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Online Security and Your Company: 4 Areas of Risk to Consider

Nancy Clayson
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Online Security and Your Company: 4 Areas of Risk to Consider

The last decade has seen a huge shift to online business even if it is only for one portion of a company. There are business owners that made a promise never to have a website as they would do things old school. Even the most steadfast of anti-technology business owners have given in as the world’s business landscape has changed. A lack of a website or even email can lead to lost customers on a daily basis. The shift to handling business online has been done in all areas including communication and even accounting. The old days of having to keep detailed accounting records have been replaced by inputting this into a platform that assists with this process. The vital information that accounting and communication platforms house needs to be protected at all costs. Below are tips to help maintain quality online security at your company regardless of its size. 

Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay

Employees

Employees can be a huge vulnerable area for a business trying to protect their data. Current employees likely will not be the threat although their actions could leave vital information at risk. The importance of not downloading applications outside of trusted sources is a perfect policy to institute. Far too many applications were designed to steal information from its users. Former employees are going to be the largest risk though as they might want revenge as they feel like they have been unjustly terminated. Changing passwords is important for any shared accounts. People that are terminated will often try to collect as much information that they believe can help them when fired. 

Freelancers

Freelancers are likely going to have access to certain company systems or receive logins to use certain company tools. The turnover that many companies see with freelancers needs to be kept in mind. Creating freelancer accounts that can be used is important as you do not want a freelancer having access to an admin account. Freelancers will likely not profit off of trying to wreak havoc on a company so stealing of information will likely not happen. Restrict the number of accounts or documents the freelancer has access to just to be safe. There is a chance the freelancer could become a valued part of the team on a full-time basis. 

Phishing Emails and Direct Cyberattacks

Phishing emails can be used to get credit card information or even account passwords. The importance of being able to identify a phishing email cannot be undervalued as these emails are becoming more and more advanced. Phishing emails are more of a threat than a direct attack as it is cheap to send out thousands of emails in a day. Direct cyberattacks can be an issue if a company is believed to have important information. If these attacks are prevalent then a cybersecurity firm should be hired. The best cybersecurity software combined with a team to identify breaches might be required. For most businesses direct attacks regularly are less of an occurrence than viruses stealing information or phishing emails answered. 

Clients with Access to Certain Systems 

The tough truth is that your client likely has some kind of access to your system or cloud. Many clients desire this so they can see the progress on a specific project that is underway. A hack of a client can lead to confusion and even the deletion of a certain milestone in a project management system. The information that is stored in project management systems is often tied into the accounting platform being used. The last thing that you want is the payment details of your clients or employees being stolen. Identity theft is not a joking matter and can years to fully recover from. Restricted access to a system usually prevents the client’s access from compromising security but not in all cases. Do not underestimate the will of a seasoned hacker or even a disgruntled former employee of your client. If a client’s account is constantly being hacked it is important to let them know. Some clients will not change what they are doing though as they are stuck in their ways. 

Take the time to do a proper online security risk assessment when it comes to 3rd party apps. Allowing a cloud access security broker solution to assist with this can save time and money. The apps that you or employees use could be vulnerable although they are following best practices in other aspects of their work. Do not allow a data breach of some kind to destroy your business as it could take years to recover if it ever does. 

Demo-2 Launch: SpaceX Mission Set for Second Try

James J. Williams
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Demo-2 Launch: SpaceX Mission Set for Second Try

SpaceX will make a second attempt in the coming hours to get NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken into orbit.

On May 27, the Dragon capsule’s flight to the International Space Station (ISS) was postponed because of poor weather at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center.

Forecasters say conditions on May 30 will probably be touch and go again.

It follows the spectacular explosion on May 29 of a rocket prototype at SpaceX’s R&D facility in Texas.

SpaceX has been trialing a new design for a future vehicle it calls Starship. The latest model was destroyed in the blast.

The development work at Boca Chica, close to the Mexican border, is entirely separate from SpaceX’s commercial crew activities with NASA.

Doug Hurley’s and Bob Behnken’s lift-off at Kennedy is scheduled for 15:22 EDT.

There’s huge focus on their mission because it will mark the first time that the US has been able to launch its astronauts to the ISS since the retirement of NASA’s space shuttles in 2011.

It will also be the first occasion that NASA has used a private company to transport one of its crews to orbit.

Image source: NASA

Dragon Capsule: SpaceX Launches First Demo Mission from Kennedy Space Center

Dragon CRS-10: SpaceX Successfully Launches New Mission Carrying Cargo Ship for ISS

However, people were wrong if they thought this attention added to the pressure to get the astronauts off the ground, said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine.

“We will launch when we are ready,” he told reporters.

“I’ll tell you, the President and the Vice President were proud of the NASA team and the SpaceX team for making the right call for the right reasons.”

The first launch attempt in the week was scrubbed just 16 minutes before the designated launch time. There had been much electrical activity in the air throughout the day, and controllers concluded it wouldn’t be prudent to proceed with the flight.

At the moment of postponement, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken were sitting in their Dragon capsule atop its Falcon rocket with the booster fuels being loaded below them.

The frustration was that the countdown was going so smoothly; engineers had seen no technical issues of concern. The vehicles were in perfect shape to begin their ascent.

On May 30, they will follow exactly the same routines. The astronauts will head out to the pad about three hours prior to 15:22 EDT. A SpaceX “close out” team will help them strap into their capsule seats, and then it will be a case of running through the pre-flight checks with controllers.

If the launch goes ahead, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken have about a 19-hour flight to the ISS. They’ll use that time to try out systems onboard the Dragon capsule, including having a go at manual flying. They’ll also need to get some sleep after what will have been a long day.

The astronauts are expected to stay at the ISS for between one and four months before returning to Earth.

SpaceX, which is run by the tech billionaire Elon Musk, has a $2.6 billion contract with NASA to provide six crew flights to the space station. The first of these is scheduled for the end of August, assuming nothing untoward happens on Doug Hurley’s and Bob Behnken’s demonstration.

Boeing has a similar contract, but it is a year at least behind SpaceX in its development timeline.

5 Amazing Structures that Would Not Exist Without Contractors

Sonia Pantiss
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5 Amazing Structures that Would Not Exist Without Contractors

Architecture is a beautiful and creative art form. Though we might imagine architects spending nights bent over their blueprints to create masterpieces like the London Eye, there is more to the picture. Crafting magnificent and practical buildings takes a team of creatives to make it happen. 

Behind every great architect is a team of contractors ready to put in the hours of physical construction. These professionals go through dedicated programs at places like the contractor training center to become masters in their field. While architects get most of the credit, contractors deserve recognition for the amazing infrastructure we use every day.

Let’s highlight some gorgeous buildings that wouldn’t be around without contractors. 

1. Gardens by the Bay – Singapore

Singapore has a plethora of beautiful buildings throughout the country. Among these, the Gardens by the Bay in the Marina Bay district takes the cake for most breathtaking.

The process of constructing the park began in 2006, with an international master plan design competition. The contractors entered the picture in 2007 after a select vote by jury and public took place in late 2006.

During this time, the team began to work on the Bay East Gardens and Flower Dome. The contracting company finished their work in 2011, leading to the amazing Gardens we enjoy today. 

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

2. The Shard – England

Another city full of gorgeous architectural structures is London. Irvine Sellar, the developer of the Shard, began the process in 1998, but it wasn’t until 2008 with funding from Qatar that construction began. 

The contracting team worked until 2012 when the building was ready to be opened. The unique design and well-built structure helped push the Shard onto the list of London landmarks along with Big Ben and the Tower Bridge. 

Image source: Wikipedia

3. Sendai Mediatheque – Japan

The Sendai Mediatheque is a multipurpose cultural center located in Sendai, Japan. Toyo Ito designed the project after floating seaweed with a completely open 7-story floor plan. The construction began in 1997 with a lot of the creative building freedom going to the contracting team. 

The building utilized steel pipe tubes, glass, and aluminum mesh, and everything has an alternative function. Some pipes doubled as stairs and elevators, for example. The construction ended in 2000, but the Mediatheque opened to the public in 2001. 

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

4. Seattle Central Public Library – United States

The United States houses several intricately designed public spaces, focusing a dedicated effort on making beautiful libraries. The modern Seattle Public Library is no exception. The central public library cleared in 1998 as part of a city-wide effort to double the square footage of neighborhood libraries. 

After OMA and Joshua Prince-Ramus completed drafts for the library in 1999, the contracting team at Hoffman Construction Company began working. The workers dedicated six years to ensure that the eleven-floor library looked stunning and met all building safety codes. In 2004, the public gained full access to the Central Public Library.

Image source: Wikipedia

5. Heydar Aliyeva Center – Azerbaijan 

The Heydar Aliyeva Center, located in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a flowing and curved building that boasts a beautiful aura. The center’s design had both the natural desert topography and the multifunctional purpose of the building in mind. The architect, Zaha Hadid, drafted his plan in 2007 after winning a design competition. 

The contracting company completed the eight-story project in 2012. Included in the construction was a 1000-seat auditorium, exhibition spaces for local artists, and a museum, among other things. 

Image source: Wikipedia

Without Contractor Teams, None of These Would Be Possible

The list here is just the tip of the iceberg. Without dedicated teams to do the groundwork, the magnificent buildings and structures we enjoy every day wouldn’t exist. 

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a contractor, there’s nothing stopping you from going out into the world and contributing to the next masterpiece.

Navigating the New Normal: Saving Money is Important, but Donating in Times of Crisis is an Imperative

Nancy Clayson
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Navigating the New Normal: Saving Money is Important, but Donating in Times of Crisis is an Imperative

“Rather than being a human, be a humanitarian” – Kowtham Kumar

Are you pondering the importance of giving of your time and money to charitable organizations like NGOs and Non-Profits?

This quotation by Kowtham Kumar highlighted above, describes the raison d’etre of being human. Ergo, being human is to espouse humanitarian acts and principles.

What is a humanitarian?

 By way of answering this question, let’s examine the following definition:

A humanitarian is defined as a“person actively engaged in promoting human welfare and social reforms, as a philanthropist.”

Photo Source: www.tampabay.com

The new normal: Navigating the socioeconomic consequences of COVID-19

The world first heard of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in the last days of 2019. Fast forward to May 2020, and very little is known about this virus. Consequently, scientists and medical professionals are struggling to predict the virus’s behavior.

What is internationally accepted is that one of the only ways to control its rampant spread is social isolation or social distancing. Therefore, over 50% of the world’s population is currently under a stay-at-home or lockdown order. All non-essential businesses have closed, and millions of people have either lost their jobs or been furloughed. As a result, the COVID-19 is responsible for a total shutdown of the global economy, costing the world at least $7 trillion (USD).

NGOs and non-profits like yadezra.net are still continuing to feed the vulnerable, poor, and needy during these challenging times. However, it is a challenge because they are feeling the financial strain from the economic challenges of the fallout from COVID-19. Thus, they need donations even more than before the world woke up to the “new normal.”

Reasons why donating to charities is an imperative

Now that we have established that donating to NGOs, non-profit organizations, and charities is an imperative, let’s consider two of the most important benefits of supporting NGOs and charities during this crisis.

Helping people less fortunate

It is our social, moral, an ethical imperative to help people less fortunate than ourselves. It does not matter how much we give, what matters is that we give. Many religious organizations espouse the edict of giving at least 10% of all income to a charitable organization.

The website, nonprofitsource.com, notes that “giving to religion (defined as giving specifically to congregations, denominations, missionary societies, and religious media) has consistently remained America’s single largest recipient of charitable giving.”

Thus, irrespective of what our personal beliefs are because this article’s intent is not to discuss religion, let’s consider a simple case study of giving to charity during these challenging times.

If by way of example, we use the principle of giving 10% of our income to charity, then the following figures apply:

For every $10 we earn, we only need to give $0.10 to charity.

Therefore, if we only earn $40 per month ($10 per week x 4), then the maximum amount that we need to donate to charity for a particular month is $0.40.

Image source: PxHere

Statistics show that, in 2017, the median US weekly salary was $857. Thus, an average American employee earned $3428 per month ($847 x 4 weeks). Therefore, 10% of $3428 is $342.80. Thus, the maximum amount suggested based on the 10% rule is $342.80.

While this sounds like a lot of money, in the bigger scheme of things it is only 10% of your salary. And, from personal experience, it is essential to make the donation as soon as you get paid; otherwise, it is easy to spend this money on something else.

Improves our mental, emotional, and physical health

The health benefits associated with generosity include increased self-esteem, improved mood, less depression, lower stress levels, lower blood pressure, and greater happiness.

Why?

Research studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health have found that giving to charitable organizations boosts the feel-good chemicals or endorphins in your brain. Endorphins are manufactured by the hypothalamus and the pituitary glands. They act as a pain reliever and a happiness booster.

As an aside, it is interesting to note that endorphins have a similar function in your body as opioids. In other words, endorphins act as natural opioids. The human body has special receptors that bind to the synthetic opioids when taken on prescription by a medical professional to manage short-term pain. And, the combination of the opioids and the body’s receptors blocks pain signals from reaching the brain.

Consequently, the more you give and help people who are less fortunate, the more endorphins your body will manufacture, the happier you will be. And, the happier you are, the healthier you are.

Final thoughts

It’s vital to remember that, while philanthropic behavior is essential to your health and happiness, it’s equally important to manage your budget carefully, save as much as you can, and not overspend on anything. Otherwise, you will end up in financial difficulties.

The consequences of overspending are directly juxtaposed to the positive benefits of giving and managing your finances properly. And, if you overspend, you will no longer be in the position to support charitable organizations. Thus, everyone concerned, including yourself, will lose out on the overall benefits of your charitable actions. 

SaaS Products All HR Departments Must Have In 2020

Dana R
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SaaS Products All HR Departments Must Have In 2020

The human resources department is one of the most important non-core functions of any business. As a result, in most cases, the HR department of any organisation has a lot of responsibilities to handle. 

From processing payrolls to keeping track of attendance, from recruiting fresh talent to employee engagement, the functions of HR are critical to ensuring smooth functioning of the business machine.

To this end, it is important for business owners to ensure their HR department is equipped with the right tools to carry out their responsibilities with maximum efficiency.

As SaaS products become more affordable and accessible, even for small businesses, it only makes sense to take advantage of them to maximise the efficiency of your HR department.

In this article, we will discuss three essential tools that have almost become a necessity for modern HR departments. 

Let us begin:

Payroll Software

The variety of payroll tasks involved in calculation of an employee’s salary are time consuming and have a lot of scope for human error. Such errors can cause serious miscalculations in an employee’s salary which can in turn, ruin the reputation of your organisation.

Modern payroll software is designed to automate the whole process with minimal effort. From processing salaries to calculating the tax returns of your organisation, a payroll software can take care of it all. These software can be customised to the specific regulations applicable to your business, along with any special rules that are applicable to the calculation of the salaries of your employees.

This way, you not only eliminate the scope of human errors from the process, but also free up the time of your HR department to focus on other critical activities.

Learning Management System

One of the most important functions of an HR department is to overlook the learning and development of the employees. A learning management system enables them to do this task efficiently. A learning management system is a platform that is used to store, share, and manage training content. 

These online training software enable learning administrators (HR associates) to enroll learners (employees) and assign different training curriculums to them. A learning management system also offers features like gamification and blended learning that allow learning administrators to create an engaging learning experience.

Additionally, these tools come loaded with tracking features that allow learning administrators to track the progress of different courses, as well as the progress of different learners. 

This way, they can pinpoint the areas where the course curriculum can be optimised for better retention and comprehension. These tracking capabilities also enable training administrators to identify learners that need special attention and tailor their learning experience according to their needs.

Time Tracking Software

At a time when teams are forced to work from their homes, tracking their productivity is one of the most essential jobs of the HR department. ONe of the most efficient ways to do so is with time tracking software.

The applications of a time tracking software aren’t limited to this time of social distancing. We’re living in a gig economy and working with freelancers is becoming an increasingly common practice. In order to make sure your company is not being billed unfairly, your HR department will need a time tracking software to track the hours of the freelancers that work for your organisation.

Conclusion

Tracking time and processing payrolls are two of the most time-consuming tasks of an HR department. By automating these, you can make your HR department much more productive, and use their potential for more important tasks. On the other hand, effective employee training is next to impossible to carry out without the help of a great learning management system.

Are there any tools that your HR department uses that we haven’t mentioned in this article? Share them with us in the comment section below!

President Donald Trump’s Tweet Given Fact-Check Label

Nancy Clayson
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President Donald Trump’s Tweet Given Fact-Check Label

One of President Donald Trump’s tweets has been given a fact-check label by Twitter for the first time.

President Trump tweeted, without providing evidence: “There is NO WAY (ZERO!) that Mail-In Ballots will be anything less than substantially fraudulent.”

Twitter put a warning label in the president’s post and linked to a page that described the claims as “unsubstantiated”.

On May 27, President Trump threatened to “strongly regulate” or even “close down” social media platforms.

He tweeted to his 80 million followers that Republicans felt the platforms “totally silence conservatives” and that he would not allow this to happen. In an earlier tweet, the president said that Twitter was “completely stifling free speech”.

“Donald Trump” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Gage Skidmore

Later on May 27 President Trump said that Twitter “has now shown everything we have been saying about them… is correct” and vowed “big action to follow”.

It is unclear what regulatory steps the president could take without new laws passed by Congress. The White House has yet to offer further details.

For years, Twitter has faced criticism for not acting on Donald Trump’s controversial tweets, which include personal attacks on political rivals and debunked conspiracy theories.

This month Twitter introduced a new policy on misleading information amid the coronavirus pandemic.

However, President Trump’s recent posts promoting a conspiracy theory about the death of political aide Lori Klausutis, blaming a high-profile critic, have not received the same treatment.

The notification on President Trump’s tweet shows a blue exclamation mark and a link suggesting readers “get the facts about mail-in ballots”.

The link directs users to a page on which the president’s claims are described as “unsubstantiated”, citing reporting by CNN, the Washington Post and others.

Coronavirus: President Trump Reveals He Is Taking Hydroxychloroquine

The pandemic is putting pressure on American states to expand the use of postal voting because people are worried about becoming infected at polling stations.

In a “what you need to know” section, Twitter writes that President Trump “falsely claimed mail-in ballots would lead to ‘a Rigged Election’.”

Twitter had pledged to increase the use of warning labels about false or misleading information on its site, but has been slow to take steps against President Trump.

President Trump posted the same claim about mail-in ballots on Facebook, but it is not fact-checked on that platform.

With more than 52,000 tweets currently to his name, the president is a prolific tweeter and relies on the platform to disseminate his views to millions of people.

President Trump has used Twitter to launch attacks on opponents, with targets ranging from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to his political rivals in the US.

Black Lives Matter: Minneapolis Protesters Clash with Police over George Floyd’s Death

Diane A. Wade
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Black Lives Matter: Minneapolis Protesters Clash with Police over George Floyd’s Death

Minneapolis police have clashed with protesters following the death of an unarmed black man in police custody.

Police fired tear gas and protesters threw rocks and sprayed graffiti on police cars.

Video of the death shows 46 –year-old George Floyd groaning “I can’t breathe” as a policeman kneels on his neck.

Four police officers have been fired, with Mayor Jacob Frey saying that being black “should not be a death sentence”.

The incident echoes the case of Eric Garner, who was placed in a police chokehold in New York in 2014. Eric Garner’s death became a rallying call against police brutality and was a driving force in the Black Lives Matter movement.

Violent clashes began in the afternoon on May 26, when hundreds of people came to the intersection where the incident had taken place on May 25.

Organizers tried to keep the protest peaceful and maintain coronavirus social distancing, with demonstrators chanting “I can’t breathe,” and “It could’ve been me”.

Image source: WCCO

Eric Garner’s Death: Black Lives Matter Activist Erica Garner Dies Aged 27

Eric Garner’s death: Grand Jury testimony will remain secret in chokehold case

Eric Garner death: Thousands protest in Staten Island over police chockhold death

A crowd of hundreds later marched to the 3rd Precinct, where the officers involved in the death are thought to have worked.

Squad cars were sprayed with graffiti and protesters threw stones at the police building. Police fired tear gas, flash grenades and foam projectiles.

Police said one person had suffered non-life-threatening injuries after being shot away from the protest area but gave no further details.

Officers responding to reports of the use of counterfeit money had approached George Floyd in his vehicle.

According to police the man was told to step away from the vehicle and physically resisted officers.

A police statement said: “Officers were able to get the suspect into handcuffs and noted he appeared to be suffering medical distress.”

The video taken at the scene does not show how the confrontation started.

It shows a white officer using his knee to pin George Floyd to the ground by the neck.

George Floyd groans “please, I can’t breathe” and “don’t kill me” as bystanders urge officers to let him go.

He ceases to move and an ambulance arrives to take him to hospital where he later died.

Mayor Jacob Frey said it was the “right call” to fire the officers.

He said: “Being black in America should not be a death sentence. For five minutes we watched as a white police officer pressed his knee into the neck of a black man. For five minutes. When you hear someone calling for help, you are supposed to help.”

The FBI is investigating the incident and will present its findings to the Minnesota state’s attorney for possible federal charges.

Allegations of police brutality have been constantly highlighted since the start of the Black Lives Matter movement. It began after the acquittal of neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman in the shooting death of African-American Trayvon Martin in February 2012.

Dealing With Psychological Trauma After An Accident

Kathryn R. Bown
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Dealing With Psychological Trauma After An Accident

Whenever there’s a car accident, most of the people involved tend to focus on the victim’s physical injuries. But after the initial shock calms, it’s easy to miss the mental and emotional effects caused by such trauma.

The fact is that while physical injuries can be identified quickly, the problem doesn’t always stop there. Psychological trauma may take days or months to manifest, but when they do, they can have even more long-lasting effects than physical injuries.

Here are some tips on how to deal with psychological trauma after an accident.

Mental Health Wellness Psychology Mind

Tip #1: Get Professional Help

In many cases, when accidents happen, it can take some time for the pain to subside and to feel whole again. Sometimes it’s easy to pretend that things are okay—even when you know you’re hurting. But it’s important to know that repressing your feelings will only make the situation worse. That is why anybody who’s been in a traumatic experience like a car accident should consult a professional therapist to help walk you through the journey of recovery.

When you do find a therapist you want to work with, you should focus on developing a good relationship with them to enhance trust and comfort. From there, your specialist will help you work towards your trauma in a calm and comfortable setting.

Tip #2: Account for Pain & Suffering in Your Insurance Settlement

Although it’s not an easy thing to deal with, emotional trauma after an accident is very common. It’s essential to note that when you suffer an after accident trauma, you have a right to account for your pain and suffering in your insurance settlement. However, you need to present your facts right to recover damages for your trauma case.

That is why you need to contact a professional and experienced personal injury attorney to represent you. It’s also essential to note that some lawyers offer legal representation in a wide range of fields, while others like Schwartzapfel Lawyers specialize in motor vehicle accidents.

Tip #3: Don’t Be Afraid to Talk about Your Mental Challenges with Friends and Family

After experiencing something overwhelming like an accident, you may want to isolate or withdraw from other people. However, pulling away won’t help you in the long run. It’s important that you don’t be afraid to connect and talk about your mental challenges to your family members or friends. Make an effort to open up and maintain a good relationship with those close to you, and refrain from staying alone.

Remember that when connecting with friends or family, it doesn’t mean that you must talk about your mental situation, especially if you don’t feel like it. If you do want to, make sure you surround yourself with caring friends that can help you feel better.

Tip #4: Do Everything You Can to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

It’s important that you maintain both your physical and mental health to help cope with an injury. One of the ways to improve your body health is by engaging in physical exercises. Exercising has been proven to keep your body active and facilitate a good flow of blood to all parts of your body, which can positively affect your mental health.

It would be best if you also ate well-balanced meals to give your body the energy it needs to function normally. A balanced diet can also help regulate mood swings. Additionally, it is crucial to keep a healthy social life to help reduce stress and curb anxiety.

Tip #5: Learn Meditation

For those who suffer from trauma, it’s not uncommon to become depressed and anxious. That’s why it’s important to learn how to relax and calm your mind. Meditation can help you to achieve the best of your body’s health. If you’ve not tried meditation before, then you can enroll in in-person or online classes so you learn different techniques to help relax your mind, soul, and body.

Tip #6: Try Yoga for a Mentally Stimulating Exercise

Yoga is another excellent way to help relax your mind and lessen trauma effects. Yoga has been a favorite choice for many people. Doing regular yoga has many benefits, such as:

  • Decreasing insomnia
  • Reducing high blood pressure
  • Increasing muscle strength
  • Improving respiration and energy

Aiding your physical health is one of the best ways to obtain a happier mindset. But aside from its physical benefits, yoga can also help manage stress and develop coping skills to reach a more positive and satisfying outlook on life.

Tip #7: Develop Healthy Stress-Relief Habits

To better manage your stress levels, you can try multiple stress-relieving techniques such as daily walks and breathing exercises. Regular walks can help make your body active and strong through regular blood circulation.

Breathing exercises, on the other hand, can help relax and calm both your body and mind to help reduce stress and anxiety. It’s best to set a schedule for these things so that you can begin to form a habit with your body’s inner clock.

Conclusion

The emotional trauma after a car accident can leave you feeling devastated. And even when broken bones heal, there’s still the emotional aftermath of the entire experience. Luckily, there are many things you can practice to help better the situation. In addition to proper documentation for your recover damages for your emotional trauma, follow the above tips to help simplify your recovery process.

Dieselgate: Volkswagen Ordered to Partially Reimburse German Car Owners

Clyde K. Valle
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Dieselgate: Volkswagen Ordered to Partially Reimburse German Car Owners

Volkswagen must pay compensation to a German plaintiff who had bought one of its diesel minivans fitted with emissions-cheating software, Germany’s highest civil court has ruled.

The ruling sets a benchmark for about 60,000 other cases in Germany.

Herbert Gilbert will be partially reimbursed for his vehicle, with depreciation taken into account.

The German auto maker said it would now offer affected car owners a one-off payment. The amount will depend on individual cases.

VW has already settled a separate €830 million class action suit involving 235,000 German car owners.

The company said in a statement on May 25: “For the majority of the 60,000 pending cases, this ruling provides clarity as to how the [Federal Court of Justice] assesses essential questions in German diesel proceedings.

“Volkswagen is now seeking to bring these proceedings to a prompt conclusion in agreement with the plaintiffs. We will therefore approach the plaintiffs with the adequate settlement proposals.”

VW has paid out more than €30 billion in fines, compensation and buyback schemes worldwide since the scandal first broke in 2015.

The company disclosed at the time that it had used illegal software to manipulate the results of diesel emissions tests.

Volkswagen said that about 11 million cars were fitted with the “defeat device”, which alerted diesel engines when they were being tested. The engine would then change its performance in order to improve the result of the test.

VW’s current and former senior employees are facing criminal charges in Germany.

Volkswagen must pay compensation to a German plaintiff who had bought one of its diesel minivans fitted with emissions-cheating software, Germany’s highest civil court has ruled.

The ruling sets a benchmark for about 60,000 other cases in Germany.

Herbert Gilbert will be partially reimbursed for his vehicle, with depreciation taken into account.

The German auto maker said it would now offer affected car owners a one-off payment. The amount will depend on individual cases.

VW has already settled a separate €830 million class action suit involving 235,000 German car owners.

Dieselgate: VW Goes on Trial over 9 Billion Euros Diesel Damages

Dieselgate: VW Reaches $15 Billion Settlement with US Car Owners

The company said in a statement on May 25: “For the majority of the 60,000 pending cases, this ruling provides clarity as to how the [Federal Court of Justice] assesses essential questions in German diesel proceedings.

“Volkswagen is now seeking to bring these proceedings to a prompt conclusion in agreement with the plaintiffs. We will therefore approach the plaintiffs with the adequate settlement proposals.”

VW has paid out more than €30 billion in fines, compensation and buyback schemes worldwide since the scandal first broke in 2015.

The company disclosed at the time that it had used illegal software to manipulate the results of diesel emissions tests.

Volkswagen said that about 11 million cars were fitted with the “defeat device”, which alerted diesel engines when they were being tested. The engine would then change its performance in order to improve the result of the test.

VW’s current and former senior employees are facing criminal charges in Germany.

Coronavirus: Americans Pack Beaches on Memorial Day Weekend

Nancy Clayson
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Coronavirus: Americans Pack Beaches on Memorial Day Weekend

Americans have packed beaches and lakes for Memorial Day weekend, often flouting restrictions imposed to tackle the coronavirus outbreak.

In Florida, state police dispersed an unauthorized gathering of hundreds of people in Daytona Beach on May 23.

In Missouri, bars at the Lake of the Ozarks were packed with revelers, who violated social-distancing rules.

Image source: nps.gov

Coronavirus task force chief Dr. Deborah Birx said she was “very concerned” after seeing such scenes.

Dr. Birx said on ABC’s This Week on May 24: “We really want to be clear all the time that social distancing is absolutely critical. And if you can’t social distance and you’re outside, you must wear a mask.”

St Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson said: “It’s irresponsible and dangerous to engage in such high risk behavior just to have some fun over the extended holiday weekend.

“Now, these folks will be going home to S. Louis and counties across Missouri and the Midwest, raising concerns about the potential of more positive cases, hospitalizations, and tragically, deaths. Deeply disturbing.”

Coronavirus: Italy and Spain Ease Lockdown Restrictions

In Tampa area, Florida, the crowds were so big that authorities closed parking lots because they were full, the Associated Press reports.

In California, big crowds were seen enjoying beaches over the weekend. State officials said most people were covering their faces and keeping their distance on beaches and parks.

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer.

The US has more coronavirus cases than anywhere in the world. It has over 1.6 million known infection and is nearing 100,000 deaths linked to the virus.

All 50 US states have now partially reopened after a two-month shutdown. However, remaining restrictions vary across the country.

Wide discrepancies also remain between states in terms of infection rates and the pace of their economic restart.

Some of the hardest-hit states, including New Jersey, New York and Washington are now showing the sharpest declines, while majority of states have reached plateaus.

4 Key Factors in Healthy Weight Loss

Kathryn R. Bown
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4 Key Factors in Healthy Weight Loss

Losing weight is a process that can be challenging, especially because you don’t get the results overnight. You have to do it in a healthy way and consistently if you want results that will last. If you are trying to lose some weight, consider the following factors.

A Good Diet Plan

What you eat is one of the biggest contributors to your weight. Thus, start by evaluating your diet. What do you eat on a typical day? What about snacks and snacking habits? Are the foods you eat healthy? What changes can you make to your daily diet? Write down the changes you need to make. Write down menus for your breakfast, lunches and dinners. If you aren’t sure what a healthy meal looks like, you can follow the Harvard’s healthy eating plate, which recommends fruits and vegetables for half of the plate, whole grains and protein taking up a quarter of the plate each, healthy plant oils in moderation and water, tea or coffee. For your snacks, try to cut your intake of refined sugars, carbs and deep-fried foods. Finally, don’t forget to check the recommended calorie intake for your age and body weight. If you find it difficult to keep yourself on a healthy diet, there are plenty of meal-kit companies that make can make it easier on you! Check out some of the best weight loss meal delivery programs of 2020 to find one that fits your lifestyle and budget.

An Exercise Plan

Exercise is another factor in healthy weight loss. Through exercise you can boost your metabolism for weight loss. However, you should not overdo your workouts. Too much could leave your joints and muscles damaged. You need rest days to recover and also your daily workouts should be limited to an hour at most. Your workout plan should include the type of exercises you will be doing each day and the duration for each workout.

Sleep

What happens when you don’t get enough sleep? For one, your cravings can intensify. This means that you will eat more the following day and this will hamper your weight loss goals. Two, if you stay up longer at night, your chances of snacking increase, and this can lead to weight gain. Three, the following day, you may wake up feeling less energetic and less motivated to do things. You may not be in a mood to go to the gym or fix a healthy meal. Remember, a healthy meal and exercise are two factors that contribute to weight loss.

So, don’t give up your sleep for anything. If there is anything keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep, deal with it right away. Seek help if you are stressed out, and plan your day well so that you are not working when you should be resting. Get a new mattress if the one you have is causing you discomfort or pain at night. You can view some nice options here. Do whatever it takes to get that uninterrupted sleep. It’s good for weight loss and it can also boost your productivity, reduce your risk of accidents, and keep you more focused. 

Water

Water is good for your metabolism and it can create that feeling of fullness, thus reducing the amount of food you eat each day. And the good thing about water is that it has zero calories. However, stick to the recommended amount of water and don’t overdo it to avoid hyponatremia.

These are some of the key factors in healthy weight loss. You can plan your weight loss journey by yourself, or you can work with professionals. A nutritionist, for instance, can help in planning healthy menus for weight loss. A fitness trainer can help with your daily workouts. However, regardless of whether you work with a professional or by yourself, remember that the results will depend on your commitment.

Bosarge Divorce: Money Over Morality?

Lisa.Felice
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Bosarge Divorce: Money Over Morality?

Billionaire Ed Bosarge has made headlines in CNBC, The Wall Street Journal and international publications for trying to cheat his wife of 30 years out of her fair share. This is the latest release in the Ed and Marie Bosarge divorce unfolding in South Dakota and Houston.

Press release

A veteran South Dakota lawmaker worries the state is choosing money over morality with the growing secrecy and tax evasion of the powerful trust industry.

“Having any publicity, as far as they’re concerned that doesn’t come from them, they don’t want it,” Rep. Susan Wismer said in an interview with Dolcefino Consulting.

Rep. Susan Wismer spoke out on the growing controversy involving a Texas divorce case and how South Dakota law may cheat a wife of 30 years.

Texas billionaire Ed Bosarge moved upwards of $2.3 billion into secretive South Dakota trusts without Marie Bosarge knowing, everything from mansions they own to sponges in the kitchen of their huge Texas mansion.

Now she’s fighting in courts in Houston and Sioux Falls to get her rightful share of the money they made in their 30-year marriage.

“It’s community property. It’s fifty-fifty. I want what’s fair. It’s my money too, you know. That’s what’s so frustrating,” said Marie Bosarge.

CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, even international publications have raised questions about the high-stakes divorce case and the way the rich, like Houston billionaire Ed Bosarge, are using South Dakota tax laws to hide their fortunes.

Last year, the Chief Justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court said $3.2 trillion is now being hidden in South Dakota from taxation, and sometimes even from family members.

“I’m offended that South Dakota’s trust laws are being used by anyone, but rich people to avoid their familial responsibilities that they wouldn’t be able to evade if South Dakota hadn’t created this little trust empire here,” Wismer said.

The Texas judge in the Bosarge case has warned Ed Bosarge’s lawyers that he won’t let South Dakota law deprive a wife of her legal share.

“I don’t think the laws of South Dakota, the State of Texas or anything that we might imagine somehow frees him of an obligation that he has undertaken at the time he married Mrs. Bosarge,” said Judge Clinton Wells in a court hearing before the Coronavirus pandemic shut down the Harris County courthouse. 

Image source: edbosarge.com

Bosarge Divorce: Covid-19 Infects High Stakes Billion Dollar Houston Divorce Case

Bosarge Divorce: Billions at Stake in High Stakes Houston Divorce Ruling

Ed Bosarge showed up in a wheelchair for his deposition and his lawyers claimed last month he had the Coronavirus, but pictures in a culture magazine showed him at dinner a few nights ago with the young Russian girlfriend he apparently left his wife for.

“I think that if the majority of South Dakota legislators were aware of this some of these more egregious cases it might help us but the brakes on this industry a little bit,” Wismer said.

The shutdown of Houston courts has delayed the trial until later this year, but Wismer hopes the publicity surrounding the case will wake up her colleagues at the State Capitol.

“I think it’s important that the South Dakota legislature become aware of this issue and consider the real time, real life consequences to people around the country of, of their actions,” Wismer said.

“I do not think South Dakotans want their state to be used by every person who wants to cheat his partner out of money, but if Marie loses her fight that is exactly what could happen,” said Wayne Dolcefino, President of Dolcefino Consulting. “No woman would be safe.”

The Wismer interview is part of an investigative report by Dolcefino Consulting called “South Dakota’s Little Secret”.

The video can be seen on Dolcefino Consulting’s Facebook page or www.dolcefino.com.

How Can Healthcare Marketing Transform Your Services?

Kathryn R. Bown
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How Can Healthcare Marketing Transform Your Services?
Image source: Pixabay

Improving a private practice or medical business has very different struggles compared to growing a traditional business. Can a tool like healthcare marketing help you out with this monumental task of transforming your favourite services? Let’s take a look at how they can help you out.

Expertise

First and foremost, healthcare is an area of expertise. Whether you are looking into a qualification into healthcare marketing yourself or you are hiring someone who can help you with your business, the insight and knowledge that can be gained from a qualification like this cannot be missed.

An expert in healthcare marketing will be able to recommend what is needed for the business overall. Their recommendations will be smart and filled with insight, as you might expect from someone of their expertise in any area. By taking the time to listen to an expert like this, they will be able to come up with a credible plan that you can implement to transform your business.

Analysis

Healthcare marketing is also incredibly important as it can be used to analyse how your practice is currently performing. If you feel like you are doing everything right, but you aren’t making progress, healthcare marketing can offer you the tools you need to properly analyse what is happening in the business.

Marketing techniques in this sector need to be done exactly right as they will directly impact people’s lives in a way that other campaigns will not. This, in turn, links back to the need for expertise. Not just any marketing executive could jump into a healthcare marketing role. This is a role for someone with an understanding of the industry, what its needs are, and what the best path forward is to garner the most success.

On-Trend

An industry like healthcare is still subject to trends and changes, though they might not be as obvious as in other sectors. For example, right now a patient-centric approach is thought to be the best path to operate on. By tapping into these changing trends using healthcare marketing, you will be able to transform the reputation of your practice.

This can be fantastic if you are inheriting an established practice and you want to put your own stamp on the place. Bringing it up to modern standards and changing some of the practices here could bring up the satisfaction of your existing customers and attract even more to you.

Find the Right Healthcare Marketing for You Today

It can be difficult to pinpoint precisely which paths could be right for you and your business. This is why healthcare marketing is so crucial. It takes an overview of business, analyses what you are doing right, and puts together some achievable targets to help you improve the business in easy stages.

Take the time to find the right professional to help you out, or even look into courses so you can gain some expertise in this area yourself. Before long, your business could be running in a far more efficient and profitable manner, thanks to healthcare marketing.

Here’s What’s Hot on Netflix US

Sonia Pantiss
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Here’s What’s Hot on Netflix US

You may have heard that Netflix is losing shows because every corporation needs a streaming platform nowadays. At the same time, it’s also gaining new favorites and reception of Netflix Originals has been positive so far.

Unfortunately, you can’t always access all the Netflix shows in your area. Not that US residents get to, either – but they definitely have a wider selection to choose from. No matter where you’re located, there’s an easy way to gain access to the full catalog. Click here to see how to watch Netflix US on a smart TV, for the full cinematic experience.

Or, read below to see how to watch Netflix US on any device, anywhere in the world.

How to Watch Netflix US from Abroad

If you don’t have a smart TV, you can still use a VPN to access the Netflix US catalog. All you need to do is connect to a server in the US, and a US IP address will be assigned to your device. This works for any other country your VPN provider has obfuscated servers in – great for those of you interested in foreign cinema or documentaries.

How exactly does that work? Well, IP addresses are how Netflix and other streaming platforms check your location. That’s how they know which shows to assign to you. It’s an outdated mindset to have in the digital era, but the licensing legislation is too convoluted to get into.

Does Any VPN Work with Netflix US?

You could try one of the many free VPNs out there to see if they work with Netflix. But chances are they’ve been blocked, since the providers lack the funding for fresh new IPs. Yes, Netflix are aware that people use VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions, and do everything possible to block them.

Subscription-based VPNs can afford to get new servers for streaming, or implement new obfuscation techniques that hide the fact you’re using a VPN. Moreover, this practice isn’t illegal either. After all, it’s not like you’re pirating anything.

You’ve paid for your Netflix subscription, so why shouldn’t you be able to watch the shows you want just because some out of touch executives didn’t get the memo about how the Internet works? Get a free VPN trial from a decent provider, grab some popcorn and start watching.

Here are some shows you should check out. First, a classic that’s leaving Netflix soon:

The Office

No introductions are necessary for this fan favorite. Netflix has said its goodbyes to the series already, though you can still catch it on the platform until January 2021. So better get to it while you still can, unless you plan to subscribe to NBC’s “Peacock” streaming service to watch it. With a name like that, who wouldn’t?

Jokes aside, their current selection of shows just doesn’t seem worth yet another subscription. Although they’ve taken The Office hostage, long-time fans of the show have expressed their disinterest in the comments on Netflix’s original Twitter post.

Parks and Rec

Yet another beloved sitcom that’s leaving Netflix US for NBC’s streaming service in October 2020. The show ended in 2015, but the cast have recently reunited for a one-time reunion special. It received a warm welcome from excited fans that just needed something good to happen in an otherwise dreary year.

The wholesome comedy that defined the series is still there – even if the lovable goofs of Pawnee were social distancing like everybody else. It isn’t available on Netflix like the rest of the series, though you can watch it for free on NBC’s YouTube channel. You still need a VPN to access it, though – as it appears to be a US-exclusive.

The Midnight Gospel

Let’s talk about something fresh for a change. Don’t let its colorful visuals trick you into believing it’s a kids’ show – The Midnight Gospel is some trippy stuff. If you grew up watching Adventure Time in the 2010s, you’ll be happy to know series creator Pendleton Ward handles this one too.

Even if you haven’t, fans of the show have described it as a trippier Rick and Morty. Now, while The Midnight Gospel does inter-dimensional travels on alien worlds, the show is very much its own thing. And the concept of it is fascinating.

Clancy visits worlds that are on the verge of dying by using his “universe simulator.” He then holds interviews (called “spacecasts”) with the creatures he meets. The philosophical topics they cover are varied, but we’ll let you discover the magic for yourself.

Since it’s a Netflix Original, you can basically watch it anywhere without a VPN. We all look forward to when we can watch whatever we want without jumping through hoops to do so. Until then, using a VPN is your best chance to see The Office or Parks and Rec before they depart. These two shows are classics in their own right – but if they’re not to your taste, rest assured the US Netflix library has a ton to choose from.

Johnson & Johnson To Discontinue Baby Powder in US and Canada

Kathryn R. Bown
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Johnson & Johnson To Discontinue Baby Powder in US and Canada

Johnson & Johnson has decided to stop selling its talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder in the US and Canada.

The healthcare giant faces many thousands of lawsuits from consumers who claim that its talc products caused their cancer.

The company’s decision comes after years of litigation where it has been ordered to pay out billions of dollars in compensation.

J&J has consistently defended the safety of its talc products.

The company said it would wind down sales of the product, which makes up about 0.5% of its US consumer health business, in the coming months, but that retailers would continue to sell existing inventory.

It faces more than 16,000 consumer lawsuits alleging that the company’s talc products were contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen.

Image source Flickr

With Johnson & Johnson in the limelight, what are the hidden dangers of talcum powder?

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J&J Talc-Powder Case: Gloria Ristesund to Receive $55 Million in Compensation

Johnson & Johnson said that demand for Johnson’s Baby Powder had been declining in North America “due in large part to changes in consumer habits and fuelled by misinformation around the safety of the product”.

It said it had faced “a constant barrage” of lawyers advertising for clients to sue the company.

“We remain steadfastly confident in the safety of talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder. Decades of independent scientific studies by medical experts around the world support the safety of our product,” it said.

J&J added that the move was part of a reassessment of its consumer products prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The company said in October that its testing had found no asbestos in its Baby Powder after tests conducted by the FDA discovered trace amounts.

Johnson & Johnson is appealing against a 2018 order to pay $4.7 billion in damages to 22 women who alleged that its talc products caused them to develop ovarian cancer.

Coronavirus: President Trump Reveals He Is Taking Hydroxychloroquine

Nancy Clayson
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Coronavirus: President Trump Reveals He Is Taking Hydroxychloroquine

President Donald Trump has revealed he is taking hydroxychloroquine to ward off coronavirus, despite public health officials warning it may be unsafe.

Speaking at the White House, the president told reporters he started taking the malaria and lupus medication recently.

President Trump said: “I’m taking it for about a week and a half now and I’m still here, I’m still here.”

There is no evidence hydroxychloroquine can fight coronavirus, and regulators warn the drug may cause heart problems.

Dr. Marcos Espinal, director of the Pan American Health Organization – part of the WHO – has also since stressed that no clinical trials have recommended the use of hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus.

President Trump, 73, was hosting a meeting devoted to the struggling restaurant industry on May 18, when he caught reporters unawares by revealing he was taking the drug.

“You’d be surprised at how many people are taking it, especially the frontline workers before you catch it, the frontline workers, many, many are taking it,” he told reporters.

“I happen to be taking it.”

“Donald Trump” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Gage Skidmore

Coronavirus: Dr Fauci and Other Members of White House Task Force Self-Isolate

Asked what was his evidence of hydroxychloroquine’s positive benefits, President Trump said: “Here’s my evidence: I get a lot of positive calls about it.”

He added: “I’ve heard a lot of good stories [about hydroxychloroquine] and if it’s not good, I’ll tell you right I’m not going to get hurt by it.”

Though some people in the White House have tested positive for coronavirus, President Trump said again he had “zero symptoms” and was being tested frequently.

He added that he had been taking a daily zinc supplement and received a single dose of azithromycin, an antibiotic meant to prevent infection.

When asked whether the White House physician had recommended he start taking the disputed remedy, President Trump said he himself had requested it.

Dr. Sean Conley, physician to the president, said in a statement issued through the White House later on May 18 that President Trump was in “very good health” and “symptom-free”.

The US Navy officer added: “After numerous discussions he and I had regarding the evidence for and against the use of hydroxychloroquine, we concluded the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks.”

The FDA last month issued an advisory saying that hydroxychloroquine has “not been shown to be safe and effective”.

The agency cited reports that the drug can cause serious heart rhythm problems in Covid-19 patients.

The FDA warned against use of the medication outside hospitals, where the agency has granted temporary authorization for its use in some cases. Clinical trials of the drug are also under way.

The CDC says there are no approved drugs or therapeutics to prevent or treat Covid-19, which is confirmed to have infected more than 1.5 million people in the US, killing more than 90,000 patients.

Coronavirus: Italy and Spain Ease Lockdown Restrictions

Diane A. Wade
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Coronavirus: Italy and Spain Ease Lockdown Restrictions

Spain, Italy and other European countries are further easing their coronavirus lockdown restrictions starting with May 18.

Spain has slightly eased restrictions on some of its least affected islands.

In Italy, most businesses, including bars and hairdressers, are reopening after more than two months of nationwide lockdown measures.

The measures follow consistent drops in the number of daily recorded deaths.

On May 17, Italy recorded the fewest daily deaths since it entered lockdown in March.

According to Italian officials, 145 people had died with the virus in the previous 24 hours. This marked a significant drop from its highest daily death toll, which was more than 900 on March 27.

In Spain, the daily death toll fell below 100 for the first time since it imposed its lockdown restrictions.

Coronavirus: Number of Confirmed Cases Worldwide Passes 4 Million

However, officials are warning that complacency over the virus could lead to a second wave of infections.

Restaurants, bars, cafes, hairdressers and shops have been allowed to reopen in Italy, providing social distancing is enforced.

Almost 32,000 people in Italy have died in the pandemic, and the economy is expected to shrink by nearly 10% this year.

Catholic churches are resuming Mass, but there is strict social distancing and worshippers must wear face masks. Other faiths are also being allowed to hold religious services.

However, health officials have warned of the continued dangers of large social gatherings.

Pope Francis held a private Mass at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, which has been disinfected ahead of its reopening to tourists.

The Mass honored the late Pope John Paul II, 100 years after his birth in Poland.

Workers’ Comp Doctors: Do They Have to Accept Workers’ Compensation?

Dana R
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Workers’ Comp Doctors: Do They Have to Accept Workers’ Compensation?

Experts report that there were 2.8 reported injuries per 100 full-time workers in the United States in 2018.

Many of these would have been minor, requiring little or no treatment. However, many more would have been serious enough to warrant ongoing care.

In these cases, workers should be entitled to treatment from workers’ comp doctors. However, not every doctor treats workers’ compensation patients.

Read on to learn more about what doctors accept workers’ compensation, and how to find them.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation protects employees when they suffer illnesses or injuries as a result of their activities at work.

It covers a broad range of conditions, including almost any physical injury. The most common injuries are overexertion injuries, slip-related injuries, and fall-related injuries.

Workers comp may also cover mental illnesses, although causation here is more difficult to prove.

The employer is the party who is liable for payment. However, workers’ comp insurance is widely available to provide cover here, and is actually legally required in every state except Texas.

The payment provides for medical treatment as well as lost earnings.

How to Find Workers’ Comp Doctors

As mentioned above, not every doctor deals with workers’ compensation cases. To get ongoing treatment for a condition you developed at work, you will have to find a specialist Workers’ Compensation Doctor.

These are doctors that the state government approves as providers of workers’ compensation care. You may have to find such a doctor yourself, but your employer might direct you to one in some cases.

You should note that you don’t need to go to a workers’ comp provider for your initial assessment. Your usual healthcare provider (or an emergency room doctor) is acceptable for this.

While ongoing care is provided for by the workers’ compensation scheme, there are limits to your entitlements. For instance, you will only be allowed a certain number of physiotherapy or massage therapy visits under your workers’ comp plan.

What If My Employer Won’t Pay?

As noted above, workers’ compensation insurance is generally mandatory. However, many employers will still try to escape liability in order to protect their low insurance premiums.

The easiest way for an employer to do this is to attempt to prove that your injury did not arise as a result of your working activities. This is easier in some cases than in others.

For example, if you fall off a height and break your leg at work, it will be impossible for your employer to argue that you weren’t injured at work.

On the other hand, if your injury arose because of repetitive strain, your employer might be able to make a convincing argument that you sustained it due to activities carried out outside the workplace.

Getting the Care You Need

If you’ve suffered an injury, the first thing on your mind will be recovering from it. Workers’ comp doctors can help you take the first step and guide you through the entire process.

Did you find this article useful? If so, be sure to check out some of our others! We post content on a range of topics, including romance, family, and self-improvement.

Senator Richard Burr To Step Down As Intel Chair Amid Stock Sales Investigation

Diane A. Wade
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Senator Richard Burr To Step Down As Intel Chair Amid Stock Sales Investigation

Richard Burr, the Republican chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, will step down while an insider trading inquiry is carried out.

He said he had decided to do so because he did not want the investigation to distract the committee from its work.

Senator Richard Burr’s phone has been seized by the FBI as part of the inquiry.

The 64-year-old North Carolina senator, who denies wrongdoing, allegedly used inside information to avoid market losses from coronavirus.

He declined a request for comment.

Richard Burr and his wife sold as much as $1.7 million of equities in February, just before markets plunged on fears of an economic crisis.

It is illegal for members of Congress to trade based on non-public information gathered during their official duties.

Republican Senators Kelly Loeffler of Georgia and James Inhofe of Oklahoma, as well as Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, also reportedly sold holdings before the downturn, but are not confirmed to be under investigation.

Dianne Feinstein said she had answered questions from the FBI regarding trades made by her husband, however.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Senator Burr had contacted him to inform of his decision to step aside temporarily.

“We agreed that this decision would be in the best interests of the committee and will be effective at the end of the day tomorrow [May 15],” Mitch McConnell said in a statement.

Richard Burr said: “The work the Intelligence Committee and its members do is too important to risk hindering in any way. I believe this step is necessary to allow the Committee to continue its essential work free of external distractions.”

The senator turned over his mobile phone to authorities after federal agents issued and executed a search warrant at his Washington, DC, home.

The justice department began investigating Richard Burr in March.

Public disclosures first investigated by ProPublica show the senator sold more than 30 stocks between late January and mid-February. Some of the stocks were in sectors now devastated by the coronavirus outbreak, such as the hotel, restaurant and shipping industries. 

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

As chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, Richard Burr receives nearly daily briefings on threats to US national security. He defended the transactions, saying he had “relied solely on public news reports” to instruct his decision to sell.  

However, the senator was criticized for publicly downplaying the seriousness of the virus, even as he privately sold equities and warned a private North Carolina business group of the stark risks it posed.

Tara Reade Interview: Joe Biden Assault Accuser Urges Him to Quit Presidential Race

Richard Burr’s lawyer, Alice Fisher, said in March the senator welcomed the justice department investigation because it would “establish that his actions were appropriate”. 

“The law is clear that any American – including a Senator – may participate in the stock market based on public information, as Senator Burr did,” she said. 

The bulk of Richard Burr’s sales occurred on February 13, just before his speech to the wealthy business constituent group about the dire economic impact of the coronavirus, at a time when the Trump administration was publicly downplaying the threat.

In an audio recording, obtained by US outlet National Public Radio (NPR) Richard Burr also told the group to curtail their travel. He has accused NPR of “misrepresenting” his speech. 

First elected to the Senate in 2004, Richard Burr chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee when it investigated Russian election interference in the 2016 presidential election.

The committee endorsed intelligence community findings that Russia had interfered on President Donald Trump’s behalf.

Richard Burr’s six-year term ends in 2023 and he does not plan to run for re-election, the Associated Press reports.

Coronavirus: President Donald Trump Clashes with Dr Anthony Fauci

Diane A. Wade
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0
Coronavirus: President Donald Trump Clashes with Dr Anthony Fauci

President Donald Trump has said a sobering warning by Dr. Anthony Fauci, his top infectious diseases expert, about lifting pandemic restrictions too soon was unacceptable.

The president accused Dr. Fauci of wanting “to play all sides of the equation” in his testimony to lawmakers on May 12.

He said he was especially dissatisfied with Dr. Fauci’s caution around reopening schools too quickly.

Nearly 1.4 million people have been infected with Covid-19 in the US. Another 84,000 people have been killed by the new coronavirus, while ravaging the economy.

Image source Wikipedia

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Speaking on May 13 at the White House, President Trump took issue with Dr. Fauci’s comments to a Senate hearing a day earlier about the risks to children of reopening and his assessment that a vaccine was unlikely before classes could begin this autumn.

He said: “Look, he wants to play all sides of the equation.”

“I was surprised by his answer actually, because, you know, it’s just to me – it’s not an acceptable answer, especially when it comes to schools,” the president told reporters.

The president said “the only thing that would be acceptable” is giving older teachers and professors a few more weeks before they return.

“Because this is a disease that attacks age, and it attacks health,” he said.

“But with the young children, I mean, and students, it’s really – just take a look at the statistics. It’s pretty amazing,” he added.

President Trump is keen to get Americans back to work and has praised governors who are moving to do so while criticizing others for not acting aggressively enough.

The US is split over President Trump’s focus on protecting livelihoods, critics accuse him of gambling with lives to serve his own political interests ahead of November’s re-election bid.

His latest comments come amid reports of some young children being severely affected by an inflammatory syndrome that could be linked to the virus.

Speaking to lawmakers on May 12, Dr. Fauci, a White House task force coronavirus expert, warned that relaxing stay-at-home rules too quickly could bring more “suffering and death”.

The director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases emphasized the importance of not being “cavalier in thinking that children are completely immune to the deleterious effects” of the disease.

Dr. Anthony Fauci said: “We just have to see on a step-by-step basis as we get into the period of time with the fall, about reopening the schools, exactly where we will be in the dynamics of the outbreak.”

He also said the real US death toll is probably higher than the official figure.

On May 12, Maryland’s Governor Larry Hogan said he was lifting that state’s stay-at-home measure, replacing it on May 15 with a “safer-at-home” order.

The Republican, who has been critical of President Trump, cited a two-week decline in severe cases and deaths that federal guidelines recommend.

How to Avoid Back Pain When Working from Home

Kathryn R. Bown
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How to Avoid Back Pain When Working from Home

A lot of us are working from home amid the worldwide pandemic currently happening. This is nothing new to some. Maybe you have a nice, comfortable office space complete with a supporting chair. However, to others, this is anything but normal, and maybe your office is a kid’s art table and chair.

Whatever your situation is, a lot of us are finding ourselves sitting and working more often than not. This can mean experiencing more and new aches and pains that weren’t noticed while working in the office. This is because most offices furnish their desks with ergonomic furniture and most employees get up and walk around the office for various reasons throughout the day. There is no water cooler at home.

back-pain

These weeks have turned to months for working at home, and they have strained our bodies not only mentally, but physically. These new aches and pains may lead us down a road to debilitating muscle injuries such as bad backs, sore necks, and achy shoulders.

To avoid going down this path, make sure you are spending as much time as you are able working in a neutral position where no body part is awkwardly bent or twisted. Also, try to move around every 30 minutes. You want to walk around and get yourself a cup of coffee or water. If you can, try to stretch. There are a plethora of apps and online sites that will help you figure out what back exercises to do to stay limber. There are even health sites that will help with lumbar disc bulge exercises.

If you work at a computer, try to view your screen with a straight neck. This means putting your screen at a comfortable viewing height. We tend to look down at laptop screens, so you may want to evaluate your computer to combat this habit.

After you have found the best height for your screen, make sure it is sideways to a bright window. This will minimize eye strain from a glare and you don’t want your back to your screen because the incoming light will cause a glare on it. Also, you won’t be straining your neck and back to look away from a screen if it is too bright. If you have blue light glasses, make sure you wear those as well.

Also, don’t read from an iPad or papers that are flat on your desk or table to where you are constantly moving your head up and down. If you go back from a screen to reading material, use a vertical document holder or iPad stand to relieve this strain.

Since your computer is at a comfortable height in front of you, so should your keyboard. Your keyboard and mouse should be used with your forearms and hands level and straight. Also, your arm should be close to the side of your body when you use a mouse. You have nerves that leave your neck and run down your shoulder, elbow and wrist, so when your arm is at your side, the nerves aren’t compromised. The more you have to stretch, the greater chance there will be to strain your back, neck, or shoulder.

Other small tips are to make sure you sit back in your chair and limit the time you spend working in bed. Also try to limit the time you spend standing. Just following some of these tips at your home work environment can help you lessen your chance of injury.

Coronavirus: Dr Fauci and Other Members of White House Task Force Self-Isolate

Diane A. Wade
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Coronavirus: Dr Fauci and Other Members of White House Task Force Self-Isolate

Dr. Anthony Fauci and two other members of the White House coronavirus task force are self-isolating for two weeks after possible exposure to the illness.

Dr. Fauci has become the public face of the fight against the virus in the US.

His agency, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said he was at “relatively low risk” due to the degree of his exposure.

However, the 79-year-old has tested negative.

Dr. Fauci will work from home for the time being and will be regularly tested, the institute said.

VP Mike Pence’s press secretary Katie Miller, the wife of President Donald Trump’s aide Stephen Miller, tested positive for the virus on May 8.

Katie Miller’s diagnosis came after a valet for President Trump was also confirmed to have the illness.

CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield and FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn are also self-isolating.

In a statement, the CDC said Dr. Redfield, 68, had no symptoms and was not feeling unwell, but would also be working from home for two weeks after “low risk exposure” to someone at the White House. It is unclear who this person is.

Image source Wikipedia

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An FDA spokesman told Reuters on May 8 that 60-year-old Stephen Hahn was also self-isolating. He has also tested negative, the spokesman said.

The three men were due to address a Senate committee on May 12.

Before the news about Dr. Anthony Fauci became public, committee chairman Senator Lamar Alexander said Dr. Redfield and Dr. Hahn would be allowed to testify by videolink.

The US has 1.3 million confirmed cases and has recorded 78,794 deaths – by far the highest total in the world, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

Many states brought in lockdown measures in March to try to contain the outbreak. But now some have lifted restrictions to allow people to return to work, a move health officials fear could further spread the virus.

Former President Barack Obama has sharply criticized his successor’s response to the crisis. During a private phone call to former staffers, Barack Obama called the response “an absolute chaotic disaster”.

Last week, President Trump said he would refocus the White House task force on kick starting the US economy, a day after suggesting he would disband it.

Coronavirus: Number of Confirmed Cases Worldwide Passes 4 Million

Kathryn R. Bown
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Coronavirus: Number of Confirmed Cases Worldwide Passes 4 Million

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide has passed 4 million milestone, according to data collated by Johns Hopkins University.

The global death toll has also risen to above 277,000.

The US remains the worst-hit country in the world, accounting for over a quarter of confirmed cases and a third of deaths.

Experts warn the true number of infections is likely to be far higher, with low testing rates in many countries skewing the data.

Daily death tolls are continuing to drop in some nations, including Spain, but there is concern that easing lockdown restrictions could lead to a “second wave” of infections.

In addition, governments are bracing for economic fallout as the pandemic hits global markets and supply chains.

A senior Chinese official has told local media that the pandemic was a “big test” that had exposed weaknesses in the country’s public health system. The rare admission, from the director of China’s National Health Commission, Li Bin, comes after sustained criticism abroad of China’s early response.

Coronavirus: Global Cases Pass 1 Million

This week, some lockdown measures have begun easing in Italy, once the global epicenter of the pandemic. Italians have been able to exercise outdoors and visit family members in their region.

France has recorded its lowest daily number of coronavirus deaths for more than a month, with 80 deaths over the past 24 hours. Authorities are preparing to ease restrictions from May 11, as is the government in neighboring Spain.

Meanwhile, lockdowns are continuing in countries like South Africa, despite calls from opposition parties for it to end.

In South Korea, renewed restrictions are being imposed on bars and clubs after a series of transmissions linked to Seoul’s leisure district.

Russia also canceled a military parade in Moscow, planned as part of the country’s Victory Day celebrations. Instead, President Vladimir Putin hosted a subdued event on May 9, laying roses at the Eternal Flame war memorial.

However, despite scientific evidence, leaders of several countries have continued to express skepticism about the virus and the need for lockdowns.

In Belarus, thousands of soldiers marched to celebrate Victory Day, as President Alexander Lukashenko rejected calls for tougher measures.

British medical journal The Lancet has written a scathing editorial about Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, calling him the biggest threat to his country’s ability to contain the spread of coronavirus. Brazil is currently reporting the highest number of cases in Latin America – over 10,000 more on May 9, bringing the national total to nearly 156,000. But despite the outbreak, President Bolsonaro continues to dismiss the virus’ severity and has clashed with governors over lockdown measures.

Rock and Roll Legend Little Richard Dies Aged 87

Lisa.Felice
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Rock and Roll Legend Little Richard Dies Aged 87

Rock and roll legend Little Richard has died at the age of 87, his family has confirmed.

The musician’s hit Good Golly Miss Molly made the charts in 1958. Other well-known songs include Tutti Frutti and Long Tall Sally.

Elvis Presley, The Beatles and Elton John all cited Little Richard an influence. The musician was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

The pioneering rock ‘n’ roll singer died of bone cancer in Tullahoma, Tennessee, his family said.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

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Little Richard was born as Richard Wayne Penniman in Macon, Georgia, on December 5, 1932. Growing up in the southern US state, he absorbed the rhythms of gospel music and the influences of New Orleans, blending them into his own piano-laden extravaganzas.

His father was a preacher who also ran a nightclub, and his mother was a devout Baptist.

“I was born in the slums. My daddy sold whiskey, bootleg whiskey,” Little Richard told Rolling Stone magazine in 1970.

The singer left home in his teens after disagreements with his father who initially didn’t support his music.

“My daddy wanted seven boys, and I had spoiled it, because I was gay,” he later said.

Little Richard was one of 12 children, and said he had started singing because he wanted to stand out from his siblings.

His music was embraced by both black and white fans at a time when parts of the US were still segregated, and concerts had a rope up the centre of the auditorium to divide people by color.

Little Richard had his biggest hits in the 1950s and was known for his exuberant performances, shrieks, raspy voice and flamboyant outfits. He sold more than 30 million records worldwide.

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