(ARA) – For the nearly 24 million Americans with diabetes, the cost of medication and other items related to diabetes care can be nearly two and a half times greater than medical costs for those without the disease. With the rising costs of health care, many individuals find it difficult to pay for necessary treatment. In fact, a survey by CVS/pharmacy found that 29 percent of people with diabetes had not filled a prescription due to the expense in the past 12 months.

“This statistic is worrisome, because taking your medications now can help prevent more serious health problems that may be even costlier in the future,” says CVS Pharmacist Ericka Shephard. “While the costs of diabetes can seem unmanageable, fortunately, there are ways to save money.”

Start with examining prescription drug costs. Although the cost of diabetes medications can add up, you can save money by asking your doctor or pharmacist about less expensive generic alternatives. Generic drugs offer significant cost savings, while providing the same active ingredients as brand-name counterparts. They are safe, effective and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The most common types of oral diabetes drugs all have generic versions, so talk with your pharmacist about switching your medications to their generic forms.

Another cost-effective option is to use “combination drugs” that include two diabetes medications such as metformin and a sulfonylurea. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if this option could work for you. Additionally, ask about community resources or drug assistance programs available in your area. Many drug companies offer medications for free or at a reduced cost for people in need.

In addition to medications, it's possible to cut costs on other diabetes supplies. A variety of store-brand Glucose meters and other diabetes care items are available as cost-saving alternatives to national brands. Purchasing in bulk can also help you save on syringes and test strips. For example, a 100-count box of test strips is usually less expensive than two 50-count boxes.

Managing insulin supply is additionally important to keep in mind for limiting your diabetes costs. All insulin products expire within a short period after being opened, so it's important to know how long your insulin lasts so you don't purchase more than can be used by the expiration date. And for people who only need small doses of insulin, an insulin pen may be even cheaper than using insulin vials.

A new program from CVS/pharmacy – ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes – provides savings for people with diabetes and their caregivers. The health and wellness program can help to keep costs down by offering rewards and discounts on supplies needed to manage this condition. More information on the program and diabetes care can be found at www.cvs.com/diabetes.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – With the growing use of cell phones and text messaging, it's not surprising that risky and distracted driving are the main causes of teen motor vehicle accidents. A 2009 Pew survey estimates that 26 percent of all American teens have texted while driving, and 43 percent have talked on a cell phone while driving.

Today's teen drivers face an increasing number of risks and distractions, making safe driving habits more important than ever. At the same time, teen driving laws are evolving, and fewer public schools across the country can afford to offer drivers' education.

Many community organizations and even large businesses have stepped in to proactively help teens learn the importance of practicing safe driving skills. For example, UPS, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and UPS NASCAR driver David Ragan are partnering for the second consecutive year to present UPS Road Code, a comprehensive safe driving course, based on UPS's own driver training programs, to help teach teens across the nation the importance of safe driving and defensive driving skills.

"When I'm on the race track, I'm surrounded by about 40 other cars while driving sometimes more than 150 mph. I can't afford any distractions," says Ragan, UPS Road Code spokesperson. "Defensive driving is a priority for me on and off the track, and I think there needs to be greater education for American teenagers on what it means to be a safe driver."

A teen's first priority while driving should be to pay attention to the highway. Some helpful tips for keeping their eyes on the road include:

* Give enough distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to allow you a view of all your surroundings. A driver should be able to see the rear tires of the vehicle in front of you.

* Identify “stale” green lights — a light the driver did not see turn green — and prepare to stop if it turns red before you reach it.

* Be observant and expect other drivers to do unpredictable things while driving around you, such as speeding and changing lanes.

* Use your signals, lights and horn to communicate with other drivers on the road.

* Establish cushion space by delaying your start from an intersection by three seconds after the vehicle in front of you has moved.

* Check your mirrors every five to eight seconds because hazards that can cause an accident aren't always in front of you.

Learning the risks and consequences of driving, plus hands-on experience behind the wheel, is essential to improve driving among teens. Drivers' education, graduated licensing systems and teen-driving programs provide youth important information and the opportunity to practice safe driving. More teen safe-driving tips from UPS Road Code can be found online at www.ups.com/roadcode.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – The recent recession caused many to reconsider old investing paradigms. Some stocks, mutual funds and other paper assets that looked invincible, turned out to be as flimsy as the paper they were printed on. Homes, which most consider a stable, tangible asset, lost nearly 50 percent of their value on average when the mortgage industry crashed. But one thing hasn't changed. The term "don't put your eggs all in one basket" makes more sense today than ever.

Many families are now showing more interest in the tools and strategies that help diversify their financial portfolio in hopes of preserving wealth regardless of the economic environment. But the wheel doesn't need to be reinvented to find these investing strategies. Gold investment is a hot commodity in today's uncertain economy. Gold prices increased by 277 percent over the past decade, according to Goldline International Inc., while certain financial markets and U.S. dollar both fell.

Even now, gold prices remain near historic highs, and are expected by some leading investment banks to climb higher. A diversification strategy that includes gold is critical, especially with the potential for high inflation and a declining dollar, both of which are strong possibilities if the U.S. national debt continues to rise.

It's important to research an investment in gold thoroughly to determine if it's right for your investment strategy. Gold does not provide income or dividends. There have been periods throughout history when gold has declined in value. And some investors may be dissuaded because gold is a long-term investment.

For these reasons, Goldline recommends that 5 to 20 percent of an individual's investment assets include gold. In addition, gold should remain in your portfolio for five years or longer.

Goldline International, an industry leader in selling and buying gold and other precious metals, has seen its business grow considerably in recent years from an unexpected source. Investors who never considered gold before, including everyday investors like entrepreneurs, educators, executives and working professionals, are including gold in their portfolio – many for the first time.

"Gold is no longer just for the very rich or so-called 'gold bugs," says Scott Carter, executive vice president of Goldline. "It's not just for conservatives or liberals. It doesn't discriminate between rural Middle America and the coastal cities. Investing in gold is a mainstream investment strategy that is accessible to millions.”

Whatever your investment goals may be, diversification is important. In today's market, that means including traditional "safe haven" assets in addition to paper investments. If you have all of your financial "eggs" divided between many different baskets, a drop in the market for one asset class may not have the same effect as it does when you have no other investments. Diversification of your investments will allow you to plan for your future with fewer worries.

Carter recommends that investors acquire a sound understanding of the precious metals market before investing. Important risk information can be found in the booklet, “Coin Facts for Investors and Collectors to Consider.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – With summer right around the corner and the weather finally starting to warm up, many Americans are counting down the days until they can escape their daily routine for some much needed rest and relaxation.

Before you pack up the car or hit the friendly blue skies for your vacation getaway, you may want to check out what some of the biggest U.S. cities have to offer.

MSN, America's leading online destination teamed up with Prevention magazine, America's leading Healthy Lifestyle magazine and asked Americans where their favorite summertime destinations are – and what kind of fun you can have right here in the U.S. Some of the answers might surprise you so take a look and see how your favorite cities fared. You never know – you might just switch up your travel plans for a destination that better fits you.

Night owl: If you enjoy the night life and staying up late then you might want to book a flight to the city that never sleeps, a.k.a New York City, ranking as the most tired city ahead of Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles. After a late night of Broadway shows, dancing and exploring the city, you might crave a hearty meal. You're in the right place in New York City – which ranks as the city with the best hangover grub with Chicago and Philadelphia nabbing second and third place.

On the go: If late nights aren't your cup of tea, but physically active vacations are more your speed, then you might want to visit San Francisco, ranking as the healthiest and happiest city. So, if you like to stay on the move, then San Fran is the ideal getaway where you can explore Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf and Lombard Street all while working up a sweat climbing the city's trademark hills.

Sports fanatic: If your dream vacation consists of visiting some of America's legendary sporting venues and rubbing elbows with fellow sports nuts, then New York City is the place to be, ranking as the city with the most passionate sports fans. But, if New York Yankees aren't your thing, you might want to hop on a flight to catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park in Boston or a Cubs game at Wrigley field in Chicago, ranking No. 2 and No. 3 respectively when it comes to the most passionate sports fans. Let the games begin.

All about fashion: If shopping until you drop is your kind of sport, you might want to escape to Los Angeles where you can peruse Rodeo Drive or New York City where you can indulge yourself on Madison Avenue. Whether you're window shopping or buying, you can't go wrong with these two cities. While New York City and Los Angeles are the obvious destinations for fashion lovers, you'll be pleasantly surprised with Chicago ranking No. 3 as the city with the best airport shopping right behind No. 1 New York City and No. 2 Los Angeles – why not kick-start your shopping right when you land?

Sightseeing: Even if you don't count visiting Madison Avenue, Barney's or Rodeo Drive as your favorite sites to see, there is still lots to do in New York City, Los Angles and Washington, D.C., which all rank as the cities with the best tourist attractions. It's not just on TV, kids. History comes to life for the whole family in these cities. From the Statue Liberty, the Lincoln Memorial to the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame – these famous places will not disappoint.

The full deal: If you're living on a shoe-string budget, who says you can't take a vacation? Atlanta bucks the notion with Americans ranking it No. 1 when it comes to offering the best quality of life on a tight budget, beating out Houston and Dallas. Discover all that Atlanta has to offer-at a reasonable price – from the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to The World of Coca-Cola to the incredible Georgia Aquarium.

Check out MSN Local Edition on MSN.com, to find restaurants, sports, weather, news and more info about these cities and others on your vacation destination list. To see how all the cities fared in the MSN and Prevention Magazine survey on everything from the city with the worst public restrooms to the smelliest city, visit MSN.com. Now, you can feel confident in knowing what your vacation destination has to offer.

In addition, check out Prevention.com to find tips on the 13 summer travel must have items that will keep your family happy, healthy and safe.

Here's to your next adventure.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – Registered nursing is one of the fastest-growing careers in the U.S. By 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates, 580,000 more nursing positions will be needed, a growth rate of 22 percent since 2008.

Nursing is also thought to be highly recession-proof, actually adding positions during economic downturns. In July 2009, when the U.S. saw job losses of more than 450,000, more than 20,000 new nursing positions were added to the economy. In fact, in a December 2009 report on employment trends, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in 2009, the U.S. added 631,000 positions in the health care industry, many of which were in nursing.

These huge increases mean that many hospitals and clinics are struggling to meet their need for nurses. In fact, a June 2009 Health Affairs article by Peter I. Buerhaus finds that by 2025, the U.S. is expected to have a shortage of more than 250,000 registered nurses.

“Simply put, there is a huge need for nurses throughout the country,” says Martha Keough, nursing director at Everest College in Ontario, California. Demand for nurses is high in all types of medical facilities, including hospitals, medical centers, physicians' offices, nursing homes and assisted living centers.

“Nursing is an exciting career option – somewhere between an art and a science,” Keough continues. “You get to interact one-on-one with patients and know you are making a difference in their lives.”

While the number of new nurses entering the profession is growing, growth is not fast enough to meet demand. The American Association of Certified Nurses reported a 2.2 percent increase in enrollments at entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs in 2008 over 2007; however, that increase will not be nearly sufficient to meet the projected number of openings.

A number of demographic factors are contributing to this shortage of nurses, says Maureen Peterkin, nursing instructor at Everest University in Brandon, Fla. First, demographic changes are increasing the demand for health care of all kinds, and nurses and other health professionals are in high demand. “With an aging baby-boomer population, the need for more qualified health professionals is increasing dramatically,” says Peterkin. Other demographic trends, such as longer life spans, are creating a need for nurses with specialized training in long-term care and elder care.

Second, the rising age of nurses is expected to spur demand for new entrants to the profession. “Another reason for a shortage of nurses is retirements, which are expected to leave many vacancies,” says Peterkin.

Many argue that a shortage of nurses negatively affects the quality of care patients receive. A comprehensive study by the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, released in 2007, studied data from hospital records and suggests a lack of nurses may be related to declines in patient care. The study found that an increase in nurses was associated with lower hospital-related mortality and shorter hospital stays.

Peterkin explains that Everest University's targeted nursing program is aimed at helping students from a wide variety of backgrounds and work experiences get the knowledge and hands-on skills they need to enter the nursing profession in a timely manner.

“Nursing truly is a rewarding career. We need to spread the word about all the important work nurses do,” says Peterkin.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – It's the new drinking and driving — and for good reason. As Americans become more addicted to their cell phones, BlackBerry devices and other PDAs, lawmakers throughout the nation are taking action in the wake of a disturbing national trend linking cell phone use with car crashes.

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) reports the use of cell phones and other mobile devices now accounts for 25 percent of all police-reported traffic crashes. Research shows that driving while talking, texting or e-mailing with a cell phone or PDA can pose a serious distraction and interfere with driving a motor vehicle.

As a result of the growing number of cell phone-related car accidents, more states are pushing for legislation to ban cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle, according to FindLaw.com, the Internet's leading Web site for legal information. States that have banned the handheld use of cell phones by drivers include California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah and Washington as well as the District of Columbia.

The facts are especially alarming for teenagers, for whom driving-related incidents are the leading cause of death. According to an NHTSA report, more than 50 percent of teens admit to talking or texting on a cell phone while driving. At least 20 states, including Texas, currently ban any kind of cell phone use by teenage drivers, says FindLaw.com.

Because of the alarming trend linking cell phone use and driving, the National Safety Council has gone even further by calling for a complete ban on the use of all cell phones, including “hands-free” devices, for drivers nationwide.

Any activity a driver engages in while driving has the potential to distract the motorist from the primary task of operating the vehicle. A distraction is defined by any event or action that takes your eyes off the road (visual), mind off the road (cognitive), or takes your hands off the steering wheel (manual). Some research findings compare cell phone use to other activities such as passenger conversations or changing a CD while driving.

For example, studies have shown that cell phone use compared to carrying on a conversation with a passenger can be equally risky, while other studies show cell phone use to be more risky. The difference between the two is a passenger can monitor the driving situation along with the driver and pause for, or alert the driver to, potential hazards, whereas a person on the other end of the phone line is unaware of the roadway situation.

But what if a driver encounters an emergency situation or witnesses another driver's erratic driving? As a general rule, if you are in your car and witness a car accident or another emergency, pull your vehicle over to a safe location and call 911.

However, in emergency situations drivers must use their judgment regarding the urgency of the situation and the necessity to use a cell phone while driving. The key here is to avoid creating another emergency because you're using your cell phone.

In addition to using a cell phone, there are many other distractions that can increase the risk of losing control of your vehicle, according to FindLaw.com. Some activities that appear to be “hands free,” such as looking at a GPS map screen, can be just as distracting as navigating a car while eating a hamburger. According to a study by the NHTSA and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near crashes involve some form of driver distraction.

The study further concluded that the typical distraction occurred within three seconds before the vehicle crash. The bottom line is that drivers who engage more frequently in distracted driving are more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident or near crash. Some common distractions that should be avoided include:

* Eating while driving, including unwrapping food products.

* Changing a CD or adjusting the radio.

* Applying make-up.

* Settling a dispute between children.

* Controlling a loose pet.

* Reading a print map or watching a GPS map screen while driving.

* Looking at an object or event outside of your car, like another accident.

It is also important to keep in mind that some activities are carried out more frequently and for longer periods of time and may result in greater risk. The primary responsibility of the driver is to operate a motor vehicle safely. The task of driving requires full attention and focus. Cell phone use can distract drivers from this task, risking harm to themselves and others. Therefore, the safest course of action is to refrain from using a cell phone while driving.

To learn more about cell phone use and driving laws, visit www.findlaw.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – If your child is being bullied, she's not alone. About 160,000 children in the United States miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students, according to the National Education Association.

Bullying is a serious problem that is growing worse, and is taking on new forms through the use of the Internet and mobile phones, say educators. Some estimates say that 25 percent of American children experience direct or indirect bullying daily.

Broadly speaking, bullying can involve any number of behaviors, according to Findlaw.com, a leading online source of legal information, including sexual harassment of another student, teasing, excluding a student, calling a student names, physically pushing or attacking, threatening or hazing, spreading rumors, damaging or stealing belongings, or demanding money.

Cyber-bullying, a relatively new form of bullying, takes place over the Internet through social media websites and forums, or through mobile devices. Many pre-teens and teens prefer to communicate with one another through texting on their mobile devices. Because kids can share messages quickly with a large group of students, cyber-bullying can be especially effective in spreading rumors about a student or harassing a student through the sharing of photos. Because this is a relatively new area of harassment, many school districts are still trying to determine the reach of their authority in off-campus cyber-bullying attacks.

Bullying can have far-reaching consequences for the victim, the perpetrators and other students, who indirectly become distracted from their studies out of fear of becoming a bully's next victim. Bullying has been cited as a factor in teen suicides as well as in a number of on-campus shooting massacres, including the infamous and tragic Columbine High School incident. In that case, media reports suggested that both of the shooters were victims of bullying.

Historically, bullying among school children has not been a topic of broad public concern. In fact, some adults may view bullying as a rite of passage for children and youth, as popularized on the big screen and on TV programs. Because of events like Columbine, attention to bullying among children has increased dramatically among school personnel, members of the general public and policymakers. Today, according to Findlaw.com, 43 states have some form of anti-bullying laws in place, complementing anti-bullying policies established at the local level by private and public school boards.

Here are some additional tips from Findlaw.com on what to do if you suspect that your child is the victim of a bully:

Talk to your child. A lot of times your child will not want to talk about being bullied because they perceive it as embarrassing and humiliating. If you notice a change in your child's behavior and attitudes, approach him first. Offer your support and let him know that action will be taken to improve the situation. Your child will most likely be feeling isolated at school and it's important for him to know that he can confide in you.

Document facts. Take pictures of any injuries and have your child give a detailed description of what happened. Write down the dates and times that these situations occurred and get statements from any other students, teachers or parents who may have observed the bullying. This information may be useful if police and school officials need to get involved to prove how long this has been going on and what the damage has been.

Talk to teachers and the principal. Don't wait. Immediately contact the school and alert school officials to the problems that your child is facing. Many schools are adopting a zero-tolerance policy toward bullying. Alert other adults about this situation as well, including parents of other children and the bus driver. The more people who are aware of bullying, the more chances the act has of being stopped.

Put it in writing. In addition to talking directly to teachers and the school principal, put your concerns into writing to the principal, the superintendent and school board members. While many schools have adopted zero-tolerance policies, some school officials and teachers may not take seriously their own school's bullying policies, or for that matter, state laws regarding bullying. Putting your concerns in writing sends a strong signal that you mean business.

Encourage others to speak up. If the same child is bullying other students, persuade parents to report it too. School officials are more likely to respond immediately if they see the problem is affecting several students.

Call the police. Many states require schools to report bullying incidents to the police, according to Findlaw.com. If your child has been the victim of a physical assault or repeated incidents of bullying, call the local authorities – especially if your school has not contacted local authorities.

Talk with a lawyer. If your child has been physically or sexually harassed contact an attorney. Attorneys who specialize in personal injury litigation are probably best suited to represent you and your child.

To learn about the law and what to do if your child is being bullied, visit Findlaw.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – TV apps are one of the hottest trends in satellite television today. Just like apps for your smart phone, a TV app is an interactive application you can download to personalize your TV experience.

And best of all, most satellite TV apps are free. All you need is an HD DVR and the Internet to get started.

Here are 10 TV apps worth checking out:

1. Google calendar viewer – With the click of your remote you can get access to your Google calendar directly on your TV. See what's on your schedule for the day while you watch the morning news.

2. What's HOT – Are you the type of person who likes see what other people are up to? You'll love the What's HOT app – which lets you see the most popular shows being watched at any given time.

3. Agent Facebook – For anyone who loves to use the social networking sites, now you can check your updates without leaving your TV. Similar apps exist for Flickr photos and Twitter feeds. Be warned: these apps may be highly addictive.

4. MyNFL Team – Follow your favorite football team at any time without having to change the channel or turn on your computer. Use your remote to select a team and get scores, schedule, leaders and standings. Apps like this are also available for other sports.

5. Local traffic – Use your TV to plan your commute with an application that provides a real-time traffic map of your area. Pick your route to work while you watch the morning show.

6. WebCam Viewers – Want to watch fireworks over the Eiffel Tower? Or witness Old Faithful's every eruption? WebCam apps give you live feeds from landmarks across the globe.

7. Crime reports – Keep an eye on those creepy neighbors with an application that puts local crime reports and maps on your television screen. If you are prone to paranoia, you may want to avoid this one.

8. ISS orbital tracking – Space buffs will love this application that gives you the current position of the International Space Station over a map of Earth. Combine this with your live Twitter feeds from the astronauts and you can explore the universe right along with them.

9. This day in history – This application gives you daily facts so that you can easily amaze your friends with your intimate knowledge of history.

10. Learn any language – A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, and the journey of learning a new language begins with one word a day. Learn a new language one day at a time with this nifty app from InnovativeLanguage.com.

There is no doubt – satellite TV apps are the future of television. Check with the leading satellite TV provider in your area so you don't miss out on everything TV apps have to offer.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – If you find yourself in a financial hole you can't get out of, it's important to know you have options. Being in debt can cause people to continue to make payments that they can't afford or can barely afford without much hope of ever eliminating the debt. If you find yourself in this position, there are a few routes you can pursue to free yourself from overwhelming debt.

First, getting out of debt on your own should always be your first choice, if you can do it. The quickest way to save money and keep your credit intact is to pay off your balances as quickly as you are able.

If you don't think that option is open to you, it might be time to seek outside help. The Federal Trade Commission recommends looking at the following options and finding what might work for you. When you examine each of these possibilities, make sure the organization you are working with is legitimate. Always beware of hidden costs and make sure you know exactly what you will receive before you pay for these services.

* Credit counseling: If you don't think you can get your debt under control by yourself, credit counselors can help you develop a plan to get out of debt.

* Debt management plan: Often offered through a credit counseling service, this allows the participant to make monthly deposits to the service, which in turn will pay your bills as worked out with your creditors. You will be required to make your monthly payments on time and you may be barred from applying for additional credit while on the plan.

* Bankruptcy: This is usually considered the last resort, but it can allow you to have some of your debts forgiven completely. You may also be required to put your car, house or other assets toward repaying your debt. Bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years and can make it difficult to secure any type of credit during that time.

* Debt settlement programs: Often considered an alternative to bankruptcy, debt settlement, or debt negotiation programs, allow those with unsecured debt (debt not tied to an asset, like credit card debt or medical bills) to pay less than what they owe through negotiating with creditors.

“The goal of a debt negotiator is to obtain a debt settlement for you on the current debt amount you owe your creditor. For example you may owe one particular creditor $10,000, so the goal of the negotiator would be to have you end up paying back say $5,000,” says Steven Veator, senior program adviser of Core Financial Services, a Massachusetts-based debt settlement agency.

Recently, much attention has been brought to fly-by-night debt settlement agencies that often only cause participants to go into more debt. If you plan on enrolling in a debt settlement program, the United States Organizations for Bankruptcy Alternatives (USOBA), a professional organization for the debt settlement industry, recommends taking the following things into account before enrolling in a program:

* Know in advance that your credit score will take a hit. Any debt settlement agency promising otherwise is probably not telling the truth.

* Programs will often take two to three years to complete. If you can't make the payments necessary to complete the program, don't enroll because you will still be responsible for your debts in addition to any program fees.

* Beware of hidden fees. Make sure all fees you will have to pay during the program are agreed upon before enrolling in the program, along with a payment schedule. The program will likely charge you beyond what you will be paying back to your creditors for their work, so make sure it is still a good option once these fees are included.

* Debt settlement is a private industry, so any organization that speaks of a federal program for debt settlement is not telling the truth.

* Don't stand for pressure or silence. A legitimate agency should not pressure you to enroll and should allow you the time to make a decision. You should also be able to freely and easily communicate with the agency before enrolling and during the debt settlement process. Some programs require you to default on paying your creditors, so have a plan in place with your settlement agency on how to handle calls from creditors if this is the case.

For more on debt settlement and answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.coredebt.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – You've seen the posters decorating mailboxes, telephone poles and trees in your neighborhood. The picture of a cat – usually curled up in the sun or giving a curious look to the camera – with "LOST" in bold, capital letters and a contact number underneath. Sadly, less than 5 percent of lost cats make it home.

Many of these lost cats end up in animal shelters, some are adopted by new families and others unfortunately, aren't so lucky. An estimated 70 percent of all animals euthanized each year are cats who enter shelters without identification tags, according to the North Shore Animal League America (NSALA), the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. Many shelters are full, and can only hold cats for a few days or less, giving grieving owners limited time to locate their lost pet.

Cat owner and author of "Oh My Dog," Beth Ostrosky Stern is passionate about saving the lives of animals and providing them to loving families. "Through my work with North Shore Animal League America, I have seen firsthand how many cats enter the shelters. I'm a firm supporter of cat tagging to help ensure a safe return home. I would be completely devastated if my cat, Apple, were lost. Having her wear an identification tag is a simple step, but gives me peace of mind that if she were to be lost she can be identified and returned home."

Whether your cat stays inside or roams the outdoors, tagging is the best way to keep him safe. Even indoor cats may sometimes slip through an open door or window for some fresh air so it's important to remember they need identification tags as well. Special cat collars are available also, so that your cat won't get caught on any objects when he's playing inside the home or exploring the great outdoors.

Many cat owners may not know how simple it is to get a tag for their cat. The maker of ARM & HAMMER Super Scoop and Multi-Cat litter products is even offering cat owners the opportunity to receive customized identification tags via mail with the purchase of two ARM & HAMMER cat litters. Visit www.pettagoffer.com for more information.

Tagging cats is just one safety tip. Other tips from NSALA to keep cats healthy, especially during the summer months include:

* Never leave a cat in a car – cats can quickly overheat and die from heatstroke.

* Keep cats inside during a thunderstorm – cats are easily frightened by loud noises and are more at risk of being struck by lightning.

* Check cats daily for fleas and ticks, and talk with a veterinarian about prevention products to keep cats safe.

* Change litter regularly to maintain a fresh and healthy litter box for cats.

* Watch for signs of heat stress, including glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, excessive thirst, restlessness, lack of coordination, unconsciousness, deep red or purple tongue and vomiting.

Courtesy of ARAcontent