(NewsUSA) -Students and educators alike have been facing increased hardship this school year, navigating hybrid and remote learning environments while balancing schoolwork and other priorities. While individuals of all ages struggle with stress, research shows that teenagers are experiencing more anxiety than other age groups due to the pandemic.

Even before COVID-19, many teens experienced difficulty coping with academic stress, which is now compounded by missing a year of critical developmental socialization. As a result, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 63% of young adults have reported feelings of anxiety and depression in the wake of COVID-19.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year the social-emotional wellness of America's youth has taken on even more importance. Hoping to reach those searching for guidance and needing a place to start, people across the country are sharing resources promoting self-care and wellness tips. In our classrooms, many educators are looking to provide support to their students as children and teens urgently seek resources to better cope with and understand their emotions.

Fortunately, there are proven programs and resources available to improve lifelong social and emotional well-being. One noteworthy nationwide initiative called "Life's Good: Experience Happiness" promotes social-emotional wellness and mental health education in youth. This science-based program is built on six teachable skills that can help individuals overcome adversity and build emotional resilience, according to John I. Taylor, senior vice president at LG USA, the lead sponsor of Experience Happiness.

Developed by researchers at The University of California, Berkeley, the skills are: mindfulness, human connection, positive outlook, purpose, generosity and gratitude. "To help bring these life-changing skills to America's youth, we worked with leading non-profits and educators," says Taylor. "And we're pleased to see positive results. Whether they experience social-emotional learning at school or at home, students who practice happiness skills are better able to cope with stress and demonstrate better behavior towards their work, their peers and their teachers."

The Experience Happiness program is available through digital, downloadable resources that help individuals develop tools for better lifelong wellness. Its social impact partners -- Be Strong, Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), Discovery Education, Inner Explorer, and The Greater Good Science Center -- and LG recognize the importance and urgency of delivering these resources. In fact, thanks to outstanding educators championing social-emotional learning, more than 4 million students across the country have already been taught these lifelong skills.

"In this unprecedented school year, it's essential to connect communities to resources that support all students in learning and practicing the necessary skills to build happiness in any learning environment," says Beth Meyer, Vice President of Corporate & Community Partnerships at Discovery Education. "Helping students cultivate self-confidence, manage stress and maintain their well-being so they can thrive has never been more critical."

On the front lines in today's youth mental health crisis are educators who embrace social-emotional learning as a vital part of their curriculum. In honor of their unparalleled impact in providing mental health tools to students, 50 "Superhero Teachers" across the United States were recognized this spring for their dedication to teaching the six sustainable happiness skills and going above and beyond to support their students especially during these challenging times.

"Teachers across the country are championing the use of practices such as mindfulness in the classroom, which remains instrumental in supporting students' ongoing mental health and wellbeing," adds Laura Bakosh, Ph.D., Co-Founder of Inner Explorer. "The LG Experience Happiness program will continue to be pivotal in helping reach more youth and educators with these skills."

Looking ahead, these students will have the tools to manage and improve their emotions as they grow into responsible, motivated, self-aware and (of course) happier adults. For more information, visit lgexperiencehappiness.com.

(NewsUSA) - A healthy immune system has always been important, but now more than ever, the best products for immune system support are those that boost both respiratory health and heart health.

Consumers looking to make their immune system as strong as possible need to know about several key ingredients that support immune system function at both the heart and respiratory levels.

Most products have been designed to support the immune system by providing the recommended amounts of daily vitamins and minerals to help protect against colds and the flu. Only a few manufacturers have formulated products to meet today's challenging environment. These unique products are engineered to promote respiratory and heart health, to help protect against viruses, and to support the body's ability to reduce inflammation and speed recovery.

"It's like upgrading a black and white TV to a high-definition flat screen color TV," says Dr. James Rouse, a naturopathic family doctor and consultant to BergaMet North America, a manufacturer of exclusive natural supplements.

The Clinical IMMUNE™ supplement product is revolutionizing the immune industry by combining 11 key ingredients including BetaVia™ Complete and Citrus Bergamot SuperFruit™ that focus directly on respiratory and heart heath. BetaVia™ is a patented proprietary form of beta glucans that has been clinically proven to lower respiratory symptoms up to 80%, and Citrus Bergamot Superfruit™ has more than 17 clinical trials that confirm a unique ability to support healthy cardiovascular systems including but not limited to cholesterol and blood sugar.

"We know from the clinical trials that Clinical IMMUNE works. It offers three levels of support: the three P's, Protection, Prevention and Propel," says Dr. Rouse. "With the three P's, the immune system recovers faster and stronger," Dr. Rouse explains. "I speak with so many people who are exhausted and stressed with today's overwhelming challenges. My recommendation is to do everything you can to protect yourself and your loved ones by strengthening your immune system."

Mique, a mother, wife and entrepreur from Colorado says, "I decided to try Clinical IMMUNE for my family and myself. Within days, we noticed that our sinuses and lungs felt clearer. She adds, "I checked with my doctor and I am told that the combination of ingredients in Clinical IMMUNE can be effective immediately," she adds.

Clinical IMMUNE also contains other key ingredients to promote a strong immune system including vitamins C, D, E, and B, as well as zinc and selenium. The addition of natural immune-system boosters alpha lipoic acid, L-glutamine, and olive leaf extract also help defend the body against free radicals and support a healthy metabolism.

Clinical IMMUNE is free of wheat, gluten, fish, egg, dairy, and lactose, and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Visit tryclinicalimmune.com for more information about the supplement or call 1-855-556-2131 for more details. The BergaMet North America stock symbol is HYEX.

(NewsUSA) - After a year like no other, we are beginning to see glimpses of a return to our pre-pandemic lives. Public health guidance and scientific advances mean we are trickling back into our favorite restaurants, joining together to share meals, and toasting to a year of missing family and friends.

But these celebrations come with their fair share of greasy foods and bubbly beverages. And unfortunately, our favorite indulgences often bring an all-too-familiar side effect: heartburn.

Also known as acid reflux, heartburn can be a miserable experience: the burning sensation in your chest or throat may start after finishing a meal and last for hours afterwards. Other symptoms can include a hot, sour, or acidic fluid feeling in the back of your throat, as well as a lingering cough, sore throat, or hoarse voice. May is Digestive Disease Awareness Month so it's a great time to learn about self-care for heartburn.

If you experience heartburn, you're not alone: more than one in four adults have occasional heartburn with symptoms occurring at least once a week. And for some people, frequent heartburn is a struggle, with symptoms re-occurring even more often.

"Stress and unhealthy eating are two major causes of digestive symptoms including heartburn, and right now, my patients are experiencing both" says Dr. Michael Kreines of the Ohio Gastroenterology & Liver Institute. "With so many treatment options available for different types of heartburn, it can be tricky to know which option is best for you."

The first step to managing your heartburn is to take a look at your lifestyle choices. "It can be tempting to overindulge since we've gone so long without a reason to celebrate. But if you are prone to experiencing heartburn, it's important to avoid common triggers such as fatty and greasy foods and alcohol," says Kreines.

In addition to smart food choices, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can be a safe and effective way to help alleviate heartburn symptoms. For occasional heartburn symptoms, Dr. Kreines recommends OTC antacids (such as Gaviscon, Mylanta, or TUMS) or H2 blockers (such as PEPCID or Tagamet).

"If you suffer from heartburn two or more days per week, you may benefit from OTC proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs," says Kreines. "PPIs -- which include brand names Nexium 24HR, Prevacid 24HR, Prilosec OTC or Zegrid OTC -- are specifically indicated to treat symptoms of frequent heartburn."

The right treatment depends on the frequency and cause of your heartburn symptoms. Always talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions, or if you are struggling with more chronic or severe cases of heartburn. They can properly diagnose heartburn and other conditions.

"Whatever you do, don't ignore your heartburn symptoms," says Dr. Kreines. "In addition to causing significant pain, if left untreated, the stomach acid that causes heartburn can damage the esophagus -- known as GERD."

Your return to normal doesn't have to mean a return to heartburn symptoms. Be aware of your treatment options to keep heartburn at bay. To learn more, visit www.KnowYourOTCs.org. Created by the CHPA Educational Foundation, the site serves as a resource to help you navigate the OTC aisle when treating heartburn or other symptoms.

(NewsUSA) - The heroic efforts of frontline health care workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic merit ongoing recognition and gratitude. Nurse educators also continue to play a key role by supporting and promoting the work of nurses, who deliver everything from lifesaving emergency services to end-of-life care.

To recognize and celebrate the essential role of nursing education during the pandemic and beyond, the National League for Nursing has declared 2022 as the Year of the Nurse Educator.

Throughout the year, the League will spotlight nurse educators teaching in academic and clinical settings and showcase their contributions to innovative primary and preventive care models in underserved communities.

For example, the #BeyondANurseEducator social media campaign promotes the vital role of nursing education in advancing the nursing profession and patient care. This campaign runs through September and will include monthly recognition of nurse educators based on nominations from students and academic leadership.

The pandemic highlighted the shortage of nurses, but the key to reversing this shortage is to increase the numbers of nurse educators -- those who teach nursing students how to become nurses.

Encouraging more nurses to consider career shifts into nursing education is the best way to ensure a consistent flow of qualified nurses into the health care system. As a result of the pandemic, many nursing education programs moved to online platforms, which expanded the options for nurses who want to pursue careers as nurse educators.

Nurses are now able to earn their master's in nursing or education online, which helps prevent loss of income from taking time off to take classes, and also reduces the need for student loans or moving to attend classes at a distant campus. Nurses can then become Certified Nurse Educators, the badge of expertise in this advanced specialty area of practice.

The demand for nurses, and therefore for nurse educators, is likely to remain high. Nurse educators are in a unique position to make an impact by inspiring nurses in training and by promoting public health through work in schools, businesses, hospitals and community agencies.

Other reasons to become a nurse educator include the intellectual stimulation of knowing the latest research in the field, greater autonomy and flexible schedules, including options for remote teaching, and the sense of purpose that comes with advancing the next generation of nurses and making a difference in the future of nursing.

For more information, visit NLN.org.

(NewsUSA) - One in four American adults suffers from chronic knee pain, so an accessible, non-surgical solution should come as welcome news.

A recent study out of UCLA indicates that GDEFY® medically engineered shoes could be that solution. In fact, study participants wearing the GDEFY shoes with patented VersoShock® technology reported an average reduction in knee pain of 85%, as well as significant decreases in other common conditions.

A double-blind, randomized study conducted at Olive View UCLA Medical Center, recently published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, shows that wearing shoes with VersoShock soles decreases knee pain by up to 85% vs. wearing shoes with conventional soles during prolonged standing and walking. After five weeks, participants using the GDEFY intervention sole shoe -- with shock-absorbing VersoShock technology -- reported an average reduction in knee pain of 85%, significantly better than participants using the traditional sole shoe (P < .01), whose average pain scores increased. Also observed were positive effects on back, ankle and foot pain in those with the intervention sole shoe, compared with the traditional sole shoe.

Alexander Elnekaveh founded Gravity Defyer Medical Technology Corporation in 2008 after his 14-year-old nephew was diagnosed with a cancerous growth in his heel. Even after successful heel surgery, physical therapy and help from leading doctors in pain management, Elnekaveh's nephew had little chance of walking pain-free again. But Elnekaveh, an inventor, wasn't satisfied with that prognosis, so he assembled a team of top podiatrists, physical therapists, biochemical and material engineers (Impact Research Technology Group) to help him develop the first Gravity Defyer (GDEFY) shoe with VersoShock technology.

"Our mission is to maximize comfort and boost performance for people who have foot biomechanics that keep them from walking properly and to enable normal pronation," says Elnekaveh.

"This study proves what we've known all along: that our breakthrough VersoShock technology provides the ultimate pain relief in a way no other shoe can."

To accommodate customers at work, home and play, GDEFY men's and women's footwear comes in several styles, widths and sizes. All shoes come with a polyurethane removable insole to adjust to one's comfort preference.

GDEFY footwear is available online at www.gdefy.com or in GDEFY stores throughout the country, as well as in most premium independent shoe retailers, including The Walking Company, Nordstrom, DSW and Dillard's. GDEFY continues to expand its presence, bringing pain-relieving footwear closer to feet everywhere.

(NewsUSA) - As the ongoing coronavirus pandemic highlights the importance of maintaining good health, many Americans continue to struggle with the cost of health care, especially prescription medications. In fact, many people are overcharged for medications, even for generic drugs, according to leading experts and as highlighted in a 2018 in-depth expose' shown on PBS.

MyFreePharmacy, a new membership service launched in 2017, makes paying for prescriptions easier and more affordable. The company offers more than 600 medications for a flat monthly fee that includes standard shipping. Strategic partnerships make it possible for MyFreePharmacy to control costs and make prescriptions more affordable for everyone, including those without health insurance. MyFreePharmacy also offers a more affordable option for those whose insurance deductibles are so high that they never meet them, which means they typically pay full price for medications.

"MyFreePharmacy currently mails out truckloads of FREE prescriptions nationwide every month to our members," says founder Doug Behrens. "The program is a game changer -- where else can you get FREE prescriptions? We want to make a difference out there, and we are doing it for our members, one prescription at a time," he explains.

The membership plan involves four easy steps.

- Sign up. Simply visit myfreepharmacy.com/join to sign up for a membership card.

- Search. Review the MyFreePharmacy list of medications. They offer not only prescription drugs for chronic and acute conditions, but also over-the-counter products such as acetaminophen, allergy medications and vitamins.

- ePrescribe or Transfer. Your prescriptions can be transferred or e-prescribed by your doctor, who can send prescriptions with the click of a button. Or if you are transferring a script, MyFreePharmacy will handle it for you while you sit back and relax.

- Receive. Your medications are processed and shipped the same day and will be delivered to your home in one to three days.

MyFreePharmacy is working to change the way Americans get their prescriptions. They take the stress and high costs out of the equation by helping consumers control their costs without sacrificing quality. For safety and security, all medications are shipped through the U.S. Postal Service, with a standard shipping time of one to three days.

For more information, visit myfreepharmacy.com/join.

(NewsUSA) - We all do it: we let over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like pain relievers for a headache, allergy medicine or cough and cold products pileup in our bathrooms. Especially over the past few years, you may have let medications linger in the house past their expiration dates. But old and unneeded medication should be disposed of safely, and springtime is the perfect time to get it done.

Proper medicine disposal keeps our homes and communities safe and our environment clean, according to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), the national trade association representing manufacturers of OTC medicines.

"Medication safety is everyone's responsibility, and proper medication disposal is an important part of medication safety," says Anita Brikman, Executive Director of the CHPA Educational Foundation, which is a 501c3 organization focused on promoting the safe use, storage and disposal of OTC medicines and dietary supplements to consumers. "How you dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired OTC medicines is important and easy," she says.

So clean out your medicine cabinet this spring, and choose one of these three quick and easy disposal methods:

- In-Home Disposal. Many OTC medications, and some prescription medications, can be thrown out with your regular trash at home. Mix the medicine (do not crush any tablets or capsules) with some especially unappealing trash, such as kitty litter or used coffee grounds, and place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag. Then put the bag in your usual household trash bin, and you're done.

- In-Store Disposal. Many pharmacies provide designated kiosks where you can bring any medication, OTC or prescription, for safe disposal. The website MyOldMeds.com has a zip code locator tool to find more than 22,000 verified sites nationwide that offer free medicine-disposal options all year long.

- Take-Back Events. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducts national Drug Take-Back Day events, and the next one will occur this year on April 30.

These events, which are set up temporarily at convenient community- based locations throughout the country, serve as an opportunity to return medications safely as a friendly public-service reminder to clean out your medicine cabinet.

Visit KnowYourOTCs.org for more details about safely disposing of medications at home, and visit MyOldMeds.com to find secure and safe disposal locations near you.

(NewsUSA) - With football season in full swing, men are bracing for everything that comes with it. In a new poll of 2,000 American men conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Nutrisystem, 37% of men said they usually gain weight from September to January, with 53% claiming they gain 10 pounds or more.

This battle of the belly bulge has many men willing to make changes to get in shape and back in the game. In the same survey, more than one-third (37%) of men said they would give up football games or other sporting events for two months if it meant they could get a six-pack or a flat stomach.

To help men jumpstart their weight loss and kick their healthy habits into high gear, Courtney McCormick, registered dietitian and manager of clinical research & nutrition at Nutrisystem, offers these simple tips.

1. Power Up on Protein: When you're losing weight, your body burns both fat and muscle. Since men have more muscle mass than women, guys need to be sure they get enough protein. Meat and fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts and nut butters are your best choices because they're low in calories and high in protein and healthy fats.

2. Hold That Beer. Yes, you can enjoy a cold one on occasion as you're trying to lose weight. Just keep in mind that even most light beers have 100 calories. These beverages tend to leave you feeling full, but only for a short time. Some people may even feel hungrier after drinking.

3. Set Goals: Setting goals is an effective way to challenge yourself when you're trying to lose weight. "Having a game plan is crucial," says Hall of Fame quarterback and Nutrisystem ambassador Dan Marino.

" For guys especially, simplicity, variety and correct portion sizes are key. Programs such as Nutrisystem that are delivered to your door and easy to follow are the best bet. And when you start seeing the results, it makes you motivated to keep going."

4. Pass on the Salt: Excess sodium can cause your body to retain water, making you feel bloated and adding extra pounds when you step on the scale. What's more, The Journal of Clinical Investigation reports that eating high-sodium snacks can also leave you hungrier, increase your appetite and decrease your water consumption.

5. Get Up and Go: Instead of sitting around with friends and taking in calories you don't need, organize a group activity that gets everybody moving. Burn calories while bowling, golfing or playing ping pong. You might also come home with bragging rights instead of a belly full of regrets.

To add to your efforts, have fun and laugh. According to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, genuine laughter for 10 to 15 minutes causes a 10-to-20 percent increase in heart rate and energy expenditure. For more great tips, visit Nutrisystem's The Leaf.

(NewsUSA) - If you've ever struggled to find a ride to a doctor's appointment, or gone without healthy food in your home, or been isolated from family and friends for a long time -- you're not alone. Humana recognizes these situations are barriers to good health -- especially as we age -- and provides benefits in its Medicare Advantage plans to meet the needs of the whole person.

In this Medicare annual enrollment period, which starts October 15 and ends December 7, it's important to consider what you need in life to keep you healthy. For example:

• Healthy Foods Card. Food insecurity results in higher rates of chronic conditions, leading to increased medical costs and a reduced sense of well-being. Humana has identified areas in need and created a Healthy Foods Card benefit for some Medicare Advantage plans in several states. The benefit, for some qualifying members with Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans, can be used to purchase healthy groceries from various national retailers and comes in the form of a wallet card loaded with a cash benefit each month, depending on need and plan.
• Transportation Benefits. For older adults, transportation can be a major factor in maintaining independence while keeping social connections. Several Humana health plans cover non-emergency medical transportation to help you get to doctor's appointments. If transportation has been a problem for you, inquire with your health plan or an insurance agent about transportation benefits in your area.
• Silver Sneakers. Regular physical activity can help aging adults live independently, minimize fall and fracture risks, reduce anxiety and depression, and control arthritic pain. The Silver Sneakers health and fitness program is designed for individuals with Medicare and is included at no additional cost for most Humana Medicare Advantage members. Members have access to 15,000 participating U.S. fitness locations with cardio equipment, pools, and free weights as well as fitness classes and social events. The program also includes yoga, walking groups and on-demand video classes.
• Far From Alone. The health effects of low social connection, which the pandemic has amplified, can be as dangerous as obesity or smoking. Humana provides many resources to keep aging adults connected to family and friends, and the opportunity to create new relationships. FarFromAlone.com provides a toll-free friendship line, mental health resources, and many more resources in members' local communities. Humana Neighborhood Centers are also available in many areas and offer cooking classes, trivia, and walking groups to help stay connected.

Be sure to educate yourself about plan options safely by using digital resources, including educational events and one-on-one meetings with licensed sales agents. Beneficiaries can also visit www.Medicare.gov; call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; or go to www.Humana.com/Medicare to learn more about Humana plans. Licensed Humana sales agents are available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week at 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711). With these resources, you'll be able to confidently select a 2022 Medicare Advantage plan that suits your specific healthcare needs. 

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Humana is also a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

(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.