(Diane Mulligan) - Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is among the most aggressive, deadliest forms of lung cancer, yet it’s still too often overlooked. For decades, treatment options were limited, offering little hope to those diagnosed with SCLC, until now.

In 2013, Congress passed legislation that mandated the National Cancer Institute create a scientific plan for treating patients with less than a 50% chance of surviving 5 years. This included SCLC. With this focus on research, SCLC, once considered a hopeless diagnosis because of its swift spread and resistance to standard treatment, is now seeing real momentum. Breakthrough research has increased the number of treatment options by 67% giving doctors new tools and patients new reasons to hope.

Because of research, treatments like the recently FDA-approved Tarlatamab belong to a class of drugs called bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs), which harness the immune system to combat cancer. Another treatment, Lurbinectedin, slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body.  There are also next-generation approaches, such as CAR T-cell therapy and antibody-drug conjugates, and many others, now in clinical trials. Clinical trials, once a last resort, are rapidly becoming a front door to tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

Early detection is critical. Screening is the best way to find SCLC early.

Wendy Brooks knows this firsthand. Wendy had a history of lung cancer in her family. She pushed hard to get screened, and her cancer was caught early, rare for this disease. Through two clinical trials, Wendy has kept the cancer confined to her lung and is living fully. She credits screening and participating in clinical trials with saving her life.

“I’m here today because of research,” Wendy says. “I want others to know there’s hope, and clinical trials can be a lifeline.”

Thoracic oncologist Dr. Jacob Sands echoes that optimism: “I have patients more than five years out from that initial diagnosis doing great, living their lives and not on treatment. And I’ll go as far as to say that I think some patients are cured of their incurable disease.”

Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA) is raising awareness of the lifesaving power of early screening, new treatments, and the growing promise of clinical trials for people facing SCLC.

LCFA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating lung cancer through research, education, and awareness programs. Committed to improving patient outcomes, donations to LCFA fund innovative research projects, educational initiatives, and advocacy for increased resources for lung cancer research.

Donate today to fight Lung Cancer at LCFAmerica.org

**Image Captions: 
Wendy Brooks, Lung Cancer Patient (header image)
Dr. Jacob Sands, Thoracic Oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

(NewsUSA) - Young children are naturally curious, and an innovative program from BrightPath Early Learning and Child Care puts this curiosity center stage. The BrightPath curriculum, BeeCurious, involves guided exploration and multiple forms of expression while offering preschoolers autonomy and choices and celebrating learning as a joyful experience.  

The BeeCurious Curriculum takes a holistic approach to learning that taps into children’s natural curiosity. Multidisciplinary approaches are part of daily activities in a range of areas including:  

-Math Discovery. BeeCurious teaches math concepts based on developmental scope and sequence of skills, with material that may be swapped out to engage with children’s interests and better align with skill development.  

-Creative Discovery. An open-ended component of the curriculum supports joyful self-expression with a full range of artistic materials to support process-driven creativity. 

-Language and Literacy. Decoding sounds, building an awareness of print concepts and nurturing a love of language are essential elements for developing and increasing literacy. 

-Physical Literacy. The physical literacy curriculum engages children’s curiosity with time spent outdoors and the development of a love of being active. This segment combines standardized content and content developed by the children through inquiry. 

-Building Connections.  The development of social-emotional skills to become part of a learning community is key to the BeeCurious program. Cooperation, uniting for common goals, and interacting with peers are incorporated into this topic.

Additional enrichment programs featured throughout each week include:  

-Global Citizenship: Children’s curiosity extends to other cultures, and the BeeCurious program fosters the importance of kindness and respect for all people, starting with their peers. The program introduces the concept of contributing to a society that welcomes all. Children develop curiosity about other cultures, a respect for differences, and a willingness to engage with new ideas. For example, after a Jaipur market activity, children continued to incorporate elements of that play into their daily routines, setting up mini markets and using new words they had learned.

-Environmental Stewardship: Children not only explore the wonders of nature and the environment, but also learn how to keep it safe for future generations. 

-STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are incorporated into weekly hands-on projects that engage children’s curiosity and guiding them to becoming critical thinkers and innovators.  

“Through the BeeCurious Curriculum, inquiry learning is nurtured,” according to Samaya Khattak, Chief Education Officer at BrightPath. “The new Learning Framework allows children to explore the world around them, examining their environments and fostering their innate curiosity through hands-on interactions of their individual journey of learning,” she said.  

The BeeCurious program also integrates essential skills of self-care, self-regulation, and problem-solving into the rhythm of activity, as well as sign language and featured artists of the month. 

Overall, children thrive when they feel connected and valued. One parent noted how their child began using the phrase "BeeKind" at home, reminding siblings and friends to show empathy and patience. These early lessons, not only in math and language, but also in cultural awareness and kindness, help lay the groundwork for children to become thoughtful, inclusive members of their communities.

Visit brightpathkids.com for more information and book a tour today!

(Victor Hwang and John Bridgeland) - America’s story has been written by those bold enough to begin. The revolutionaries who founded a new nation, the farmer who moved west to claim and seed land, the inventor who built a new machine, and the newcomer who opened a small shop on Main Street were all pioneers. Each had no guarantee of success. Each carried the promise of progress.

Today’s entrepreneurs are America’s new pioneers. They do not ask for certainty or wait for permission. They see a gap, an unmet need, a better way—and they act. In garages, kitchens, and co-working spaces, they envision and build with a spirit of possibility. 

But courage and risk-taking are not enough. We know the path to starting a business is full of obstacles – complicated rules, high fees, scarce capital, and limited networks.  Good ideas are shut down by red tape, hardworking dreamers rarely find access to funding, and our education system does too little to cultivate the knowledge and skills to invent.

It’s no surprise then that while more than 60 percent of Americans want to start their own enterprise, only 9 percent actually do. That’s wasted human potential and lost economic opportunity.

To meet the demand, America needs to innovate to fix the very systems inhibiting the creation of new businesses. Fortunately, there is a plan called America the Entrepreneurial, covering a range of issues to strengthen entrepreneurship in America. 

Entrepreneurs want freedom to innovate. No lengthy forms, filing fees, or non-compete restrictions would enable them to focus on translating ideas into business ventures, not on burdensome compliance.  It’s possible -- in Colorado, the Governor reduced the fee for starting a new business to one dollar.

They also need access to capital. Establishing new development banks for entrepreneurs, waiving taxes on early revenue, and enabling new businesses to compete fairly for public contracts would be a good start. Innovative financing models are emerging, such as Collab Capital in Atlanta, Novel Growth Partners in Kansas City and Founders First in San Diego. 

Starting a business can strain families and households, but policy can help. Tax deductions or credits could minimize childcare costs, health insurance can be made more accessible and affordable, and mortgage lenders should treat entrepreneurs the same way they treat employees.

AI and technologies are changing our world and displacing our workforce.  Our educational system needs to keep pace by equipping students with entrepreneurial inspiration and skills with courses of study and degrees that reward innovation, so everyone has the ability to start enterprises that meet the demands of an increasingly complex age. 

Such efforts take leadership from Governors, Mayors and others.  They also need focused attention – such as an Office of Entrepreneurship for every state, city and county. Nevada was the first state to pass a Right to Start Act, establishing such an office. Missouri, Indiana, New Mexico, and Kansas followed with similar legislation or executive action.

This plan is not charity.  It is strategy. New businesses create nearly all net new jobs in America. They fuel competition, drive productivity, boost household incomes, and renew communities. Every thriving business today—Ford, Apple, Amazon—was once a fragile new idea. Somewhere in America, the next idea waits for its chance.

America the Entrepreneurial is a movement to support today’s pioneers and bring needed change in communities and states -- an invitation to enlist 250,000 Americans to help clear the ground for millions of Americans to start their own enterprises.

As America – a startup nation -- celebrates its 250^th birthday in the coming year, let’s remember that to support entrepreneurs is to support America itself.  For in every entrepreneur lives the promise of our nation’s next chapter. And in supporting them, we write the story of our future together.

Victor Hwang is CEO of Right to Start.  John Bridgeland is CEO of More Perfect.  They are Co-Chairs of America the Entrepreneurial. 

(NewsUSA) - Do you ever notice a flutter in your chest? Feel unusually tired even after a good night’s sleep? Get winded from walking up the stairs when that never used to happen? These little signs might not feel like a big deal, but they could point to something more serious: atrial fibrillation, or AFib.

AFib is the most common heart rhythm disorder in the world, affecting more than 60 million people.¹ In the U.S. alone, over 12 million people are expected to be living with the condition by 2030.²

Yet, awareness remains surprisingly low. A nationally representative survey sponsored by Medtronic found that nearly half of Americans haven’t heard of AFib.³ Because symptoms can be mild or easy to brush off, many people don’t realize they may be at risk. But without proper diagnosis and treatment, AFib can lead to major health complications, including blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.⁴

Know the Symptoms of AFib

AFib occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (called the atria) beat irregularly and out of sync with the lower chambers. This disrupts the heart’s normal rhythm and reduces its ability to pump blood efficiently. Over time, this can strain the heart and affect overall health.

Common signs of AFib include:

• A fluttering or irregular heartbeat
• A sensation that the heart is racing or skipping beats
• Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest discomfort or pressure

Because these symptoms can show up gradually, many people don’t connect them to a heart condition. In fact, according to the Medtronic-sponsored survey, one in four people said they wouldn’t take recurring symptoms like heart fluttering or fatigue very seriously, even if they lasted for months.

“The survey findings are a wake-up call—too many people haven’t heard of AFib or don’t recognize its symptoms as something worth acting on,” says Khaldoun Tarakji, MD, MPH, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer of Cardiac Ablation Solutions at Medtronic. “By recognizing the early signs and talking with a healthcare provider, people have a better chance of managing AFib before it leads to more serious complications.”

Take Control with New AFib Treatments

Medications have long been the first choice for treating AFib, but they don’t work for everyone. In fact, about half of patients find that medications either don’t fully relieve their symptoms or cause unwanted side effects.^5-7

Newer, less invasive treatment options – like ablation procedures – are becoming more widely available, yet many people don’t know they exist.³ Despite their effectiveness, more than half of Americans have never heard of ablation procedures. One promising approach, called pulsed field ablation, uses short, controlled bursts of electrical energy to correct the heart’s rhythm without damaging nearby healthy tissue. This treatment can be used alongside medications or, in some cases, as an alternative.

If you’ve been experiencing ongoing fatigue, heart flutters, or shortness of breath, don’t ignore these symptoms. Talk to your doctor about what you’re feeling and explore all the treatment options that might help you feel better.

To learn more about AFib and pulsed field ablation, visit Medtronic.com/Afib.

References

1. Roth GA, Mensah GA, Johnson CO et al. Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors, 1990-2019: Update From the GBD 2019 Study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2020;76:2982-3021.
2. Colilla S, Crow A, Petkun W, Singer DE, Simon T, Liu X. Estimates of current and future incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the U.S. adult population. Am J Cardiol. 2013;112:1142–1147.
3. Medtronic Data on File. Morning Consult. 2025. National Tracking Poll on Atrial Fibrillation Awareness. Sponsored by Medtronic. Online Survey, n= 2202. August 16–18, 2025.
4. Wolf PA, Abbott RD, Kannel WB. Atrial fibrillation as an independent risk factor for stroke: the Framingham Study. Stroke. August 1991;22(8):983-988.
5. Andrade JG. Ablation as First-line Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation. Eur Cardiol. 2023;18: e46. 
6. Al-Jazairi MIH, Nguyen BO, De With RR, et al. Antiarrhythmic drugs in patients with early persistent atrial fibrillation and heart failure: results of the RACE 3 study. Europace. 2021;23(9):1359-1368. 
7. Valembois L et al. Antiarrhythmics for maintaining sinus rhythm after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2019, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD005049.  

This content was published with support from Medtronic.

About the Medtronic-Sponsored Survey:

Medtronic engaged Morning Consult to conduct a nationally representative survey to gain insights into consumer perceptions and awareness of atrial fibrillation and related treatment options. The survey was deployed among 2,200 U.S. adults between August 16 and August 18, 2025, using an online survey.

(NewsUSA) - Between deciding where to apply, visiting campuses, and completing financial aid forms, October can feel like crunch time for college-bound students, with more than half ranking college applications as their most stressful academic experience.

“Families often tell us that while the college search process is exciting, it’s also overwhelming. However, with the right mindset and strategy, it becomes easier, and you can enjoy it,” said Marcelle Hicks, dean of admissions and financial aid at New York Institute of Technology.

Whether you’re a high school senior or transferring from another university, Hicks shares these tips for navigating the college application process.

Plan and Build Your List

List your most important criteria and research which colleges and universities check those boxes. This can be as simple as choosing a location and exploring which institutions offer your anticipated academic major. Remember, your interests could change, so explore universities with additional majors to consider. Similarly, students undecided on a major should seek universities with a wide array of programs. Other considerations include affordability, preference for large lecture halls or intimate settings, campus activities, and whether the university’s values align with yours. Your plan may change along the way, and that’s okay.

Visit and Connect

This is the most exciting step! Campuses come to life, and you can envision what it’s like going to class or getting pizza in the dining hall. Today, there are more options than ever to connect with universities, which include both in-person and virtual options. At New York Tech, we offer campus tours, information sessions, and one-on-one appointments to help students make the most of their time with us. These interactions show your demonstrated interest in schools, so do your research and come prepared with questions.  

Understand Application Requirements

Universities have different requirements and deadlines, so be sure to consult with admissions officers and review websites. While some institutions accept the Common App, allowing students to apply to multiple universities through one platform, others have separate applications. Plan to submit transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements; test scores and other materials also vary. Many universities, including ours, offer test-optional admissions, meaning you can choose not to submit SAT or ACT scores; however, strong scores could boost scholarship chances. While AI is useful for brainstorming, your essay should tell your story in your own words. Follow these essay prompts and take time to plan, edit, and review before submitting.

Enjoy the Journey!

Throughout the process, you’re in the driver’s seat. Attending college is a major step toward greater independence, allowing you to explore potential career paths and gain opportunities that are building blocks to your future. Don’t let the application process stop you from enjoying all that college has to offer.

Hicks is one of many New York Tech experts tackling real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - The cancer treatment landscape is undergoing a profound shift. Patients, healthcare providers and advocates are seeking alternatives that deliver both clinical efficacy and quality of life. At the forefront of this movement is GentleCure™, a proven, noninvasive treatment for the most common type of cancer, nonmelanoma skin cancer. 

Dermatologists nationwide are reporting a surge in patient awareness of GentleCure. Patients are increasingly drawn to this Medicare-covered, nonsurgical therapy that allows them to maintain their normal routines without interruption. More than 125,000 patients have been treated with GentleCure across 400 dermatology practices, with thousands more receiving treatment each day. Notably, over 70 practices have introduced GentleCure just this year, a clear signal of its growing role in dermatology.  

Aaron S. Farberg, M.D., double board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon, and editorial board member for leading medical journals, including Dermatology & Therapy and SKIN, affirms the trend. 

“At the five Texas practices for which I serve as Chief Medical Officer, we’ve seen a significant rise in patient demand for this noninvasive option,” Dr. Farberg notes. “While not every case of skin cancer is appropriate for GentleCure, thoughtful consultation with our board certified dermatologists ensures proper use and shared decision-making. For those treated, both the medical outcomes and patient satisfaction have been exceptional.” 

GentleCure harnesses Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IGSRT), a state-of-the-art combination of technologies designed to treat basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. 

Using low-level x-ray energy, GentleCure destroys cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The precision comes from high-resolution dermal ultrasound imaging, which maps the cancer in real time and enables the provider to deliver exactly the right dose. Quick and painless treatment delivery is repeated over several weeks, with minimal impact on a patients’ daily lives. 

The therapy’s success is supported by 17 clinical studies, which document cure rates exceeding 99 percent, matched by equally high patient satisfaction scores. 

Demographic trends are amplifying the need for noninvasive skin cancer care. As the  population ages and life expectancy rises, the incidence of skin cancer continues to climb, particularly among those with extensive sun exposure. Many older adults also face health conditions that make surgery riskier. 

The statistics are sobering: 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each day, adding up to more than 3 million new cases annually. Against this backdrop, GentleCure provides a safe, effective, and patient-friendly alternative that aligns with the realities of modern dermatology care. 

The growing adoption of GentleCure reflects a broader cultural and clinical shift toward noninvasive, patient-centered oncology care. As practices continue to embrace this technology, they expand their treatment capabilities and empower patients with choice, comfort, and confidence in their care journey. 

For more information, visit GentleCure.com 

(NewsUSA) - “Cinematic Destinies” by Patricia Leavy

Legendary actor Finn Forrester and his wife, philosopher Ella Sinclair Forrester, have captivated the world with their fairy-tale romance since Finn famously proposed on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. As the couple now prepares to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary, they wonder if their children will ever find love.

Eldest daughter Betty is excelling in a medical residency program — and has convinced herself that distancing herself from emotions is the path to success. Youngest son Albert, a recent college graduate, is trying to find his footing in Boston as he struggles with his identity. Free-spirited Georgia is her mother’s spitting image and an actress following in her father’s footsteps — perhaps in more ways than one, as sparks fly with her new costar.

In this highly anticipated conclusion to “The Location Shoot” and “After the Red Carpet,” we see how Finn, Ella, and their children fulfill their cinematic destinies. Purchase at https://amzn.to/45yoqsF.

“Karma Never Sleeps” by R. John Dingle

When a second woman from a group of friends known as “the posse” is murdered in the woods near the New England enclave of Kendalton, FBI agent and profiler Gus Wheeler and his partner are called in to determine if this is a serial killing. He’s intrigued by a clue hidden on the body: a memorial picture of a teen who died 25 years ago.

Instead of helping with the investigation, the long-term friends stonewall the agents. But Gus can smell fear beneath their calm masks, fake smiles, and politely vague answers. Digging deeper, he discovers they are being terrorized by cyberstalking, spying, threats, and mysterious break-ins. When a third member is hospitalized after a brutal attack, Gus suspects someone in the posse is the hunter instead of the hunted.

Time’s running out, and Gus’s life depends on his skill at determining who’s the best liar in town. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3QOBRfu.

“Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth (Part 1)” by Michaela Riley

2025 Winner of the NYC Big Book Award in Fantasy.

478 AD Gaul. The remnants of the once-mighty Western Roman Empire crumble under the rising power of the fierce Merovingian Franks. Amidst this chaos, whispers of an ancient prophecy circulate — a prophecy foretelling the arrival of a powerful witch, destined to illuminate humanity's darkest hour. It is on the fateful night of Samhain, as the veil between realms thins, that an infant is born under a celestial eclipse — a sign that foreshadows both hope and impending doom. Her name? Merona.

As Merona approaches her twelfth birthday, she unknowingly becomes a pawn in a deadly game orchestrated by a sinister sorcerer determined to extinguish her light. But he underestimates the forces at play.

Within Merona's veins flows a legacy of strength and untapped magic. Her awakening will ignite a cataclysmic struggle with the power to reshape the very fabric of existence. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4m6OwbM.

“The Order of the Wolf: Species Chronicles: Book Two: Covenant” by Lisa Lacriola

All is not well in Toni Luello's world. Losing Regan, her lover, was not on the agenda, but that loss was just a start as more secrets and half-truths came to light.

After learning about the Mythological Origins of her witchcraft lineage and being warned of an archaic organization called the Covenant, whose members can see 'that which is unseen' and possess medallions imbued with mystical properties, Toni pieces together her true purpose.

New allies, old enemies, and the questionable actions of those closest to Toni disrupt her quest to unite any remaining members of the Order of the Wolf with their supernatural brethren.

Follow Toni as she continues her journey as one of the blessed, a subspecies of wolf-human shapeshifters, and the last of her kind, if the prophecy holds. Who can she trust? What more will be revealed about her evolution? Where does she belong and with whom? Purchase at https://amzn.to/4mtfY3B.

(NewsUSA) - We all want to look as vibrant as we feel, but sometimes our skin tells a different story. If you've ever felt that dreaded dryness, dullness, or loss of firmness—especially as we get older and lines and wrinkles begin to show—you're not alone. By our forties, cell turnover slows by up to 50%¹, weakening skin’s ability to produce natural Hyaluronic Acid. And it makes an impact—more than two-thirds of women over 40 report uncomfortably dry skin, with over 70% saying it's their top concern².

But what if the key to turning back the clock wasn't a complicated routine, but instead just a simple swipe? Meet the beauty innovators at RoC, who have rolled clinically proven, youth-boosting ingredients into convenient and incredibly effective stick formats. By massaging the serums into the skin in just seconds, it’s never been easier to achieve real results. This isn't just about skincare; it's about making a difference you can see and feel, with minimal effort.

Hydrate and Smooth

The foundation of any healthy complexion is moisture, and the new Hydration+ Replumping Serum Stick is designed to deliver it instantly. Inspired by in-office fillers, this powerhouse cooling stick is engineered to combat the natural slowdown of skin cell turnover that comes with age. Infused with pro-collagen, blue peptides, and a whopping seven forms of hyaluronic acid, it deeply hydrates skin beneath the surface in just seconds. The results? 100 hours of hydration to visibly smooth and plump lines, and dry skin symptoms such as flaking and dullness visibly reduced in just 1 week. 

Firm and Tighten

For those focused on firmness, RoC's cult-favorite Derm Correxion Firming Serum Stick is already a sensation, with one sold every 45 seconds, making it the #1 skincare launch this year³. Developed by both dermatologists and plastic surgeons for dramatic tightening results, this quick-absorbing formula combines retinol with THPE, a breakthrough firming ingredient for instant tightening of the skin. Together, they form a dynamic duo that visibly improves skin elasticity, leaving your skin tighter and smoother. In fact, in a clinical study, 94% of users saw visibly firmer skin after just four weeks.  The stick format allows users to effortlessly glide the product over the face, down the neck, to the chest, and even the back of hands, to target and tighten all signs of aging.

The true genius of these products is their versatility. No more guessing—just glide them directly onto your face, neck, or anywhere that needs a lift. They’re mess-free, portable, and perfect for a quick refresh on the go.

"It's a common challenge for my patients to find a routine they'll actually stick with," says Dermatologist Dr. Beibei Du-Harpur. "RoC's serum sticks are game-changing . They take powerful, dermatologist-recommended ingredients and make them incredibly easy to use. This kind of innovation helps bridge the gap between effective skincare and a busy lifestyle."

Both the Derm Correxion Firming Serum Stick and the Hydration+ Serum Stick are dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and free of fragrances and parabens, making them suitable for all skin types.

For a simpler path to younger-looking skin, visit rocskincare.com, Walmart, or Walmart.com.

(NewsUSA) - On Sunday, September 21^st, Marine Toys for Tots returned to the racetrack with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), proudly sponsoring Austin Dillon’s No. 3 Chevrolet in New Hampshire. But this race wasn't just about speed— it was about heart, hope, and the power of possibility through the impact of Toys for Tots and supporters across the Nation.  

As Austin Dillon revved up for race day, his car carried more than horsepower—it carried a mission. The No. 3 Toys for Tots Chevrolet represented Marine Toys for Tots' unwavering commitment to delivering toys, books, and resources to children living in poverty. Each lap was a testament to the belief that every child deserves the chance to dream big and chase brighter tomorrows.  

With every lap, we spotlighted the urgent need to fuel children’s journeys with toys, books, and educational resources that open doors to brighter futures. Every gift delivered represents hope in action—showing children they matter, they're valued, and their futures hold unlimited potential.  

Partnerships with organizations such as Richard Childress Racing are absolutely vital to advancing Toys for Tots’ year-round mission. “While many recognize Toys for Tots as the Nation’s flagship children's Christmastime charity, our work continues throughout the year—delivering toys, books, comfort and emergency assistance to families in crisis. High-profile collaborations like this amplify our message that childhood poverty doesn't take a break, and neither do we,” said LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. 

"Racing reaches millions of fans who understand perseverance and the drive to succeed," LtGen Laster continued.  "When Austin raced the track in our colors, he carried our message to new audiences nationwide—audiences who know what it means to never give up.”  

Together, we turned every lap into lasting joy. With every donation, we fueled futures and crossed the finish line toward brighter tomorrows filled with possibilities and promises for disadvantaged children across the Nation.  

To learn more about Marine Toys for Tots or to donate, visit www.toysfortots.org. 

(Andy Gordon, Head of Life Insurance, Financial Protection and Retirement Solutions, and Jessica Vanscavish, Head of Disability, Absence, Life, and Supplemental Health, Group Benefits, Guardian) - The loss of a loved one is a tragedy we’ll never be fully prepared for, but there are tactics to consider that can ensure a family is protected financially in the face of personal loss.

Recent research from Guardian found that eight in ten Americans are concerned about being financially prepared in the event of a premature death. At the same time, however, LIMRA reports that life insurance ownership in the US has been declining over the past 40 years.

Life insurance is a key tool for financial protection, but many individuals may be putting off the purchase or don’t have enough coverage. Some don't think they need it because they have no current financial dependents, others are juggling competing financial priorities, and some may not even know where to start. Regardless, there can be serious risks to not considering a policy earlier in life.

To help guide your search and ensure you find a policy that protects you and your family’s well-being, here are a few factors to consider.

Finding the right coverage

Most working adults receive life insurance through their employers. In fact, Guardian research shows that nearly two-thirds of working adults who currently own life insurance got their coverage through work.

While employer-provided coverage offers an important financial foundation, many individuals underestimate the financial impact their premature passing could have on their loved ones. Consider, for instance, factors such as bringing in income, paying off a mortgage, funding a child’s education, or building retirement savings.

Given this gap, it’s worth reviewing your life insurance coverage early on and considering if additional individual life insurance may be effective to help ensure your family is fully protected if the unexpected happens.

Understanding your needs

Regardless of whether a policy is purchased through their employer or individually, there is a disconnect between what many people think they know about life insurance and what they actually do. According to Guardian, only 41% of people say they understand their family’s life insurance needs, including:

• How much coverage to purchase.
• What benefits are included.
• How life insurance can be used.

Having a basic understanding of the different life insurance options can help ensure individuals are choosing the right policy for their needs given that there are different types of life insurance to consider, such as term versus whole.

Many Americans purchase term life insurance by default because it’s straightforward. However, this may not account for changing life stages and financial needs. In some cases, whole life insurance may be a better long-term solution.

Whole life insurance can go beyond income replacement in the event of death. It can also be used during one’s lifetime to address what Guardian has found to be some of Americans’ most pressing financial concerns, including saving for retirement. Understanding what you want from your policy will help you make an informed decision that supports your long-term financial wellness.

Getting guidance

Consider working with a financial professional to obtain the right policy for you. While having an employer-provided policy creates a solid foundation, a financial professional can help you assess your full financial picture and recommend any additional coverage.

Ultimately, life insurance is most effective when the coverage amount allows you to plan appropriately for the future, both for your family’s confidence and your own lifetime needs. By understanding what life insurance you may already have from work, reviewing your current situation, and getting guidance where needed, you’ll be able to confidently determine the right life insurance strategy that best supports your financial goals.

To learn more, visit www.guardianlife.com/reports/prepared-and-protected.

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