year, nearly 5,000 more people are diagnosed with this terrible disease. Everyone's story is different, and everyone's piece of the puzzle is essential. When patients join the Registry, it helps give researchers more information. This could lead to a better understanding of the causes of ALS, and could help offer a better future for people with the disease.

If you or someone you care about has ALS, please consider learning more about the ALS Registry by visiting www.cdc.gov/als.

Each year, approximately 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported to the CDC by state health departments, but this number doesn't reflect all diagnosed cases of Lyme disease. Recent estimates suggest that approximately 300,000 people may get Lyme disease each year in the United States.

New data reported by the CDC in 2018 showed that state and local health departments reported more cases of tick-borne diseases in 2017 than ever before, including Lyme disease. While the uptick in ticks remains unclear, a number of factors can affect tick populations, including temperature, rainfall, humidity, and most certainly, host populations, like deer.

Although ticks can thrive just about anywhere in suburbia, it's common that they prefer wooded areas, gardens, plantings, and tall backyard grasses. One reason ticks continue to flourish is their propensity to hang out on shrubs, trees, and in tall grass waiting for unsuspecting hosts- like your dog or deer- to wander by so they can latch on and hitch a ride to your backyard.

We know that deer have made themselves at home in suburbia and most of us have seen more than our share of deer right outside our windows. When you see deer outside, its probable ticks hitched a ride and will stay behind when the deer move on. Ticks need a host to survive and they find a prefect host when attaching to your dog, cat, or any human in close proximity.

Avoiding the outdoors during warm weather isn't an option so prevention and protection is paramount when it comes to dodging ticks and defending yourself against tick-borne illness.

It stands to reason and statistic show, deer are carrying ticks to your backyard. Your best and most logical defense is to discourage deer from roaming onto your property in the first place.

One of the most reliable and logical ways to keep ticks out of your yard is to keep the deer away.

There's a number of strategies to keep deer at bay, including physical barriers like fencing, but fencing can be unsightly and deer can jump two feet higher than allowable suburban fence height restrictions of six feet. Planting deer resistant varieties like marigolds, foxgloves boxwood and rosemary could help, but when food supply is low, deer will eat just about anything. Motion deterrents positioned near your garden can scare deer off, however, you'll have to continually reposition them since deer will become acclimated to them and won't be scared away.

Back to logic. We know deer rely heavily on their sense of taste for feeding and smell to alert them to predators. Using a scent aversion, fear-based repellent, like Bobbex Deer, is often considered the most effective, practical, and easy way to keep deer out of your yard, and turn the tide on ticks, keeping them out too. Repellents make good sense.

There's quite a few repellents to choose from but Bobbex Deer works. It's third party verified through testing by the Connecticut Department of Forestry and Horticulture. Bobbex trumped nine other repellents products, was cited number one in comparison testing, and second in effectiveness only to a fence barrier.

Bobbex Deer Repellent combines scent and taste deterrents. The all-natural repellent blends six scents, including rotten eggs, garlic, clove oil (among other things) to mimic predator scents, classifying it as an effective fear repellent. It also tastes terrible to deer, but is actually good for plants because it contains trace nutrients including nitrogen and phosphorus. The product dries clear, is harmless to humans and pets, won't burn plants and its odor, after 24 hours, is undetectable to humans, but deer are still repelled by it. Bobbex is safe for use on the most sensitive plants and can be used on shrubs, trees or as a bulb dip.

The takeaway? Ticks are on the rise and deer populations are high just about everywhere. The dual key to combat both deer in your yard and hitchhiking ticks is proactive protection, using a verified, tested, and effective repellent. Don't forget ticks can be active year-round and Bobbex Deer is designed for year-round use.

For more information about Bobbex Deer, visit www.bobbex.com.

The good news is that there are many places outside of major cities for great culture and cuisine, but with a more laid-back feel.

Blue-Roads, a world leader in small group touring, specializes in taking you to these more intimate destinations where you get the best of both worlds. Here are a few ideas for authentic experiences coupled with a relaxed pace that allow you to truly decompress and better enjoy your travels:

Bilbao, Spain. Millions of tourists flock annually to Catalonia's capital, Barcelona, for its world-class art museums, its imposing gothic architecture and Northern Spanish delights such as paella. In Bilbao, you'll find equally appealing character and ambiance. In this rugged coastal city, steep yourself in Basque culture, history and cuisine. It's renowned for its fresh seafood and Basque foodways, its world-class Guggenheim Museum, and it's amazing indoor food market and contemporary architecture. On Blue-Roads' Highlights of Northern Spain tour, you'll explore the iconic Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim and dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Granada, Spain. Madrid may be famous for its great European masterworks and breathtaking architecture, notably the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor, but Granada is a jewel in its own right. You'll marvel at Granada's equally breathtaking Moorish architecture, a distinctive mix of Islamic and Arabic influences. No visit to Granada is complete without seeing the splendor of the Alhambra's palace and gardens from its plateau in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, with a sweeping vista overlooking the city. Included in the Iberian Inspiration tour is an exploration of this famed place, considered one of the finest masterpieces in Islamic architecture.

York, England. While few cities can match the lure of London, it is a very crowded destination. About three and a half hours north is York, one of the best-preserved ancient walled cities in the world. It dates back to Roman times. It's also one of the most picturesque places in England. The Heart of Britain tour brings you into the heart of Old Town York. Steps built in the middle ages bring you to the top of the city wall where you can take in dazzling views before sitting down to enjoy a pint or a meal.

Galway, Ireland. Ireland is famous for its rugged coastline, majestic castles and emerald green hills. Be sure not to limit yourself to Dublin or Belfast, though. Don't miss Galway, considered Ireland's cultural heart and designated the European Cultural Capital 2020. Known for its traditional Irish music, Galway is rich in medieval history, street art and is the birthplace of the traditional Claddagh ring. On Blue-Roads' Emerald Isle tour, you'll soak in the vibrant energy of this eclectic city, including a walking tour of the harbor city of Galway, where fisherman have lived and worked for centuries.

Who says you can't have it all? When you visit one of these less-traveled cities featured in Blue-Roads Tours, you'll replace the day-to-day with a getaway to remember.

Finding consensus on addressing the question of how to pay for the massive investment needed to fix the problem, however, is another matter entirely.

As federal and state legislators discuss and debate the means by which to fund infrastructure improvements, what has become clear is that funds, whether from public or private sources or a combination of the two, are precious commodities that must be wisely spent and protected.

Mandatory bonding on federal and state public construction projects has been in existence for many decades, protecting and preserving countless projects through prequalification of contractors and providing guarantees of contract performance.

In fact, a recent study conducted by The Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis verified the economic value of surety bond protection.

"One of the conclusions which leapt off the page to us was…that non-bonded construction enterprises are 10 times more likely to become insolvent than bonded companies," states Steve Ness, President of the Surety Association of Canada. Construction projects carried out under the protection of bonded contracts have reduced risk of contractor insolvency, greater protection of economic activity, and better management of economic risk, Ness adds.

"Disastrous consequences for the public can result from instances when mandatory bond requirements are ignored," asserts John Bustard, President of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers, Inc. and Executive Vice President of King & Neel, Inc., an insurance and surety bonding agency in Honolulu, Hawaii.

He cites the example of the city of Harrisburg, PA, which decided to retrofit its trash incinerator plant without requiring the contractor to furnish a bond guaranteeing its work. The work turned out to be deficient, leaving the city with more than $280 million in debt. A grand jury investigation of the situation produced "A Report of the Thirty-Ninth Statewide Investigating Grand Jury" under then Pa. Attorney General Josh Shapiro, in which it was concluded that "the absence of performance bonds which were equal to the contract amounts involved here was the single biggest factor in producing the overwhelming debt now facing the city."

The report further states: "Had performance bonds been in place, they would have shielded the City from the financial fallout from the failed contract to retrofit the incinerator." Subsequently, Pennsylvania legislators have introduced legislation to address this particular issue and to require bonds at 100 percent of the amount.

Even when infrastructure projects are not solely funded with public funds, such as projects undertaken through a combination of public and private financing, as through public-private partnership arrangements, those projects need bond requirements.

Approximately 20 states have already reached that policy conclusion, enacting public-private partnership legislation that also mandates bonding requirements on such projects. Situations have arisen, however, in which bonding has been ignored or reduced on public-private partnership infrastructure projects; and the public has paid a heavy price when problems have arisen with little or no backstop.

As Congress weighs how to address the tremendous infrastructure needs of the country in the coming months, protections in the form of performance and payment bonds will be absolutely necessary to ensure that the precious funds of America's private and public investment are wisely spent and that the public receives the quality of infrastructure that it deserves.

With the cost of a four-year degree rising nearly eight times faster than wages since the 1980s, those two questions are enough to give today's parents a serious case of night sweats. You can argue about the reasons for the disconnect -Administrative costs? Fancy amenities? - but you know there's a problem when a writer at Education Week is incensed.

"Madness," she decried.

Which is all the more reason to mark May 29 down on your calendar.

Otherwise known as National 529 College Savings Plan Day -Get it? 5/29? - it's the perfect time to consider setting up one those tax-advantaged 529 plans, as they're called, to help sock money away to cover tuition, books and other education-related expenses at most accredited two - and four-year colleges, universities and vocational-technical schools.

"It's a way of keeping your son or daughter from being saddled with too much debt when it's time to jump start their careers," explained Melissa Ridolfi, vice president of retirement and college products at Fidelity Investments. "Plus, any investment earnings compound on a tax-deferred basis, and qualified withdrawals are entirely free from federal and state income taxes."

And now to the big question: How much?

Two factors are mainly at play:

* Public vs. private schools. The cost difference can be about as mind-boggling as "Avengers: Endgame's" record $357.1 million opening weekend domestic haul: an average of $21,370 a year at the former, according to the College Board's latest figures, as opposed to $48,510 at the latter.

* The percentage of the bill you plan to foot. If you were counting on scholarships and other grants to pick up all or most of the tab, you should probably rethink that unless your kid is either a bona fide child prodigy or football star. Sallie Mae's "How America Pays for College" 2018 report found that both categories combined paid for just 28 percent of college costs.

One guess where 47 percent of the costs came from. That's right, "family income and savings," with another 24 percent covered by borrowing.

In other words, as Ridolfi said, "any way you look at it, the family is on the hook to pay the lion's share of college expenses." Which probably helps explain why a recent Fidelity study found that parents are increasingly starting to save before their child even reaches the age of two.

To see where you stand, try using what Fidelity calls "the college savings 2K rule of thumb." Simply multiply your child's current age by $2,000 to figure whether your savings to date are generally on track to handle approximately 50 percent of the College Board's $21,370-a-year average cost of attending a four-year public college.

Or, especially if you want a more customized estimate - one that lets you play around with percentages and switch back and forth between public and private schools - the firm's free online college savings calculator takes the angst out of doing the math yourself.

Fidelity provides 12 savings ideas to help reach your own goal, and offers a choice of two different investment strategies in the 529 savings plans it manages - including an age-based portfolio of funds that automatically becomes more conservative as the beneficiary nears college age.

Hopefully, armed with all that info, you'll be sleeping better at night.

Compare that hectic routine to those memorable moments when you're able to sit quietly, let the sunshine warm your face, hear the birds, and allow nature to envelope you. While everyone longs for less stress, actually relaxing can be dauntingly stressful!

However, a new study out of the United Kingdom sheds light on one way people can de-stress: bird watching. The study finds that people who watch birds from their home have lower depression, anxiety, and stress compared to those that live in less leafy areas that have fewer birds. People "felt relaxed and connected to nature when they watched birds in their garden," researchers say. These feelings increased with the level of bird feeding in the yard, they add.

Specifically, the number of birds people might see was directly associated with better mental health. "This study starts to unpick the role that some key components of nature play for our mental well-being. Birds around the home and nature in general, show great promise in preventive health care, making cities healthier, happier places to live.," says lead researcher Dr. Daniel Cox from the University of Exeter.

Dr. Tina Phillips, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, agrees. "Overwhelmingly, studies show that people feed birds because it makes them feel more relaxed, that it's something they're interested in and ultimately something that makes them feel good."

If you want to disconnect from the digital world and relieve some daily stress and anxiety, getting outside, bird watching could be the key to increasing your mindful, mental health. Since studies reveal the more birds you see, the less likely you are to be stressed and anxious, it's important to attract as many birds as possible.

The first step to attracting birds is to use an all-purpose tube feeder, which is the number one feeder choice, allowing birds to feed from multiple ports. Cole's Wild Bird Products, Co. offers the Terrific Tube feeder, it's made to last with state-of-the-art materials that prevent warping and discoloration and it features a "Quick Clean" removable base, so cleaning is super simple. Natural grip perch covers mimic the feel of a real branch, which encourages longer feeding times.

Once you have the right feeder, you'll need reliable seed that will bring birds to your backyard to deliver that dose of stress relief we all desire. According to Elaine Cole, President and owner of Cole's, the quality of birdseed will determine how many feathered friends will flock to your backyard.

Unlike other birdseed mixes, which typically contain cheap filler seed like milo and wheat, Cole's selects only the top 1 to 2 percent of the highest quality seeds birds like to eat. Plus, Cole's doesn't add pesticides or chemicals, preferring instead to keep the seed as close to its natural state as possible.

"If you use inferior seed, you're not going to like the results. Our seed is specifically formulated to attract the greatest number, variety, and species of birds. Birds are picky and birdseed matters. If you use cheap feed, they won't hesitate look for something else they prefer. Birds are like people, give them what they like to eat and they'll come back and bring their friends." Cole said.

Since we've learned that the more birds we attract, the more stress-free we'll be, it makes good sense to use the best bird feed you can buy. Cole's Special Feeder, attracts the greatest number of wild birds than any other mix out there. Add Cole's Blue Ribbon blend, which attracts the greatest variety of wild birds to the mix, and you've got the perfect prescription to help calm your anxiety and stress.

At the heart of it, everyone wants less stress and anxiety. Once you start watching birds in action, they'll engage your attention in a way that keeps you in the moment, a state that provides mental relief. Admiring their beauty, listening to their sweet song and enjoying their antics will calm your overactive mind and bring joy and renewal.

For more information on top quality feed and feeders, please visit: Cole's website.

Questions plague homebuyers: Can we afford it? How much do we have to put down? Do we have enough to avoid incurring the dreaded PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)? For homeowners looking to refinance, it becomes a question of, should we or shouldn't we? What's the down side? Does refinancing make sense in the long term?

In the past, consumers had only one option - taking on more debt. In addition to monthly payments with interest, this debt came with increased discomfort and the fear that "if we couldn't afford it, we could lose the roof over our head." Now, there may be another answer.

Home co-investing offers a new alternative - a better way to buy and own a home.

Home co-investing is a new category that works in partnership with homebuyers and homeowners to invest in the long-term appreciation of a home's value. Whether you're a homebuyer seeking to finance a new purchase or a long-time homeowner looking to maximize equity, home co-investing involves no monthly payments, no interest, and no additional debt.

Instead, home co-investing shares in the home's change in value - up or down. You can choose to return the investment any time after three years, or keep it until you sell, for up to 30 years.

"In a nutshell, we're in business to partner with you in your new or current home," according to the website for Unison, the company that invented this idea. The growing, San Francisco-based home co-investing company is now helping homebuyers and owners in 30 states plus Washington, D.C.

Unison's recently published 2019 Home Affordability Report states that individuals earning the current median income will need 14 years to save for a 20-percent down payment. Home co-investing benefits new buyers by helping them get over that first hurdle of the down payment. For example, with home co-investing, prospective buyers can put down 10 percent, and the company puts down 10 percent. The homebuyer can now reach a 20-percent down payment without taking on additional debt.

"Among the biggest financial mistakes potential buyers can make during the home-buying process is not researching all possible financing options beforehand, including home co-investing," says Cari Jacobs, Chief Marketing Officer at Unison.

"Think of it as the sharing economy for home buying. By partnering with a company like Unison, you can live the life you want, in the home of your dreams today, while sharing the risk," she explains.

"It's always better to have more information so you can make a fully informed decision that helps you buy the home you want, and sets you up for long-term financial success."

Home co-investing works for current homeowners, too, with opportunities for home equity-based funding for a variety of needs, including home renovations, paying medical bills, or even sending kids to college. But unlike a traditional home equity loan, there is no additional debt and no monthly payment.

Home co-investing represents a new way to think about home financing.

Visit unison.com for more information.

As this population expands, so does the need for support, with some 40 percent of middle-class Americans at risk of poverty in retirement. Yet, today, only 1 percent of charitable dollars go to efforts that support seniors.

It's time for that to change. There are organizations in every community that provide services to meet basic needs for older adults. And while donations and volunteer hours are always appreciated, caring for older adults in the community can come in many forms. In fact, simple acts of caring can make a big difference in the lives of seniors.

Here are five simple ways to help older adults in your community:

1. Start with hello - Introduce yourself to a senior in your neighborhood or community. A simple conversation can spark a lifetime of friendship.

2. Get out and care - Join Ready to Care, an initiative by Home Instead Senior Care, and sign up to receive weekly care missions.

3. Give to senior-focused organizations - There are plenty of opportunities to give to a senior-focused non-profit. Find one that sparks your interest by visiting give65.org/25years.

4. Get educated - Learn about issues affecting older adults and caregivers at caregiverstress.com.

5. Share your story - Share how caring for a senior impacted your life with family and friends. Encouraging others to take action can create a world of change.

Join Home Instead Senior Care as it marks 25 years of caring for older adults. Why not give your time, learn how you can help, and begin serving seniors in your community today?

According to recent research, psychoanalytic therapies achieve lasting results by exploring underlying causes of one's mental health issues. This deeper exploration gets to the root of a person's symptoms and sets psychoanalysis apart from more superficial therapies that only treat symptoms. By looking closely at each person's life, psychoanalytic therapies help one feel more understood as a unique individual, improve personal relationships, relieve painful emotional symptoms, and change life-long ways of coping.

This is not your father's psychoanalysis. In fact, in a 2019 survey conducted by PsychoanalysisNow, 400 psychoanalysts in the United States highlighted the realities of psychoanalysis and how it works. Almost all the professionals surveyed (96 percent) said they regularly conduct therapy either once or twice per week, which is feasible for most patients' schedules. The stereotype of lying on a couch during therapy is an option - but only if the patient chooses it for relaxation and comfort. Otherwise, patients and their analysts are seated facing each other in chairs. Roughly, 73 percent of analysts surveyed report that they also conduct therapy sessions remotely, via telephone or through Internet video connections.

"Psychoanalysis is often indicated when other less intensive therapies have failed to achieve the desired results," according to the website of the American Psychoanalytic Association.

"It truly offers something different and more comprehensive, and is a good place to turn when symptoms remain or behavioral or relationship patterns continue after one or two attempts at less intensive, shorter term psychotherapy."

However, one's problem need not be too severe to benefit from psychoanalysis. Individuals struggling in the workplace, who have long-term relationship issues with family members, or who simply want a new perspective on their lives can benefit. Through psychoanalysis, one can unlock the past, inform the present, and expand the future to reach their full potential.

Children and teens can also benefit as some psychoanalysts specialize in working with children in partnership with parents.

For more information and to find a psychoanalyst near you, visit apsa.org.

From an economic perspective, REMODELING magazine's 32nd Cost vs. Value Report states that a new asphalt roof recoups more of its value at resale compared to other home improvements such as a major kitchen remodel, bathroom addition or backyard patio.

Representing as much as 40 percent of a home's exterior, the roof is an easy way to boost curb appeal. Homeowners are no longer limited to gray, taupe and other neutral shingle colors. New palettes and color selection tools make it easy to integrate color into the roof. Today's calibrated shingles are infused with hues that add depth, dimension and subtle color.

Unsure what shingle color will best complement your home's exterior? Designer and style expert Chad Esslinger offers some tips:

* Seek out Digital Design Tools: Technology makes it easy to experiment with exterior home colors, including roofing shingles. Owens Corning® Roofing offers inspiration boards and color and design tools that allow homeowners to color coordinate their exteriors with the click of a mouse. The 2020 Owens Corning Shingle Color of the Year, Pacific Wave, is a good example of how a carefully curated shingle color can complement styles ranging from a stately Midwest colonial to a coastal beach house.

* Look around your house:

People surround themselves with colors they love - in interior paint colors, accessories such as bedding or pillows, and their closets. What colors make up the bulk of your wardrobe? If your closet is stocked with navy shirts, you may gravitate to shades of blue on your roof. Similarly, bookmarking an online search of exteriors can help you identify appealing color combinations for your roof, doors, windows and landscaping.

When searching online, look for patterns emerging in exterior color, trim and roof colors. It is likely these same shades will also appeal to you when brought together on your home's exterior.

* Go for a Color Drive: Drive around your neighborhood - or a neighborhood you like - and consider which homes and colors appeal to you. Be sure to drive by homes at different times of day and in different weather conditions so you can see how a particular color looks in sunlight, shade and when wet.

* Don't forget performance: A roof must be beautiful and able to stand up to the elements. Duration Series Shingles by Owens Corning have patented SureNail Technology in the nailing zone, giving them added performance against the elements. Homes in areas prone to strong winds and storms need extra protection against hail. Duration FLEX shingles feature a rubberizing SBS polymer modified asphalt to help guard against impact*.

When it comes to home improvements, the roof is an ideal place to connect value, curb appeal and performance. And today's shingle colors make it easy to tie functionality and aesthetics together beautifully.