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The report published by the Fraud Watch Network made use of data gathered from 200 victims of investment fraud along with 800 interviews with general members of the investing public. One of the network’s lead researchers has stated that even people that have little experience with investing tend to invest their money on their own because technology makes it easier to do so. However, technology also makes it easier for scam artists to reach victims in a number of different ways and to trick them. According to the report, the majority of fraud victims are 70 or older. These victims were also labeled as “risk takers,” due to the fact that they have stated they are willing to take chances on riskier investments as long as there is a chance of it paying off. Half of these fraud victims also believed that the most profitable returns come from unregulated investments. Additionally, many of these victims reported that they make at least five investments a year and have received targeted phone calls and emails from brokers. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, upwards of 17 percent of Americans aged 65 and older report being the victim of fraud. It’s estimated that billions of dollars have been lost every year due to fraud. One of the reasons older people are more vulnerable to fraud is potentially mild cognitive impairment, which has been linked as a precursor to dementia. March is Consumer Protection Month, making it the perfect time to spread awareness on preventing fraud, especially when it comes to more elderly investors. Consumers of all ages are urged to deal only with regulated brokers and investments for this reason. For more financial news and advice, visit The Benefits Store today.

The 2016 tax season has seen a large increase in phishing and malware incidents, something that the IRS has been very public about battling. In fact, they’ve issued a number of warnings over the past few months concerning W-2 scams that are targeting school districts, corporations, and more. The scam has resulted in the large-scale theft of sensitive information that can be used to commit all kinds of criminal activities, including the filing of fraudulent tax returns. The IRS released a report on phishing trends and intelligence at the beginning of this year that revealed that the number of phishing sites identified in January eclipsed all of the phishing attempts the IRS had identified over the course of the previous year together. In fact, the IRS has identified a number of new and evolved phishing schemes created to confuse taxpayers during the upcoming filing season. Numerous email schemes have targeted payroll professionals, tax professionals, schools, HR personnel, and even just the average taxpayer. Although phishing is the biggest problem the IRS has encountered this year, it’s only one of the scams on their Dirty Dozen list. The following are the scams that made the list this year: Phishing Identity theft Phone scams Return preparation fraud Fake charities Excessive claims for business credits Inflated refund claims Abusive tax shelters Claiming credits by falsifying income Falsely padding deductions on tax returns Offshore tax avoidance Frivolous tax arguments These are the scams that everyone should be made aware of, especially now that it’s March, which is Consumer Protection Month. Visit us at The Benefits Store for more news today. #IRSDirtyDozen

The main question as to whether California will keep Obamacare is how much it will cost its residents and how many people will be covered. According to a senior economist at the RAND Corporation, the main issue is the federal in-flow of dollars. Around $22 billion in federal funds is provided to California every year for Obamacare, over $17 billion of which is used to add millions of low-income adults without insurance to Medi-Cal, which is California’s health program for the poor and disabled. The rest of those federal funds is given to subsidies that help lower the costs of healthcare plans for the majority of the 1.3 million residents who purchase their health insurance via California’s health exchange. The GOP’s proposal to allow states to keep Obamacare comes with a price – states will receive five percent less in federal funds. To fill that gap, California would need to make a state investment. This five percent reduction would result in higher costs for consumers unless California residents would be willing to pay higher taxes. Some experts believe that keeping Obamacare will be worth the cost as this way insurance in California will continue to include a ban on lifetime and annual limits, prevent discrimination against pre-existing conditions, and continue providing anyone under the age of 26 with coverage. One GOP proposed plan may allow California to keep Obamacare, but it would come at a higher cost. For more health-related news, visit us at The Benefits Store.

Gut Microbiota Gut microbiota is a collection of microorganisms that live within the human body. Everybody has tens of millions of microbes living within their guts. These gut microbiomes are extremely important to one’s health due to the fact that they assist the digestion process in addition to helping produce some vitamins. Research has previously indicated that microbiome composition can actually influence the development of certain diseases, including everything from irritable bowel syndrome to obesity. It’s only recently that research revealed that gut microbiota could be linked to autism. ASD Research and Trial The research focusing on the link between gut microbiota and autism was performed via the collaboration of the University of Minnesota, Ohio State University, and Arizona State University. A clinical trial was conducted in which 18 participants were studied. These participants were all aged between seven and 16 and were all diagnosed with ASD. The study took place over a 10-week period in which participants were provided with antibiotics, bowel cleansing, as well as extended fecal microbiota transplants. Fecal microbiota transplants are a type of treatment that are used for Clostridium difficile infections. The treatment involves the collection of fecal matter from the stool of a healthy donor, which is then transplanted into the colon of the patient. Researchers used a donor microbiome that consisted of a thousand different species of gut bacteria. The trial ended with promising results. Participants showed an 80 percent reduction of gastrointestinal symptoms that had been associated with ASD. They also exhibited substantial improvements in their behavioral ASD symptoms. Researchers are working hard to find an effective treatment for ASD and may have discovered a link between gut microbiota and ASD that could improve current treatments of the disorder. To keep up with all the latest news in regards to health-related matters, visit us at The Benefits Store today.

Working Out on the Weekends Researchers recently performed a nine-year study focusing on weekend warriors – those who do all of their exercise over the course of the weekend. They found that if these weekend warriors met certain physical activity guidelines (2.5 hours of moderate intensity physical activity or an hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity) over a two-day period, they were less likely to die during the study period than those that did not exercise at all. In fact, subjects that only worked out during the weekends but did not meet those physical activity guidelines were still more likely to die an early death than those that didn’t exercise at all. The researchers published their results in the AMA Internal Medicine journal, concluding that even less frequent amounts of physical activity could still have a big impact on one’s health. Even one or two workout sessions a week could lower mortality risks. The subjects used in the study included more than 63,000 people that were 40 and older. They all lived in England and Scotland. Of the subjects, 2,300 were weekend warriors, 14,200 exercised a little on the weekends, and 40,000 didn’t exercise at all. Around 7,000 exercised at least three times a week. Over the course of the study, 8,800 subjects died, the largest percentage of which died from cardiovascular disease. Weekend warriors were 30 percent less likely to die during the study, and 40 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease. Exercising can have a beneficial effect on one’s health even if it’s only done a few times a week. Stay current with The Benefits Store for more news concerning the health and medical industry. #WeekendWarriors

Low vision is often the result of an eye disease or other health condition, such as cataracts, diabetes, glaucoma, eye injuries, birth defects, and age-related macular degeneration. There are roughly 4.2 million visually impaired Americans. By 2030, that number is expected to reach around 7.2 million, five million of which are projected to have low vision. Anyone at any age can be affected by vision loss. However, people over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of suffering from low vision. Low vision cannot be corrected through the use of eyeglasses, contact lenses, surgery, or medication. It can make it difficult for people with low vision to cook, write, shop, or even watch TV. Low vision not only impairs the vision of the affected person, it can result in feelings of helplessness, anxiousness, and depression. Vision rehabilitation programs are available to help aid people with low vision to maintain the lifestyle that they are used to. The program helps train patients in the use of magnifiers, how to complete daily living skills in a safe and independent manner, and how to locate additional resources and support. These are a few things that you should know about low vision. If you or anyone you know is suffering from symptoms of low vision, which includes having difficulty recognizing faces, fixing things around the house, choosing and matching the color of one’s clothes, or just getting around the neighborhood, then you should see an eye doctor immediately. To keep up to date on all the latest health related news, be sure to visit us at the Benefits Store today.

The New 3D Bioprinter The 3D bioprinter was showcased in the electronic version of Biofabrication, a well-regarded scientific journal. The human skin created by the 3D bioprinter is the first living organ to be created through the use of bioprinting. It has the ability to replicate the skin’s natural structure, including the first external layer, the epidermis, and the dermis. The dermis is produced using fibroblasts that produce collagen, which is a protein that helps provide the skin with elasticity and mechanical strength. Instead of using colored inks and cartridges, like typical printers do, the 3D bioprinter uses injectors with biological components called bioinks. These bioinks must be used in very specific conditions and have to be correctly deposited to ensure that the cells won’t deteriorate. The act of depositing the bioinks is actually a computer controlled process because of this very reason. The ability to print human skin provides huge advantages to the scientific and medical community. For example, bioprinting allows skin to be printed in an automated and standardized way, making this process much less expensive than manual skin production. It also allows consumer chemical products to be tested without the use of animals, thereby abiding to strict industry regulations. The technology is currently being approved by various European regulatory agencies to ensure that the human skin that is printed by 3D bioprinters can be safely used for transplants on burn patients as well as on patients with certain skin disorders. Keep track of the latest advancements in medical technology, such as the invention of the 3D bioprinter, by keeping up with The Benefits Store.

Chicken Soup – Chicken soup has been eaten as a remedy for a cold for hundreds of years. It turns out that chicken soup does in fact have healing effects. It can help to loosen up the mucus in one’s throat, thereby relieving the symptoms of a cold. Garlic – Garlic contains allicin, which is an active compound with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Numerous studies have revealed that people that use garlic supplements experience fewer colds. Tumeric – Tumeric is a spice that has been designated as a superfood. It’s often used in curry dishes and is high in antioxidents. It’s also naturally anti-inflammatory. By consuming tumeric every day, a person can relieve their body of toxins, thereby becoming less susceptible to colds. Fish – Fish that are particularly oily are generally rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These compounds help reduce harmful inflammation within the body, which in turn helps to ensure that the immune system works properly. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids not only help lower inflammation levels, but that they also help lower anxiety, which is a condition known for weakening immune function. Fish that are full of omega-3 fatty acids include mackerel, salmon, and tuna. Dark Leafy Greens – Citrus fruit isn’t the only food packed with vitamin C. Dark leafy greens, such as kale or spinach, boast a large amount of vitamin C as well. By adding plenty of dark leafy greens to one’s diet, a person can help reduce the duration of a cold. These are a few popular foods for fighting colds. To stay up to date with all the latest health news and information, visit The Benefits Store today.

Why Losing Weight in the New Year is Difficult Some people may scoff at those that are unable to lose weight as part of their resolution. They may think that those that have failed do so because of a lack of willpower. They believe that if someone has enough willpower, they will keep exercising no matter how difficult until they begin losing weight. However, willpower may not be the only reason that a lot of people have difficulty keeping up a regular exercise routine. A recent study on cell metabolism revealed that willpower is not the only factor. The study involved feeding two different diets to two groups of mice. One was a standard diet while the other was a high-fat diet. Researchers observed both groups of mice over a period of 18 weeks. The group of mice that consumed the high-fat diet spent less time moving – and when they did move, it was at a much slower rate than the other group of mice. However, researchers noticed that this lack of movement occurred before any weight gain set in. It was only afterwards that they gained substantial weight. Upon closer examination, it was discovered that altered dopamine receptors were the cause of the slowdown in movement. The study reveals that if anyone is planning on losing weight as part of their New Year’s resolution, they need to make sure they’re on a healthy diet. An unhealthy diet can be just as damaging as a lack of willpower. For more health news, visit The Benefits Store today.

How a Dry January Can Benefit One’s Health The following are just a few ways in which abstaining from alcohol consumption over the period of a month can help improve a person’s overall health: Drink less long-term – Health Psychology published a study in which they discovered that people who took part in a dry January ended up drinking less than they normally would have over the following six months. Reduce potential heart problems – Excessive alcohol consumption can cause an increase in the levels of fats in the heart. These levels of fats are known as triglycerides, which contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. When this occurs, there’s an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Drinking too much alcohol can also lead to high blood pressure, arrhythmia, and cardiomyopathy. Reduce the risk of liver damage – By drinking too much over a period of time, one risks causing damage to the liver. Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to a buildup of fat in the arteries, known as alcohol hepatitis or, in more severe cases, alcohol cirrhosis. Reduce the risk of pancreas issues – Heavy alcohol consumption can disrupt one’s pancreatic function, which can lead to pancreatitis. Lose weight – Alcoholic beverages contain a lot of calories. Almost half of those who participate in dry January end up losing weight, according to a survey performed by Alcohol Concern. Improve sleep – Alcohol consumption disrupts sleep and can lead to insomnia. Cutting down on alcohol can lead to better sleep, allowing the body to restore itself more fully. Take part in dry January to enjoy these health benefits. Be sure to keep up with The Benefits Store for more health news and advice.

Never Take Success for Granted Even though her first three “Harry Potter” books were on numerous best seller lists, she never took her success for granted. She’s stated that talent and intelligence won’t save anyone from bad luck, citing her past short marriage, single-parent status, joblessness, and dependency on welfare as examples. She advises people to plan ahead even when successful to avoid the financial pitfalls that bad luck can often bring. Pay With Cash When Possible Depending on welfare has made Rowling more conscious about the use of cash. Using cash instead of credit makes it easier to stay out of debt. People who use credit cards tend to spend more than those who use cash and fall into debt much quicker because they are spending money they don’t have and being charged interest on that money to boot. Get Professional Financial Advice Hiring a professional to get financial advice may seem like an unnecessary use of money, but it can end up saving a person a lot of money over the long-term. A professional financial advisor can help people to avoid making bad financial mistakes. Save for Retirement It’s important to begin saving for retirement as soon as possible. Otherwise, when the time comes, a person at retirement age may be forced to continue working because they simply can’t afford not to. People who have plenty of money now should put money away as well – just because they are financially stable in the present doesn’t mean that they will be in the future, not without a retirement plan in place. This is some of the financial advice provided by author J.K. Rowling of “Harry Potter” fame. For more financial advice and health-related news, visit The Benefits Store today. *Image courtesy of s_bukley / Shutterstock.com. #financialadvice #JKRowling

Pulmonary Fibrosis Wilson beat his goal of finishing the marathon in 14 hours by over two hours. Wilson was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis back when he was 57 years old. Because of the fact that the scarring of the lungs caused by pulmonary fibrosis can be the result of a number of other problems, from autoimmune diseases to genetic reasons, it took two years for doctors to diagnose him properly. Symptoms first began when Wilson walked up a single hill one day only to find himself out of breath. After several similar instances occurred, doctors discovered that he had pulmonary hypertension, which is when high blood pressure in the lungs is caused by the heart working more than it should – a sign that it could be damaged. This initial diagnosis eventually led to doctors discovering the scarring in his lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis is a terminal condition that most people will only live three years with. It’s a condition that is irreversible. Wilson has survived for five years so far. Although the number of people living with pulmonary fibrosis is unknown, a study from a decade ago used health insurance data to estimate that roughly 42 out of every 100,000 Americans may have pulmonary fibrosis. According to estimates by the American Association of Respiratory Care, around 40,000 Americans may be dying every year due to the illness. Wilson decided to run the marathon to help raise money for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. He hopes that the attention and money will help result in more medications to help treat the disease. He was given an hour and 15 minute head start after being cleared to participate in the marathon despite his condition. To keep up with the latest health care news, be sure to visit The Benefits Store.