July 2012
76 posts
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Swimming Safety Tips for You and Your Family
Whether you plan to swim at a pool, the beach, or a lake or river, know how to stay safe in the water.
Drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the U.S., and many of these victims are children under the age of 15. Review some tips to help you and your family stay safe in the water.
Find additional information about water safety:
Pool and Hot Tub Safety
Beach Safety
...
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Summer Food Service Program Helps Feed Kids →
Many children receive free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch at school, but what happens when school lets out? The Summer Food Service Program helps fill that nutrition gap and make sure children can get the nutritious meals they need.
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what form we needs to fill up in the airplane?
Asked by an anonymous Tumblr user.
If you are flying within the U.S., you do not need to fill out any forms. There are forms that apply to international travel.
Each individual traveling to the U.S. from another country must complete a customs declaration form. If you’re traveling with immediate family members, then you only need to fill...
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Plan For Your Pet's Needs In a Disaster
As with the rest of your family, it’s important to plan for your pet before, during and after a natural disaster. While making emergency plans for your family, make sure you know of the pet friendly hotels and shelters in your area, so that if a disaster does occur, you know which places will accept your pet.
You should have an emergency kit planned and ready to go for your family that also...
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How to Find Government Help After a Disaster
If you’ve been affected by natural disasters, resources are available to help you recover. Visit USA.gov for current disaster recovery information, like how to apply for disaster assistance, and information to help you recover and rebuild.
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American Beaches Receive Ratings on Cleanliness...
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) rated 200 popular beaches across the United States on a 5 star scale. Criteria for the NRDC’s rating scale include testing the water weekly, notifying the public promptly when tests reveal unsafe bacteria levels, and posting closings and advisories both online and at the beach.
Beaches that achieved 5 stars had exceptionally low violation rates and...
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Check If Your State Has a Sales Tax Holiday →
Some states offer a sales tax holiday when you can save on clothing, school supplies, and more. Check your state.
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Learn about the ADA and Other Protections for...
Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – landmark legislation that advanced the civil rights of people with disabilities throughout the nation.
However, the ADA is only one of many laws that ensure equal access for everyone. Other examples include the Assistive Technology Act, Fair Housing Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
More...
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Know How to Make Water Safe to Drink in an... →
Make sure you have bottled water on hand for an emergency, and know how to make water safe to drink if you run out.
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How Can the Government Help You?
Six weeks ago, we launched Help for Difficult Financial Times to highlight government resources that can make your life easier during tough times.
As part of this effort, we ran a poll asking: What helps you most when money is tight? 5,352 of you responded:
Savings 44%
Family 21%
Credit cards/loans 20%
Government assistance 15%
With 64 percent of you stating that savings, credit cards, and...
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Olympic Fun Day Meetup →
While hundreds of Olympic athletes are representing America in the 2012 Olympics in London this summer, the White House is sponsoring a “Let’s Move! Olympic Fun Day Meetup” all across America.
On Saturday, July 28th, the first day of the summer Olympics, communities across the country will participate in Olympic-inspired games and activities that promote the 2012 events as well as get...
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Find Answers to Your Questions About Dealing with...
If you’re looking for answers or resources to help in times of need, the Ask program from USDA eXtension may be able to help.
The Ask program lets you submit a specific question and then find answers that could help. If you can’t find an answer in the extensive database of frequently asked questions, you can submit your question to an expert and receive an answer within 48 hours.
Experts are...
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Moving This Summer? →
Use these tips to choose the right moving company and protect your belongings.
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What To Do If You Receive a Robocall
If you’re sick of hearing an automated message when you pick up your phone, you’ll be happy to know the Federal Trade Commission is cracking down on illegal robocalls.
A robocall happens any time you pick up your phone and hear a recording instead of a live person.
Illegal robocalls have exploded in the last several years because technology has made it easy for companies to use...
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Take These Easy Steps Now to Avoid Tax Headaches...
By Andrew Zumwalt, Associate State Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
Most of the time we think about taxes only at the end of the year as we prepare to file last year’s taxes. By taking some time now, you can complete some of those tax to-do list action items without the stress.
Retirement Accounts
Taxpayers have until April 15 of the following year to contribute to their Individual...
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Get Help With Your Finances - Order Your Free Copy...
If you’re feeling uncertain about your finances, the Consumer Action Handbook is the place to find answers to your questions about credit cards, bank accounts and managing debt. Learn to create a smart money management plan, get a handle on your finances, and successfully file a complaint with a company.
You can order FREE copies of the Consumer Action Handbook and its Spanish-language...
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How to Protect Your Retirement Benefits If You...
By Phyllis C. Borzi, Assistant Secretary, Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration
Business closings, downsizings and reductions in hours may lead you to wonder what happens to your retirement benefits if you lose your job? Saving for retirement through an employer’s plan is an important part of your future financial security. The good news is you have protections under...
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How to Recognize and Avoid Job Scams
When you’re looking for a new job, it can be tempting to jump at new opportunities. However, if a job offer seems too good to be true, it could be a scam.
Many jobs scams have a few things in common that you should watch for:
The potential employer says you can make fast money working from home.
You are asked to pay money to the employer up front.
Emails from the employer are full of...
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Living in a Region Affected by a Drought? →
A number of counties are currently being affected by drought. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has crop updates for farmers, as well as information about crop insurance, assistance for livestock losses, and emergency farm loans.
Find weather updates, tips and more resources to help you.
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Teach Your Kids and Teens Ways To Save Money With... →
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How do I find out how grant money has come into my state?
Asked by an anonymous Tumblr user.
According to USASpending.gov, federal agencies spent 408.3 billion dollars on grants in fiscal year 2012. This money is transferred from the federal government to states for programs such as Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and local education agencies.
View federal government...
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Tips for Finding and Applying for Jobs
By Dr. Michael S. Gutter and Amanda Blanco, part of the USDA eXtension program
There are typical places to look for jobs like job websites or classified ads. The problem with these methods is that hundreds of people could apply to one job posting. It is very hard to stand out among hundreds of other applicants.
One alternative to job websites is networking. Networking allows you to connect with...
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Find Out If You're Eligible to Receive Money as... →
A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau probe into Capital One credit card marketing practices resulted in $140 million in consumer refunds. If you’re eligible, the money will automatically be distributed to you. Learn more.
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Finding a Job, Avoiding the Scams
By Colleen Tressler, Senior Project Manager, Federal Trade Commission
Looking for a job can be a full-time job. So when you do come across a promising prospect, you might be tempted to leap before you get a good look.
But job hunters need to know that scammers also are in the mix, posing as real employers. They may pretend to be a business looking to hire, or they may claim they can give you...
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Find Education and Training Opportunities to Build...
If you’ve lost a job or want to change career paths, you can take advantage of education and training opportunities to help you build new skills.
The Department of Labor offers training programs through Career OneStop. You can find short-term trainings, certification programs, apprenticeship opportunities and more.
You’ll also find resources for further professional development in your current...
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Know What an Employer Looks At When You Apply for...
When you apply for a job, your potential employer will look at the application you complete as well as the resume you submit.
They can also request a background report, which includes information about your credit history, criminal record and driving record. This can only be done with your permission, however, if you refuse, you might not be hired.
So before you apply to a job, you should get...
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How do I apply for Va hospital and health benifits
Asked by an anonymous Tumblr user.
If you served in the active military, naval, or air service and were honorably discharged or released, you may qualify for VA health care benefits, including hospital services. Certain Reservists and National Guard Members may also qualify. Check your eligibility.
If you qualify, you can apply online or by...
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Are You Looking for a Job? We Can Help
Are you looking for a job? These resources can help you find a position that’s a good fit.
Career OneStop - You can search for jobs and explore different career options. You can also get tips to help improve your resume and interview skills.
Find a government job - If you’re looking for a government job, USAJobs.gov is the place where you can find all job opportunities posted. You can also use...
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Simple Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle
When it comes to having a healthy lifestyle, eating fruits and vegetables is just one piece of the puzzle. For a long-term healthy lifestyle, you’ll need to find a balance between good eating habits and physical activity.
That’s the message from the “Let’s move!” campaign, a nationwide initiative designed to fight the growing rate of childhood obesity, and promote a...
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Get Help Dealing with Stress
Financial struggles can put a strain on your mental health. Stress about job security, paying the bills, putting food on the table, and making ends meet for your family can build over time to unhealthy levels.
This stress can lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and more.
If you notice signs of increasing stress, like excessive fatigue, apathy or increased irritability, you can take...
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Know Your Rights When Changing Your Health... →
There are laws to protect you when you have to make changes to your health insurance. This video explains your rights.
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Find and Compare Health Care Facilities in Your...
Finding health care providers doesn’t have to be a headache. You can use directories to search for doctors that accept Medicare or search by specialty, name or location.
The government also collects data on healthcare facilities around the country. You can use this information to learn about and compare the quality of care in the facilities near you. You’ll find information about...
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Stay Safe in Extreme Heat →
Extreme heat is dangerous. Learn how to keep cool and stay healthy as temperatures rise.
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Protect Your Mental Health During Stressful...
By Christopher Marshall, Special Assistant to the Director, Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA
Do you, or have you felt stressed about having enough money, getting or keeping a job, and the overall state of the economy? You’re not alone. According to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association, money, work and the economy are the three top cited reasons for stress among...