NFCC Launches Financial Workbook Series

If we break an appliance, we could try fixing it ourselves if the right step-by-step manual is on hand. If no manual is available, we may simply guess and hope for the best. The other option: Find an expert to fix the problem efficiently. The same applies for our finances. When we find ourselves in financial woes, we have similar options. And don’t you sometimes wish there were a manual, written by an expert, to walk you through just “fixing it?”

There are in fact affordable “user manuals” waiting to provide you, loved ones, family members and friends with reliable assistance. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) has created workbooks to get folks on the right track towards some of the most common financial goals. From “Better Fortunes,” to “Keys to Homeownership,” “Live a Richer Life,” and “More than One Way Out,” these workbooks are filled with tips, advice and strategies straight from the experts!

To find brief summaries and/or purchase a workbook, visit: http://www.nfcc.org/publications

And while you’re there, you can even pick up a free DVD! http://www.nfcc.org/Housing/orderdvd.cfm

Be sure to check NFCC out on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nfccdebtadvice

And don’t forget to follow them on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nfccdebtadvice

Be sure to check one… or all out today and start on your way! : )

EyeCare America Asks: Do You Know What Heavy Winter Rains Have in Common with Glaucoma?

EyeCare America and 7000 Ophthalmologists Providing FREE Eye Exams During January’s Glaucoma Awareness Month

Every winter across the US, heavy rains bring thoughts of flooding, backed up drainage systems and overflowing streets. When drains and city sewers get clogged, the overflow of winter rains can bring a once bustling community to a grinding halt. Like the back up caused by winter’s inevitable downpour, poor drainage of a person’s eye can lead to high eye pressure which is a cause of Glaucoma.

In honor of January’s Glaucoma Awareness Month, EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, encourages those without insurance to take advantage of its national Glaucoma EyeCare Program. The program offers glaucoma eye exams for those at increased risk of glaucoma. Family history, race and age play a big part in evaluating your risk. African-Americans, Hispanics and people with diabetes are also at higher risk of getting the disease.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Glaucoma is often caused by increased pressure that can develop when the fluids in the eye are not draining properly
• This condition eventually damages the nerve that connects the eye to the brain and leads to loss of vision
• If caught early, Glaucoma can be treated with eye drops that lower eye pressure, laser therapy that allows for better drainage of fluids inside the eye, or eye surgery to create a new drainage canal

Nearly three million people have glaucoma, but half do not realize it because there are often no warning symptoms. An eye exam can save your sight and all that is needed for detection is a quick and painless office test. Glaucoma doesn’t have to interfere with leading a happy, sighted and fulfilling life. To see if you, a loved one or a friend is eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care, or to request free eye care information, call 1-800-391-EYES (3937), 24 hours a day, every day, year round. All eligible callers receive a referral to one of EyeCare America’s 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists.

*The Glaucoma EyeCare Program is designed for people who: are US citizens or legal residents, have not had an eye exam in 12 months or more, and/or are deemed to be at increased risk for glaucoma (as determined by family history, race, age). Those eligible for a referral through the glaucoma program receive a glaucoma eye exam and the initiation of treatment, if deemed necessary. Uninsured patients will receive the above care at no charge.

Please visit the URL below to learn more about the free glaucoma eye exams:

http://www.eyecareamerica.org/eyecare/care/glaucoma-eyecare.cfm

NFCC Announces Financial Literacy Poster Contest!

It’s no secret that smart money choices equal a brighter future! Did you know that financial experts agree starting early is one of the keys to later financial success? The National Foundation for Credit Counseling is providing a fun chance for kids to get a head start towards a smart financial future!

“$mart Money Choices = A Brighter Future” was selected as the theme of the NFCC’s 2010 Poster Contest. In an effort to increase interest in financial literacy to our nation’s youth, the NFCC is once again sponsoring the Be Money Wi$e National Financial Literacy Poster Contest. The contest is designed to get young students thinking about how to manage money efficiently and offers them a creative outlet to demonstrate their knowledge. It also provides the opportunity for local and national recognition for student artwork. All finalists will receive a commemorative t-shirt, and each national grade category winner will receive an award plaque and a $100 savings bond. In addition, the National Winner will be given an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian and will be given official recognition in April as part of the Financial Literacy Month on Capitol Hill!

Do you have a child or children in mind that you feel has the talent and creativity to win? All school-aged children in grades 3-12 are eligible to enter with local and national winners to be chosen from each of three grade categories. Students from public, private and home-schools are welcome. Entries will be judged by expression of the theme (above), artistic style, creativity, and must be submitted through an NFCC Member Agency for judging. *The submission deadline for poster entries is in February 2010, varying by each specific member agency.

Teachers, parents and students are encouraged to visit www.MoneyWisePosterContest.org to find more detailed information, rules, entry forms and where to submit. If you have any questions at all please to not hesitate to leave a comment and ask. Encourage a child to get involved today!

Carnation Is Offering an Easy-to-Use Website Filled With Holiday Tips, Cooking Guide and Recipes!

Free Holiday Cooking Guide Aids in Creating the Perfect Holiday Dishes

Can you believe the holiday season is already upon us? In no time the hustle and bustle will be here in full swing, and
Carnation wants to help ensure that you are prepared to cater to your holiday houseful. From family travel arrangements to visitors and meal planning, there is a lot that needs to be taken care of in a short amount of time. Often the fun of casual get-togethers with friends and family can be overlooked with all the focus on the “big” meal. But these are some of the best times to connect with friends and family! From brunches to potlucks, there are tons of fun, yet easy, informal occasions to enjoy.

Carnation Evaporated Milk, with the help of Pam Anderson, food columnist for “USA Weekend,” “Better Homes and Gardens Magazine” and author of the cook book series “The Perfect Recipe,” is sharing ideas for savory recipes that will serve as perfect solutions for any impromptu gathering. Anderson teaches some of her own rich and decadent dishes through a quick, informative video and Website resource. Taking us into her world of cooking, Pam Anderson’s interactive, online virtual kitchen, found at TheCookingMilk.com offers visitors a free “Holiday Houseful” Recipe Guide, featuring ideas for every entertaining occasion this holiday season. From brunches to potlucks, game day to appetizers and even leftovers, visitors to the website can either send away for a free printed booklet or easily download a .PDF version.

Don’t let the stress of preparing for the holidays overshadow the actual joy of experiencing it! Log on to www.TheCookingMilk.com today and start on your way towards a tasty, fun-filled holiday season.

National Foundation for Credit Counseling Provides Financial Fast Facts in Preparation for the Holiday Season

This can be the most exciting time of year for families, as it’s coming up on the holiday shopping season. People will be spending and charging hundreds if not thousands of dollars, so it’s important to not fall deep into credit card debt. From charging holiday gifts to spending money on travel, parties, and decorations, many Americans are already asking themselves if they’re going to be in over their heads financially. Now as the Holidays creep closer, anyone who is worried about their financial fitness should focus on making sure new debt doesn’t pile on top of old. The non-profit organization, National Foundation for Credit Counseling wants to help ensure you, your family and friends are taking the necessary steps today, before swiping that plastic this season.

NFCC.org has launched a series of videos, giving access to free information called “Financial Fast Facts,” brief videos that can be utilized to ensure the right, financial steps are taken before the big holiday rush arrives. Simply log on to NFCC’s Financial Fast Facts and instantly watch “How to Know if You’re in Financial Trouble,” which includes financial warning signs and a quick quiz to help assess if you are facing financial danger yourself.

Some questions to ask yourself are:

• Are my bills always past due?
• Do I have arguments at home about money?
• Is debt affecting my job?
• Do I hide purchases from others?

If you worry charging those holiday expenses could send you over the edge financially, then there’s no better time than now to ask yourself these questions and take stock of potential threats in your fiscal behavior. Remember, smart financial practices should not be put on hold simply because holiday season arrives; in fact, a more conscious effort undoubtedly needs to be made before the spending ever begins. Log on today to learn more, and also be sure to share your holiday, money-saving tips on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/NFCCDebtAdvice.

National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association Promotes Career Opportunities with New Video

The job market is a tough one these days, and whether you are a recent high school grad, college grad, or simply looking to make a career change, finding a job that offers you a challenge and the chance to give back to the community can be a daunting task. The U.S. aggregate producers that comprise the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association have joined forces to develop new recruiting materials that’ll show that this industry can provide just that.

Did you know that the aggregate industry gives back to America, adding almost 40 billion dollars to the U.S. gross domestic product? In fact, for every $1 of industry output, $1.58 is returned! More than 100,000 men and women are currently employed by the NSSGA, and have been seeing the benefits firsthand for years. Currently, there are many and varied employment opportunities available within the industry.

In addition to propelling the economy, NSSGA and its members also feel it is important to protect the environment. They have developed several sustainability goals with a focus on being as environmentally conscious as possible. Members not only realize that wise, environmental choices are good business and good for business, but that life depends on Earth’s finite resources. NSSGA understands that we must make smart decisions now to ensure quality of life is preserved for future generations.

So what type of positions does the aggregates industry offer? Everything from:

 

• Human Resource Specialist
• Accountant and Manager
• Safety and Health
• IT and other office and management functions
• Engineering
• Operator of heavy equipment
• Truck drivers
• Production Manager
• And so much more!

To learn more about what the aggregates industry can offer you and to complete a survey, simply visit: http://www.foundation4thefuture.com. And be sure to check out NSSGA on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Stone-Sand-Gravel-Association/46772849391

Join in the Fight Against Major Diseases and Celebrate the Medical Advances Made Possible Through Clinical Research

Quintiles Launches an Easy-to-Use Website Designed to Drive Clinical Research Awareness, Understanding and Participation

Did you know that millions of clinical research participants are needed to help the fight against cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, viral diseases, heart disease and stroke? With the help of research participants just like you, we’re winning our fight against major killers… specifically five of the top 10 diseases in the U.S.:

• Heart disease is down 4.7%

• Cancer is down 1.8%

• Stroke is down 4.6%

• Diabetes is down 3.9%

• Flu and pneumonia is down 8.4%

Source: CDC National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital Statistics Report Aug 19, 2009.

These victories are all due to advancements in medicine made possible by clinical research. Unfortunately, a lack of participants for clinical trials is one of the major factors lengthening the development of new drugs. Seventy-five percent of the general public state they have little or no knowledge of clinical research and the participation process. This statistic needs to change, as clinical research plays a crucial role in identifying cures and therapies. If more folks understood the positive impact clinical research has on our society, then more would be willing to participate.

The good news is there is an effortless way to gain more knowledge. People who wish to learn more about their potential role in speeding new, safer drugs to market now have access to a global Website that provides important information about clinical research in order to encourage more people to champion clinical research and contribute to the promise of tomorrow’s medicines!

Sponsored by global biopharmaceutical services company Quintiles, the new Website, www.ClinicalResearch.com, presents easy-to-use, comprehensive information for those who have little or no understanding of clinical research and the value it brings to society. With just a few clicks, patients who visit www.ClinicalResearch.com can identify ongoing or future clinical trials appropriate for their disease or condition and narrow them down to those that are geographically convenient. What else can ClinicalResearch.com provide?

• The Web site puts you in touch with supporting information about clinical research
• www.ClinicalResearch.com also provides videos and news from recent studies

The clinical trial became the standard in developing drugs in 1962, and since then, the FDA has approved more than 1,019 novel therapies. Virtually all the medicines used today are a result of clinical research, including all drugs for cancer, heart disease, depression, HIV, Alzheimer’s and asthma. Clinical research through clinical trials is arguably the greatest medical invention of the 20th century. It continues to deliver life saving medicines and treatments and gives hope to patients in need of better care and effective medicines.

To hear patients and doctors tell their story about clinical trials click here.

Need another reason to consider clinical trials? The research pipeline holds over 9,605 potential breakthroughs and in order to keep making strides though, more volunteers are critical! Visit www.ClinicalResearch.com today to learn more and get involved.

Have more questions?

http://www.clinicalresearch.com/Patients/Documents/ClinicalResearchFAQ.pdf

Advance Health through Clinical Research on Facebook:

http://tinyurl.com/yl74qfu

Clinical Research on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/advancehealth

Clinical Research on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/advancehealth

National Foundation for Credit Counseling Urges You to Protect Your Identity This Week!

Did you know that even the most responsible of us can become a victim of identity theft? The nonprofit organization, National Foundation for Credit Counseling, has teamed up with Council of Better Business Bureaus to bring you Protect Your Identity Week.

Now more than ever it is important to protect ourselves and our families from theft and invasion, as nearly 10 million Americans were victims of identity theft last year, making this the fastest growing crime in America! Everyday we may be putting ourselves and our families at risk by simply writing a check, using a credit card or even our ATM cards. So the best protection against identity theft is education. By visiting www.ProtectYourIDNow.org, you can take a quiz and assess your risk of ID theft and learn helpful tips to keep you and your family safe. Additionally, the Web site allows you to find PYIW events in your area. Workshops, shredding and credit report reviews are some of the events taking place across the nation from Oct 17-24.

Since this crime is not going anywhere, it is time for us to fight back! Identity Theft comes in many forms, from Financial Identity Theft, to Government to Medical, and can be accomplished by practices such as:

• Dumpster Diving

• Skimming

• Phishing

• Changing Your Address

• “Old-Fashioned” Stealing

National Protect Your Identity Week is October 17-24th. Visit www.ProtectYourIDNow.org, where you will learn important tips and receive information on ways to get involved in National Protect Your Identity Week events.

Learn more today to start protecting yourself and your family for the future: www.ProtectYourIDNow.org

And be sure to check out Poor Than You and Money Under 30 for great features on Protect Your Identity Week:

http://poorerthanyou.com/2009/10/18/protect-your-mail-national-protect-your-identity-week/

http://www.moneyunder30.com/seven-signs-risk-identity-theft

Protect Your Identity Week Website:

www.ProtectYourIDNow.org

NFCC Official Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/NFCCDebtAdvice

NFCC Twitter Updates:

ww.twitter.com/nfccdebtadvice

Today is World Sight Day!

As caring individuals, we do our very best to ensure the people we love around us are safe and healthy. Unfortunately, in developing countries, this is a much more difficult task.

ORBIS International, a non-profit, global development organization is on a mission to eliminate avoidable blindness in developing countries. ORBIS envisions a world where no one is needlessly blind, where quality eye care, education and treatment are available to every human being.

Now it’s time for us all to get involved, as TODAY, October 8^th is World Sight Day! You can help by setting aside one day during the Month of October to inform your friends, family, and fellow Blog readers about this initiative.

Did you know that an estimated 45 million children and adults are blind worldwide… and every year between 1 and 2 million more will lose their sight. What makes these facts even more upsetting is that 75 percent of cases could have been prevented, or their eyesight restored, if only people had access to proper eye care. Unless steps are taken now, it is estimated that by the year 2020 blindness will affect more than 76 million people! There is hope though. ORBIS, with support from Alcon, carries out programs onboard its Flying Eye Hospital and at hospitals in developing countries to help the blind see. While they are in these countries, ORBIS also trains local doctors and nurses in the latest sight-saving techniques so that they may gain the tools and knowledge needed to carry on the work that is done.

This year, ORBIS International will be giving everyone an xclusive inside look to see the great work that goes on first hand! These inside accounts are called “Eye Reports,” and will be added to the website weekly to include inspiring moments from the field.

Want to check out the latest news and updates? Simply visit: http://www.orbis-eyereports.org and be sure to check ORBIS out on Facebook!

Canon Creative Park Makes Learning Fun and Interactive

Parents and teachers know first-hand that creative thinking is a crucial part of a child’s development and universal education. So selecting projects that foster creative learning is extremely fundamental! However, having to come up with fresh, new ideas can often be a very nerve-wracking experience for both parents and teachers, leaving them with questions such as: Where can I go to find innovative projects? Will my kids stay interested? Where do I even begin? It is a difficult task to constantly come up with ideas, but luckily Canon’s Creative Parks for Creative Minds offers a free, online resource that can help bring fun, easy craft projects right into your home or classroom!

The Creative Park Web site offers ideas and templates with projects ranging from 3D Paper Crafts, to scrapbooks and calendars and even tips on digital photography, allowing children to expand their minds in an imaginative fashion. Creative Park is a simple, innovative way to teach children about geography, history, social studies, sciences and so much more. So whether your children want to build their very own Tower of London, or venture to the Great Pyramid, there is a template for every child’s imagination!

The smart ideas on Creative Park are both an easy and affordable way to turn your home or classroom into a creative environment. If you are interested in introducing Creative Park into your children’s education, simply visit http://www.learningtocreate.com to receive more information about this hands-on approach to learning.

Capture the imagination of your children today!