Falling Leaves, Football, Halloween, And A New Kitchen
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– Many people believe spring or summer is the best time of year to get your dream kitchen.Not so fast.Those seasons may be the most popular time of year for a project such as this, but when you take a deeper dive into the world of home remodeling, you’ll find October and November are actually the best times to remodel your kitchen. By taking advantage of the fall season, you can get your project done before the holidays (and save a ton of money.) Slower season means better values Spring and summer may seem the ideal time to begin a remodel project, but it’s the busy season for contractors and retailers know it. High demand can mean higher prices and longer lead times to get things done. More people are recognizing this and getting their kitchen done in the fall. They can find better deals and, just as importantly, get their house ready for the holidays.Here are some insider tips:* Watch for the sale. Retailers will push great savings in October and November to clean out inventory heading into the new year.* Find an expert. The Internet is great for research, but for a big project such as a kitchen, find a retailer that offers personal one-on-one design help.* Remodel the whole kitchen, not just one part. You can get the best deals from retailers that do it all: cabinets, countertops, sinks, faucets – even flooring. And you’ll be able to design the full kitchen without driving to three different stores.* Plan installation. Ask if they offer installation. This time of year, that can be a real positive.Try to find a store such as Cabinets To Go in your area. Unlike online retailers, they have experts in every store. They also offer free, 3D-kitchen design, installation and hundreds of style options for cabinets, countertops, sinks, faucets, and flooring. Better yet, they also offer some of their best deals of the year right now. For more information, visit www.cabinetstogo.com/. Show it off for the Holidays Home blogger Cassie Bustamante also encourages taking advantage of this season for a remodel."The fall is a financially wise time to undertake a new kitchen, but it also makes sense for a lot of other reasons," she says."The holidays are about family time and the kitchen is the heart of it all."Bustamante also feels there’s a more personal reason."Maybe you’ll finally get up the nerve to host Thanksgiving dinner since you’ll have such a gorgeous new space."The kitchen is the heart of the holiday experience. It’s the place we gather with loved ones to prepare meals and share stories. Now, imagine how amazing it would feel to host the holidays in your newly-remodeled kitchen knowing you saved a lot of money? Great family time during the holidays is more than just a kitchen, but it’s the perfect place to bring it all together.You may also be interested in
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– Maybe your mom forgot where she parked her car. Or maybe you had to resort to describing "the thing that gets the creases out of clothes" to a salesperson because you couldn’t remember the word "iron."In either case, part of you may have been worried it could be … Alzheimer’s disease. With good reason.Every 65 seconds, someone in the U.S. joins the more than 5 million Americans now living with this fatal brain disease, which slowly destroys memory and thinking skills before ultimately making even a simple thing like swallowing impossible. And with no current cure, it’s no wonder a recent poll found that no other life-threatening condition – not cancer, not strokes – instills more fear among those 65 and older."One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia," says a spokesperson for the association. "But it isn’t just a disease of old age. Approximately 200,000 Americans under age 65 have younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease."To help raise awareness and critical funds for care, support and research, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held through November in more than 
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– Like many mammals, deer physically prepare for winter by better insulating their bodies. In the fall, deer gradually trade their summer coats for a warmer winter one, which is more substantial and has thicker, longer, darker hair called "guard hairs" to protect their fur and skin from rain and snow.Their winter coat naturally absorbs more sunlight and traps more body heat than their warm-weather coat, which provides an exceptional amount of protection from the cold. Deer also have oil-producing glands in their skin that help make their hair, water resistant, which is especially valuable in the snow. For even further insulation, their bodies naturally begin to retain more fat in winter, for even more protection.Deer alter their behavior to survive the harsh winter weather. They generally become less active, sometimes dropping their metabolism by half, which allows them to save energy. Deer can hunker down during particularly harsh winter weather and survive on their fat, but eventually they have to eat something, although their preferred food sources are long gone.Although amazing, deer do survive harsh winters when the vegetation they prefer is nearly impossible to find. Deer’s usual winter diet includes food that is not particularly nutritious, but it’s above the snow and available to feed on, like twigs, leaves, bark and evergreen shrubs and trees like yews and arborvitae. Arborvitae is a popular tree and a common backyard hedging solution that grows moderately fast and looks pretty around the perimeter of any yard. During a harsh winter, deer can decimate arborvitae trees, turning them into trees that look like lollipops!Because food is so scarce during winter and high deer populations mean more competition for food, deer are likely to be more resistant to efforts to repel them. They’ll return to areas, like your yard, where they found plentiful pickings in warm weather and be more inclined to stay put until your yard is stripped clean of all possible food sources. A single adult deer eats about 7 pounds of food a day and does usually occupy the same 3- to 4-square-mile area for their entire lives. That means if you’ve had deer in your yard before, it is more than likely your yard is already on their list to forage food this winter, so your shrubs and trees – your most expensive landscaping- is at risk this winter.To save your shrubs and trees from deer damage in winter and strike a blow against deer’s voracious appetites you’ll need a reliable, proven effective solution that’s easy to use in the cold months of winter. Your best defense against deer is the continual use of a proven-effective repellent, like easy-to-use 
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– While it is common for everyone to feel down or sad at times, a person whose symptoms last for more than two weeks may be having a major depressive episode, according to The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA).Data from Mental Health America’s 2017 State of Mental Health in America report shows the prevalence of these episodes, and their potential consequences, in New Hampshire:* 12 percent of New Hampshire youths (age 12-17) report having at least one major depressive episode in the past year, the eighth-highest figure among U.S. states.* More than 7 percent of New Hampshire youths experienced severe depressive episodes, defined as youths who "experienced very serious interference in school, home, and relationships."* More than 4 percent of New Hampshire adults reported having serious thoughts of suicide, above the national rate of 3.94.The warning signs of depression should never be ignored. Anyone with these symptoms should speak with their primary care provider or a behavior health specialist. Loved ones or friends who exhibit these symptoms should be encouraged to do the same."If we feel physically ill, we get medical treatment without giving it a second thought," says Dr. Robert Hockmuth, market chief medical officer for AmeriHealth Caritas New Hampshire, a managed care organization serving New Hampshire Medicaid enrollees. "We should think of mental illness in much the same way."According to SAMSHA, some of the warning signs of depression include:* Sadness, anxiety, or feeling "empty."* Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.* Fatigue or decreased energy level.* Change in appetite.* At the extreme, thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.Someone may be experiencing depression and not realize they have it, as symptoms vary.According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 37 percent of adults with a major depressive episode did not receive treatment. It’s also important to point out that without proper treatment, symptoms can get worse.The treatments for depression can vary and include medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two."Often the most difficult cases of depression can be effectively treated," says Dr. Hockmuth. "However, the sooner the treatment can begin, the better it will work."AmeriHealth Caritas New Hampshire is a managed care organization serving enrollees in New Hampshire’s Medicaid Care Management program. AmeriHealth Caritas New Hampshire helps the state’s Medicaid population get care, stay well, and build healthy communities by addressing the acute and broader social factors that drive health outcomes.For more information, visit 
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– Can’t get enough Christmas movies? If you are already hauling out the holly, you don’t have long to wait before UPtv, television’s family-friendly source of holiday entertainment, launches its biggest Christmas season yet. The uplifting, cheerful, and fun slate of programs includes 10 movie premieres over 60 days leading up to Christmas, plus a return of the GilMORE the Merrier Gilmore Girls marathon during Thanksgiving week.This season kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on October 27 with the appropriately titled A Christmas Movie Christmas, in which Christmas movie fanatic Eve and her cynical sister Lacy find themselves trapped inside their own Christmas movie and none of the usual rules apply as they try to find a way out of picture-perfect Christmas Town and back to the real world."We’re thrilled about the mix of stories in the movies viewers will see on UPtv this season," says Amy Winter, general manager and executive vice president for UPtv."UPtv’s holiday lineup celebrates what we all love and adore about Christmas – love, friendships, family and laughter (and, of course, baking!) – while still reflecting on the true meaning of the season," she emphasizes."We also invite families to celebrate Thanksgiving week on UPtv with the return of the 4th annual GilMORE the Merrier celebration, hosted by Scott Patterson." Patterson, who played Lorelei Gilmore’s love interest, Luke, on the hit show Gilmore Girls, presents GilMORE the Merrier starting with the first episode on Sunday, November 24 at 9 p.m. ET and continuing through all seven seasons for 24 hours a day before concluding at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 1.Other original movies to look for this season include Christmas with a Prince: Becoming Royal, premiering Sunday, November 3 at 7 p.m. ET. This sequel to last season’s hit Christmas with a Prince, follows Dr. Tasha and Prince Alec as they plan a wedding amidst palace intrigue. In Rock N’ Roll Christmas, premiering Sunday, November 10 at 7 p.m. ET, an estranged mother and daughter reunite to write the perfect Christmas song to bring their family back together.From music to measuring spoons: Christmas Cupcakes premieres on Sunday, November 17 at 7 p.m. ET and focuses on rival sisters who must team up in a national baking contest to win the grand prize and save the family bakery.These are just a few of the original movies offered by UPtv this holiday season. UPtv’s holiday programming emphasizes heartwarming moments for making holiday memories and reminds viewers of the importance of family, friends, and the true meaning of Christmas.For more information, visit 
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– The holiday season is fast approaching. In anticipation of entertaining and gift-giving, now is the time of year we really start to think about wine. Sure, there will be tons of flashy packaging and labels to help find "the best", but have you ever stopped to think about what’s actually in your wine? Heads up: there could be more than you think. The Modern Wine "Factory" Even under FDA regulations, US mass wine producers like many in California can include up to 70 additives in their wines. Colorings like "mega purple" or "ultra-red", synthetic fertilizers, tartaric acid, powdered tannins, and gum Arabic don’t even have to be disclosed on the label. Once again, consider California wines: overall, many aim for consistency year after year. Mass producing wine in some parts of the world is more like a factory than a vineyard. Though there is something to be said for uniformity, a lot of the magic of winemaking is lost. It’s no surprise that all-natural and organic wines are gaining popularity year after year. What’s Old Is New Again Not all wine regions use these artificial tactics. Natural winegrowing and winemaking are not new to Bordeaux. Not only has this region been making wine naturally for centuries, they are literally required to do so. They believe in the art and science of maintaining the holistic health of the region as well as each individual estate’s ecosystem. Only nature determines the wine. Artificial enhancement or even irrigation is forbidden.In Bordeaux, it’s more than just the law. It’s a passion for winemaking methods passed down for hundreds of years. It all starts with the "terroir"- the soil and unique climate conditions where the grapes are grown. Vineyards on two sides of the same hill can produce vastly different characteristics."Every year nature provides wine makers in Bordeaux a fresh canvas," says sommelier and wine expert Joel Prato. "This relationship with nature is evident in the unique taste of each Bordeaux vintage." In a place like Bordeaux, the seasons also have a huge influence on the character of a vintage. Weather can make or break a year. For example, a 2013 Bordeaux is a rare sight as fluctuating weather conditions meant many vineyards didn’t have a crop to bottle. Nature determines production, not factory settings. Making Music (and Wine) Making natural wine is not always easy. To combat the elements, innovative winemakers like Damien Landouar of Château Gaby are turning heads by introducing techniques like Genodics – playing music to the vineyards to boost their natural immunity. When you can’t count on additives and chemicals, you have to be creative. His vines most likely have better taste in music than most people. Highly Rated, Naturally If you’re new to natural wines from places like Bordeaux or want to try a highly rated vintage from the region, here are some recommendations:
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– Wintertime. Love it or hate it, it arrives every year. Some of us dread the cold, some of us revel in it. While a lot of us head toward the equator, many of us ‘hibernate’ by hunkering down at home, protected from the elements. We stay warm in winter by layering clothing, wearing socks and hats, adding layers of blankets to bedding, blocking drafts and even baking which helps warm the house without touching the thermostat.Coping with the cold, dark days of winter can be challenging for humans and it’s also a trial for birds. Our feathered friends have evolved in some ingenious ways to cope with wintry weather.Some species migrate to warmer places, some flock together to share their warmth and if they stay put, many have developed some unique physical characteristics that protect and defend them from the cold.So how do wild birds stay warm in winter? They’ve adapted physically: many grow extra feathers or shed all their plumage (called molting) and replace it with a new ‘outfit’ for the new season. So that blue jay or cardinal you saw last spring may have a whole new look this autumn. Plus, they produce a feather-coating oil that offers additional insulation and waterproofing.Birds’ legs and feet, covered in specialized scales, also have a separate "HVAC" system that sends cold blood up and warmed blood to their toes to keep them warm. That’s how the ducks at the local pond can stand round on the ice and still be ‘chill.’ Pretty cool, huh?There’s also some particular ‘coping’ behavior like fluffing (using air between feathers to trap heat); tucking (picking up one foot and tucking it into their bodies); roosting (sitting on feet and legs for warmth); shivering (we do it too, it expends extra calories but in a pinch, generates needed warmth); sunning (warming up solar-style) and lastly, torpor – a state of greatly reduced body temperature and metabolic rate that enables animals to survive in extreme weather when food supply is reduced. Oh, and just like humans taking great pleasure in ‘comfort foods’ like stew, this time of year birds need to up their fat intake to beef up for the cold.There’s plenty of enjoyable indoor activities for us to engage in during winter, like baking, reading, games, puzzles and even redecorating, making it easier to cope with extended time indoors. Another rewarding pastime, which more than 65 million Americans participate in, is birdwatching. If you haven’t tried it, fall and winter is a perfect time to start. To jump-start the show of colorful birds and beautiful birdsong outside your window hang a 
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– Fall is here, and high school seniors (and their parents) are in the thick of the college application process.But these days, the cost of tuition can seem daunting: 85 percent of parents believe the cost of college is more of a financial burden than in past years, according to a College Ave Student Loans survey of 1,072 parents conducted by Barnes & Noble College Insights. However, many families may not realize and take advantage of the range of financial aid opportunities and options available."Don’t let the ‘sticker price’ of a college sway you from applying," says Joe DePaulo, Co-Founder and CEO of College Ave Student Loans."The college ‘sticker price’ typically refers to the published annual cost of attendance for any given school, which includes tuition, fees, and an average estimate of other related costs like room and board. The actual price families will pay depends on how much financial aid they receive which will be unique for each family," he says.Start by filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Some families skip this form because they think it is too much work for too little payoff. Don’t Fear the FAFSA By forgoing filling out this important government form, you could be leaving financial aid on the table. Some financial aid programs work on a first-come first-served basis, so getting it done as close to the October 1 start date maximizes the aid you might receive.There are other reasons to make sure the FAFSA is part of your fall financial aid game, according to College Ave Student Loans, a company offering simple and personalized private student loans:– More financial aid: Some schools won’t even consider you for merit aid unless you complete this important form.– More options: Students planning to apply for Federal Stafford Loans or Federal PLUS Loans must fill out the FAFSA first. Keep Applying to Scholarships Beyond the FAFSA, students and parents can round out their financial aid plan with scholarships. Many scholarships are available with rolling applications year-round and every little bit helps. College Ave Student Loans offers a monthly chance for students to win a $1,000 scholarship on their website. Build a Balanced College List College Ave recommends that you apply to a variety of schools. This will give you more opportunities to find a school that fits your budget financially, and one that may offer better financial aid.If scholarships, grants and federal loans in the student’s name don’t cover the full cost of tuition, College Ave Student Loans offers a simple, stress-free student loan process to help cover college costs. Students and parents can apply online and get a response in 3 minutes, with no application or origination fees.For more information about college financial aid planning, hints for filling out the FAFSA, and other loan opportunities, visit 
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– Are you considering a home improvement project that will deliver value, curb appeal and performance? Replacing the roof is a good place to start.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 
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– You’re never too old to develop or refine an exercise program. And there has never been more opportunity to find an array of programs that suit your interests, your fitness ability and your lifestyle.As an older adult, the reasons for exercise change: benefits include helping to control chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, strengthening muscles to prevent falls, and improving flexibility to maintain activities of daily living.An added benefit? Regular exercise can help boost your mood and improve your overall sense of well-being. And, you’ll make new friends! (Of course, always talk to your doctor before starting any type of exercise program.)Where to look for a new exercise program? Start with your local fitness or community center. The key is finding activities that you enjoy. Some tips to get started:- Follow your interests. Like to dance? Swim? Maybe yoga or Tai-Chi sounds appealing. There are fitness classes for every taste and ability level.- Follow your friends. Going to a fitness class with a friend improves your motivation and if you’re going it alone – here’s your chance to make new friends!- Listen to your body. Exercise doesn’t need to be painful to be beneficial. Start slow and progress over time.- Set goals. How often do you want to exercise? How hard? Develop a three- to six-month plan so you can measure your success.But wait, there’s more: Older adults who participate in group exercise programs report improved quality of life from the social aspect of group fitness. The group creates a sense of community that helps keep you motivated.Social isolation, which often leads to loneliness, is common among seniors, but taking a fitness class can forge a bond that keeps people coming back for exercise and extends to socializing outside of class.In a recent study of adults aged 65 years and older, researchers surveyed 46,564 participants in the SilverSneakers fitness program between 2010 and 2016 to determine how exercise improved their quality of life."Even though regular physical activity is important, well-being is about more than just exercise," according to Julie Logue, Training Manager at Tivity Health. "Through SilverSneakers, you can explore all kinds of fitness programs, socialization and nutrition programs to help you live your best life. We empower members to live healthier, happier, longer."Older adults with more frequent visits to fitness centers who participate in SilverSneakers exercise programs report significantly fewer days when they felt physically or mentally unwell and rated their physical and mental health higher than those who participated less frequently.Curious about more ways to stay motivated to get and stay fit? During open enrollment for health insurance between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, enroll in a plan that offers SilverSneakers, which provides members with access to more than 16,000 fitness and community locations nationwide.To check your eligibility and find a health plan that includes SilverSneakers, call 888-423-4632 or visit 
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– A national housing survey found 88 percent of Hispanics felt homeownership was a good long-term investment, with 92 percent reporting they planned to be homeowners.Jocelyn Vasquez is living proof of those statistics.At a young age, her parents instilled the belief that if you owned a home, you had achieved the American dream. That dream of homeownership carried a lot of weight for her Hispanic parents, who had immigrated from El Salvador in 1977.Jocelyn turned the dream into an aggressive goal for herself:"My goal, as a U.S. citizen, was to graduate college and get a house before turning 30," says Jocelyn. "And, I wanted to do it on my own."To accomplish this, the Los Angeles, California resident made a roadmap for herself. She saved, attended college and kept her student loan debt as low as possible – all without burdening her parents.After she graduated, Jocelyn got a job as a loan officer assistant. It wasn’t until she had worked there for three years that she fully understood what was needed to qualify for a mortgage. The lightbulb went off when she realized, "I really could buy my own home someday."That was when she got serious. Because California real estate is so expensive, Jocelyn got a second job. She earned her real estate license and worked part-time as an agent, determined to save all her commission checks for a down payment.It took her three years to build her savings, pay off bills and get her debt-to-income (DTI) ratio low enough to qualify for a loan. (Many lenders don’t want a borrower’s debt to be greater than 45 percent of their gross income.) Once she achieved this, it was time to execute her plan.Jocelyn searched for a house that was less than $300,000 – not an easy task in the Greater Los Angeles Area. She looked at 16 homes before she found a 2-bed, 2 ? bath townhouse, with a 2-car garage for $285,000. Even though it was perfect for her, she took the weekend to think it over before making an offer. Unfortunately, her hesitancy cost her. By Sunday night, the seller had already accepted an offer. Jocelyn was devastated."I felt so discouraged, I didn’t know what to do," she admitted."After all my hard work and determination, I couldn’t believe I had missed out on this house. But I told myself what I tell all my buyers, ‘If it’s meant to be, it will be.’"It must have been meant to be: Five days later, Jocelyn got an alert on her phone informing her the house was back on the market – for $7,000 less. Jocelyn immediately called the seller’s agent, who told her the first buyer had backed out of the deal because his truck didn’t fit in the garage. This time, Jocelyn didn’t hesitate to offer the new asking price of $278,000.Jocelyn used conventional financing with private mortgage insurance, which allowed her to put down less than 20 percent. By saving diligently, she was able to make a five-percent down payment of $13,900. Her current monthly payment of $2,020 is exactly what she paid to rent her previous 1-bed, 1-bath, 640-sq.-ft apartment in downtown LA."This is the best investment I’ve ever made," says Jocelyn. "In the two years I’ve owned my home, its value has increased by almost 15 percent. It took a very long time, but I knew my plan would work eventually. And, I did it all on my own at age 28. My goal now is to help other Hispanic homebuyers realize the American dream of owning their own home."For more first-time homebuyer stories, visit 
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-If you are a veteran considering Medicare options, you have the opportunity to maximize your coverage by electing to have a Medicare Advantage plan along with your Veterans Affairs (VA) health care benefits.Fortunately, finding a Medicare Advantage plan that works in tandem with VA health care benefits is easier than you think, as you can enroll in plans that are available to everyone eligible for Medicare, but that are designed to complement VA health care benefits.As a veteran, it’s important that you understand how a Medicare Advantage plan may balance out any VA benefits you have in order to maximize your health benefits.* Can Medicare Advantage and VA benefits work together? A Medicare Advantage plan that does not interfere with existing VA benefits you have may be an excellent fit for those who want to enhance their benefits and coverage. Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan may provide access to additional services and benefits, such as urgent care and dental coverage, which complement VA benefits for prescription drugs and primary care. Each time you receive care, you will need to choose whether to use your VA benefits or your Medicare Advantage plan.* Are there any specific Medicare Advantage plans for veterans? While most Medicare Advantage plans are available to anyone with Medicare, be sure to speak with a licensed insurance agent about plan options that are designed with veterans in mind.For example, the new Humana Honor Medicare Advantage plan is designed to complement VA coverage and provide beneficiaries with extensive coverage, such as robust dental care, at a $0 plan premium. This plan also offers access to a broad network, including access to urgent care and non-VA facilities, which is advantageous if you need to travel far to receive care at a VA facility or experience long wait times.And you don’t have to be a veteran to enroll in the Humana Honor Medicare Advantage plan.* How would the Humana Honor Medicare Advantage plan work with my VA prescription drug coverage? Typically, VA prescription drug benefits will serve as your primary prescription drug coverage when you add a Medicare Advantage plan that does not include prescription drug coverage, such as the Humana Honor plan. These Medicare Advantage plans cover certain injectable drugs and infusions at in-network, non-VA facilities, which may be beneficial depending on your health needs.Additionally, some Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D prescription drug coverage, which may be beneficial if you get medications from non-VA doctors and would like to fill your prescriptions at your local pharmacy instead of through the VA mail-order service.Along with geographical location, veterans and all those with Medicare should consider their health, medical and budget needs and visit 
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– Small Business Saturday casts a national spotlight each year on independently-owned businesses, which includes a wide variety of shopping options, from the mom-and-pop storefronts in your local community to home-based e-commerce businesses. Since its inception in 2010, Small Business Saturday spending has reached an estimated $103 billion, according to American Express.
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– Beauty, like health, goes beyond the visible surface. While many of us manage our wellness via diet, exercise and check-ups, we don’t apply the same 360-degree approach to our beauty regimen. It’s possibly due to lack of viable options.Neauvia International Group recognizes this incongruity and aims to transform the way we practice beauty and solve skin care challenges by extending its premium energy-based devices into the United States.In the hands of trained medical aesthetics professionals, Neauvia devices leverage sophisticated technology such as thermo-lifting and water peeling to deeply target your areas of concern. With years in the global skin care market, 
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– Chris Deffenbaugh first saw the potential in repurposing old oak barrels when he saw pieces of an old one in the corner of a friend’s basement."Looking at the curve of the old barrel staves, the wooden lids and the rusty rings that once held it all together, I was struck by the shapes and threw it in my pickup truck to take home and see what I could do with it," Deffenbaugh recalls.Despite having no barrel-making experience, Deffenbaugh put the barrel back together and decided to take it a step beyond serving as an unusual table in his home. He cut out one side and turned the pieces into a bar cabinet that could store wine and liquor bottles on the deck when he had guests.Then, when the guests started asking him to make something similar for them, he had an inspiration that led him to quit his career in human resources, draw up plans, rent a truck and head for Kentucky, returning with 90 barrels and an idea that would become The Oak Barrel Company.The Oak Barrel Company, based in the heart of Amish country in Berlin, Ohio, takes recycling seriously. In keeping with its motto, "Reclaim, Reuse, Recreate," the company does its best to use the entire barrel, with little or nothing wasted.Deffenbaugh learned woodworking from members of the local Amish community and contracted with several Amish craftsmen and other local woodworkers to partner with him on various phases of creating art and furniture from the components of the barrels, including the staves, lids and rings. The company has chosen to use wine barrels to create beautiful tables instead of whiskey. While whiskey barrels are very popular, they run the risk of producing a black mold if not properly cleaned, both inside and out, whereas wine barrels are already clean and do not run the risk of any mold, creating a better product in the long run.The company’s product line is always evolving and includes small benches with curved seats and legs from barrel staves as well as stools with barrel-lid seats. Also available are bistro-style, wooden-topped tables made from whole barrels, with matching chairs made from barrel components. Wine enthusiasts may appreciate the wine barrel wine rack and even the wine slate wine rack, designed to hang on the wall or sit on the counter.All Oak Barrel Company products come with a lifetime guarantee, and many of the products can be customized with choices of stain color, type of metal fixture, and indoor or outdoor finish. The Oak Barrel team can create a custom piece in four to six weeks.For more information visit 
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-Today’s sophisticated travelers can enjoy once-in-a lifetime experiences in luxurious locations that are off the beaten path. If you crave the ultimate in adventure, eco-conscious settings, and magnificent service, put these unique destinations on your travel bucket list for 2020.1. Hangaroa Eco-Village + Spa, Easter Island, Chile (
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– How would you like to relive and let others experience the most important moments of your life? The dance floor at your wedding, your child’s first birthday, your team’s victory parade? Now, you cannot only watch these events but feel as if you were actually there, right in the middle of the action. With today’s technology, it’s possible, and it’s never been easier to get started.Humaneyes Technologies, an innovator in camera technology, has developed a consumer-friendly, dual camera that combines 360-degree photography with immersive 3D Virtual Reality (VR), all in one simple-to-use solution that costs about the same as a decent DSLR camera."360-degree pictures and video continue to change how we use cameras to capture the world around us," says media expert Jim Malcolm of Humaneyes Technologies, "and the global adoption of VR headsets, combined with 3D cameras is providing even more ways to create virtual content and virtual memories.""We’ve done it with the best; from documenting Mako sharks with The Discovery Channel, to weightless experiences in the International Space Station, floating more than 250 miles above the horizon." Says Malcolm, "we’re now excited to watch, firsthand, as consumers create their own immersive personal stories." The Vuze XR flips easily from a 360-degree camera to a VR180 camera and shoots both virtual video and photos.Whether recording or live streaming, users can create and share virtual experiences at the moment, and then save them to revisit next week or next decade. Special features of the VUZE include built-in image stabilization, filters, and a VR editing suite. Plus, it doesn’t get more portable."Everything can be viewed, controlled and edited, right from your phone, so that you can shoot, create and share virtual videos at a moment’s notice," says Malcolm.But not everything needs to be virtual; therefore, the VUZE also functions as a 5.7K and 4K up to 60fps 2D camera for capturing high-resolution videos and 18-megapixel pictures to fill out your photo album.So think ahead to the holidays and the way the latest in VR technology can help make unforgettable memories and connect far-flung family and friends. The VUZE camera also features live streaming and social sharing features for platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, so that you can bring your social media audience into the scene with you.For more information on the VUZE XR camera and how to create your own virtual experiences and memories, visit 
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– In 1918, a mutated, deadly strain of the "Flu" (or Influenza), swept around the world to cause the third deadliest plague in recorded human history. Published research suggests the final global death toll may have arguably been as high as 100 million. Yet, despite two decades of biologic event preparedness at the cost of well over $80 billion, the U.S. remains unprepared to handle a flu pandemic of a similar scale if one should occur, contends Dr. Steven Hatfill, a specialist physician and virologist with training in mass casualty management and emergency response.His view is supported by a National Intelligence Estimate, multiple Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports and testimony, and the recently released new Global Health Security Index by the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.After more than a decade of study, Dr. Hatfill and his team have published a comprehensive book, "Three Seconds Until Midnight" which revisits the challenges of the 1918 pandemic and highlights the limitations of the current U.S. public health system while offering some possible solutions. With an introduction written by the famous virus-hunter C.J. Peters, MD, the book also delves into the causes and problems caused by the continuing emergence of new human infectious diseases previously unknown to science."The overwhelming majority of Americans assume that the CDC and public health authorities will rapidly detect a new outbreak of a lethal infectious disease and quickly respond with a vaccine, drugs, and other measures to contain the event. In reality, none of this is guaranteed," Dr. Hatfill emphasizes.The latest Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) documents show that in a 1918-type pandemic Influenza event, a minimum of 123 to 125 million Americans will not receive any anti-viral drugs or vaccine until after the peak period of infections and deaths. As these individuals watch some of their neighbors, co-workers, or family members become ill and some die around them, all there will be is government advice to frequently wash their hands, cough or sneeze into their sleeve, and if sick, to stay home from work.In the book, Dr. Hatfill and his team point out how the U.S. has an insufficient public health workforce and lacks the "surge" medical capacity needed for a lethal pandemic situation and that no programs are currently in place to train volunteers on how to safely work in an infectious disease environment.To decrease hospital overcrowding during a 1918-type pandemic, the DHHS will advise communities to set up Neighborhood Emergency Help Centers to triage which patients can be nursed at home. Yet most adults are uninformed on how to care for ill family members if they contract a contagious and possibly lethal infection, and entire households will become ill, Dr. Hatfill says. Historically, the poor, socially disadvantaged urban communities will have the highest infection, hospitalization, and death rates.The major problems in pandemic preparedness occur with the local city authorities who are largely unprepared to manage an outbreak of a serious lethal infectious disease on a 1918-type scale. This includes developing methods to manage essential worker absenteeism, pre-planning alternate care sites, gross rapid expansion of mortuary capabilities and teaching non-pharmaceutical interventions to the public."There are worse viruses in nature than another 1918-type influenza strain. These viruses are simply waiting for the right conditions to adapt and jump species into man," says Dr. Hatfill. "We are the only large mammal to have ever achieved such a high-density global population level and we have no precedent to indicate if we are nearing a threshold or not." As a consequence, we are all participating in a huge on-going biological experiment."His book outlines the urgent need for a universal flu vaccine and more effective antiviral drugs. It also describes a disaster train concept for improved military support to disadvantaged communities acting in a disaster response mode, similar to the role played by the Armed Forces after Hurricane Katrina in 2005."Three Seconds Until Midnight" is available for purchase online via 
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– Many of today’s travelers seek a sense of community and connection at their destinations. Travelers seeking a Caribbean getaway with a welcoming feel and local flavor need look no further than the Bay Gardens Resorts on the beautiful island of St. Lucia.The Bay Gardens Resorts properties are ideally situated to take advantage of the best restaurants, activities, and events that the community of St. Lucia has to offer. For example, the month of October featured the Saint Lucia Arts & Heritage Festival, and included music, theater, lectures, art exhibitions, and street parties, all conveniently located in nearby Rodney Bay Village for easy access by Bay Gardens guests who booked its Creole Heritage Special.The feeling of community at Bay Gardens Resorts is mirrored in the resort’s local ownership, which conveys a different vibe than a large, international chain resort.Throughout its 25-year existence, the award-winning resort chain has been dedicated to sustainably developing its St. Lucian society. Participating in the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association’s Virtual Agricultural Clearing House (VACH) and its farm-to- table approach when designing menus have fostered better linkages with local farmers.As a Green Globe Gold Member, environmental responsibility plays a vital role in business affairs conducted by the brand. Additionally, the company invests in the growth of its local economies as most of the staff and management are local, highly expert and experienced in fielding questions, planning events, and providing customer service for everyone from business travelers to wedding parties to families with small children.The Bay Gardens Resorts family of properties has something for every taste.Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa, for instance, offers an all-inclusive experience that caters to those seeking plenty of sand and surf, as well as spa indulgence. Guests staying seven nights or more who opt for this option not only get the best value with access to the Rodney Bay Dine Around Program and an opportunity to dine at affiliated restaurants, but also significantly assist in contributing to the community.The resort also includes a business center, wedding gazebo, and on-site water park.By contrast, the Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Inn provide luxury and pampering in intimate, boutique-style settings."Cherishing a long tradition of unmatched Caribbean hospitality, our hotel in Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, has built a reputation on friendly service, stylish accommodations, and unforgettable scenery," according to the website for the Bay Gardens Hotel, and this combination of service, style, and scenery applies to the other properties.A new addition to the Bay Gardens family is Bay Gardens Marina Haven, a 35-room space located within a botanical garden adjacent to the Rodney Bay Marina.Want to be right on the water? Consider the Waters Edge Villas, a pair of private villas with luxury amenities and marina views.Both the Waters Edge and Marina Haven provide complimentary shuttle service to the other Bay Resorts properties, so guests can take full advantage of the larger community of Rodney Bay, with its nightlife, shops, and restaurants.Visit