(Andy Gordon, Head of Life Insurance, Financial Protection and Retirement Solutions, and Jessica Vanscavish, Head of Disability, Absence, Life, and Supplemental Health, Group Benefits, Guardian) - The loss of a loved one is a tragedy we’ll never be fully prepared for, but there are tactics to consider that can ensure a family is protected financially in the face of personal loss.

Recent research from Guardian found that eight in ten Americans are concerned about being financially prepared in the event of a premature death. At the same time, however, LIMRA reports that life insurance ownership in the US has been declining over the past 40 years.

Life insurance is a key tool for financial protection, but many individuals may be putting off the purchase or don’t have enough coverage. Some don't think they need it because they have no current financial dependents, others are juggling competing financial priorities, and some may not even know where to start. Regardless, there can be serious risks to not considering a policy earlier in life.

To help guide your search and ensure you find a policy that protects you and your family’s well-being, here are a few factors to consider.

Finding the right coverage

Most working adults receive life insurance through their employers. In fact, Guardian research shows that nearly two-thirds of working adults who currently own life insurance got their coverage through work.

While employer-provided coverage offers an important financial foundation, many individuals underestimate the financial impact their premature passing could have on their loved ones. Consider, for instance, factors such as bringing in income, paying off a mortgage, funding a child’s education, or building retirement savings.

Given this gap, it’s worth reviewing your life insurance coverage early on and considering if additional individual life insurance may be effective to help ensure your family is fully protected if the unexpected happens.

Understanding your needs

Regardless of whether a policy is purchased through their employer or individually, there is a disconnect between what many people think they know about life insurance and what they actually do. According to Guardian, only 41% of people say they understand their family’s life insurance needs, including:

• How much coverage to purchase.
• What benefits are included.
• How life insurance can be used.

Having a basic understanding of the different life insurance options can help ensure individuals are choosing the right policy for their needs given that there are different types of life insurance to consider, such as term versus whole.

Many Americans purchase term life insurance by default because it’s straightforward. However, this may not account for changing life stages and financial needs. In some cases, whole life insurance may be a better long-term solution.

Whole life insurance can go beyond income replacement in the event of death. It can also be used during one’s lifetime to address what Guardian has found to be some of Americans’ most pressing financial concerns, including saving for retirement. Understanding what you want from your policy will help you make an informed decision that supports your long-term financial wellness.

Getting guidance

Consider working with a financial professional to obtain the right policy for you. While having an employer-provided policy creates a solid foundation, a financial professional can help you assess your full financial picture and recommend any additional coverage.

Ultimately, life insurance is most effective when the coverage amount allows you to plan appropriately for the future, both for your family’s confidence and your own lifetime needs. By understanding what life insurance you may already have from work, reviewing your current situation, and getting guidance where needed, you’ll be able to confidently determine the right life insurance strategy that best supports your financial goals.

To learn more, visit www.guardianlife.com/reports/prepared-and-protected.

 

8397795.1 (09/2027)

(NewsUSA) - Las afecciones cardíacas pueden afectar a cualquier persona, en cualquier lugar y, a menudo, sin previo aviso. Ana Florencio, de 59 años, lo experimentó ella misma, cuando lo que comenzó como un día normal se convirtió rápidamente en uno de los momentos más aterradores de su vida.

Mientras caminaba por las calles de la ciudad de Nueva York hace un par de años, Ana se desmayó dos veces sin previo aviso. Más tarde se enteró de que sufrió una crisis hipertensiva, lo que significa que tuvo un aumento repentino y extremo de la presión arterial. La experiencia marcó un punto de inflexión en la salud de su corazón, un punto que comparte con más de 1 de cada 3 mujeres hispanas en EE. UU. que viven con presión arterial alta.¹

Una Amenaza para las Comunidades Hispanas

La presión arterial alta es una afección crónica a menudo conocida como el “asesino silencioso” porque puede pasar desapercibida hasta que ocurre un evento grave, como le ocurrió a Ana. Cuando aparecen los síntomas, pueden incluir dolores de cabeza, mareos o dificultad para respirar. Si no se trata, la presión arterial alta puede provocar un ataque cardíaco, un derrame cerebral y otros problemas de salud potencialmente mortales.² 

Esta afección afecta a más de 30 millones de adultos hispanos en EE. UU.,³ y alrededor del 83% de los adultos hispanos con presión arterial alta no la tienen bajo control, lo que la hace aún más peligrosa.⁴

Antes de su desmayo, a Ana le diagnosticaron diabetes tipo 2, una afección estrechamente relacionada con la presión arterial alta. Al darse cuenta de que ahora estaba lidiando con múltiples afecciones crónicas, supo que era el momento de actuar.

Cuando los Medicamentos No Son Suficientes

Posteriormente Ana trabajó con su equipo de atención, el Dr. Prakash Krishnan, del Hospital Mount Sinai^*, para controlar su presión arterial. El Dr. Krishnan le recetó de cinco a seis medicamentos diferentes, un enfoque de tratamiento común. Si bien los medicamentos pueden ser efectivos para muchas personas, no funcionan para todos; de hecho, hasta el 50% de los pacientes no pueden controlar su presión arterial solo con medicamentos⁴. Este fue el caso de Ana, y a pesar de sus mejores esfuerzos, su presión arterial continuó subiendo peligrosamente. Para la mayoría de los adultos, las lecturas normales de presión arterial son inferiores a 130/80⁵, pero la de Ana se mantuvo por encima de las pautas recomendadas y experimentó algunos picos de presión arterial extremadamente peligrosos.

Además, Ana experimentó graves efectos secundarios de sus medicamentos, desde náuseas crónicas hasta dolores de cabeza. Estos síntomas le dificultaban hacer las cosas que antes amaba, como dar largos paseos, cocinar, limpiar y convertir las reuniones familiares en celebraciones memorables.

Encontrando Esperanza A Través de la Denervación Renal

Decidida a tomar el control de su salud, Ana comenzó a investigar opciones de tratamiento alternativas con sus médicos. Después de extensas consultas, se enteró de un procedimiento único llamado denervación renal, que es un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo para personas con presión arterial no controlada a pesar de los cambios en el estilo de vida y la medicación.

La denervación renal (o DRN) funciona mediante radiofrecuencia para calmar los nervios hiperactivos cerca de los riñones, que desempeñan un papel crucial en la regulación de la presión arterial. El procedimiento no requiere implantes y, una vez realizado, funciona las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, para ayudar a controlar la presión arterial.

Al ver esto como una oportunidad para recuperar su salud física y mental, Ana decidió someterse al procedimiento. “Los resultados fueron increíbles”, compartió. “Ahora tengo la presión arterial dentro del rango normal, lo que me ha dado la energía para disfrutar de las pequeñas cosas de la vida, como dar largos paseos sin miedo a desmayarme de nuevo”**.

Forjando Tu Camino

La historia de Ana es un poderoso recordatorio de que el tratamiento para la hipertensión arterial, como la mayoría de las cosas, no es universal. Si bien los medicamentos y los cambios en el estilo de vida (como consumir menos sal y controlar el peso) son herramientas importantes, no siempre son suficientes para todos los pacientes. En el caso de Ana, un procedimiento como la DRN resultó ser la pieza que le faltaba para recuperar el control de su presión arterial.

Este mensaje es especialmente relevante durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, ya que expertos en salud pública trabajan para crear conciencia sobre enfermedades crónicas como la hipertensión arterial, que afectan desproporcionadamente a las mujeres hispanas. La experiencia de Ana enfatiza la importancia de comprender los riesgos personales y demuestra que, con el equipo de atención adecuado y determinación, es posible recuperar la salud.

Para obtener más información sobre la denervación renal, visita beyondHBP.com.

 

*En el pasado, este médico recibió pagos por participar en conferencias de Medtronic.

**El testimonio de este paciente es su experiencia y opinión individual. No todas las personas experimentarán los mismos resultados.

Las personas con presión arterial más alta antes del procedimiento pueden experimentar una mayor reducción de la presión arterial y una menor necesidad de medicamentos para la presión arterial después del procedimiento. Sin embargo, los resultados individuales pueden variar.

1 THE HEART TRUTH ® FOR WOMEN. (n.d.). (LA VERDAD DEL CORAZÓN PARA LA MUJER) https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/sites/default/files/publications/The_Truth_about_Hispanic_Latina_Women_and_Heart_Disease_Factsheet.pdf

2 World Health Organization. (2023, September). Hypertension [Fact sheet]. World Health Organization. Organización Mundial de la Salud. (septiembre, 2023). Hipertensión [Hoja de datos). Organización Mundial de la Salud. https://www.who.int/news‑room/fact‑sheets/detail/hypertension

‌3 “Data Finder - Health, United States.” (Buscador de Datos - Salud, Estados Unidos”.) “Www.cdc.gov, 8 Aug. 2022, www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus/data-finder.htm?year=2019&table=Table%20022.

4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Health and Economic Benefits of High Blood Pressure Interventions.” National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), 2024, (Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades. “Beneficios para la Salud y la Economía de las Intervenciones para la Hipertensión Arterial”. Centro Nacional para la Prevención de Enfermedades Crónicas y la Promoción de la Salud).  www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/priorities/high-blood-pressure.html.6 Berra E, Azizi M, Capron A, et al. Evaluation of Adherence Should Become an Integral Part of Assessment of Patients With Apparently Treatment-Resistant Hypertension. Hypertension. 2016 Aug;68(2):297-306. (La Evaluación de la Adherencia Debe Convertirse En Parte Integral de la Evaluación de Pacientes Con Hipertensión Aparentemente Resistente Al Tratamiento. Hipertensión).

5 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. 2024. “High Blood Pressure - What Is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) (Presión Arterial Alta: ¿Qué Es La Presión Arterial Alta (Hipertensión)?) | NHLBI, NIH.” Www.nhlbi.nih.gov. 2024. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure.

 

(NewsUSA) - Novice chefs and everyday meal preparers finally have their answer to avoiding tears and smelly hands from chopping garlic and ginger. When it comes to the secret ingredients behind impressing your family, friends and office party peers, one can literally say the missing ingredient is now in the bag. 

The purveyors of Spice World products have introduced new products such as Fresh Diced Garlic and Peeled Ginger — ideal for cooking up zesty chili, champion chicken wings or the garlicky goodness in a potato salad that you can proudly present at the cookout or reunion. These packaged ingredients in leading national grocery produce sections are the latest in a diverse line-up of trending flavors also including Ginger & Garlic Fusion and other ready-to-use and squeezable options proving popular in meal or snack prep. 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer research, including data about the recipes accessed the most online, demonstrates a growing preference for preparing new meals that break typical routines. Additionally, garlic is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense ingredient known for its medicinal properties (attributed largely to the compound allicin) linked to benefits for heart health, immunity and more. 

"On our website and social channels, we're inspiring consumers every day with cooking ideas from around the country you can make easily at home," said Chris Kiser, CEO of Orlando-based Spice World. "Our newest products such as Fresh Diced Garlic and Peeled Ginger allow you to prepare new culinary creations without the hassle."  

Even influencers such as celebrated 4-year-old Chef Penny Kay, making pesto caprese grilled cheese, and YouTube influencer Pauly Shore, making BBQ garlic crabs, have demonstrated deft delicacies using Spice World in the mix. 

Deeply rooted in its founder’s original vision since 1949, Spice World is dedicated to helping consumers elevate the way they eat, delivering innovative flavors that remove common obstacles of prep time, seasonality and clean-up. Anchored by the fresh bold flavor of garlic, company offerings also include zesty ginger, Easy Onion and hearty shallots, offered in ready-to-use, peeled and squeezable versions, plus ready-to-use seasoning blends. 

Readers can visit spiceworldinc.com for both a store locator for new products and a free supply of fresh recipes. 

(NewsUSA) - In the United States, severe weather events continue to increase on an annual basis, and with that comes the growing threat of power outages. During National Preparedness Month in September, experts recommend developing a plan to stay safe during a storm-induced power outage, including determining the best backup power options for your home and lifestyle.

A recent study from Texas A&M University found that the U.S. has experienced a 20% annual increase in power outage severity since 2019. With that has come increases in the length and frequency of power outages with more customers being affected annually.

Areas that have reported some of the highest risks of weather-induced blackouts fall along the coastlines and in the Great Lakes regions – areas that commonly see severe weather like hurricanes, tornadoes or powerful thunderstorms.

“As the number of severe weather events rise, so too has the number of blackouts,” said Kyle Raabe, President of Consumer Power for Generac Power Systems. “In 2024, the U.S. had nearly 1.5 billion electric outage hours, which was the most since Generac began tracking this statistic. Homeowners should prioritize backup power to plan for their own safety and security during a storm-induced outage.”

For National Preparedness Month, the power outage experts at Generac advise people to make a plan for severe weather that includes a source of backup power and to identify the backup power option that will best fit their home’s needs in the next outage.

Several options exist for those looking to secure backup power in emergency situations. Each has advantages and drawbacks, and the choice will depend on individual needs, budget and the specific risks posed by the local climate.

• Home Standby Generators are not only a more permanent solution but also the most reliable option. These units are installed outside the home and are connected directly to the electrical panel. Standby generators are powered by natural gas or propane and automatically activate when utility power is disrupted, allowing for continuous power for extended periods of time. This makes them ideal for homes in areas prone to frequent or prolonged outages.
• Portable Generators, also known as open frame generators, are an ideal option for emergency backup power. Fueled by gasoline or liquid propane, portable generators can power the whole home or connect to individual appliances with an extension cord. While larger than inverters and portable power stations, portable generators include features like handles and tires for easy positioning.
• Inverter Generators are an efficient, lightweight portable generator, perfect for those who want a compact but powerful backup power solution. Unlike classic portable generators, inverter generators are fully enclosed and operate quietly. The easy start function is a distinct benefit of inverter generators, which start with the turn of a dial instead of the manual pull cord used on larger generators.
• Battery-Powered Portable Power Stations are an emission-free option that doesn’t require fuel, offering a backup power source designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Ideal for condos or apartments, they are even quieter than inverter generators, operating without any sound. Portable power stations are the smallest backup power option and can power a wide range of electronics that are crucial during an outage, including phones, refrigerators, sump pumps, laptops and more.

The 2025 fall and winter seasons are expected to bring a high risk of extreme weather events, making backup power solutions a preparedness priority. Hurricanes and severe storms can significantly damage the power grid, leaving homes without electricity for days or weeks.

A backup power source is not just about convenience; it’s about being prepared for the unexpected. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you can maintain essential functions, such as heating, cooking, and communication, during a power outage is invaluable. Generac is a global leader in energy technology and offers information and resources at https://www.generac.com/prepare/

(NewsUSA) - For most kids, the back-to-school season means catching up with friends, shopping for  supplies, and falling back into familiar routines – military kids face a different reality. They’re often walking into yet another new school, in yet another new city.

Military kids typically attend 6-9 different schools before they graduate high school. Every time their parent receives orders for a change of station, the whole family is once again transplanted into a new community. And these moves aren’t from one base to another – 70% of military families live in civilian neighborhoods, not on military installations. Despite living alongside their civilian neighbors, only 39% of military families feel connected to them, according to the 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey.  

For military kids, this means the start of school can feel lonely and overwhelming, with frequent moves disrupting everything that helps kids thrive: their friendships, extracurricular activities, and academic progress. That's why the way military children are welcomed into their new schools and communities matters so much. It can make the difference between facing yet another difficult transition and a fresh start filled with exciting possibilities.  

This year, communities across the country have a chance to make that difference. The sixth annual Blue Star Welcome Week (September 27–October 5, 2025), presented by Blue Star Families, is a nationwide effort to turn the back-to-school season into a time of belonging for the 600,000 military families who move each year.

This nationwide call to action encourages neighbors, schools, and local businesses to create meaningful connections with the military families in their neighborhoods. 

“Imagine you are a military kid on your sixth move, gearing up for your seventh new school – it’s tough,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet of Blue Star Families. “That’s one reason we developed Blue Star Welcome Week – to help schools, libraries, businesses, and neighbors ease the way for these kids and their families. It takes a village to support our military families, and Welcome Week is an easy and fun way for anyone to do their part. Help us welcome military families to your neighborhood and build a stronger, more united America at the same time!”

How to Do Your Part This School Year

Here are five simple ways Blue Star Families encourages you to  Do Your Part to welcome military families and help kids feel at home in your community during Welcome Week and beyond:

• Welcome Military Kids. Meeting classmates, exploring new places, and joining community activities helps them feel they belong. With free access to parks and cultural attractions through Blue Star Outdoors  and Blue Star Museums, you can turn small gestures like an invitation or shared meal into lasting connections.
• Attend or Host a Community Gathering.Organize or join a neighborhood coffee, block party, outdoor movie, or potluck to help military families meet new neighbors and begin building local connections.
• Support Military Spouses and Parents.Consider hiring a military spouse, connect them to professional networks, or volunteer at a military-impacted school to bridge the military-civilian divide.
• Learn About Military Families’ Lives. The 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey shows that frequent relocations often create significant financial strain, with many families taking months – or even longer – to recover from the costs of a move. Taking time to understand these challenges is the first step toward meaningful support and building stronger, more connected communities. 
• Every Little Bit Helps. Make a gift to Blue Star Families to strengthen programs that connect, support, and empower military families. Your donation can fuel initiatives and research that drive lasting change – ensuring families feel a true sense of belonging in their communities.

Blue Star Welcome Week is more than an event – it’s a movement to ensure every military child and family feels valued, supported, and truly at home.

Join the movement September 27–October 5, 2025. Learn more at bluestarwelcomeweek.org.

 

(NewsUSA) - With the fall season here and parents settling into back-to-school routines, now is an ideal moment to ensure preschoolers are getting the best care and education possible for the year ahead. For many families, this means seeking programs that offer more than just a few hours of pre-K, and that align with family schedules and budgets.  

Low or No Cost Options Still Enrolling 
Many state and local pre-K programs with free or subsidized tuition are still accepting students, even if the school year has already begun in the area. These public pre-K programs provide foundational learning at little or no cost to families. Checking with your state or school district office, or local early childhood providers, is the first step to finding openings. 

Extending Beyond Local Districts 
Importantly, some public pre-K programs in local child care centers extend beyond local school districts. In several states, partnerships with providers like KinderCare allow families to access state-funded pre-K in community-based settings, offering parents more options and greater flexibility when choosing where their child learns and grows. 

Wrap-around Care Adds Convenience & Value 
For parents who need care before and after the state’s allotted pre-K hours, or for full days, wrap-around care is essential. Providers like KinderCare offer full-day programs that extend beyond free pre-K slots, allowing parents with multiple young children to have one convenient drop-off and pick-up. This arrangement eases daily juggling for working parents, means fewer transitions, and ensures children have a consistent, supportive learning environment all day long. 

Public Pre-K Partnerships Across the Country 
Across the U.S., states are expanding access to early learning by partnering with trusted providers like KinderCare. Families in 19 states can enroll in KinderCare centers that participate in state-funded pre-K programs, giving them access to high-quality education that fits their schedules and budgets. Today, nearly all of these states still have spots available for parents to enroll their children. These partnerships open doors for families who might not otherwise have access to convenient, affordable preschool options. 

Some states are going even further: New Mexico, for example, will now offer universal child care for every family in the state, regardless of income. This bold approach ensures that no family must choose between quality early education and affordability. 

And as the school year begins, parents have choices. With public pre-K, wrap-around care and state partnerships that extend programs beyond local districts, families can find options that fit both their budget and schedule, while giving children a strong, full-day foundation for learning, growth and success. 

Families can find more details on participating states and available programs at kindercare.com/public-prek. 

(NewsUSA) - “Animal Control” by Jonathan R. Miller

A young woman in California inherits a power that begins in the body and echoes out to the edges of the world. It isn’t explained and doesn’t come with rules. It gathers underneath the skin, waiting for direction.

As she begins to understand what the power can touch, rearrange, and dismantle, her decisions grow heavier. The results, stranger. Two friends join her — one driven, one deliberate — and the movement that forms between them gathers momentum until it starts to shift the balance between what is and what could be. Together they learn that transformation isn’t an event. It is a state. And not every becoming is safe.

“Animal Control” is a literary novel of restraint and reach, exploring how power circulates through the living world. It tells a story of instinct, intent, and of a young woman who must decide what she is willing to change and what she is willing to become. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4mtoEHl.

“Maya Blue: A Memoir of Survival” by Brenda Coffee

For fans of “Breaking Bad” and “Narcos,” a searingly honest and unforgettable memoir that challenges women to rethink everything they know about survival, resilience, and finding their voice.

At twenty-one, Brenda Coffee surrendered herself to her marriage and became a woman who would do almost anything her charismatic and powerful older husband, Philip Ray, wanted. Their life together was a fairy tale — until Philip, the founder of two high-profile, groundbreaking public companies, began making real cocaine in their basement and became addicted. Until the Big Six tobacco companies threatened their lives for creating the first smokeless cigarette, and brutal Guatemalan military commandos forced her into the jungle at gunpoint.

A suspenseful, fast-paced memoir that reads like a thriller, “Maya Blue” is an inspiring reminder that as long as you never surrender your voice and always keep your wits about you, you can survive almost anything. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4lyMBMf.

“Night of the Bear” by Alan Cockrell and Richard Hess

Reverend Bobby Chatman, a successful television preacher and the United States president's spiritual adviser, is hiding a dark secret. Immigrating to the US from Russia, he and his two assistants are deep-cover Russian intelligence operatives who have devised a plan to bring the United States to its knees with just four cruise missiles launched from within its borders.

Captain Mark "Suds" Matthews is a frustrated F-15 Eagle pilot who’s prepared to leave the Air Force and fly his final Eagle ride. Meanwhile, the career of his girlfriend, FBI Agent Darryl McCormick, seems to only be at its outset.

The night of the Russian attack is a desperate race to deliver the weapons and exit American airspace before being discovered, performed by an aircrew forced to risk their lives for a mission they don't believe in. Unbeknownst to him, Captain Matthews's last ride as an F-15 pilot may just be his most important. Purchase at https://amzn.to/45XsFwT.

BookTrib’s Lit Picks: 36 Free First Chapters from the Hottest Books of 2025

Readers get a free sneak peek into some of the hottest books and new voices being talked about in literary circles.

BookTrib.com — a leading source for book reviews, news, interviews and articles — offers readers the 2025 edition of its popular Lit Picks ebook collection of first chapters featuring excerpts from 36 new releases and hidden gems.

What to read is the most popular question our editors get a BookTrib.com.  This free gift can help readers decide what they will enjoy next. “BookTrib Lit Picks” includes lots to choose from, including contemporary and historical fiction, thrillers, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, self-help, memoirs and more from publishers like Blackstone, Koehler and Minotaur to award-winning small presses and works from independently published authors. Get your free download at https://booktrib.com/litpicks.

(NewsUSA) - From safer football helmets to groundbreaking laws that protect inventors, this year’s Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation (IPOEF) award winners prove that one idea, when protected, can change everything.

 Each year, IPOEF honors individuals whose work proves that behind every breakthrough is not just an idea but the protection of it. In 2025, that spotlight falls on two sets of changemakers: Inventors of the Year, Erin and Lee Hanson, inventors reshaping sports safety, and IP Champions, U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Thom Tillis, unlikely allies driving bipartisan legislation to safeguard American innovation. Inventors of the Year: Erin and Lee Hanson Erin and Lee Hanson, founders of Guardian Sports, turned a simple idea into a game-changing safety in football: the Guardian Cap, a soft-shell helmet that reduces impact of hits to the head and is now mandated in NFL practices and worn by college and youth players. They also reengineered the lacrosse ball to create PEARL lacrosse balls which are used across the NCAA and PLL designed for better durability and safety. Guardian’s LOOP headband is the highest rated headband for safer play in non-helmeted sports like flag football and field hockey. The Hanson’s work has helped better protect countless athletes and is influencing sport leagues and how they can approach safety at all levels of play. “Without IP, we wouldn’t have been able to collaborate with major leagues like the NFL and NCAA,” they said. “It gave us the foundation to grow and the confidence to partner with giants. What we have learned from our many years of working toward our success is that if you have an idea, start documenting it immediately and speak to a patent attorney early. You never know when your brainstorm could be the next big thing.” IP Champions: Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) & Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) These two U.S. Senators may be from different political parties, but they share a commitment to protecting America’s innovators. Their bipartisan work on legislation, including the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (PERA) and the PREVAIL Act, helps ensure that inventors, entrepreneurs, and small businesses can compete globally and protect their work at home. They are being recognized as IP Champions because of their shared belief that the U.S. needs to be the leader that ensures inventors are protected from start to finish, advocating for the value of intellectual property to stimulate the progress of innovation. Getting Started With IP If you have any more questions regarding IP and don’t know where to begin, try IP Buddy, an AI tool designed to answer your IP questions or concerns. Whether you are a first-time inventor or growing startup or someone who is simply curious about how IP works, IP Buddy is here to guide users through patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets with clarity and confidence. What You Can Learn from This Year’s Honorees: IP protection guarantees that creators are rewarded for their work and have the tools to build, grow and collaborate safely. It also encourages more innovation by making the process sustainable and fair. Here’s what anyone can learn from this year’s honorees: Every big change starts with an idea. Whether it’s a new recipe, product design, or software tool, your idea has value. Protect before you share. Once an idea is public, it’s harder to defend. Research your options for patents, copyrights, trademarks or trade secrets early on. IP fosters trust and collaboration. With the right protections, inventors can safely partner with companies, investors, or even competitors. To learn more about protecting your own ideas and supporting innovation, visit ipoef.organd ipbuddy.ai.

(NewsUSA) - Cybercriminals send 3.4 billion phishing emails daily, aiming to steal sensitive information from unassuming victims. Cyberattacks like these are on the rise, posing increased long-term risk to consumers’ data, reputation, credit, and financial standing.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Michael Nizich, Ph.D., a New York Institute of Technology professor and cybersecurity expert, shares tips to help protect your information and identity.

Keep passwords strong. “Never reuse passwords,” Nizich emphasized. Also, avoid information that could be easily guessed, including your name, relatives' names, pet names, or birth dates. Instead, use a combination of letters (upper and lower), numbers, and special characters. One idea he suggests: write a sentence and use the first letter of each word and punctuation. For example, the phrase “This password is very hard to guess!” becomes “Tpivh2g!”

Use password managers. Tools like the iPhone Passwords app and Samsung Pass for Android devices generate and automatically store complex, unique passwords on your device. “Some password managers also notify you if your account is potentially compromised. Of course, change your password immediately if that happens,” says Nizich.

Lock your credit. Major credit monitoring agencies, such as Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, offer online tools for locking your credit. This allows you to access active credit lines but prevents hackers from opening credit cards or loans in your name. When you need to allow legitimate creditors access, you can temporarily unlock it—just be sure to lock it again when the transaction is complete.

Enable multifactor authentication (MFA). When you sign in, you will receive a second passcode—typically via text, call, or email—to verify your identity. This added protection is especially important for banking and financial accounts, as well as email. “If hackers access your email, they can reset passwords and break into other online accounts, but MFA helps keep unauthorized users out of your inbox,” Nizich says. “Always take advantage of MFA solutions offered by your organization or financial institutions, even if they are optional.”

Steer clear of scams. Scammers may claim to be from an organization you know and demand immediate payment in a hard-to-trace manner—like gift cards, prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or cash—to resolve an urgent “account issue.” Be wary of communication you did not initiate, Nizich urges. “With artificial intelligence, hackers can now even disguise their voice to sound like a friend or family member. Remain vigilant and extra cautious of unexpected communication,” he says.

Shift your attitude. While security measures like MFA and changing your password regularly might be time-consuming, they’re minor inconveniences compared to having your data stolen, Nizich emphasizes. These steps can help protect you from being a cybercrime victim.  

Nizich is one of many New York Tech faculty members lending their expertise to help tackle real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

 

(NewsUSA) - While no one plans to have a baby early, 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely, a rate that has remained persistently high over the past decade. As such, early nutrition decisions in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) continue to be critical.

This NICU Awareness Month (September), we’re breaking down the nutritional options available in the NICU and how they can impact both the short and long-term health outcomes for vulnerable preemies.

Let’s Talk Fortifiers

Extremely premature babies need extra nutrition to grow. Preemies need 20-40% more calories and 2-3 times more protein than full-term babies because they missed important growth time in the womb. That's why doctors add a "fortifier" to mom’s breastmilk or donor milk in the NICU. 

Here’s the confusing thing, though. Many parents don't know that there are two completely different types of fortifiers available in the NICU.

One is made from cow milk, and the other is made from 100% donor breastmilk. However, both are labeled “human milk fortifiers,” regardless of whether it is made from cow milk or breastmilk. A company called Prolacta Bioscience offers the only fortifier made from 100% breastmilk, free from cow milk.

Why Nutrition Matters in the NICU

For preemies born weighing 2.75 pounds or less, cow milk can be difficult to digest. Studies show that fortifiers made from cow milk increase the risk of the deadly intestinal disease necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in extremely premature infants, when compared to infants fed fortifiers made from 100% breastmilk, as part of an exclusive breastmilk-based diet.

Fortifiers made from 100% breastmilk are designed specifically for premature babies and are being used in NICUs across the country to support better outcomes, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays. When used as part of an exclusive breastmilk diet, these fortifiers and formulas:

• Reduce the risk of NEC, a life-threatening intestinal disease
• Help preemies go home sooner
• Can mean fewer complications like lung and eye disease  
• Showed improved long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes
• Trusted by NICUs worldwide for feeding over 125,000 patients since 2006
• Used in more than 55% of U.S. NICUs in 2025 for the smallest, most vulnerable preemies

NICU Parents Have Choices for Their Preemie’s Nutrition

When it comes to nutrition options in the NICU, many parents are not informed that they have a choice. This means families might agree to cow milk-based products without knowing another safe nutrition choice exists.

Parents have the right to understand all available options, the evidence behind them, and potential complications before making this important decision for their baby.

In fact, parents can specifically ask their NICU care team about 100% donor breastmilk-based fortifiers and formulas and request these products if they believe it's the best option for their baby. Resources are available to help families navigate these conversations with their care teams.

Parents serve as their baby's strongest advocates. They shouldn't hesitate to ask questions, request information, and push for what they believe is best for their child. The nutritional choices made in those early days and weeks can affect their baby's health in the short and long term.

Parental Advocacy Makes a Difference

This NICU Awareness Month, if you have a preemie in the NICU, or know someone who does, share this important nutritional information. When it comes to feeding fragile preemies, knowledge can save lives. Parents deserve to know that alternatives to cow milk-based fortifiers exist, and that they have a voice in their baby’s care. Every family has the right to make informed decisions, and every preemie deserves the best possible start in life.