(NewsUSA) -  

Birth can be scary. Prior to the global pandemic in 2020, it was estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women in the United States had a fear of childbirth so strong that it impacted their daily functioning. That number rose to 62 percent during the pandemic.

That’s why childbirth psychology expert Samantha Vaive, Ph.D., published a new book, MIND-BODY, BIRTH, a research-based, easy-to-understand and inclusive guide designed to help pregnant women achieve their best birth. Birth doesn’t have to be something women suffer through just to get to the good part—birth can be the good part.

In this book, readers will learn how to move beyond the fear of childbirth, allowing them to have a joyful birth experience that they are excited about.

“This glorious, beautiful thing we have literally been doing since the dawn of humans was crushing people around me,” says Vaive. “Birth should not be devastating.”

MIND-BODY, BIRTH breaks down what actually makes childbirth painful (it’s not what people think) and offers strategies to reduce that pain. Readers will learn the barriers that get in the way of an awesome birth experience.

The book also explores traditional and non-traditional ways to enhance the birth journey and improve outcomes for women and their babies. The book guides readers through activities, and journaling prompts them to deepen their understanding while exploring the path to their best birth.

Vaive is founder of Sound Birthing LLC and creator of the Mind-Body, Birth approach. Her doctoral research explored improving the childbirth experience and birth outcomes. She is passionate about making anxiety-free childbirth accessible to everyone. She holds a master’s in social work from the University of Denver and a postgraduate certificate in sex therapy and sexual health education from the University of Michigan. Additionally, she has completed over 500 hours of Yoga teacher training and is a certified sound therapist. 

“This book will give you the tools you need to take control and birth better,” says Vaive.

As the book comes to an end, readers will use these activities to build their personal birth toolkit—a comprehensive resource that will guide them toward a joyful birth.

Whether this is a person’s first time giving birth or they are looking to improve upon past experiences, MIND-BODY, BIRTH equips them with the knowledge and confidence to feel prepared and excited about their upcoming birth.

“This book is here to support you,” says Vaive. “To help you have your best birth. Not to tell you how you should be.”

Learn more by visiting the author’s website at  www.sound-birthing.com.

(NewsUSA) - Fifteen years ago, when National School Choice Week began, the world of education looked very different. In some places, school choice options were slim, and many families wished there was more to explore as the festivities took place. Today, the school choice landscape is far more open, but with this growth comes complexity. This year from January 26 to February 1, the national celebration is more necessary than ever: families need help navigating a K-12 education system that is evolving rapidly.

The demand for school choice has surged in recent years. In the last 12 months, 6 in 10 parents considered new schools for their children, reflecting the growing awareness of school choice policies. Parents are talking about school choice more than ever and more likely to consider education options like microschooling, homeschooling, or private schools. No matter what type of school they choose - neighborhood public, charter, magnet, private, online, or micro - families increasingly believe that education is not one-size-fits-all.

Also, nearly half of Americans said, a few months ago, that they believe K-12 education is on the wrong track nationwide. Yet, paradoxically, many parents remain optimistic about their local schools. What this tells us is that education is very personal. Every parent wants to give their child the best possible future, no matter what type of schooling they need to succeed.

National School Choice Week will be the first step toward choosing a school for the fall for millions of parents across the country. Through more than 27,000 events from open houses to citywide school fairs, the Week offers a platform for families to reflect, connect, and plan. Across its 15-year history, National School Choice Week has hosted 236,746 events and engaged with more than 9 million parents, helping them explore options ranging from traditional public schools to public charter, public magnet, private, online, at-home, and nontraditional options. 

What I’ve learned from years of National School Choice Week celebrations is that families are eager for better options, but they often feel stymied by the barriers to choosing them. It is not enough to create education options; we have to ensure families can access them and understand how to make the best decision for their children. That is what makes National School Choice Week so powerful. It bridges the gap between awareness and action, giving parents the tools they need.  

What National School Choice Week reminds us each year is that education is deeply personal. Behind every statistic is a family making decisions that will shape a child’s future. This celebration isn’t just about celebrating options, it’s about making options work. 

Fifteen years ago, this celebration was just an idea. Today, it’s a national event that empowers millions of families to make decisions that shape futures. It’s a reminder that when families are equipped with the right tools, anything is possible for their children. 

Shelby Doyle is the vice president of public awareness at the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that hosts National School Choice Week each January and maintains the nation’s largest online portfolio of English- and Spanish-language school navigation resources. 

(NewsUSA) - Those who suffer from eye infections that threaten a person’s vision have a new treatment option that is noninvasive and counters the problem of antibiotic resistance, based on recent research and clinical work.

Many eye infections are caused by multi-drug-resistant strains of bacteria and other pathogens, and standard treatments are limited, according to investigators at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Florida.

VisiRose, a newly launched, privately-held clinical-stage biotechnology company affiliated with Provectus Biopharmaceuticals (OTCQB: PVCT), is collaborating with Bascom Palmer to commercialize a novel, noninvasive therapy for severe eye infections. The treatment, known as Rose Bengal Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (RB-PDAT), combines a bioactive synthetic small molecule known as Rose Bengal Sodium with a light-based medical device to help manage eye infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

“RB-PDAT represents a consequential solution for patients at risk of vision loss from severe infectious keratitis,” said Dominic Rodrigues, acting CEO of VisiRose. RB-PDAT treatment has been associated with rapid resolution of severe eye infections and improved vision outcomes for patients in clinical studies in the U.S., India, Brazil, and Mexico, according to the company.

“We believe Bascom Palmer’s innovative therapy combines infection-fighting capabilities with vision-preserving benefits, paving the way for a brighter future for those struggling with this challenging condition,” said Rodrigues, who also serves as vice chairman of the board of directors and president of Provectus.

Rose Bengal Sodium, the company’s flagship molecule, has demonstrated effectiveness against multi-drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, among other strains, in a laboratory setting. At the Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Group conference in 2023, Bascom Palmer researchers reported that 76% of the first 100 patients treated with RB-PDAT at Bascom Palmer, who had severe eye infections unresponsive to standard treatment,achieved successful vision outcomes, with an average time to resolution of just over 6 months.

In a case series published last year in the medical journal JAMA Ophthalmology of nine adults who experienced severe eye infections caused by contaminated artificial tears, RB-PDAT was effective as an addition to antibiotics and helped improve vision outcomes in two patients who received this new therapy, according to Bascom Palmer researchers: a man in his 40s who came to the emergency department with severe pain and decreased vision in his left eye; and a woman in her 80s with worsening redness and visual loss in her right eye.

“This innovative therapy leverages the power of the versatile rose bengal small molecule to fight infection and offers new hope for preserving vision," Rodrigues said.

RB-PDAT has shown promising results in treating severe eye infections in more than 500 individuals worldwide where standard therapies have failed, according to the company press release. Notably, patients in India and Brazil were treated much earlier with RB-PDAT, receiving the oculat treatment as first-line therapy. “VisiRose has the potential to help fill a critical treatment gap in global eye care, particularly in regions and populations severely impacted by antimicrobial resistance with limited access to medical solutions,” Ed Pershing added, who is chairman of VisiRose’s board of directors and also serves as CEO and chairman of Provectus’s board.

Visit www.visirose.com to learn more.

Image caption: Juan Carlos Navia, M.D. at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, delivering the VisiRose RB PDAT treatment in the clinic.

(NewsUSA) - Do you crave crispy, tasty tortilla chips, and want a snack that you and your family can feel good about? If so, then you'll be happy to hear about a new chip that is now available that is rich in plant-based protein but keeps the delicious flavor and texture of your favorite restaurant-style tortilla chips.

SimplyProtein, the same makers of your favorite SimplyProtein bars, makes it easy to enjoy your favorite snacks with the added benefit of protein and without sacrificing taste.

Most people know that eating protein helps the body build muscle strength and repair muscle cells after activity. But protein can also play a role in smarter snacking. In fact, protein digests more slowly compared to carbohydrates, and stimulates appetite hormones that tell your brain that you are full, helping you to eat less.

Adding more protein to your diet is easy, especially if it comes in the form of tasty snacks that you already enjoy. SimplyProtein has just introduced a line of Restaurant-Style Tortilla Chips that are gluten-free, vegan, and kosher, too.

“We believe we’ve cracked the code on indulgent-tasting, better-for-you tortilla chips,” notes Michael Lines, CEO of Wellness Natural Inc., parent company of SimplyProtein. “I’m really proud to have created a new protein-rich snack that tastes so great.”

The tortillas, which come in three flavors—Sea Salt, Hint of Lime, and Hint of Habanero—are made with a unique blend of corn, quality pea protein, and organic sunflower oil, plus other ingredients.

The combination of delicious flavors in a crunchy restaurant-style chip that also provides 7 grams of plant-based protein per 50-gram serving (14 chips) sets SimplyProtein Restaurant-Style Tortilla Chips apart as a superior choice for smart snacking.

Although the chips provide their own zesty flavor and protein power, they make a delicious nacho dish but also pair perfectly with dips and salsas for a winning combination to accompany any social gatherings you may host or attend, like movie nights, girls night in, Super Bowl, fall sports tailgate or other event.

Try your favorite dips, or explore something new, such as this zesty Cowboy Caviar.

Cowboy Caviar

Combine in large bowl:

One 14 oz can black beans, drained
One 14 oz can pinto beans, drained
One 14 oz can of sweet corn, drained
4 bell peppers, finely chopped
2  jalapenos, finely chopped
2 avocados, finely chopped
¾ cup red onion, finely chopped
1 cup black olives, chopped
6 oz crumbled Feta cheese

Dressing:

Combine in a small bowl and drizzle over Cowboy Caviar:

½ cup of olive oil
3 small limes, juiced
3 Tbsp white wine vinegar
3 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp taco seasoning
salt + pepper to taste
 

Visit simplyprotein.com to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Every 2 seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, and a single donation can save lives. Shortages in the nation’s blood supply can happen any time. Donors, especially those who donate regularly, keep our blood supply stable.

Blood transfusions are essential for some patients undergoing surgery, or who’ve had serious injuries or are dealing with certain medical conditions. While everyone is impacted when there are shortages of blood and blood products, people living in communities with higher numbers of patients with rare blood types or diseases are disproportionately affected.      

Take those with sickle cell disease (SCD), a condition that affects more than 100,000 people in the U.S., the majority of who are Black or of African ancestry. Many people with SCD need blood transfusions throughout their lives but often find it difficult to get the type they need. That’s why Black or African American blood donors are so vital, as 1 in 3 are a match for people with SCD.

While it may seem outdated to think of blood in terms of race – the practice of segregating donated blood by race was discontinued shortly after World War II – scientific studies have found that, to reduce the risk of transfusion complications, some people do require blood or blood products from donors with the same racial or ethnic background.

Most people can give blood, but only 3% of Americans donate each year. If you are in good health, at least 16 or 17 years old (depending on the state), and weigh at least 110 pounds, consider donating. A diverse blood supply ensures that every American has equitable access to blood and blood products. You can make a difference in your community by donating blood and by encouraging others to do the same.

Learn more by visiting the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Blood Diseases & Disorders Education Program.

Callout:

Diversity in Blood Types

Most blood types fall into one of the four major groups: A, B, AB, O. Blood donations from all types are always needed. However, some people have rare blood types. Some of the rare blood types for African Americans include U- and Fy (a-b-). For these patients, the U.S. blood supply must be more diverse. The best blood type match for patients with rare blood types often comes from donors of the same race or similar ethnicity.

(NewsUSA) - Cada 2 segundos, alguna persona en los Estados Unidos necesita sangre.  Una sola donación puede salvar vidas. En cualquier momento se puede presentar escasez en el suministro de sangre del país.

Los donantes, especialmente aquellos que donan regularmente, mantienen estable nuestro suministro de sangre. Las transfusiones de sangre son fundamentales para algunos pacientes que se someten a cirugías, han sufrido lesiones graves o padecen ciertas afecciones médicas. Si bien todos nos vemos afectados cuando hay escasez de sangre y productos sanguíneos, las personas que viven en comunidades con una mayor cantidad de pacientes con enfermedades o tipos de sangre poco comunes se ven afectadas de una manera desproporcionada.

Tomemos como ejemplo a las personas con enfermedad de células falciformes (SCD, por su sigla en inglés), una afección que afecta a más de 100,000 personas en los Estados Unidos, la mayoría de las cuales son de raza negra o de ascendencia Africana. Muchas personas con enfermedad de células falciformes necesitan transfusiones de sangre a lo largo de sus vidas, pero a menudo les resulta difícil obtener el tipo que necesitan. Es por eso que los donantes de sangre afroestadounidenses son tan importantes, ya que uno de cada tres es compatible con las personas con enfermedad de células falciformes.

Si bien puede parecer anticuado pensar en la sangre en términos de raza (la práctica de segregar la sangre donada por raza se suspendió poco después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial), los estudios científicos han descubierto que, para reducir el riesgo de complicaciones en las transfusiones, algunas personas requieren sangre o productos sanguíneos de donantes con el mismo origen racial o étnico.

La mayoría de las personas puede donar sangre, pero sólo el 3% de los estadounidenses dona cada año. Si tiene buena salud, al menos 16 o 17 años (dependiendo del estado) y pesa mínimo 110 libras, considere donar. Un suministro de sangre diverso garantiza que todas las personas en los Estados Unidos tengan acceso equitativo a la sangre y a los productos sanguíneos.

Usted puede marcar la diferencia en su comunidad donando sangre y animando a otros a hacer lo mismo.

Obtenga más información visitando el sitio web del Programa de educación sobre enfermedades y trastornos de la sangre (en inglés), del Instituto Nacional del Corazón, los Pulmones y la Sangre.

Callout:

Diversidad de tipos de sangre La mayoría de los tipos de sangre pertenecen a uno de los cuatro grupos principales: A, B, AB y O. Siempre se necesitan donaciones de sangre de todos los tipos. Sin embargo, algunas personas tienen tipos de sangre poco comunes. Algunos de los tipos de sangre poco comunes entre los afroestadounidenses incluyen U- y Fy (a-b-). Para estos pacientes, el suministro de sangre en los Estados Unidos debe ser más diverso. La mejor compatibilidad del tipo de sangre para los pacientes con tipos de sangre poco comunes suele venir de donantes de la misma raza o grupo ético similar.

(NewsUSA) -  

12/19/2024

Seattle, WA – iLocal, Inc., a leading innovator in search engine optimization (SEO) and digital marketing, is proud to announce its targeted SEO services designed to transform how businesses connect with their customers online. By delivering high-impact strategies tailored to individual business needs, iLocal, Inc. ensures clients achieve optimal visibility, enhanced website traffic, and measurable growth in revenue.

In a digital landscape dominated by search engines, ranking at the top of results pages is essential for businesses aiming to stay competitive. iLocal, Inc. leverages cutting-edge SEO techniques to help clients achieve these goals. From identifying profitable keywords to optimizing websites for both users and search engines, iLocal, Inc.’s comprehensive SEO services are engineered to drive long-term success.

How Businesses Benefit from iLocal, Inc.’s SEO Services

1. Increased Online Visibility
   iLocal, Inc. employs proven SEO strategies, including targeted keyword research, on-page optimization, and authoritative link building, to ensure clients rank prominently on search engines like Google and Bing. This increased visibility drives more organic traffic to their websites.

2. Attracting Qualified Leads
   SEO efforts are customized to target the demographics and regions most relevant to each business. By focusing on user intent and search behavior, iLocal, Inc. helps clients connect with customers actively searching for their products or services.

3. Enhanced Brand Authority
   High search engine rankings and consistent optimization efforts position businesses as leaders in their industries. By building credibility through content and technical excellence, clients see a boost in customer trust and loyalty.

4. Improved ROI
   Unlike traditional advertising methods, SEO delivers sustainable results over time. iLocal, Inc.’s data-driven approach ensures that every dollar invested yields measurable returns, making it a cost-effective marketing strategy for businesses of all sizes.

5. Mobile Optimization for a Competitive Edge
   With the majority of web traffic coming from mobile devices, iLocal, Inc. optimizes websites for mobile-first indexing. This ensures seamless performance across all platforms, further boosting search rankings and user engagement.

SEO Services Designed for Results

iLocal, Inc.’s expert team provides a full suite of SEO solutions, including:

• Detailed Keyword Analysis: Uncovering the most impactful search terms for a client’s industry and audience.
• Content Creation and Optimization: Crafting high-quality, engaging content that resonates with users and ranks on search engines.
• Technical SEO: Ensuring websites meet all technical requirements for search engine indexing and ranking.
• Local SEO: Optimizing for regional searches to connect businesses with their local communities.
• Analytics and Reporting: Providing insights and tracking progress to continually refine strategies and deliver better results.

iLocal, Inc. has helped numerous clients achieve significant increases in traffic, conversions, and overall business growth. The company is committed to making SEO an asset that drives success for businesses in any industry.

Businesses looking to enhance their digital presence and drive meaningful growth can explore iLocal, Inc.’s SEO services by visiting iLocal.net or calling (206) 790-1999.

About iLocal, Inc.
iLocal, Inc. is a trusted name in digital marketing, offering SEO, website development, and online marketing solutions to businesses across various industries. By focusing on measurable outcomes and client satisfaction, iLocal, Inc. empowers businesses to achieve sustainable success in the digital era.

(NewsUSA) - Rural Americans often enjoy unique lifestyle benefits, but many still face significant challenges in accessing reliable internet connectivity. With the conclusion of the Affordable Connectivity Program in June, which had offered government-subsidized discounts to eligible households, those in remote areas are now seeking alternative solutions to stay connected.

Despite federal initiatives like the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program of 2021, a substantial portion of Americans who lacked high-speed internet access in 2009 remain disconnected today, as revealed by a study from Arizona State University.

For those in rural communities, access to reliable, high-speed internet is not just a convenience but a critical resource that enhances opportunities for virtual learning, remote work, telehealth, and maintaining social connections with loved ones across distances. After all, the internet has become such an integral part of life that it’s hard to imagine completing daily tasks like paying bills, refilling prescriptions, or staying in touch with distant friends and family without it.

Better access to digital resources stands to enrich rural living in many ways:

1. Economic Impact: Internet access is the gateway to a host of job opportunities, including  remote work which requires high-speed internet. Job seekers need to be able to apply to opportunities online and interview virtually. Reliable connectivity also offers opportunities for online networking, professional development, and industry news.
    
2. Educational Opportunities: Many students today access information and coursework for their classes online. Those based in rural areas with unreliable internet at home often turn to public Wi-Fi in local libraries, stores, or coffee shops. Remote learning can become much more fulfilling for rural students with reliable access to digital resources.
    
3. Accessible Healthcare: Telehealth has become a modern-day practice for a range of healthcare appointments. The elderly, people living with disabilities, and people who face other challenges accessing healthcare in-person especially benefit from telehealth. Americans in rural areas can gain better access to all these resources with a reliable internet connection.
    
4. Social Connection: Connecting with friends and family is important to our well-being. Reliable internet connections can help rural Americans build connections outside their communities through social media, email, and other resources. Additionally, information on local events and news in the community can be more easily accessed with a reliable internet connection.

Many wireline internet service providers (ISPs) are investing in connectivity infrastructure in cities due to their high population density. Rural areas often don’t meet these density requirements – building out miles of cable and fiber and installing poles and other equipment to provide internet to only a handful of homes is a costly investment.

On the other hand, satellite internet companies have continued to invest in rural America. Bridging the digital divide, satellites eliminate the need for local infrastructure, unlike wireline internet providers, making satellite more affordable and accessible. Rural Americans are able to connect and be involved in our online world thanks to satellite internet’s ability to reach areas others won’t.

Hughes, the inventor of satellite internet, offers high-speed, reliable Hughesnet service plans that allow rural customers to connect wherever they live. Hughes newest satellite, JUPITER 3, is the world’s largest and most advanced commercial communications satellite that provides connectivity to rural areas.

In this digital age, the internet should be accessible for all Americans. Satellite connectivity makes the internet available to all Americans, providing basic needs such as connecting with a health provider, applying for a job, doing homework, or reading the news. Satellite internet offers reliable connectivity for rural America.

(NewsUSA) - More than 2.3 million workers were injured on the job last year in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Workers in the industrial sector face significant risks due to routine exposure to heavy equipment such as cranes or machinery, load handling activities, operating electrical components, and heights. These hazards not only endanger workers but also have widespread implications for businesses, including operational disruptions and financial losses. The National Safety Council estimates that workplace injuries cost employers $167 billion annually in lost wages, medical and administrative costs, and time spent hiring and training replacements. 

Safety is too important to leave to chance. Training can increase awareness and improve worker safety, but traditional training methods don’t always provide the hands-on, realistic experiences that prepare workers for real-world challenges.

Using Simulations for Safer Operations
Simulations can make training more effective and have been used for decades in complex, high-stakes industries such as aviation and the surgical field. Virtual simulations re-create realistic, dangerous, real-world scenarios in a safe, controlled environment, giving workers the opportunity to practice high-risk, complex tasks and safety procedures. 

Plus, workers can get unlimited practice and repeat scenarios using a wide variety of equipment until they master it, reducing risks, preventing injuries, and saving lives. Workers in industrial settings are often faced with the need to make quick decisions in stressful situations, and they need to be prepared. 

One company leading the charge on using simulations for safer operations is Interplay Learning, with its acquisition of Industrial Training International (ITI), a global leader in learning solutions for crane, rigging, and load handling activities.  The company offers innovative training solutions in the industrial sector on a wide range of topics that including safety and lift planning and management. By blending classroom training with hands-on learning, employers can adopt a hybrid safety approach that increases engagement, understanding, and skill mastery.   

Seeing Simulations in Action

Crane operators paint the picture of an essential role where even minor errors can have catastrophic consequences. Sitting in the cab of a crane can be intimidating, even when everything is going right. Operators need to master technical skills, safety protocols, and situational awareness, paying attention to balance, overhead powerlines, the wind, safe lifting practices, and more.

A crane simulator allows workers to experience not only the basics of operating complex machinery but also malfunctions and emergency scenarios that would be impossible to recreate safely while on the job.

Simulations, whether they’re in crane operations or troubleshooting an electrical circuit, also provide real-time data, showing workers where they made mistakes and how to improve. Integrating real-time feedback and artificial intelligence allows employers to tailor training programs to each employee’s specific needs, increasing efficiency and ensuring workers focus on the areas they need to master.

An added benefit of simulation-based training is the ability to standardize the experience, ensuring that all workers, regardless of their location, receive the same high-quality experience. It eliminates the variables associated with specific trainers and training conditions. It also decreases the need for physical equipment, reduces the risk of accidents during training, and provides increased flexibility and accessibility for remote or shift workers.

Cultivating Safety Culture

When safety is a top priority, workers feel valued and are more engaged. Real-world training scenarios reinforce safe work habits and teach safety measures to minimize on-the-job injuries, helping cultivate a safety culture.

More importantly, workers trained using innovative simulations are more confident and better equipped to handle dangerous situations if they occur. In an emergency, even seconds count. Reacting quickly and accurately minimizes exposure for everyone on the job site.

Investing in training also boosts employee morale, increases loyalty, and improves retention. The University of Phoenix Career Optimism’s Index found that 65% of workers said how much a company invests in reskilling/upskilling is something they consider when looking for new opportunities, and 69% said they would be more likely to stay with an employer throughout their career if the company provided opportunities for applying new skills.

Embracing the Latest Technology

New technology continues to make training for industrial workers safer and more effective, and training programs should evolve when new solutions become available. With its acquisition of ITI, Interplay Learning now offers online training courses and simulations for crane operations, rigging and load handling, making it easy and affordable to include virtual simulations in training programs through cloud-based learning platforms. Workers can access the training via laptops, desktops, tablets, and virtual reality headsets, reducing logistical barriers and eliminating the need for expensive equipment. 

Content is updated regularly and can be customized to address an organization’s and employee’s needs and priorities. More importantly, workers can repeat lessons and practice a wide range of scenarios, including those that aren’t always safe or easy to replicate in the field. Interactive knowledge checks and assessments built into the training programs provide immediate feedback to employees and allow organizations to track workers’ progress, identify gaps, and ensure mastery.

The direct and indirect costs associated with on-the-job accidents can be catastrophic. Investing in safety training creates a more confident workforce better equipped to handle dangerous or even emergency situations, reducing the risk of injuries and fatalities, lowering accident-related expenses, and improving productivity. Interplay Learning’s subscription-based models make training even more accessible. 

Contact Interplay Learning to learn more about how virtual simulation training can protect your business and help save lives.

(NewsUSA) - As the new year approaches, many people will be setting financial resolutions with hopes of improving their financial health – whether it's saving more, paying down debt, or investing wisely. However, despite the best of intensions, new research by financial services firm Edward Jones reveals that a variety of factors often prevent these resolutions from sticking.

According to the research, more than half of Americans (56%) who made a financial resolution in 2024 abandoned it because of price increases caused by inflation. While those surveyed expressed optimism about keeping their financial resolutions in 2025, more than half (55%) said inflation was their main challenge to financial accountability in 2024, and nearly the same (56%) expressed concern that inflation could derail their financial goals in 2025.

"Sticking to your financial resolutions can be incredibly challenging, especially when inflation puts added pressure on everyday expenses," says Bryan Piccirillo, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones. "In a climate where costs are rising faster than wages, it's more important than ever to set realistic financial goals, even when the odds seem stacked against you."

Across generations surveyed (from Gen Zers to Baby Boomers), Americans said they are confident (81%) in their ability to keep their financial resolutions next year and  they say they will prioritize building up emergency savings and paying down debt in 2025. Although saving for retirement is less of a priority, 21% of Gen Xers said they expect to plan for it during the coming year, according to the survey.

Additionally, approximately one-third of survey respondents (33%) said they planned to spend the same amount on investments in 2025 as in 2024, while 22% said they plan to increase investment spending.

A financial advisor can help develop strategies to turn your financial resolutions into realities, by building a plan to help reduce debt through consolidation, tools for building an emergency fund, and boosting contributions to retirement accounts.

In the Edward Jones survey, approximately half of respondents (50%) believe that working with a financial advisor would help them stay on track. No matter how you are balancing your budget, a financial advisor can help you weather periods of inflation without sacrificing your short-term and long-term goals.

For more information and to find a financial advisor near you, visit: www.edwardjones.com.