US Media Studios Joins National Drug Take-Back Day

Saturday, April 30 is National Drug Take-Back day in the United States.

Every year, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration with local law enforcement agencies, hosts drop of locations in communities to return unused prescription drugs. US Media Studios joins this effort.

Drop-off sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and there is one near you. Click here to find it. The service is free and anonymous. Only pills and patches are accepted. Sharps, needles, and liquids are not accepted. Pills and patches are commonly thrown in the garbage or flushed down the toilet, which is a safety and bio hazard. Drugs tossed in the garbage can be removed and taken. Drugs flushed down the toilet poison the water.

This effort is a massive, national campaign to reduce the number of overdoses, accidental poisonings of children due to prescription drugs. More than 50,000 children end up in hospital emergency rooms every year due to accidental poisoning. The abuse of prescription drugs by family and friends mainly stems from home medicine cabinets. Even if you live alone, it is better to get rid of these items. Expired prescription drugs can make one sick.

US Media Studios urges readers to take any unused, unwanted or expired pills and patches to drop off locations in their community. If this prevents the death of one small child from an accidental poisoning, or prevents one person from abusing prescription pain killers, then the effort is worth it.

(image:patch.com)

US Media Studios Joins Earth Day Celebrations

We only have one Earth and we must respect it, love it and protect it. US Media Studios honors the America with some great places to visit on #EarthDay as it falls within the week of the National Park’s 100^th Birthday party.

Visit any one of these National Parks by Sunday, April 24. Entrance fees are waived.

Beauty in the Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park, Homestead, Florida

The park has been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance and a World Heritage Site Enjoy the many trails, kayak across the serene water, and keep your eyes open for its iconic wildlife.

Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, PA

The site of the largest battle ever waged during the American Civil War. It was a turning point in American history. Located 50 miles west of Baltimore, Maryland, The cemetery there contains more than 7,000 interments including over 3,500 from the Civil War. Get your history on here.

Effigy Mounds National Monument, Iowa near Wisconsin border

The monument contains nationally significant archeological resources including (original) surviving examples of earthen American Indian mound groups that provide an insight into the social, ceremonial, political, and economic life of the Eastern Woodland people. Bet you didn’t know this National Monument was even created.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Oklahoma

It is known for its many mineral springs, cool water, flora, fauna, and wildlife. A very cool place to visit with family and a warm day.

US Media Studios encourages people to visit the nearest National Park this week, and really, any time. #EarthDay is a day to honor, respect and protect Mother Earth and our National Parks most certainly fall within this border. Get out and enjoy the wondrous natural resources set aside hundreds of years ago for us to appreciate today.

US Media Studios and National Park Week in the U.S.

It is U.S. National Park Week. Get out and go visit the nearest national park this week when the entrance fees are waived. #FindYourPark

Millions of acres of land set aside and preserved, saved from residential and commercial land development, spans the country. It is full of the most incredible scenery, the most amazing wildlife, and reminds us that it is there for us to experience, enjoy and savor. US Media Studios shares some suggestions when visiting areas in such as these.

Know what the weather will like in the national park you visit before you go. Heat and humidity are common in southern states and in tropical areas. Sudden rain or thunderstorms can turn a pleasant hike into a wet, unpleasant hike. Plan ahead for the day or weekend. This includes wearing sun screen and carrying a lightweight rain jacket. Plan to take a lightweight jacket if the temperature goes down when the sun does.

If planning a hike of any length, be sure to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes or boots. Rocks and prickly weeds are around. Protect your feet from stubs and your ankles from pricks.

• Bring water to stay hydrated all day.
• Don’t park near where migratory birds are. Vultures are federally protected and are attracted to rubber from tires and windshield wipers.
• Know your level of stamina and know which hiking trail is best for it. Stay on the trail you choose and don’t venture off. This is how people get lost in the wilderness for days and weeks.
• Leave pets at home.
• Keep small children close at hand all the time.

US Media Studios encourages readers to find the nearest national park by clicking here,  and plan a visit there this week or coming weekend – while park fees are waived.

Everglades National Park, FL

US Media Studios Shares Where the Cleanest Beaches Are Located

America’s beaches and seashores are wonderful places to relax, enjoy nature have fun. But it is no fun if the sand is used as an ashtray, litter is polluting the water, and the stench of sewage prevalent. So where are the cleanest beaches?

US Media Studios shares the top five cleanest beaches, and offers a link to one of the best resources for the environment for readers to enjoy.

Dauphin Island Public Beach, Alabama – The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Staff blog notes this beach meets national water quality benchmarks nearly 100 percent of the time over the last five years.

Long Beach City, Nassau County, New York – A worldwide-known travel website notes that the water in this area is clean and safe for swimming. The surf is 3.3 miles long and the there are no pets or alcohol allowed on the beach.

Newport Beach, CA at 38^th Street

Newport Beach is a nice beach in the first place. The NDRC states it is the only one in the state to make its “Beach Superstar” consistently.

Po’ipu Beach Park, Kauai, Hawaii – Clean white sand and crystal clear water earned this Pacific beauty its ranks. It is one of the top 10 best beaches in the United States.

Hampton Beach State Park, New Hampshire

The NDRC reports that this beach meets the national water quality benchmarks 98 percent of the time over five years. Its unique carry-in/carry-our program which helps keep the area clean for everyone. US Media Studios encourages readers to help keep beaches and shores clean on every visit. Be responsible for your trash and throw it out or secure it. Don’t put cigarettes out in the sand or in the water. Report people who deliberately litter the beach or pollute the water. The beach is for everyone. 

Dauphin Island Public Beach, IL
(image:wikipedia)

US Media Studios Reveals Why We Do Not Get Enough Sleep

Work. A recent survey from CareerBuilder found that almost 44 percent of American employees lose sleep because they worry about work-related issues. Nearly one in four of those surveyed said they do not get enough sleep at least once a week. Another survey, from 2013, found that three in four people questioned lost sleep over work. US Media Studios also has seen more workers doing more than one person's job since the recession in 2008. Workers let go during the economic downturn have yet to be replaced, leaving less people to do more.

Technology does not help the matter either. Many people sleep with the smart phone or tablet beside the bed. Some use the alarm clock function, but still wake up when emails come in, or texts arrive.  American employees will take the time to reply to a text or an urgent email. We can also factor in the sounds and lights that go off when items arrive.

So how can we turn work off when we go to bed? Move the smart phone away from the bed. Set a time to prepare for bed and rest. Don't let anything get in the way of it. Let co-workers, managers, bosses, and colleagues know that there will be no replies after a certain time at night. Get more exercise during the day and after dinner. This eases stress that builds during the day and early evening. Go to bed at the same time every night, if possible. Find a relaxing way to wind down before climbing into bed. Pleasant dreams.

US Media Studios Explains How to Get a Handle on Medical Bills

Medical care is not cheap. Bills can arrive in the mail with errors on them costing patients hundreds of dollars. It pays to examine every medical bill.

The American Medical Association estimates that 7.1 percent of claims paid in 2013 had an error. Financial website NerdWallet found mistakes in 49 percent of Medicare claims in 2014. Billing errors are common and can cost patients a lot of money in out-of-pocket expenses.

Medical coding is often to blame for the errors. In truth, it takes meticulous attention to detail. Even small bills, such as those for co-pays, can be ripe with errors. But there is good news in all of this worrisome news.

US Media Studios learns that as part of a 2015 settlement, medical debts sent to collections will have a six month grace period before they show up on a consumer’s credit report. Further, the three credit reporting agencies are required to remove a medical debt once it is reported as paid or settled by the insurance company. Keep in mind though that bills paid by the consumer and settled remain on reports. The insurance company has to report it to the credit reporting agencies in order to it to be removed.

The most important thing to know is to not wait too long to pay or officially dispute a medical bill or bills. Some insurers and providers are quick to settle unpaid bills. Twenty percent of consumers have an unpaid medical debt on their credit report, according to a report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

When a medical bill arrives in the mail or in email, review it as soon as possible and completely.  Do Google search on medical codes not explained or understood. Call the insurer or provider and ask what the charge is for. Haste makes money waste. Jump on medical bills and don’t pay for something that should not be there. It’s your money. Why give it to an insurer if you didn’t get the service?

Don't be this guy.
(image:pixabay)

US Media Studios Reviews the Benefits of Eating Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for everyone. However, it is most beneficial to children.

US Media Studios has long known that children who eat breakfast before school are more likely to be awake and alert in class, and learn more. A recent study found that even if a child eats two breakfasts—one at home and one at school before classes begin, the child is not as likely to gain weight or become overweight. A nutritious breakfast is one which boosts stamina, energy and brain power. School performance increases when the body and mind are fueled with food that gives it lasting learning abilities. Children who are tired or feeling drained and hungry are not motivated to learn and engage in the classroom. Successful students are those who are ready to take on the school day.

Breakfast at home can be easy. It can include fresh fruit, cold cereal and milk, yogurt and whole grain breads. School breakfasts might entail egg dishes made with real or egg substitutes, whole grains toasts, fruit, cheeses, juices and more. Most kids need to get up earlier now, and may not be hungry until later. A smaller snack-like breakfast is beneficial for this. US Media Studios encourages parents and children to find the best way to start the day, whether that is a more substantial breakfast at home or two small meals-one at home and one at school. Try these ideas if a quick “on-the-run” breakfast is needed: granola bars, breakfast bars, whole fruit, and dry cereal. Single serve juices and bottles of water are also good additions for the grab and run bunch.