(StatePoint) Role-playing has the power to boost young children’s creativity, allowing imaginations to run free, while honing social and cognitive skills. Here are a few fun ideas for harnessing these playtime benefits:

(StatePoint) Children needs lots of physical activity to develop their motor skills and grow up healthy and strong, and you can foster your toddler or preschooler’s love of movement by making playtime active. To get started, consider these indoor and outdoor playtime toys, games and ideas:

(StatePoint) Holiday plans may look different again this year. Some families will choose to host small gatherings, while others may celebrate from the comfort of home instead of traveling.

(StatePoint) Cooler temperatures, outings to the Christmas tree farm, game nights and holiday feasts. Now that the holiday season is here, it’s time to prep your home for seasonal fun! Whether you’re hosting a big or small group of family and friends this holiday season, decorating and decluttering around the house can make party prep easier and more enjoyable for everyone. With that in mind, here are some top tips to create functional and stylish spaces that are easy to keep clean and tidy throughout the festivities.

(StatePoint) After a year during which many Americans stayed home to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, they’re now taking to the highways, railways, byways and highways in great numbers for vacations of all kinds. If you’re among them, consider packing these travel must-haves for a healthier experience.

(StatePoint) For deployed service members who are also parents, being away from their kids is often the hardest part of the job.

(StatePoint) Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart cannot pump as it should and is unable to meet the oxygen and blood circulation needs of the body. Heart failure currently affects more than 6 million people nationwide. Additionally, of all American adults 40 and older, one in five will develop heart failure in their lifetime, according to the American Heart Association.

(StatePoint) While most social media apps require that users be over 13 years old, this hasn’t stopped many younger children from opening accounts, according to new research.

(StatePoint) While you may primarily associate insect invasions with warmer weather, bugs are liable to make themselves at home in your living spaces during all four seasons.

(StatePoint) Whether you’re celebrating a birthday party or just want to a host a fun get-together, the animated preschool series, “Go! Go! Cory Carson” makes a great theme for little ones.

(StatePoint) While there is a lot of guidance available about what to feed children, until now, there has been little guidance about how to feed them. New recommendations offer parents and caregivers practical tips for encouraging healthy eating habits vital to growth, development and health.

(StatePoint) Make the season of spooks a little less scary for the older people in your life by brushing up on ways to stay safe and secure off and online.

(StatePoint) The ever-evolving mission of the U.S. military means service members are often on the move. As demonstrated by recent events in Afghanistan, Haiti and in the wake of Hurricane Ida, dedicated service members put their lives on the line whenever and wherever they are deployed at home or abroad.

(StatePoint) Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends November 7, and if you are already dreading the adjustment, you are not alone. The physical and mental effects are real, and many people undergo mood shifts, fatigue and stress as their bodies adjust. To “fall back” this fall stress-free, try these techniques:

(StatePoint) Though it is the most common form of dwarfism, occurring in one out of every 25,000 births, achondroplasia is often misunderstood as a condition only affecting one’s height. Beyond disproportionate short stature, achondroplasia is associated with a number of serious health complications, sometimes resulting in the need for invasive surgeries. What’s more, individuals with achondroplasia have disproportionately short limbs, which impairs functioning and can lead to delayed development of self-care skills.

(StatePoint) There is a new phenomenon happening, where scream seekers travel the country trying to locate the scariest attraction.

(StatePoint) November 8 is National STEM Day and an excellent opportunity to encourage your child to embrace science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education both inside and outside of the classroom.

(StatePoint) The holiday season brings an abundance of feelings that may include joy, comfort, gratitude, and unfortunately, stress. Don’t let the task of entertaining friends and family break the bank or your back.

(StatePoint) In the scramble to get your hands on the toys your children want this holiday season, experts warn that you should prioritize safety by sticking to age-appropriate toys and by avoiding counterfeit alternatives at all costs.

(StatePoint) Whether you’re a beginning baker or an experienced entertainer, having the right tools can make the process of holiday party prep faster, easier, more festive – and ensure you can achieve expert-level results. Here are a few must-haves to add to your holiday shopping list.

(StatePoint) Health and safety, shipping delays and a constrained budget -- these are just some of the concerns that may be amplifying your shopping stress this holiday season.

(StatePoint) If you’ve been worried about your teen’s social media usage, it would seem your concerns are now legitimized by hard facts and figures.

(StatePoint) A time when natural disasters are growing in frequency, most Americans are not physically or financially prepared to handle them.

(StatePoint) It’s estimated that influenza sent up to 400,000 people to the hospital with flu complications and caused an estimated 22,000 deaths in the United States in the 2019-2020 flu season. As more Americans return to their workplaces, employers can play an important role in flu prevention.

(StatePoint) When it comes to birthdays, holidays and life’s special moments, finding a gift for someone we love can be a daunting task. If you’re feeling repetitive and predictable in your gift-giving endeavors, start thinking outside the gift box and give a unique present that’s sure to delight!

(StatePoint) What if your family’s playtime was not just fun, but a pathway to future success? In a recent survey of parents conducted by OnePoll on behalf of The Genius of Play, a leading online hub of expert-based play ideas and resources for families, 87% of respondents said the skills they learned while playing as a child helped them achieve success in their adult careers.

(StatePoint) While “thank you” notes have been exchanged since the 1400s, they remain as important as ever today.

(StatePoint) Asthma is a lung disease that makes breathing difficult for over 24 million Americans. While there’s no cure, there are steps you can take to help control it so you can lead a normal, healthy life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Asthma Control Program developed the “six EXHALE strategies” that help contribute to better asthma control.

(StatePoint) Despite the recent resurgence of COVID-19, many consumers are more comfortable shopping at brick-and-mortar stores compared to last year, and experts are predicting substantial retail traffic this holiday season.

(StatePoint) Whether you’re shopping in the dental aisle or scrolling online, it may be surprising to see just how many products there are to choose from. However, dentists have a simple tip to pick the right ones for you and your family – check for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.

(StatePoint) Recently made public internal research from Facebook reveals that its photo-sharing app Instagram can have harmful impacts on young users, particularly girls. Many in the U.S. and U.K. study say they feel “addicted” to these apps, while at the same time, attributing depression and anxiety to their use of them.

(StatePoint) The benefits of family quality time, which include positive impacts on mental health, reduced stress, promoting adaptability and more, are well understood. But the importance of creativity in families is less common knowledge.

(StatePoint) While many people think that hepatitis A affects only high-risk populations; anyone can be at risk for this vaccine-preventable liver infection, as it can be spread person-to-person or through contaminated food or drink, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s something Stan, a Detroit-native, learned the hard way after contracting hepatitis A, likely through dining at a restaurant.

(StatePoint) New research reveals that not only has America’s largest generation -- millennials -- become more civically engaged since the pandemic began, but that the time is right for nonprofits and companies to help all Americans see how profoundly they can influence social change.

(StatePoint) The average military spouse moves eight to 12 times in the span of a 20-year military career. Each move results in starting over in the new location and dealing with the struggle of meeting new people, sustaining meaningful employment, and feeling a sense of community in each new location.

(StatePoint) Pre-K learning is fundamental, giving children the skills they will need to thrive in school and beyond. But sometimes kids need more encouragement to get excited about learning. Here are some tools and strategies that can help:

(StatePoint) Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a rare disease that can be passed down from generation to generation within families. This condition causes numerous cysts to grow in the kidneys, resulting in the kidneys enlarging and losing function over time. Additionally, nearly 50 percent of affected patients over age 60 will experience kidney failure or end stage renal disease (ESRD). The most common form of PKD is Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) which, according to the National Kidney Foundation, accounts for nearly 90 percent of all PKD cases.

(StatePoint) We all have someone who has more than enough clothes, jewelry, artwork and overall “stuff,” that you just don’t know where to begin finding a gift they’ll need or want. The next time you need to come up with a clever birthday gift idea for them, try one of the following categories:

(StatePoint) Having the right tech tools can make homework and studying easier. Not only can it reinforce what was learned in the classroom, it can also help your child delve further into the subject. Here are five such tools to consider:

(StatePoint) When Chad VanCamp, 42, began feeling intense pain in his tailbone whenever he sat down, life changed. Suddenly, his favorite hobbies became unbearable and he began dreading everyday activities that most people wouldn’t think twice about -- car rides, airplane trips and even going out to dinner.

(StatePoint) A fall can result in unwanted outcomes, including injury, loss of independence, and a decreased ability to do the things that are most important to you or a loved one.

(StatePoint) Do you and your family regularly discuss money matters or do you shy away from the subject? Experts note that money talk taboos are common among American families and that this needs to change.

(StatePoint) Hate bugs? You’re not alone. Nearly seven in 10 Americans can’t sleep if they know there’s an insect in the room, according to a recent survey conducted by OnePoll for Zevo. The same poll also found that two in three Americans would give up a month’s pay to not deal with bugs!

(StatePoint) Fall kick starts the financial road to college for parents of high school seniors. But if you’re like the majority of parents, you both value the importance of a college degree, while harboring anxiety about the price tag.  

(StatePoint) As a new school year kicks into gear, make sure your child is ready to safely return to in-person learning and extracurricular activities. This means being on top of routine medical visits and ensuring they are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases (like measles and mumps). While parents may have delayed their children’s vaccinations and preventive care due to the COVID-19 outbreak, medical offices and clinics are taking extra steps to see children safely during this time. Call to schedule an appointment today. And if your child is 12 years or older and hasn’t received their COVID-19 vaccine yet, talk to their doctor about getting it as soon as possible. If your children don’t currently have health insurance, it is not too late to get them covered!

(StatePoint) 3M Sponsored Content. The pandemic has deeply impacted learning experiences for students across America. As educators and students return to school this year, they will continue to navigate these challenges as they look for ways to redefine learning. The pandemic also put a stark spotlight on inequities in the sciences and science education, especially the lack of equal access. The good thing is that this has sparked an increased awareness and a desire for change to begin addressing these issues.

(StatePoint) Experts say that keeping your mind and body healthy through the years can reduce your risk for cognitive decline. Try taking on these new hobbies to keep your mind sharp as you age:

(StatePoint) The nearly 13 million small businesses owned by women nationwide are essential to the U.S. economy. Accounting for 42% of U.S. small businesses, they employ nearly 9.4 million people and generate $1.9 trillion in revenue annually.

(StatePoint) Playtime is not only fun, it can also be an opportunity to teach children important values and help them learn to give back. Here are three ideas for infusing a philanthropic mindset into fun.

(StatePoint) The pandemic has changed our lives in numerous ways. As a result of all the upheaval, many people are reassessing their priorities and thinking about early retirement. According to Pew Research, 28 million baby boomers retired in 2020 and a recent study found 39% plan to retire by 65, while 18% said they plan to retire by age 59. Before taking that step, here are four questions to ask yourself.

(StatePoint) The transition to campus life can often feel abrupt. Beyond adjusting to the rigors of a college curriculum, students must quickly develop the self-management skills needed to thrive on their own. One such skill that should be prioritized is staying on track with prescribed medications.

(StatePoint) If you haven’t visited your physician since the start of the pandemic, medical experts say that the time is now to book check-ups and screenings for the entire family.

(StatePoint) As a homeowner, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by necessary renovations and all the things you’d like to accomplish around your property. If your list of updates is long, but your time and budget are strapped, remember, even small changes can make a big impact.

(StatePoint) Keeping your children’s feet healthy relies on smart shoe shopping and asking the right questions at your doctor’s visits. Use these tips from the foot and ankle surgeons of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) to prepare for your next shopping trip and pediatric check-up.

(StatePoint) In case you missed it, wallpaper has made a comeback in the interior design world. This is for good reason. Today, there are literally millions of designs from which to choose. Not only that, new types of wallpaper can make application and removal easier than ever.

(StatePoint) If your casual baking hobby has turned into an obsession, you’re in good company. Baking swept the nation as a way to pass the time in 2020, with an overwhelming 84% of respondents identifying as bakers in an end-of-year Packaged Facts survey of Americans.

(StatePoint) When you start thinking about how to achieve financial security, a few basic things probably come to mind: insurance for your car and home; disability insurance in case you’re injured and can’t work; life insurance to protect your family in case something happens to you. But there’s one important type of financial protection that many people overlook: umbrella insurance.

(StatePoint) Climate change is making natural disasters more extreme, from extending the duration of disaster seasons to increasing the intensity of fires, storms and floods. Indeed, the U.S. Geological Survey notes that with increasing global surface temperatures, the intensity of storms will likely increase. The agency also predicts coastal flooding to double in the coming decades.

(StatePoint) When you quit smoking you can lower your risk for a number of serious health problems, including lung disease, lung cancer and heart disease. But kicking the habit isn’t easy, especially if you’ve smoked for a long time.

(StatePoint) College students have a lot to juggle between school work, their social lives and other priorities. One additional item women students may have to consider for the first time is birth control.

(StatePoint) Did you know that nearly four out of five teens prefer contact lenses over glasses? Here’s what to know about glasses, contacts and your teen’s eyes:

(StatePoint) Whether you want to boost the value of your home to put it on the market or you want to enhance its beauty and settle in for long-term living, it’s important to keep curb appeal top of mind.

(StatePoint) More than 34 million Americans are living with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 90-95 percent of those diagnosed have Type 2 diabetes. With many Americans having deferred medical care since the start of the pandemic, delayed or overdue diabetes diagnoses are expected in the coming months. Experts encourage those living with diabetes and their loved ones to navigate the disease head-on and with confidence.

(StatePoint) Navigating the job market is tricky for any job seeker. For transitioning U.S. service members and military spouses, finding one’s professional footing can be even more challenging.

(StatePoint) College bound this fall? Let this round-up be your guide for a smooth start to the fall semester:

(StatePoint) Despite significant gains in vaccinations and fighting COVID-19, the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant poses a significant risk for unvaccinated people.

(StatePoint) If you have recently started or expanded a houseplant collection, congratulations! You’ve improved your indoor air quality and have added life and vibrancy to your home. At the same time however, your indoor garden may be attracting bugs that can harm your precious plants and annoy you.