Orthodox vs Alternative Medicine: Which Is the Villain? – Medscape

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Recently, there has been heightened suspicion regarding orthodox medicine as people are taking more interest in alternative medicine. The consensus is that orthodox drugs are artificial chemicals that are harmful to the human body. Unfortunately, the postulates of this theory disregard the good, desirable effects of orthodox therapies. Rather, the adverse effects which are touted as the major disadvantages of orthodox over alternative medicine are magnified.

Many people would rather take herbal teas, supplement pills, and topical herbs than orthodox pills. It's the same formulations and appearances, but one is perceived as harmful and the other harmless. Reasons for this include dissatisfaction with conventional orthodox treatments, high cost of treatment, incompatibility with individual values, and religious and cultural beliefs. The term "natural" treatment or supplements brings down the guards of individuals who disregard the use of orthodox medicine, as they are often willing to try out "natural" remedies. Who says these "natural supplements'' do not have their side effects?

It appears that alternative medicine does not get the same level of distrust that orthodox medicine gets from the general public because alternative medicine may date back many centuries and be known to be quite effective. It's more like a case of the devil you know is better than the angel you do not know.

Furthermore, apparent trust in alternative medicine may be attributable to its lower cost, availability, and accessibility. Orthodox medicine includes prescription medications that cannot be dispensed without a doctor's prescription. Hence, the person must make a doctor's appointment, as well as go through some time-consuming processes, before treatment commences. Individual patients often have limited interaction with the physician which may cause some dissatisfaction with diagnosis and treatment modalities.

A combination of alternative medicine with faith/ spiritual healing also makes alternative medicine more attractive. This is because combining the two makes it more likely to align with a patient's religious and cultural beliefs.

More so that the alternative medicine dispenser takes time to listen to the client's complaints and is perceived as a person with special healing powers. This perception may play a role in improving mental attitude toward illness, which has been known to determine, to a large extent, response to treatment of an ailment.

Some people would swear by the effectiveness of traditional medicines even with the nonuniform preparation methods and poorly measured doses administered. This is not disputable, as many traditional remedies are discovered and used based on anecdotal evidence. Some are dissolved in solvents produced in environmental conditions where contamination is inevitable. Side effects are considered part of the mechanism of action. People believe that their forefathers enjoyed a better life without orthodox medicine.

In fact, some orthodox medications were adopted from traditional remedies after scientific evidence from the research showed how effective they were in treating that particular ailment. A good example is the Cinchona bark which was and is still being used as a traditional treatment for malaria. The antimalarial derived from cinchona tree bark quinine is still a very effective antimalaria medicine.

Some persons strongly believe that orthodox drugs they ingested have altered their natural genetic makeup. And that pharmaceutical companies are not to be trusted, as they are in it for the money alone, and therefore studies and results of research are often false or fabricated. They can then be extremely paranoid in their discussion with medics, so much so that it begins to sound like a personal attack on individual medical personnel.

Medical personnel need to be careful not to get defensive and further heighten suspicion.

It is best to broach this subject diplomatically, citing scientific evidence, research, and evidence-based medicine. Pointing out that the consequences of research misconduct are grave, and that pharma companies would not be involved in such, as there are many regulatory bodies with rigorous processes before a treatment is approved. Even when new treatments are approved, adverse effects are reported and drugs may still be withdrawn if the risk of harm supersedes the benefits.

We have seen some integration of traditional and orthodox medicine for instance, training of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and working hand in hand with them in communities in some parts of Africa. This has been found to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality. These integrations may allay fears and distrust of orthodox medicine in the communities, although some are set in their ways and will stick to their beliefs and misconceptions despite overwhelming evidence.

Adults who have the capacity can decide to refuse orthodox medical treatments. And that's fine if it doesn't put other people in harm's way and is not a public health concern.

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Orthodox vs Alternative Medicine: Which Is the Villain? - Medscape

Study: Up to Two-Thirds of Children with ADHD Have Used Alternative Therapies – ADDitude

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August 4, 2022

Up to two-thirds of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to address their symptoms, according to a new study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders.

Nutrition modifications; natural products, such as herbs, vitamins, and minerals; and mind-body practices like mindful meditation were the most-reported CAMs. The use of alternative therapies was higher in families where the caregiver preferred natural therapies for ADHD and believed CAMs could synergistically boost conventional medicine.1

In addition, researchers found two predictive factors for alternative therapy use: parents education level (the more educated the parents, the more likely alternative therapies were used) and female gender.

It seems that parents with higher education are open-minded, the researchers wrote. Additionally, they usually try Internet sources, books, and even magazines and other information sources to treat their children.

The study found that more females opted for complementary and alternative medicine than males. One of the most important reasons for the higher CAM use in patients of the female gender is the fact that they usually employ more health services than males, researchers said.2

For the study, researchers reviewed The Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, and Scopus databases from inception to February 10, 2022, for reports of complementary and alternative medicine usage by patients with ADHD. Data came from 12 original papers, which included a total of 4,447 patients, all younger than 18 years old.

To the researchers knowledge, this is the first systematic review to examine the prevalence, possible determinants, and type of alternative therapies used by patients with ADHD.

They recommended training healthcare providers on the most common CAM therapies and possible adverse effects or interactions with conventional medications. They [healthcare providers] should have a deeper and more informed dialog about this matter with ADHD patients, which encourages them to disclose their CAM use, researchers said.

This study had several limitations, such as only including articles published in English, and that most studies were from the U.S. and Australia.

1Wu, J., Li, P., Luo, H., & Lu, Y. (2022). Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use by ADHD Patients: A Systematic Review. Journal of Attention Disorders. doi.org/10.1177/1087054722111155

2Lorber, J., Moore, L. J. (2002). Gender and the Social Construction of Illness. Rowman Altamira.

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Study: Up to Two-Thirds of Children with ADHD Have Used Alternative Therapies - ADDitude

New Greenwich acupuncture practice focuses on physical and mental health, working as a ‘natural pain killer’ – Greenwich Time

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GREENWICH An Old Greenwich resident who just opened her own acupuncture business on the west end of town said her interest in the alternative medicine practice was borne from her own experience in managing pain.

I hurt my shoulder swimming 15 years ago, said Susan Knight, who is a general practitioner of acupuncture.

We had had so many sports surgeries in my family that I just couldnt bear it. I went and received acupuncture, and in 11 sessions I was healed. I went in not being able to lift my arm over my shoulder, she said. It was then that I began amassing my collection of books.

After operating her practice out of her home, she launched Susan Knight Acupuncture at 100 Melrose Ave., off West Putnam Avenue near Wendys, in June with a soft opening and held an official ribbon-cutting on Wednesday.

The acupuncture practice focuses on mental health benefits as well as physical benefits, Knight said. She treats chronic pain as well as neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

A patient looking to avoid shoulder surgery, for example, can come to her for help, she said, or a patient can come in after surgery. Using acupuncture could allow a patient to steer clear of potentially dangerous and addictive opioids as pain medication, Knight said.

On her website, she cites the National Library of Medicine in saying, Despite overwhelming evidence of a mind-body connection, many people remain unaware that their chronic pain has a direct impact on their mental health. In recent research, acupuncture has been proven to treat psychological disorders, specifically those related to pain.

Worried about needles? No worries, she said, comparing the size of the needles to a coarse human hair. In fact, patients often fall asleep on the table, she said.

This is nothing like receiving a shot, Knight said.

She also pointed out her other services: Acupuncture is more than needles, Knight said. We do dietary therapy and breathing techniques and fire cupping.

The National Institutes of Health said studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in combination with other therapies to treat nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy, dental pain after surgery, addiction, headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and asthma as well as aid in stroke rehabilitation.

The NIH said it can help with problems related to digestion; emotions; the eyes, ears and throat; the gynecological, musculoskeletal and respiratory systems, and more.

Acupuncture puts the person out of the sympathetic/dominant state, which is like the fight or flight state of your nervous system, Knight said. It can put people in the resting/parasympathetic state. Basically it treats the nervous system and when you put in the acupuncture needles the body releases endorphins, which are natural pain killers.

Acupuncture can be particularly good for teenagers, who are typically not fazed by the needles, Knight said.

Young people have seen it all on Instagram, she said. The fire cupping is something they have seen on Olympic athletes. Anyone under 30 seems to know all about alternative medicine already.

Knight said she would like to help teen anxiety, which she called an epidemic. Knight said she would like to put together a panel of local experts to take on the problem.

There has to be way for us to talk constructively and figure out some community solutions, she said. I would love to make an impact.

During her three years of home practice, Knight earned her masters degree as well as her clinical doctorate. She said she decided it was time to take her work out of the home and into the community.

Knight also said she is prepared for the challenge of owning a business. She has an MBA in marketing and started out in that field.

I didnt want to go back and promote more soda pop, Knight said. I wanted something in line with my values. I thought acupuncture was fascinating and it really works.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.com

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New Greenwich acupuncture practice focuses on physical and mental health, working as a 'natural pain killer' - Greenwich Time

Sound therapy – Hillsboro Times Gazette

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Pictured is the vibroacoustic table with the singing bowls on top, both of which Deborah Wolfe uses in her sound therapy practice.

Photo by Angela Shepherd

Newly-opened Vibrational Sound Massage was welcomed to downtown Greenfield on Wednesday.

The business opened last month at 228 Jefferson St., within Posey Plaza, Greenfields incubator space.

Vibrational sound therapy is the concept of using soothing sounds and vibrations to positively affect the body and the mind to promote healing and relaxation.

Owner Deborah D. Wolfe offers two types of therapy, one with a vibroacoustic table that sends frequencies into the body, and the other with singing bowls placed on the body.

She was led to this type of therapy through her own experiences in being healed, she said. Wolfe has been certified in sound therapy since 2014.

Her journey began in 2008, when her body became barely functional and she was on disability, she said. Traditional medicine and therapy werent working, some of it actually making her sick, so she started seeking alternative methods to regain her health.

It started with Reike, then light therapy, and eventually sound therapy, she said. While she found some restoration and relief with the other alternative therapies, it was sound therapy that made all the difference.

That is what put me back on my feet, what really turned me around, Wolfe said. I am my own walking testimony.

And today, the 67-year-old shares that healing with others through her work in sound therapy.

Its not only therapy services Wolfe offers, but also jewelry and different musical instruments, like tongue drums. She also makes Native American smudging feathers. She will provide demonstrations for those curious about sound therapy. Additionally, she does sound parties and will travel for those with her singing bowls.

For more information you can stop in, email Wolfe at [emailprotected], or call her at 937-218-6433. Vibrational Sound Massage is currently open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Angela Shepherd is a correspondent for the village of Greenfield.

Pictured is the vibroacoustic table with the singing bowls on top, both of which Deborah Wolfe uses in her sound therapy practice.

Unique business opens in Greenfield

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Sound therapy - Hillsboro Times Gazette

Recent Advances in the Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Review Article – Cureus

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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a widely prevalent endocrine disorder in womenaccompanied by various symptoms and implications. It has been known for decades to have an incidence of 8-13% in all reproductive age groups, respectively [1].Anovulation and hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis dysfunction characterise PCOS, although it varies from other types of ovulation failure, marked by inadequate ovarian follicle development or reduced gonadotropin production (or both) (not detected by routine examination). PCOS patients are more likely to have endometrial hyperplasia. Insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome (MS), and persistent low-grade inflammation are some of the other reproductive symptoms of PCOS [2]. Our understanding of the pathophysiological process, diagnosis, and therapy of PCOS has advanced recently. In this study, we focus on lifestyle modifications, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) medications, and bariatric surgery as treatment and prevention methods for metabolic comorbidities in PCOS.

Modifications in Lifestyle

Over half of all PCOS sufferers are overweight or obese[3], so PCOS patients are primarily recommended to reduce weightsince a good, balanced diet combined with regular exercise can raise their metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, and help them lose weight safely [4]. Patients of PCOS have hormonal imbalances, high blood cholesterol levels, and are obese. It is critical to understand that working out alone will never be enough to help them lose weight. It is more important to have a healthy diet. ForIndian women, diet is seldom a priority. A healthy diet should be high in fibre and protein (1 g/kg body weight). A 30% calorie deficit, or 500 to 750 kcal per day (1200 to 1500 kcal per day), should be stated. According to various studies, overweight people can lose weight, and PCOS females with infertility had irregular ovulation and more excellent responsiveness to ovulation induction drugs, resulting in higher pregnancy and live birth rates. According to research, reducing up to 5% of one's initial weight can help restore regular menstruation and boost the reaction to ovulation and reproductive medications [5].

Genetics

Speaking genetically, the substantial connection of PCOS susceptibility variants in the meta-analysis of genome-wide association (GWAS) data using the cardinal PCOS-associated variables, ovulatory dysfunction (OD),hyperandrogenism (HA), andpolycystic ovarian morphology(PCOM), backed the idea that various variations can cause PCOS through different mechanisms [5].

Ovulation Inducers

Ovulation inducement is the cornerstone of treatment for infertile PCOS patients who want to become pregnant because 70% of women with PCOS have dysovulation or no ovulation [5].

Clomid citrate(CC) is the drug of choice for ovulation induction in polycystic ovarian syndrome in adolescents [6]. By inhibiting estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, CC works as an anti-estrogen, increasing the pulse width of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the anterior pituitary as well as an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone production (FSH). Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone that aids in the development of follicles. CC is usually given for five days between the second and fifth days of the period, commencing at 50 mg per day and rising progressively to 150 mg per day. CC can be administered in tandem with metformin for women with PCOS resistant to CC (conditional evidence-based recommendations, moderate-quality evidence). Clomid is responsible for roughly 30% of successful pregnancies; however, 20% of these pregnancies end in miscarriage or stillbirth. Side effects include ovarian enlargement, hyperstimulation syndrome, multiple pregnancies, hot flushes, gas, bloating, and fatigue [7].

Aromatase transformsandrogens into estrogen. In the third generation, letrozole is the most widely used non-steroidal selective AI for inducing ovulation. Letrozole inhibits ovarian estradiol secretion. The sensitivity of the follicles to FSH rises when the pituitary secretes more FSH, increasing the ovulation rate. This is due to the hypothalamus's release of negative feedback and a short rise in androgens in the ovary [6].

Gonadotropin treatment for women with anovulatory PCOS. Patients who have failed first-line oral ovulation stimulation medicines should consider this as a second-line alternative, such as AI and SERM[7].

Insulin secretion and function are altered in people with PCOS. The effects of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance on androgen levels in PCOS patients have long been documented. Insulin controls ovarian activity, and excessive insulin levels can harm the ovaries. Muscle cells produce high quantities of androgens in response to excess insulin, delaying follicular development and resulting in the polycystic ovarian morphology characteristic of PCOS. Acanthosis nigricans has long been used to signify insulin resistance. Insulin resistance makes PCOS patients more vulnerable to long-term health issues like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, both of which can be fatal[7]. As a result, treating insulin resistance with medications and lifestyle modifications is essential for PCOS therapy [8].

Insulin resistance is traditionally indicated by acanthosis nigricans. Insulin resistance in long termcan have systemicadverse side effects. As a result, insulin resistance treatment, including drugs and lifestyle changes, is critical for PCOS treatment [9].

Metformin is a biguanide medication that has been proven to be both safe and effective. Even though it is still an authorised application, metformin has long been used to treat type 2 diabetes and is one of the most often utilised insulin sensitisers in treating PCOS. Metformin improves insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues by lowering hepatic glucose production, boosting glucose absorption, and reducing hepatic glucose synthesis. Metformin side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal distension. PCOS patients are more likely to acquire prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Obesity can often generate misunderstandings regarding PCOS and type 2diabetes mellitus (T2DM), despite this apparent relationship. As a result, type 2 diabetes prevention is essential in this population, and metformin therapy has been shown to lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes in patients with high PCOS. Compared to the broader public, PCOS patients have a poor lipid profile, with a decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and an increase in triglyceride levels, which are critical predictors of cardiovascular complications. As a result, in PCOS, dyslipidemia treatment is critical. Metformin reduces dyslipidemia by directly reducing hyperinsulinemia or altering the liver's free fatty acid metabolism. Metformin has been demonstrated in several trials to significantly affect dyslipidemia, although it did not affect total cholesterol levels. Metformin is prescribed to women with PCOS at a beginning dose of 500-850 mg per day, which can be raised to 2000 mg per day if tolerated. Metformin in higher doses can help people lose weight and improve their lipid profiles, especially if they are obese and have PCOS. Metformin usage over a long period has also been associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Metformin has mild gastrointestinal side effects that can be prevented by starting with a modest dose of 500 mg and gradually rising to a maximum dose of 1500 mg once a week [8]. The most common symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and minor weight loss. Different therapeutic alternatives for metformin-intolerant women with PCOS should be examined due to metformin intolerance and its associated adverse effects.

Inositol, a dietary supplement, aids insulin signalling. Its role in regulating PCOS' metabolic and biochemical components is not well known. According to a new study, menstrual periods and ovulation can be improved. Although this recommendation cautions against using Inositol owing to the limited advantages, it also has a low risk of adverse effects and is cheap [9].

Potentiation refers to protinogens such glucagon-like peptide1 (GLP1) and glucose-dependent unguided polypeptides (GIP) that boost glucose-dependent insulin release, especially after a meal. Reaction to incretins Insulin resistance, especially type 2 diabetes, is linked to a change in incretin function. Researchers revealed that PCOS patients have lower levels of the hormone incretin in a recent study. As a result, targeting this system as a treatment for type 2 diabetes has become a feasible alternative, with improved glycemic control and weight loss in type 2 diabetes patients. Mimetics is a promising drug that targets a specific metabolic target and can be used to treat PCOS in various individuals [8].

Dyslipidemia, which is characterized by high LDL-C, triglycerides, and low HDL-C in PCOS women, is a key predictor of cardiovascular risk. As a consequence, improving the lipid profile and, as a result, decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease would be a successful PCOS therapy. Statins have been shown to help with the treatment of PCOS. A statin (also known as atorvastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin) is a drug that prevents cholesterol from being made. In mice, the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMGCoA) reductase is essential for cholesterol production. HMG-CoA is transformed to mevalonate when this enzyme is inhibited, limiting cholesterol synthesis. In obese women with PCOS, atorvastatin therapy lowered serum malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative stress marker. Furthermore, atorvastatinlowers androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels in this group of PCOS women. When compared to a placebo, atorvastatin enhanced serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) in PCOS patients after a 12-week therapy. However, because of its teratogenic potential, It should not be utilized in reproductive-aged young women. until more rigorous evidence is available to establish its efficacy [8].

Spironolactone, flutamide, and finasteride are antigens that reduce hirsutism and acne problems in PCOS patients. Individuals with increased lipid levels, which are frequent in PCOS, may benefit from these antigens. In 40 women with hirsutism, for six months, the effects of spironolactone 100 mg, flutamide 250 mg, and finasteride 5 mg were examined[9]. Despite the fact that there were no significant differences between the groups, all three drugs were effective. Spironolactone (25-100 mg twice daily) is the most commonly given antiandrogen due to its safety, availability, and low cost.

In the treatment of PCOS, the major mechanism of action of OCs is to control menstruation. These drugs also reduce hirsutism, acne, and hirsutism by lowering testosterone levels. Estrogen and progestogen combinations are the most common OCs used to treat hirsutism and acne caused by PCOS. In theory, these medications are more successful than prior formulations at treating androgenic symptoms. After six months of OC therapy, most women with hirsutism achieve clinical improvement. The findings also suggest that antigens and OCs might collaborate to generate synergy. Treatment for PCOS should be offered not just to ease symptoms, but also to avoid long-term complications. Doctors frequently prescribe a combination of oral contraceptives and antigens to lower testosterone levels and alleviate symptoms while preserving the endometrium. Dependence onethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate should be minimized due to the increased risk of thromboembolic events, and they should not be considered first-line COCP medications [10,11].

PCOS patients who are unable to conceive and are not in danger of becoming pregnant, amenorrhea, or irregular uterine bleeding can be treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). Ovarian androgen production is suppressed by monthly progestogen therapy, but abnormal endometrial development is not. MPA also improves insulin sensitivity and lipid profile in PCOS patients [12].

Orlistat

Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that inhibits triglyceride breakdown in the stomach and pancreas, lowering dietary fat absorption. Orlistat is a weight-loss medicine that has been shown to work, but its effectiveness has been questioned. Orlistat treatment showed significant decreases in body weight and blood levels in a study that investigated the effects of orlistat vs metformin treatment on biochemical and hormonal variables in women with PCOS. Androgen levels are greater than metformin levels[13]. Orlistatalso decreased total cholesterol, testosterone, and IR markers. Orlistat also lowers blood pressure and, due to its weight-loss benefits, may assist to avoid type 2 diabetes in this high-risk group. Orlistat has been linked to increased lipodystrophy, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and flatulence when taken 120 mg three times a day with meals, it is the recommended dosage. It might also lead to a deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins. While orlistat may be helpful in the treatment of obesity, its effectiveness in controlling the metabolic aspect of PCOS is disputed. When compared to peer controls and non-obesity PCOS patients,visceral adiposity Index (VAI) levels were greater in overweight and/or obese PCOS patients, and were linked with several metabolic and inflammatory parameters [14].

Sibutramine

The appetite suppressor sibutramine is used in conjunction with lifestyle changes to treat obesity. It's a reuptake inhibitor of monoamines. It prevents neurotransmitters including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine from being absorbed [15].

Rimonabant

Rimonabant is a cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor blocker used to treat anorexia and obesity. Rimonabant lowered alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and body weight in obese PCOS patients without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) [16].

Naltrexone/bupropion

Opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone has a high affinity for the u00b5-opiate receptor, this is connected to eating habits. By decreasing dopamine release, naltrexone has been proven in animal tests to lower food intake, consumption, and binge eating behaviour. It was recently authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction. Antidepressant bupropion can be used to treat depressionand smoking cessation. It acts by preventing the reuptake of dopamine. Weight loss was the most common side effect in clinical trials [15]. Despite the fact that none of these medicines has been authorized by the FDA for the treatment of obesity, scientific trials have shown that combining them results in considerable weight reduction. For example, the combination naltrexone/bupropion (N/B), sold under the oral tablet name Contrave, was recently authorized for the treatment of obesity in the United States and Europe. As a result, naltrexone and bupropion may have clinically significant weight-loss benefits on the metabolic component of PCOS.It's unexpected that this guideline now encompasses infertility surgery and antimicrobial pharmacology in regard to fertility therapy. Despite the paucity of data regarding PCOS and fertility, both treatments should be examined. Because of the potential risks to the baby from pregnancy, women who are having surgery should carefully consider postponing conception until they have achieved nutritional stability after losing weight. Neonatal mortality and growth limitation are two issues that need to be addressed. It can also help those with preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and big gestational age children, as well as comorbidities including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia [16].

There is increasing evidence suggesting that PCOS affects the whole life of a woman, can beginin uteroin genetically predisposed subjects, manifests clinically at puberty, and continues during the reproductive years [16]. Vitamin D insufficiency or inadequacy affects 45-90% of reproductive-age women. According to research, vitamin D insufficiency was associated with a substantial reduction in ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, and the chance of a live delivery in PCOS women receiving ovarian stimulation for infertility [17-20]. Patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovulation dysfunction, and metabolic disorders may benefit from vitamin D medication. To make firm conclusions on the effect of vitamin D supplementation on female reproductive health, randomized, prospective, and controlled studies are required [21].

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Recent Advances in the Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Review Article - Cureus

From Cancer To Paralysis, He’s Treating People With Rare Herbs From His Native Arunachal Pradesh – LifeBeyondNumbers

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Meet Andolo Keche, a farmer by profession and a proud father of six daughters and a son. Around 25 years ago, he moved to a small town called Roing. This humble man also has another side to his life.

Andolo has been practicing traditional medicinal and healing therapies and treatments for nearly three decades. Its genesis traces its roots in Donli village, where Andolo was born and raised. This village is nestled deep in the mountains and forests of Lower Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. Its remoteness cuts it away from the rest of the world and deprives it of basic facilities such as roads, transportation, electricity, and health. Even for a regular kitchen item, one has to trek down to the nearest village, which is 25-30 km.

It is self-explanatory that having access to modern medicine is out of the question in case of ill health. Thus, it has kept the villagers faith in their only resort, i.e., tried and tested traditionally practiced medicines. I am the third generation practicing such alternative treatments. I learnt it from my father, Erudu Keche, who had picked up the expertise and skills from his father. I remember, during my childhood, my father used those medicines to treat me whenever I fell sick. It created an interest in me. Growing up, I started learning more about medicinal plants and herbs, which evolved with time.

Today, his healers kitty has many fascinating natural ingredients. Mishmi Teeta, also called Coptis Teeta, is one of the most popular medicinal herbs he has been widely using. Its an endangered plant. Its rhizome is used as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. To acquire this herb, he has to go to mountainous terrain. Locally known as Amrit Lata or Guduchi, it can cure wounds and cuts because of its antiseptic properties.

Taxus Baccata is another plant I use for cancer treatment. However, this plant needs to be used in the right dosage under strict supervision. The hills and forests of Arunachal have many herbs and plants. I use over 100 herbs for treating my patients.

His practice necessitated him to continue researching simultaneously. Especially in Roing, he observed a massive demand for traditional medicines. He felt the need to broaden his knowledge and reach. Thus, in 2010, he started his clinic called Idu-Mishmi Ayurvedic Clinic.

I did a rough sketch of how to proceed with the steam healing. During my younger days, I worked as a mason and gained experience in house/room construction. With a few helpers, I could build a gas chamber. Its a modest setup with two small rooms where the patient can sit. The rooms have holes for the gas to pass. I boil all the medicinal herbs together in a big container. A tube collects the steam and is connected to the two rooms. Before treating any patient, I tried it through self-experimenting.

He has had patients suffering from Cancer, Paralysis, Jaundice, TB, and others. Most of them were the ones who got tired of using allopathy medicines and not receiving any relief. Andolos occupational commitment to farming forced him to discontinue his clinic for some years. But the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and followed by new variants of viruses and diseases, brought him back to his medicinal practice.

He compares allopathy and his treatment stream and says he treated his wifes fever and headache several times using Mishmi Teeta. It has worked 100%. Allopathy medicines provide instant solutions, like curing a particular ailment faster than herbal medicines. The latter might take some time to act, but the result is much better as it treats the root cause, not the symptoms.

Also, read: This Mother Is On A Mission To Protect Children And Preserve The Heritage Of Arunachal Pradesh

Sharing a few most notable cases that he has handled, he informs:

Almost seven years ago, Mr. Gite Linggi suffered a stroke due to which he was restricted to a wheelchair. He was on modern medicines, but it didnt help. Slowly, over a course of more than two months, his lower limbs got dysfunctional. That is when he approached me. I put him on steam healing therapy for a month. No exaggeration, after taking it regularly for a week, he could move his limbs. His health started restoring. He gave up a few bad lifestyle habits like the consumption of alcohol and smoking. It was needed to get the benefit of steam healing. From the second month of the treatment, he was off the wheelchair. It amazed his family, friends and onlookers.

For Andolo, it was a reaffirmation of the power of medicinal herbs and shrubs, which could cure even a patient who survived a massive cardiac stroke and paralysis.

Andolo participated in various workshops pan India during his engagement with an NGO. He also partook in several state-organized seminars highlighting the importance of traditional medicines. One such workshop conducted by the Odisha government made him meet many fellow traditional medicinal practitioners from across the country. It was an educating experience to know that each community, state, or society has its own unique, age-old treatment and medicines. However, he also realized the lack of awareness across the country.

While this alternative healing treatment has miraculous benefits, it doesnt come easy for the practitioner.

Availability of the ingredients is one of the most significant concerns. Andolo has to travel far-off lands in rugged terrain to source the needed herbs, plants, and shrubs. Often, he has to hike and trek to almost unapproachable places where the ingredients are grown, and if needed, he has to stay there for a week. However, all his efforts feel rewarded when he witnesses his patients improve and become healthier.

Andolo is a man from the land of mountains. His heart bleeds to watch the mass destruction of forests and hills, annihilating the biodiversity to meet the land demand of an ever-increasing population. It takes a toll on the rare flora that breeds in remote locations.

The medicines I use to cure people need specific habitat, climate, and weather to grow. Even if I want to grow them here in my garden, its impossible. For instance, medicine like Coptis Teeta is found only in the mountainous region. The plain area like Roing isnt conducive. A new dam is coming up on the Dibang River. I can only hope for the best.

Also, read: An Impromptu Trek Is Now Impacting 1600+ Lives By Lighting Up 430+ Houses In Arunachal Pradesh

How receptive is the youth toward preserving their medical heritage? Does he intend to pass such enriched traditional knowledge to the next generation?

I have made sure all my daughters are aware of these medicines. Long back, when we were too poor to afford medicine, I treated them using only these herbal therapies. I never took them to the hospital. I am proud to say that my eldest daughter has done many projects on ayurvedic medicinal plants during her school days. As of today, I can run my clinic due to the constant support of my daughters, Disha, Maya and Liya.

In the meantime, if its not his daughters aim to be tribal healers or they want to focus on their life and dreams, he cant ask them to be there for him all the time. His practice will become even more challenging as he grows older. Thus, he will be overwhelmed if people come forward to support him in his cause to keep this ancient healing therapy alive.

Andolo plans to run the clinic and help people understand the herbal way and its importance. He further adds that in this modern world, most people lack patience. For example, if one gets a headache, he/she wants it to stop immediately. No one has the time to understand the underlying issue triggering the headache.

Andolo has some health advice for people.

Ayurveda or holistic herbal medicine teaches us to be patient, to know the root of the problem and create awareness that once it is identified, we can avoid it next time. It aims to restore health by pinpointing the underlying causes of the diseases and strives to uproot them. Meanwhile, it involves detoxifying, cleansing, strengthening body tissues and balancing the body, ensuring a complete cure.

As Indians, we can do our bit to help traditional healers like Andolo Keche, who have kept our healing heritage alive. A little help can go a long way.

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From Cancer To Paralysis, He's Treating People With Rare Herbs From His Native Arunachal Pradesh - LifeBeyondNumbers

How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing The Odds In Online Casino – Intelligent Living

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Online casinos are increasing the use of artificial intelligence to enhance a players gambling experience. With internet use rising over the past decade, the online casino market has more than doubled over that period. It is estimated that by 2024, the numbers will have gone over 65 million in the UK alone.

It may seem obvious why the online market has such high growth rates, especially considering the events that occurred in the last couple of years and how they pushed people to use the internet for many services, including retail and banking. In this editorial, we examine the effects of artificial intelligences continued advancement in the casino industry, with a focus on the real money slot game on amazon slots.

Several factors contribute to the online casino market turning into a billion-pound industry. For instance, digital wallets such as PayPal have assisted casinos in appearing more accessible to people who want instant transactions. Similarly, daily and weekly bonuses and promotions have increased registration numbers on online casino sites.

Another example is the features found in the slot games that offer free spins daily and help increase players odds of striking the big jackpots, winning cash prizes, live casino bonuses, and free sportsbook wagers. And, if punters dont get it right the first few times, they have an incentive to keep trying.

So, attributes such as electronic payment options, daily bonuses, and promotions all encourage new and existing players to keep coming back for more. Thus, increasing winning odds for returning players and the industrys market value goes up all the same.

The introduction of AI technology has remarkably affected the online casino industry by transforming it into what it is these days. How is that, you ask? Over the past few years, casino operators and gaming developers have had more access to user information, which has aided them in creating and improving games best suited for their customers.

The application of AI in gathering user data on new and returning players has assisted operators and developers in keeping fresh content that maintains relevance while creating targeted marketing campaigns. AI helps determine which games players engage with the most, how much traffic a casino site receives, and how much wagering takes place on games and sporting events. Advanced bots in gambling provide higher quality customer service in online gambling.

The good news for casino providers is that AI could save a lot on personnel costs. The bad news for those employees is that they would end up losing work to robots, which means an entire industry would take a hit. The overall positive thing about it all, though, is that people are innovative by nature. Perhaps the closing of one old industry might drive an opening for another.

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How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing The Odds In Online Casino - Intelligent Living

Best Gambling Sites: Reviewing the Best Online Gambling Sites of 2022 – The Daily Collegian Online

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With the massive selection of online gambling sites out there at the moment, and that number only growing, it can be difficult to figure out which site is going to meet your gambling needs.

Luckily, weve compiled a list of the top contenders in the field, using our ranking criteria to assess these casino sites for their game variety, their sportsbooks, as well as the payment options and promotions and bonuses.

It was clear that BetOnlineproved to be the best online gambling site of all. However, we invite you to check all 11 recommended casino and sports betting sites from our top list.

So lets take a look at the best online gambling sites out there right now.

Pros:

Cons:

BetOnline is our top pick for online gamble sites for a reason. Not only does it have an incredible sportsbook with great live betting options, it also has a ton of high-end slots to play, and enough payment options to satisfy any kind of user.

Game Selection: 4.8/5

The selection of games on offer at BetOnline is really strong, with over 350 casino games availableand over 260 super high quality slots, with games from Nucleus and Betsoft.

Their sportsbook is second-to-none, with all major sports betting available, as well as a ton of smaller sports on offer as well they also offer up specialty bets, such as wagers on political elections.

Youll be pleased to hear that BetOnlines live betting has live streams available on their site, as well as some really substantial odds boosters that can help bring the house edge down a bit and make BetOnline one of the best online betting sites out there.

Payment Options: 5/5

The huge variety of banking methods that BetOnline has for those who gamble online is a big reason to check them out. Crypto users can use Litecoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum or Bitcoin, and major credit cards are available for those that want to use fiat currency.

EChecks, Money orders, and wire transfers can be used as well. Offering such a vast array of different payment types really helps to solidify their place on our list, being one of the best Bitcoin casinosout tBest gambling sites here.

The only fault we could find with their banking methods was that there is a 7.5% fee on credit card transactions, but that is balanced out by the fast transfer times they offer, with withdrawals generally being processed between 1 and 48 hours.

Promotions and Bonuses: 4.8/5

BetOnlines promotions are really solid, with a 100% match bonus for up to $1000available as a welcome offer when you use the code CRYPTO100, as well as a $1000 match bonus for your first three deposits when you redeem the code BOLCASINO.

The crypto bonus is particularly nice, because it only has a 14x wagering requirement, which is a bit lower than the wagering requirements of most other online casino sites.

The $3000 match bonus does have a requirement of 30x, but that is fairly standard for most deposit bonuses, and they make up for it with low rollovers elsewhere.

Online gambling is just so much fun on BetOnline. Click here and register your new account.

Related Post: Best Gambling Sites

Pros:

Bovada has a top tier sportsbook, offering up a wide variety of different sports and esports, as well as stellar poker and live games options for those who like to gamble online on table games.

A huge draw for us was their fast transactions, which generally occur within an hour, and as well as their $1250 bitcoin welcome bonus.

Game Selection: 4.7/5

Whats great about Bovadas game library is that it offers fantastic variety, with a stellar table games section that is headlined by its poker and live games, 120+ high quality slots and a fantastic sportsbook.

Bovadas sportsbook is extensive, with all the top sports like basketball, soccer, and football on offer, as well as a ton of niche selections, such as gaelic football.

They also have a really solid esports section available for gamers that want to drop a wager on major titles like Dota 2 and League of Legends.

Payment Options: 4.75/5

Bovada has you covered for fiat options, offering up Amex, Mastercard, and Visa, with Matchpay and vouchers also available.

If youd prefer to use crypto, then youll be able to deposit using Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin via their simple cashier section.

Promotions and Bonuses: 4.9/5

Youre going to want to check out Bovada for their 125% welcome bonus of up to $1250when you deposit using cryptocurrency with the code BTCCWB1250.

You can also add to this bonus by collecting two more of the $1250 match bonuses on your next two deposits using the code BTC2NDCWB, for a total of $3750.

If you're looking for sports betting you can take advantage of Bovadas sports bonus, which is a nice little 50% match bonus up to $250 when you redeem it and make a deposit.

Bovada also shows its commitment to the players by making the access to terms and conditions super easy. They have nothing to hide, so you will always be just a few clicks away from the full offer terms.

Bring your online sports betting to the next level by signing up with Bovada.

Related Post: Best Online Gambling Sites

Pros:

Cons:

Sportsbetting.ag has some really lucrative bonuses available, with some pretty low wagering requirements that make them all the more desirable.

Youre also going to love the amount of banking options you can choose from on this site and the huge selection of table and live casino games in their library.

Game Selection: 4.5/5

Theres something for everyone in Sportsbetting.ags casino games library, with over 400 games and 300+ slots to choose from. Their sportsbook gives users the option to bet on over 25 different sports to wager on including all the major ones.

Theres a multiview section to watch multiple bets at once, as well as a sleek quick bet option that lets you place multiple bets super fast.

The best thing about Sportsbetting.ag though is their expansive selection of table games. With 34 live games, more than 30 blackjack titles and a great selection of baccarat and poker as well, theyve got the best table games variety of any online gambling site on this list.

Payment Options: 4.8/5

The payment options at Sportsbetting.ag are numerous and easy to utilize, with a very simple cashier system that will let you use all major credit cards, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Tether, and Doge, as well as things like money orders and wire transfers.

With 19 different options to choose from and a really solid choice of crypto, theyre a top contender in terms of banking methods.

The only thing thats lacking is that you cant use Neteller for transfers, but thats more than made up for with the huge variety of other options available to users.

Promotions and Bonuses: 4.7/5

Sportsbetting.ag has a huge selection of bonuses available on their promotions page and they really cater to all sorts of gamblers.

They offer a variety of welcome packages, with a 100% up to $1000 bonus available for crypto userson their first deposit using the code 100CRYPTO and a 50% sports welcome bonus of up to $1000 when players use the code SB1000.

What we really like about these bonuses though is how reasonable the wagering is compared to other casinos. Their sports bonus only has 10x wagering attached to it and the crypto welcome bonus is 14x, making this one of the best online casino sign up bonus.

Click here to deposit and get your deposit match on Sportsbetting.ag.

Pros:

Cons:

Game Selection: 4.8/5

Game selection on Fortune Jack is immense, with over 1500 casino games on offerand a large subset of those being slots. They also have a section for provably fair titles, which we always like to see, and it contains a bunch of high quality titles from SteadyGames and Orbital.

Fortune Jacks sportsbook has a large catalog of different sports to bet on, including basketball, soccer, football, and more minor sports like water polo and table tennis. Dont miss their Esports section if youre an avid gamer, as it houses live betting for games like Counter Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, and Valorant.

The sportsbook overall has a really solid user interface and you can make live bets on the fly really easily with some simple dropdown menus to change your betting type and a side panel that lets you edit your wagers. Maximum winnings from a single bet for the sportsbook is around $100,000.

The site also clearly warns you when the odds have been changed on a live bet, which is a nice quality of life aspect of their online gambling online system.

Payment Options: 4.5/5

Fortune Jack is a Bitcoin and cryptocurrency sports betting site, so if youre a fiat user, it likely wont be the best option for you.

Having said that, they do offer a stellar selection of different coins to use, including major currencies like Litecoin, Bitcoin, and Ethereum, with Doge, Tron, and Zcash also available to owners of those cryptos.

Promotions and Bonuses: 4.1/5

Fortune Jack has a series of welcome offers, starting with a 110% up to 1.5BTC ($300) match bonus on your first deposit, as well as an extra 250 free spins.

You can then receive the same bonus again on your second deposit, this time with 100 free spins, and then receive the same match bonus again on the next two deposits you make, for a grand total of $1200 as a welcome bonus.

Bonuses do expire within 730 days after being redeemed, which is pretty nice from them, especially since most of the casino offers are valid for only one month.

Fortune Jack online casino is one of the best sites to gamble online. Check them by clicking here.

Pros:

Cons:

Being around for over 25 years, BetUS is one of the most experienced and popular online casinos available out there.

As an all-around, they cover over 20 categories of sports betting, a long array of online casino games and a solid selection of live dealer options.

With so many possibilities, what really impressed us was their live betting experience. Lots of markets, fast updates and fair odds are just some of their characteristics.

Game Selection: 4.4/5

BetUS has a great selection of casino games, with over 400 titles to choose from. The majority of them are premium slots, but their portfolio also impresses with blackjack, roulette, poker and other interesting games.

And, believe us, it gets better. BetUS has some of thebest free online slotsavailable with their demonstration mode.

With over 20 different sports to choose from, as well as an innovative TV feature, players are spoiled for choice on BetUss sportsbook. Their live games section is easy to use and has some nice quality of life options, including fast betting markets.

This gambling site also knows that information is power. When you are looking for the best odds, it might come helpful to check their latest sports news.

Payment Options: 4.4/5

The options available for deposits and withdrawals on the BetUS website are divided into 4 categories: Credit cards, cash transfers, crypto and bank wire.

That means that they accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express, as well as 4 different cryptocurrencies. The players favorites Bitcoin and Ethereum are among them.

Minimum deposits are only $10 and you can expect to see funds in your account 24 to 48 hours after making a transfer.

Ah, if you ever feel overwhelmed or need more instructions, BetUs has prepared some easy-to-understand payment guides and help sections.

Promotions and Bonuses: 4.5/5

BetUShas a number of different promotions on offer and players can take advantage of their welcome bonuses immediately upon signing up.

For example you can grab a quick 200% match bonus up to $2500valid for your first deposit via cryptocoins. And it is very easy to claim it, as you just need to use the promo code JOIN200.

The new players bonus is split into a 150% up to $1.875 sports bonus and a 50% up to $625 casino bonus.

Click here and make your first deposit to claim the BetUs deposit match bonus.

Runners-Up:

Since you are here, you might like to check the list ofbest online slots in Canada.

Game Selection:

When looking into game selection, were interested in seeing how much variety the site has in terms of not only different types of casino games, such as slots and tabletop titles, but also the selection of games within those categories.

Were also focused on making sure that each sites sportsbook offers a varied catalog of sports to bet on and that there is the option for more niche bets, such as esports options and more minor sports.

Promotions and Bonuses:

Impressive promotions and bonuses are always a major requirement for being considered a top online casino site. Were looking for top quality welcome bonuses, fair wagering and rollovers, and free spins on top games.

Payment Options:

We like to make sure that users have a good selection of different banking methods to choose from for deposits and withdrawals. This includes being able to select from fiat or crypto currencies and also having minimal transaction fees and fast transfer times.

There are some online casinos that will require you to download games individually or via a separately downloaded app. For the most part though, you will be able to play all of the available casino games on the site itself. This is usually the case for both desktop and mobile sites, with mobile versions often running in a browser rather than requiring an application.

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Best Gambling Sites: Reviewing the Best Online Gambling Sites of 2022 - The Daily Collegian Online

22 states where online gambling is legal | | dailypostathenian.com – The Daily Post-Athenian

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Country

United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth ofAustria, Republic ofAzerbaijan, Republic ofBahrain, Kingdom ofBangladesh, People's Republic ofBarbadosBelarusBelgium, Kingdom ofBelizeBenin, People's Republic ofBermudaBhutan, Kingdom ofBolivia, Republic ofBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswana, Republic ofBouvet Island (Bouvetoya)Brazil, Federative Republic ofBritish Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago)British Virgin IslandsBrunei DarussalamBulgaria, People's Republic ofBurkina FasoBurundi, Republic ofCambodia, Kingdom ofCameroon, United Republic ofCape Verde, Republic ofCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChad, Republic ofChile, Republic ofChina, People's Republic ofChristmas IslandCocos (Keeling) IslandsColombia, Republic ofComoros, Union of theCongo, Democratic Republic ofCongo, People's Republic ofCook IslandsCosta Rica, Republic ofCote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of theCyprus, Republic ofCzech RepublicDenmark, Kingdom ofDjibouti, Republic ofDominica, Commonwealth ofEcuador, Republic ofEgypt, Arab Republic ofEl Salvador, Republic ofEquatorial Guinea, Republic ofEritreaEstoniaEthiopiaFaeroe IslandsFalkland Islands (Malvinas)Fiji, Republic of the Fiji IslandsFinland, Republic ofFrance, French RepublicFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabon, Gabonese RepublicGambia, Republic of theGeorgiaGermanyGhana, Republic ofGibraltarGreece, Hellenic RepublicGreenlandGrenadaGuadaloupeGuamGuatemala, Republic ofGuinea, RevolutionaryPeople's Rep'c ofGuinea-Bissau, Republic ofGuyana, Republic ofHeard and McDonald IslandsHoly See (Vatican City State)Honduras, Republic ofHong Kong, Special Administrative Region of ChinaHrvatska (Croatia)Hungary, Hungarian People's RepublicIceland, Republic ofIndia, Republic ofIndonesia, Republic ofIran, Islamic Republic ofIraq, Republic ofIrelandIsrael, State ofItaly, Italian RepublicJapanJordan, Hashemite Kingdom ofKazakhstan, Republic ofKenya, Republic ofKiribati, Republic ofKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwait, State ofKyrgyz RepublicLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanon, Lebanese RepublicLesotho, Kingdom ofLiberia, Republic ofLibyan Arab JamahiriyaLiechtenstein, Principality ofLithuaniaLuxembourg, Grand Duchy ofMacao, Special Administrative Region of ChinaMacedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic ofMadagascar, Republic ofMalawi, Republic ofMalaysiaMaldives, Republic ofMali, Republic ofMalta, Republic ofMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritania, Islamic Republic ofMauritiusMayotteMicronesia, Federated States ofMoldova, Republic ofMonaco, Principality ofMongolia, Mongolian People's RepublicMontserratMorocco, Kingdom ofMozambique, People's Republic ofMyanmarNamibiaNauru, Republic ofNepal, Kingdom ofNetherlands AntillesNetherlands, Kingdom of theNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaragua, Republic ofNiger, Republic of theNigeria, Federal Republic ofNiue, Republic ofNorfolk IslandNorthern Mariana IslandsNorway, Kingdom ofOman, Sultanate ofPakistan, Islamic Republic ofPalauPalestinian Territory, OccupiedPanama, Republic ofPapua New GuineaParaguay, Republic ofPeru, Republic ofPhilippines, Republic of thePitcairn IslandPoland, Polish People's RepublicPortugal, Portuguese RepublicPuerto RicoQatar, State ofReunionRomania, Socialist Republic ofRussian FederationRwanda, Rwandese RepublicSamoa, Independent State ofSan Marino, Republic ofSao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic ofSaudi Arabia, Kingdom ofSenegal, Republic ofSerbia and MontenegroSeychelles, Republic ofSierra Leone, Republic ofSingapore, Republic ofSlovakia (Slovak Republic)SloveniaSolomon IslandsSomalia, Somali RepublicSouth Africa, Republic ofSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSpain, Spanish StateSri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic ofSt. HelenaSt. Kitts and NevisSt. LuciaSt. Pierre and MiquelonSt. Vincent and the GrenadinesSudan, Democratic Republic of theSuriname, Republic ofSvalbard & Jan Mayen IslandsSwaziland, Kingdom ofSweden, Kingdom ofSwitzerland, Swiss ConfederationSyrian Arab RepublicTaiwan, Province of ChinaTajikistanTanzania, United Republic ofThailand, Kingdom ofTimor-Leste, Democratic Republic ofTogo, Togolese RepublicTokelau (Tokelau Islands)Tonga, Kingdom ofTrinidad and Tobago, Republic ofTunisia, Republic ofTurkey, Republic ofTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUganda, Republic ofUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited Kingdom of Great Britain & N. IrelandUruguay, Eastern Republic ofUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuela, Bolivarian Republic ofViet Nam, Socialist Republic ofWallis and Futuna IslandsWestern SaharaYemenZambia, Republic ofZimbabwe

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22 states where online gambling is legal | | dailypostathenian.com - The Daily Post-Athenian

$150 Million in Out-of-State Money Funding Yes on 27 Online Gaming Proposition – Los Cerritos News

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By Brian Hews

August 4, 2022 ~ Proponents of Proposition 27 claim the initiative guarantees hundreds of millions of dollars every year eighty-five percent of all tax revenue goes to fund solutions to homelessness, mental health and addiction.

Critics call the Corporate Online Gambling Act a deceptive proposition to legalize online sports gambling across California, turning virtually every cellphone, tablet and laptop into a gambling device.

They claim the fine print says 90% of the revenue will go to the online corporations and nothing will be earmarked for the homeless, no real jobs will be created, and the agreements between California and Indian tribes will suffer, draining billions of dollars from the state.

They also claim out-of-state gambling corporations are promoting the proposition, and they are right.

An examination by HMG-CN of Yes on 27 campaign committee documents from the Secretary of States website for 2021-22 shows a massive $150 million in donations, with 95% coming from companies outside of California.

The list includes Ballys Interactive, BETMGM and WSI from Nevada; Draftkings from Massachusetts, Penn Interactive from Pennsylvania and FBG Enterprises from Florida.

Yes on 27 is a sponsored committee; initially, the companies did not donate the money, opting to give the $100 million in funds as a loan which will have to paid back at some point or forgiven by the committee.

From Jan 1-March 31, 2022, $17 million was spent, a majority on petition and professional services.

Nearly $1.1 million went to digital advertising, a good chunk to the major daily newspapers up and down the state who are reporting on the proposition.

$118,000 went to the Los Angeles Times; $50,000 to the McClatchy Group; $50,000 to the New York Times and $24,000 to La Opinion.

A whopping $530,000 went to Google; $202,000 to Facebook and $124,000 to POLITICO.

But a smaller donation in February of this year will have many scratching their heads; $20,000 came from the Los Angeles County Democratic Party.

Calls into the LACDP went unreturned.

Screenshot showing LACDP donation to Yes on 27.

The money spigot from the out-of-state companies did not end; according to the period ending in July, another $50 million in late contributions poured into the Yes on 27 committee.

Unlike the first donations, which were classified as loans, the money given in July was classified as late contributions.

BETMGM, DraftKings and Fanduel gave $8.3 million each; Penn Interactive and FGB gave $12.5 million each.

Nevada-based Ballys Interactive and WSI were not listed.

On the other side, the No on 27 committee garnered $1.3 million in 2021, entirely from California Indian tribes.

Between Jan. and Mar. 2022, Agua Caliente, Barona and Yocha Deche gave $5 million while the Chumash gave $2.5 million, for a total of $17.5 million; the committee spent $5 million.

Those same tribes stepped up with another $42 million between Apr. and Jun. 2022, which brought the total to $60 million, spending $25 million with a cash-on-hand of $30 million.

Contrary to the LA County Democratic Party, who gave $20,000 to the Yes on 27 Committee, several Democratic Committees, including Yolo, Santa Clara, Kings County, San Juaquin, Stanislaus, Fresno and Kern gave to the No on 27 Committee.

Along with the committees, California, San Diego, and Contra Costa Democratic Parties gave money; a total of $11,000 between the committees and parties.

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$150 Million in Out-of-State Money Funding Yes on 27 Online Gaming Proposition - Los Cerritos News

Atlantic City Casino Smoking Ban Backers Dont Take The Summer Off – NJ Online Gambling

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The New Jersey legislative calendar is virtually dormant until after Labor Day, but backers of a ban on smoking at Atlantic Citys nine casinos arent waiting around until then.

On Wednesday, a group of supporters of the ban gathered at the headquarters of the United Auto Workers office in Linwood, about 10 miles west of Atlantic City.

With a majority of Trenton lawmakers already in support of the ban, and with Gov. Phil Murphy already having said he would sign such a bill, smoking ban backers focused during the 40-minute roundtable discussion on offering what they said were practical solutions. That could ensure that leaders in the state Senate and Assembly allow a smoking ban bill to come to a vote.

The solution is an outdoor smoking area, said Pete Naccarelli, a casino table game dealer and a leader of the Casino Employees Against Smokings Effects group. Its not acceptable to me to blow smoke in my face. Whether its indoors or outdoors, thats unhealthy.

And what about dealers who are pregnant, or people who got over cancer, or have lung issues or asthma? Naccarelli added. I dont have those problems yet, but I probably will from secondhand smoke.

Chris Moyer, speaking for Americans for Nonsmokers Rights, and Corrine Orlando of the American Heart Association each warned against following Marylands lead in permitting smoking at so-called outdoor areas that wind up with walls and roofs around and over the areas.

The way the bill was written it allowed them to create outdoor areas that are not truly outdoors, Moyer said of the Maryland law. That would not be an acceptable situation here.

Said Orlando: The doors would open and close, and workers would have to work in rooms. Thats not something we think is a solution.

Patrick Ashton, a representative for the United Auto Workers, which represents table game dealers at several casinos in Atlantic City, said that many concerns about the ban are out of date.

Casinos always mention its bad for business and jobs, Ashton said of the proposed ban. But when online gaming came in [launching across the state in 2013], they never said its going to affect business and jobs. Not one bill was introduced over concerns that it would affect jobs.

The labor shortage is severe, Ashton added of claims of likely layoffs resulting from a ban. To say [that eliminating smoking] will affect employment in casinos that is factually not true.

Naccarelli struck a similar theme regarding the industrys resistance on the issue.

They have been in the business 40 years, Naccarelli said. This isnt 1985 anymore. We are seeing reports now that casinos that have gone nonsmoking have done better.

The idea that forcing smokers outside would be bad for business was challenged on more than one front. Moyer pointed to a potential boon for those prone to compulsive gambling.

One of the core tenants of responsible gaming is taking breaks, Moyer said. If you are not forced to step outside to smoke, you are not forced to take a break. That means casinos are getting more money. The big question we should be asking is, Why is that okay?

A state law passed in 2006 banned smoking in indoor areas with few exceptions casinos being among them.

When I was governor, we passed smoke-free legislation that covered almost all of our state, state Sen. Richard Codey said in a statement earlier this year.Restaurants complained their businesses would suffer, but, in fact, the opposite happened: Customers loved the smoke-free environment. The same will happen with the casinos. Its past time that casino workers have the same protections as every other worker in New Jersey. We need to get this done.

Current law allows casinos to allow smoking in 25% of their slots and table gaming space.

The casinos all were closed from mid-March 2020 until the July 4 weekend that year, and indoor smoking initially was banned due to pandemic concerns. But the ban was lifted last summer.

Photo: Shutterstock

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Atlantic City Casino Smoking Ban Backers Dont Take The Summer Off - NJ Online Gambling

How to Find the Best Gambling Sites in Florida? – South Florida Caribbean News

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The laws governing online gambling in Florida are very strict. Online gambling regulations in Florida are quite complicated, and the answer to is gambling illegal in Florida? depends on the states specific legislation.

If youre looking for a place to gamble in the real world, you may visit tribal casinos or pari-mutuel betting facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, respectively. As a result of this, you are able to play casino games at offshore casinos like those on this website.

We recommend that people conduct a thorough research about the betting laws in Florida. This is important for bettors who want to turn to online gambling in Florida since they need to be sure that they are not breaking any laws.

According to a new statute, online gambling in Florida is now legal. All residents of Florida will be able to access online and in-person sports betting through the Seminole Tribes facilities. Moreover, this agreement will allow the tribe to bring new casino games, like roulette and craps, into its facilities.

A law called the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) grants native tribes the authority to build casinos on their own land. A majority of voters in Miami-Dade and Broward counties voted to legalize slot machines at pari-mutuel facilities. The Seminole Tribe and the state have achieved an agreement to allow sports betting. The agreement is signed by Governor DeSantis after being approved by the Florida Senate and House of Representatives. The federal government has also given its blessing to the plan.

In Florida, the minimum gambling age is 18. In Florida, you must be at least 21 years old to gamble in a casino or play slots, although you may play poker as young as 18 years old. There is a minimum age for pari-mutuel betting of 18. The legal gambling age in Florida for sports betting will be 21 when it is implemented. There are a few exceptions to this rule: all of Floridas offshore internet gambling companies accept wagers from players who are at least 18 years old.

Gambling online for real money is a popular pastime in Florida. Legalizing online sports betting in the state will encourage many more people to do so. Its a terrific way to learn the ropes at online casinos, but its not a good option if youre hoping to win money, as free play doesnt provide any awards.

As long as youre inside the states borders, you may play at any online gambling site in Florida from any other state, while the future online sportsbooks merely require you to be within the states borders but dont require you to be a resident.

A wide variety of wagers are available at online gambling sites in Florida, including sports bets. In addition to the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, all Florida sportsbooks will provide markets for a wide range of other sports, including football (soccer), golf (golf), tennis (tennis), and much more. However, does Florida allow sports betting? But you may continue to wager on offshore sites for the time being. On the other hand, legal wagering will be available in the state in the near future, both online and at physical locations.

Casino games are available at all of the online gambling sites in Florida that we suggest. At casinos in Florida, slot machines are the most popular games, although roulette, blackjack, and more are also available. Live dealer games are also available, in which a webcam-streamed dealer appears on your screen. Online casinos are currently illegal in the state of Florida, and no concrete plans exist to make them so. However, offshore gambling websites allow you to play online casino games.

Other forms of gambling such as horse racing pari-mutuel and cardroom poker are permitted in the state of Florida. Certain websites provide pari-mutuel horse betting, and several horse racetracks, such as Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs, also accept this type of wager. At several of the recommended online gambling sites in Florida, you may also wager on horse races.

The answer to this question is, Yes. They are, without a doubt. In actuality, the state of Florida has many land-based casinos, all of which must be located on tribal property in order to comply with the states gaming rules. Pari-mutuel betting venues and cruise ships near the coast of Florida also allow some forms of gambling, including poker and casino games.

Bonuses are almost always available at every online gambling site in Florida, whether its a casino, sportsbook, or poker room. Theyre there for one reason only: to entice you to open an account with a gambling site. But its a win-win scenario for all parties, as bonuses give players more money to play with, making it easier for them to win. Some of the most frequent bonuses are listed here.

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How to Find the Best Gambling Sites in Florida? - South Florida Caribbean News

Top 5 Reasons Why Gambling Is Useful – TotalNtertainment.com

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Betting has undergone significant change and is now permitted in many states worldwide. Numerous individuals still sign up with internet casinos and online gambling in Australia for real money nowadays, despite strong opposition. If you gamble online, you must discover an intelligent technique to protect your financial information and personal information from fraudsters. Select a reputable casino to take advantage of the many advantages that come with playing slot games at an online casino. The top five arguments why gaming may change your life right now are as follows. Betting is fundamentally about putting funds on the line in the hopes of winning more than you put in. But if you observe keenly, youll discover that betting also has a lot of other benefits. To be clear, when we speak about betting, we mean things like:

There are drawbacks to every activity, which we shall also examine. The great news is that individuals may take specific actions to reduce the disadvantages.

A Thrilling Encounter

Some individuals place a higher value on mental tranquillity, which can only be achieved by learning stress management techniques. Players can choose from various gaming activities depending on their preferences. To relieve the tension that comes with life, you must discover a website with multiple games to play. Betting can be beneficial for some individuals, allowing them to recharge mentally before returning to work. Studies conducted at Southern Illinois University have shown that gaming can make people happy and improve their mood. Scientists evaluated the levels of enjoyment in those who participated in leisure activities like watching TV and discovered that gaming compared well. There is little doubt that the thrill of betting may improve gamers well-being. Just be careful that it doesnt control you and raises your risk of being addicted.

Get money

This is unquestionably one factor that encourages players to gather and explore the numerous forms of gambling that casinos offer. You merely need to pick a good game that can provide you with the appropriate expertise to generate your required income. Take reasonable chances and stay away from new games if you dont want to raise your probability of losing. One of the abilities you need to control your earnings and keep from going bankrupt effectively is bankroll management. The strength of the chances, RTP, and even the casino edge of the game you play affect your winnings. Gamers get value for their cash when they gamble, particularly at online casinos.

With ground casinos, you are unlikely to encounter this. This is due to the fact that they already have a number of tables and gaming devices. As a result, they cannot permit gamers to experience free games because doing so would put paying consumers in danger of being unable to play.

Take Pleasure in International Competitions

If you play at conventional casinos, you can only experience a small selection of casino games. However, it is much preferable to seek out gambling websites because of their vast advantages, such as a broad selection of games. Consider registering with international gambling sites that provide top-notch activities to try out. To reduce the likelihood of squandering your wagers, attempt to understand how to perform any games before engaging in them. The sample games generated by internet casinos make learning easier and increase your chances of success in the early stages of testing it out. The wide variety of games available at casino sites is one of its most notable benefits.

There are still restrictions, even if there are ground casinos that have a sizable quantity of room and provide a range of space. Gambling sites dont have these restrictions. They may set up as many games as they wish, providing bettors with a wide range of options.

Improve Your Abilities

In order to succeed as expert bettors, they have developed a variety of traits throughout time. It has also been demonstrated that betting improves various specific skills, from honing cognitive abilities to enhancing numerical proficiency and trend identification. Blackjack and other card games also promote strategies that sharpen critical thinking. Some, like poker, go one step further by adding a mental component as participants watch for clues and interpret body language. Naturally, many forms of betting completely depend on chance, letting gamers enjoy them without having to worry about formulating plans of attack.

Practising your mathematical abilities to calculate various sports probabilities correctly would be best. If you want to only risk when your odds of winning are reasonable, you also need to hone your analytical abilities. The final two abilities that professional gamers believe are essential to thriving are tolerance and bank management.

Socialisation

This particular objective drove the rise of betting operations around the globe. It became more than just making a few dollars off calculated risks to get to know other individuals you may connect with. Its a fun activity you may do with your friend to enjoy and pass the time. Internet forums are another resource provided by online casinos that may be used to network and share ideas with other players. Some individuals take pleasure in utilising a part of their extra cash to let off steam at the casino. They discover that the difficulty of blackjack or poker is a pleasant diversion from their regular lives.

A progressive slots jackpot or the side payments in blackjack are examples of large settlements that excite certain players. These offer you the chance to wager modest cash for a big prize. Numerous casino games, such as baccarat, craps, poker, sports betting, and slot machines, can facilitate the social component. One of the finest slot machines for fostering social interaction is craps. This is because many gamblers choose to gamble with the house (Dont Pass and Dont Come) as opposed to betting on the shooter succeeding (Pass line and Come bets).

Conclusion

Gambling is a useful activity because it allows people to take risks in a controlled environment. This can lead to increased creativity and problem solving skills. Additionally, gambling can help people learn how to manage their money and make financial decisions. Finally, gambling can be fun and provide a social outlet for people who enjoy it.

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Online Gamblers in Spain Cut Back on Their Spending Last Year – Casino.Org News

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Posted on: August 3, 2022, 07:32h.

Last updated on: August 3, 2022, 01:36h.

The gambling market in Spain changed last year, as gamblers spent more in land-based venues than they did online. An update from the countrys gaming regulator breaks down by sector how much things changed.

A few months ago, the General Directorate of Gambling Regulation (DGOJ, for its Spanish acronym) showed that online gamblers, in general, spent 4% less last year than they did in 2020. The regulator has now published two reports to show where they made the cuts: the Analysis of the Online Player Profile 2021, and an update to the Annual Report of the State of Online Gambling Market of 2021.

The DGOJ showed that the Spanish online consumer spent an average of 523 (US$532) throughout last year. This was 2% less compared to the 534 (US$543) from 2020.

The number of active online players last year was 1,470,303. This represents a year-on-year decrease of 0.6%. Of that figure, 84.52% of active players are between the ages of 18 and 45.

Last year, the average net spend per active player in Spain was 43.58 (US$44.39) per month. However, according to the DGOJ, the average expenditure only considers the set of online gamblers, not from the general adult population.

Of all active players, 82.73% are men and 17.27% are women. Men spent an average of 583 (US$593), while womens spending reached 234 (US$238).

The highest average annual expenditure is for the age range between 36 and 45 years, with 837 (US$852). On the other hand, the lowest corresponds to players between 18 and 25 years of age, with 202 (US$205).

The most used means of payment was the card, with 72.85%, followed by e-wallets, with 17.9%. The number of deposits went from 2.27 billion (US$2.31 billion) in 2020 to 2.76 billion (US$2.81 billion) in 2021. This represents an increase of 23.03% as the number of operations in the period increased by 24.9%.

The report also detailed that, as in 2020, the online sports betting category was the segment in which a greater number of people participated. It had 1,136,399 players and an annual variation rate of 8.76%.

Sports betting was followed by online casino, with 656,626 players and a variation of 2.37%. Following it was poker, with 335,712 players and a variation of -24.25%. Bingo found its niche consumer, with 101,754 players in 2021.

The DGOJ indicated that 59.54% played only one segment, of which 43.64% played only sports betting. 8.17% played only online casino games, while 6.39% and 1.34% played poker and bingo, respectively.

Adjusting for the inclusion of new figures, the net margin for online gambling was 815.2 million (US$830 million). This is only slightly lower than the 815.3 million (US$830.05 million) recorded in the first edition of the report from earlier this year.

In the analysis of the net margin by gaming segments, online casino games were the big winner. Their figure was 407.3 million (US$414.67 million) for 48.2% of the total.

Next was sports betting, with 333.6 million (US$339.57 million) and 39.5%. Finally, bingo, lotteries, and other games appeared on the list as well, but only with low, single-digit activity.

The mixed results for last year coincide with those from other markets. As countries removed COVID-19 restrictions, land-based gaming witnessed an increase in activity, cutting into the online segments performance. In Spain in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, online gaming increased by 14% from 2019.

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The Association Between Sports Betting and Online Casinos – Ghanasoccernet.com

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Football remains the sport with the highest followership globally, with billions of fans playing, or watching the sport on TV. Online casinos realize this and leverage the opportunity to tap into this large market.

Sports gambling is a field associated with every major sport, including football. Online casino platforms consistently look for innovative ways to drive new customers to their websites. Thats why many top casino sites listed on Casino.online target sports betting markets in addition to growing gamers.

This article will reveal the growing association between online casinos and football.

Slots are by far the most popular type of game at online casinos. The attraction of online slots is that their themes cut across different interests like sports, TV shows, and movies. Casino game developers have churned out several games that have entrenched themes in popular culture.

If youre a football fan looking to play slots, you have several options. The best thing about these football-themed slots is that the games are unique and diverse from each other.

Casino gaming developers have many choices for football fans looking to engage in football-themed slots. The most popular include Football Mania and Top Trumps. When you engage in these games, youll be able to connect with football and still have a chance of winning money while youre at it.

This is another way that these two sectors have built up a connection. Big online casino platforms have the finances to sponsor football teams to reach the target market.

The instant benefit of this strategy is that the online casino becomes popular. This way, club supporters would also be driven to sign up at the casino. The football league and clubs benefit from this sponsorship by getting an increased cash inflow.

Football lovers always want to watch important, and big matches live. However, online casinos have begun to facilitate live streaming for football games. This way, football fans who cant afford to pay high monthly subscription fees can watch the most talked-about match-ups in football.

The worlds of football and online casinos have built up a link over the years. The connections between them include football-themed slots, sponsorship deals, and the facilitation of live streaming. Many more connections will open up in the future as both sectors grow hand in hand.

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The Association Between Sports Betting and Online Casinos - Ghanasoccernet.com

Treasurer recognizes August as ABLE to Save Month – Yahoo News

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Aug. 3COLUMBUS August is ABLE to Save Month and Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague is using the occasion to tout the importance of STABLE accounts and highlight the program's record-setting growth.

ABLE to Save Month is a national campaign that shines a light on ABLE programs across the nation and how they enhance financial independence for people living with disabilities.

Since January 2019, Ohio's iteration of an ABLE program, STABLE Account, has seen overall participation grow three-fold, with total enrollment nearing 30,000 active accounts.

"ABLE to Save Month is the perfect time to promote the financial empowerment and independence that STABLE accounts provide for people living with disabilities," Sprague said. "These accounts are life-changing as they help individuals to save and invest money, while also staying in the workforce.

We're proud to continue the growth of STABLE Account and look forward to empowering more Ohio families."

STABLE accounts are 529-like specialized savings and investment accounts for people living with disabilities. Accountholders can save up to $16,000 without losing federal assistance, and they can save an additional $12,880 each year if they're employed. Earnings on STABLE accounts grow tax-free if they are spent on qualified expenses, which include housing, transportation, living expenses, healthcare, assistive technology and more.

The STABLE Account program was launched in 2016 following passage of the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. Prior to the ABLE Act, individuals with disabilities could only save $2,000 before losing means-tested benefits, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Additionally, asset limits hindered opportunities to join the workforce. These regulations made it difficult for many people to work, save and invest, creating barriers to financial independence.

In recent years, the Treasurer's office has partnered with several private and public sector employers across Ohio to enable eligible employees to make recurring deposits into STABLE accounts directly from their paychecks.

Through STABLE Account, Ohioans living with disabilities can enjoy a higher quality of life and build a strong financial future. Signing up for a STABLE account takes about 20 minutes and can be done online from home. For more information about STABLE accounts and to sign up, visit http://www.stableaccount.com.

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Treasurer recognizes August as ABLE to Save Month - Yahoo News

These Two Latina Money Coaches Are Helping the Immigrant Community Break Financial Barriers. This Is What They Want Immigrants to Know – NextAdvisor

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Fresh out of college and ready to start her first job, Maribel Franciscos new employer asked her what she wanted to be paid. With no idea where to begin, she said $40,000.

She soon realized that was less than what she was worth, but when she asked for more, the employer wouldnt budge.

Its a situation Francisco, the first generation of her family born in the United States, hopes to help others avoid. After working as a financial analyst in the entertainment industry, she launched Our Wealth Matters, a platform to help immigrants on their financial journey in the U.S. by coaching them on saving, investing, and retirement planning.

Shes not alone. Delyanne Barros, a Brazilian-born U.S. citizen, launched her brand, Delyanne the Money Coach, after an unsatisfying career as an attorney. She found investing as an opportunity to work toward financial independence without owning property, and hopes to help others, particularly Latinos, achieve their own version of financial freedom.

Language barriers and a lack of trust in the financial system, Barros and Francisco say, are among the factors that make it difficult to find financial stability in a new country, especially for Latin American immigrants. With the number of foreign-born people in the U.S. rising currently at an historical high of 44 million, 50% immigrating from Latin America a growing number of people are in need of foundational advice on how to navigate the American financial system.

Barros says overcoming these types of hurdles is one of the first steps toward financial stability for this population, which she defines as the ability to walk away from situations or walk towards situations that are going to increase your happiness.

Heres what Barros and Francisco think are the biggest barriers to financial stability for immigrants, and how to begin the process of overcoming them.

Financial stability for new immigrants can look different depending on each persons goals. Getting on the grid establishing credit and opening up a bank account for the first time is a good first step. It is essential to start building your credit score and credit history as soon as possible, according to Barros.

Established credit will make it easier to qualify for loans, credit cards, a mortgage, and better interest rates for all of these. Established credit is also crucial for leasing an apartment, as many rental companies check credit reports.

Gaining financial stability means starting with the basic American financial building blocks. Once these building blocks are in place, that is when financial stability starts giving you choices. You can leave an employer that doesnt value you, negotiate a better salary, or leave an unhealthy relationship with the confidence that you can support yourself financially, says Barros.

Getting started on the path toward financial stability can be daunting, though. There are aspects of the U.S. financial system and the immigration experience that often make this path even less attainable for the immigrant community.

Every immigrants story is different, but some aspects of the U.S. financial system present common difficulties for new Americans. Here are a few, and how to navigate them.

One of the largest hurdles for immigrants who want to be financially independent is accessing information in their native language. Financial products can be complicated. Thats true for everyone, but its especially true for those whose primary language isnt English. There can be serious consequences if you arent clear what youre getting into. The language is purposefully intimidating, Barros says.

Through educating the immigrant community in personal finance (in both English and Spanish), Francisco says she tries to boost their awareness of the possibilities available to them. Its why she decided to produce bilingual content: posting everything in English first, and publishing the exact same content in Spanish the next day. This is how she does her part to combat the language barriers that face Spanish-speaking immigrants. This also helps the families of her audience: She says many will share the Spanish-language versions with their parents and loved ones.

Immigrants bring with them parts of their home country, like language, culture, and values. Some bring with them a fear of financial institutions, rooted in distrust of their home countrys system. There are more protections in the United States than many other countries and youre actually hurting yourself by not engaging with the financial system, says Barros.

The U.S. financial system offers several safeguards for consumers. For example, banks that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protect up to $250,000 per account in the case of theft or bank failure. Additionally, government agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau hold banks accountable and can punish them for breaking the law. All consumers can access the CFPB complaint database, which allows for transparency between banks and customers when it comes to violations of federal regulations and laws.

It can be hard for immigrants to find someone who understands their situation. Theres very little representation [of immigrants] in the financial industry, Barros says. This often causes immigrants to feel marginalized and can be a deterrent for those who are already distrustful of banks and investing.

Many immigrants who dont have a Social Security number believe that investing is out of their reach. This is a huge misconception, Francisco says. An individual taxpayer identification number, or ITIN, allows immigrants to do much more than pay taxes. ITINs can be used for opening up bank accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, and applying for loans. Immigrants can also put money into a 401(k) with an ITIN and receive an employer match. The same goes for immigrants who have work permits through their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, Francisco says.

An individual taxpayer identification number, or ITIN, allows immigrants to open up bank accounts, savings accounts, retirement accounts, credit cards, loans, and also to pay taxes without a Social Security number.

If youre looking to begin your journey toward financial stability, here are a few basic steps to help you get started.

Franciscos first step with her clients is pushing them to define their why. This can range from wanting to retire early, support their family, buying a house, starting a stable career, or simply having a secure lifestyle. Defining a why is crucial because it may be the only thing that keeps you from giving up during financial difficulties. If you have a strong enough why, thats gonna get you through those hardships, Francisco says.

Your credit score will consist of several factors, primarily your payment history (paying your credit accounts on time) and credit utilization (how much of your available credit youre using). There are other factors that go into a credit score as well, including the length of your credit history.

There are a few ways to start building credit if you are brand new to the credit system, Barros says. The first way is to find a family member or close friend who is willing to add you to their account as an authorized user. Becoming an authorized user means that you have access to funds, but the owner of the account remains responsible for paying all bills on time. Another way to start building credit is to get a secured credit card. Secured credit cards have relatively low limits, but once you show that you are a responsible user and you pay your credit card off on time, your bank can convert your secured credit card to an unsecured credit card, and your credit limit will increase.

One of the most important steps toward financial stability is opening a bank account. This may be overwhelming since there are tons of banks out there, so Barros recommends doing your research. A Google search will tell you if a bank has been involved in fraud or some other sketchy behavior. You can also browse the CFPBs Consumer Complaint Database to learn about complaints made against a specific bank.

Some other things you should be looking for are banks with minimal fees and penalties for transferring money between accounts and also banks with accessible customer service.

At a minimum, confirm the bank is FDIC insured or, if youre banking with a credit union, be sure that it is NCUA (National Credit Union Association) insured. You can do this by searching a bank name through the FDICs BankFind feature or for a credit union using NCUAs Research a Credit Union

Finally, Barros suggests you look for banks that are catering to a specific minority. This is the best way to ensure that your bank will be empathetic to your situation and cater to your specific needs. For example, if your primary language is Spanish, it will be helpful to find a bank that has Spanish-speaking customer service representatives. Generally, this information can be found on a bank websites homepage or on their customer service page.

Look for tools at the top of the homepage that allow you to translate the entire website, or look more specifically at whether they have Spanish language options on their customer service page.

Informed Immigrant is a trustworthy tool to help find local immigrant-serving organizations, clinics, legal help, and other nonprofits. Local organizations like the ones found through Informedimmigrant.com may be able to provide educational resources or translation services if English is not your primary language.

Growing up as a child with an undocumented father, Francisco was never sure who could be trusted and, as a result, says she and her family simply avoided talking about personal finances with others. To her, finding community is gonna be key. Her advice is to find others who talk openly about finances. Some community centers or churches will offer personal finance workshops that can be beneficial for those who dont know where to start.

The best way to find trustworthy communities is through diligent research, Francisco says. She advises immigrants to reach out to families they know who have been in a similar situation or search for community centers that are specifically servicing the immigrant population. If youre on social media, find and follow people who are openly talking about the topic youre interested in, she says. While immigration is a sensitive topic to speak about openly on public platforms, there are influencers doing it on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube. Those who are willing to share their stories are usually out to build a community, Francisco says.

You may also be able to find nonprofit organizations in your community that help immigrant groups. Community Development Financial Institutions, or CDFIs are financial institutions that prioritize serving communities and populations that typically lack access to financial products and services. Outside of providing financial services, CDFIs often offer courses and programs to help underserved communities develop financial literacy You can find a CDFI near you using the CDFI locator tool.

The FDIC also offers an educational program, Money Smart, aimed toward people who want to improve their financial literacy and skills.

Both Barros and Francisco warned that one of the biggest mistakes they see is when people allow fear to prevent them from taking action. For example, Barros says she sees frequently that fear of being charged interest keeps people from using their credit cards [and] keeps people from building their credit score. Francisco refers to this fear as analysis paralysis. She says that she often has clients who are so overwhelmed by the amount of information floating around, they end up stuck in a place of inaction. This mistake can be avoided by doing your research and asking questions.

The same can be said for investing. Yes, investing can be risky, but according to Barros, we reduce the risk by investing over a long period of time. So, its important to start early. The best strategies to invest for the long-term include investing regularly and consistently, and investing in broad index funds. Barros says investing and financial stability can be the difference between having to work until the day you die versus you being able to retire with dignity in your older years and not having to put a ton of strain onto your children.

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These Two Latina Money Coaches Are Helping the Immigrant Community Break Financial Barriers. This Is What They Want Immigrants to Know - NextAdvisor

Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. Reports Unaudited Financial Results for the Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2022 and Announces Initiation of 200…

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HOUSTON, Aug. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. (the "Company" or "ICD") (NYSE: ICD) today reported financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2022.

Second quarter 2022 Highlights

Net loss, as defined below, of $2.8 million, or $0.21 per share.

Adjusted net loss, as defined below, of $9.8 million, or $0.72 per share.

Adjusted EBITDA, as defined below, of $9.2 million, representing an approximate 158% sequential improvement from the first quarter of 2022.

Adjusted net debt, as defined below, of $158.0 million.

Marketed fleet utilization of 71%.

Fully burdened margin of $8,946 per day, representing an approximate 56% sequential improvement from the first quarter of 2022.

In the second quarter of 2022, the Company reported revenues of $42.3 million, a net loss of $2.8 million, or $0.21 per share, adjusted net loss (defined below) of $9.8 million, or $0.72 per share, and adjusted EBITDA (defined below) of $9.2 million. These results compare to revenues of $19.8 million, a net loss of $14.9 million, or $2.22 per share, adjusted net loss of $14.6 million, or $2.18 per share, and adjusted EBITDA loss of $0.4 million in the second quarter of 2021, and revenues of $35.0 million, a net loss of $58.8 million, or $5.20 per share, an adjusted net loss of $11.1 million, or $0.98 per share, and adjusted EBITDA of $3.6 million in the first quarter of 2022.

Chief Executive Officer Anthony Gallegos commented, "I am extremely pleased with our performance during the second quarter, on both a financial and operational front. Sequential margin improvements of 56% drove sequential EBITDA improvements of over 150%. Dayrates for ICD rigs continue to increase with most ICD rigs now set to reprice one to two additional times before year-end. Based on contracts in hand and current spot prices, we expect to see incremental margin per day improvements in the third quarter of approximately 14% and further meaningful improvements in the fourth quarter as well. All of this should drive meaningful EBITDA improvements through the remainder of this year and into 2023.

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Operationally, I believe the second quarter was pivotal for ICD. We reactivated our 18th rig on schedule, and on budget, and it has commenced operations in the Haynesville effective August 1, 2022 on a one-year contract with a large independent. Our 19th rig is scheduled to reactivate at the beginning of the fourth quarter and our 20th rig is scheduled to reactivate late in the fourth quarter. We also have begun preparing to reactivate our 21st rig early in the first quarter of 2023. Based upon current spot dayrates for 300 series rigs, all of these rigs should pay back their reactivation costs in one year or less.

But more importantly, we completed all engineering work necessary to convert the significant majority of our 200 series rigs to 300 series specifications with very modest incremental investments of approximately $650,000 per rig. Rigs meeting 300 series specifications are in the shortest supply and command the highest dayrates, and we expect to earn less than one-year paybacks on these conversions based upon dayrate differentials today. These conversions require minimal rig downtime and we plan to execute these conversions as our customer base requires. Today, nine of our ten operating 200 series rigs are eligible for this conversion, and we have already signed two contracts for such conversions in the third and fourth quarters of 2022. In addition, six of our non-marketed rigs are eligible for this conversion, and we have now added two of these rigs to our marketed fleet, increasing our marketed fleet from 24 rigs to 26 rigs.

With this backdrop, I could not be more excited about ICD's strategic positioning in this market dynamic. Our focus on short-term, pad-to-pad contracts is allowing us to quickly convert rapidly improving dayrate momentum into our reported results, and we have now started to build our contractual backlog into 2023. Our overall rig reactivation plan and schedule remains intact, and with our 200-300 series conversion program announced, we have the ability to offer from top to bottom what we believe is one of the most competitive rig fleets in the industry. This is not only driving improved financial performance, but continual high-grading of our customer base. During the second quarter, we added two additional large independents to our customer base, and today, of our 18 operating rigs, approximately 80% are working for public companies or the two largest private operators in the Permian and Haynesville plays."

Quarterly Operational Results

In the second quarter of 2022, operating days increased sequentially by 5% compared to the first quarter of 2022. The Company's marketed fleet operated at 71% utilization and recorded 1,540 revenue days, compared to 1,077 revenue days in the second quarter of 2021, and 1,463 revenue days in the first quarter of 2022.

Operating revenues in the second quarter of 2022 totaled $42.3 million, compared to $19.8 million in the second quarter of 2021 and $35.0 million in the first quarter of 2022. Revenue per day in the second quarter of 2022 was $24,875, compared to $16,514 in the second quarter of 2021 and $21,823 in the first quarter of 2022. The sequential increase quarter over quarter in revenue per day was driven by higher dayrates on contract renewals and reactivated rigs.

Operating costs in the second quarter of 2022 totaled $28.9 million, compared to $17.0 million in the second quarter of 2021 and $27.2 million in first quarter of 2022. Fully burdened operating costs were $15,929 per day in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $13,352 in the second quarter of 2021 and $16,069 in the first quarter of 2022. Sequential decreases in operating costs per day were driven primarily by improved cost absorption, partially offset by higher labor costs associated with increases in field-level wages during the latter part of the second quarter of 2022.

Fully burdened rig operating margins in the second quarter of 2022 were $8,946 per day, compared to $3,162 per day in the second quarter of 2021 and $5,754 per day in the first quarter of 2022. The Company currently expects per day operating margins in the third quarter of 2022 to increase sequentially approximately 14% compared to the second quarter of 2022, driven primarily by favorable dayrate momentum as well as reactivation of the Company's 18th rig.

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2022 were $4.9 million (including $0.7 million of non-cash compensation), compared to $4.1 million (including $0.9 million of non-cash compensation) in the second quarter of 2021 and $5.2 million (including $1.0 million of non-cash compensation) in the first quarter of 2022. Cash selling, general and administrative expenses continue to remain elevated due to higher recruiting and onboarding expenses.

During the quarter, the Company recorded interest expense of $8.2 million, including $2.0 million, or $0.15 per share, relating to non-cash amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs. The Company has excluded these non-cash expenses when presenting adjusted net income/loss per share. Following approval of matters submitted to the Company's stockholders at the Company's 2022 Annual Meeting on June 8, 2022, embedded derivative features within the Company's Senior Secured PIK Toggle Convertible Notes due 2026 were deemed extinguished for financial accounting purposes. As a result, during the second quarter of 2022 the Company reclassified the conversion rate feature ($69.2 million) of the derivative liability on its balance sheet to additional paid-in capital and recognized a non-cash gain on the extinguishment of the PIK interest rate feature of $10.8 million. This non-cash gain was excluded when presenting adjusted net income/loss per share.

The Company's forecasted effective tax rate was adjusted during the second quarter of 2022, resulting in tax expense of $2.2 million, or $0.16 per share, compared to a tax benefit during the first quarter of 2022. Of this tax expense, $0.3 million relates to cash taxes, which are attributable to state and local franchise taxes.

Drilling Operations Update

The Company exited the second quarter with 17 rigs operating, with our 18th rig commencing operations August 1, 2022. Overall, the Company's operating rig count averaged 16.9 rigs during the quarter. The Company's backlog of drilling contracts with original terms of six months or longer was $54.3 million as of June 30, 2022. This backlog excludes rigs operating on short term pad-to-pad drilling contracts. Approximately 64% of this backlog is expected to be realized in 2022.

Capital Expenditures and Liquidity Update

Cash outlays for capital expenditures in the second quarter of 2022, net of asset sales and recoveries, were $4.5 million. This included $3.8 million associated with prior period deliveries.

As of June 30, 2022, the Company had cash on hand of $7.3 million, a revolving line of credit with availability of $14.0 million, and $157.5 million principal amount outstanding under its new convertible notes.

During the second quarter of 2022, the Company did not issue any shares of its common stock through its at-the-market ("ATM") offering program.

Conference Call Details

A conference call for investors will be held today, August 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Central Time (12:00 p.m. Eastern Time) to discuss the Company's second quarter 2022 results.

The call can be accessed live over the telephone by dialing (855) 239-3115 or for international callers, (412) 542-4125. A replay will be available shortly after the call and can be accessed by dialing (877) 344-7529 or for international callers, (412) 317-0088. The passcode for the replay is 8212928. The replay will be available until August 11, 2022.

Interested parties may also listen to a simultaneous webcast of the conference call by logging onto the Company's website at http://www.icdrilling.com in the Investor Relations section. A replay of the webcast will also be available for approximately 30 days following the call.

Certain Defined Terms

Pad-Optimal, Super-Spec Rig is defined as an AC powered rig with minimum 20,000ft racking capacity, 1500HP+ drawworks, 750,000lb hookload, three high pressure pumps, four engines and omni-directional walking system. Such rigs also include dual fuel, hi-line power and drilling optimization software options.

300 Series Rigs are defined as a Pad-Optimal, Super-Spec rig with the following additional characteristics: 25,000ft+ racking capacity capable, and hi-torque top drive capable.

About Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.

Independence Contract Drilling provides land-based contract drilling services for oil and natural gas producers in the United States. The Company constructs, owns and operates a fleet of pad-optimal ShaleDriller rigs that are specifically engineered and designed to accelerate its clients' production profiles and cash flows from their most technically demanding and economically impactful oil and gas properties. For more information, visit http://www.icdrilling.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "anticipated," "estimated," "expected," "planned," "scheduled," "targeted," "believes," "intends," "objectives," "projects," "strategies" and similar expressions are used to identify such forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements relating to Independence Contract Drilling's operations are based on a number of expectations or assumptions which have been used to develop such information and statements but which may prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and there can be no assurance that actual outcomes and results will not differ materially from those expected by management of Independence Contract Drilling. For more information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those conveyed in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC and the information included in subsequent amendments and other filings. These forward-looking statements are based on and include the Company's expectations as of the date hereof. Independence Contract Drilling does not undertake any obligation to update or revise such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur, or which Independence Contract Drilling becomes aware of, after the date hereof.

INDEPENDENCE CONTRACT DRILLING, INC.

Unaudited

(in thousands, except par value and share data)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

June 30, 2022

December 31, 2021

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

7,294

$

4,140

Accounts receivable

26,820

22,211

Inventories

1,377

1,171

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

2,406

4,787

Total current assets

37,897

32,309

Property, plant and equipment, net

356,537

362,346

Other long-term assets, net

2,115

2,449

Total assets

$

396,549

$

397,104

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Liabilities

Current portion of long-term debt (1)

$

3,225

$

4,464

Accounts payable

17,065

15,304

Accrued liabilities

9,044

11,245

Accrued interest

6,939

4,372

Current portion of merger consideration payable to an affiliate

2,902

Total current liabilities

36,273

38,287

Long-term debt (2)

122,094

141,740

Deferred income taxes, net

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Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. Reports Unaudited Financial Results for the Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2022 and Announces Initiation of 200...

Not Waiting For Biden: How This Mom of 3 with $200,000 in Student Loans Has Paid Down $30K During the Payment Freeze – NextAdvisor

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Editorial IndependenceWe want to help you make more informed decisions. Some links on this page clearly marked may take you to a partner website and may result in us earning a referral commission. For more information, see How We Make Money.

You know the system is broken when a performing arts degree costs $200,000.

I felt like I was in a cage, says Latasha Peterson. I left college with a pile of debt. The wife and mother of three struggled for years to make real progress on her enormous student loan bill. Something needed to change.

For over two years, federal student loan payments have been paused, and it appears likely President Biden will extend the pause a seventh time later this month. Millions of Americans anxiously await potential forgiveness legislation, a campaign promise that Biden promoted during his election campaign in 2020.

Peterson isnt one of them. She took matters into her own hands and got serious about her debt management. After gaining traction with her finances, fellow performing artists and creatives began asking her how she was making ends meet. The inbound interest motivated her to create Arts & Budgets, a blog of resources to help people create profitable businesses and additional income streams.

I saw a struggle, she says. I saw the problem, and it developed a passion in me to help individuals find legit ways to make more money. @ArtsAndBudgets now averages $10,000 a month in income from ten different revenue streams, and the mompreneur has used the extra funds to pay down $30,000 of her debt over the last 13 months.

If youre tired of waiting on student loan legislation and want to start taking action now, heres what Peterson wants you to know about starting a side hustle and working towards financial independence.

Growing up, debt was seen as normal in Petersons household, and she says she wasnt taught how to manage money. After college, she found herself juggling over $10,000 in credit card debt and roughly $200,000 in student loan debt with no savings.

Related: 4 Signs Biden Will Extend the Student Loan Payment Pause Again

I really wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, she says. So, I quit while my husband continued to work in corporate America. My passion for work never went away, though. Peterson and her husband started their debt payoff strategy by taking an inventory of the households finances.

Money was tight, and we only had $100 in our account at one point, she says. But my husband and I buckled down and set a budget. We really looked at our numbers, started scaling back, and committed to monthly meetings. We didnt do this when we first got married, but I really wish we had. We started to spend with purpose every dollar had a purpose.

Related: My Side Hustle Pays Me $4,300 a Month, But Im Not Putting a Penny of It Towards My $208,000 Student Loan Debt. Heres Why

Latasha also started taking her blog more seriously as a way to bring in additional income.

It was very busy at first, but I worked with my husband to figure out my schedule, she says. In the beginning, its more time than money invested with blogging. Im very big on schedules, but it was very challenging at the beginning. However, we got into the rhythm of things after about two to three months.

Peterson focused on several different blog monetization strategies, including display ads, affiliate marketing, and selling digital products. She also prioritized boosting traffic to her website.

Related: How to Make Money From Blogging in 5 Steps, According to 4 Experts Whove Done It

Over time, her efforts paid off. She increased her blogging income to over $5,000 in January 2021, which she used to start tackling debt, and now sees earnings of $10,000 or more each month.

I continued working with my husband each week to create a schedule that allowed me to spend at least two to three hours each weekday working on the blog, she says. We also worked together as a team to make sure we stuck with our budget and rewarded ourselves each time we met a debt payoff milestone.

Peterson has paid off all her credit card debt and made tremendous progress towards eliminating those pesky student loans. She believes that with patience and consistency, anyone can start a money-making blog to meet their financial goals.

While it doesnt take a large investment to start a blog, it takes a ton of time when youre just starting out, she says. But if you just stay consistent and keep writing great content for your direct target audience, youll see results for sure. If you want to fast track things, invest in a blogging coach or mentor with a proven track record or a great blogging course. Peterson recommends focusing on great content and learning about important blog concepts such as keyword research and search engine optimization (SEO).

Earning money from a blog takes time, but you can expedite the process by focusing on your niche, target audience and investing in a reputable blogging coach. Blogging courses are also an affordable way to level up your blogging knowledge and monetize sooner.

Most importantly, Peterson urges other bloggers not quite getting the results they want to keep at it.

Never compare your beginning to someone elses middle, she says. There will be days where the going may get tough, but you can turn a blog into a profitable business and start reaching your financial goals. You have to stay consistent.

If I can do it, anyone can do it.

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Not Waiting For Biden: How This Mom of 3 with $200,000 in Student Loans Has Paid Down $30K During the Payment Freeze - NextAdvisor

#394: Ask Paula: Inflation is High! How Much Cash Should You Keep?! – Afford Anything

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Bill listened to our episode with Bill Bengen, father of the 4% rule, and he wants to know if there was a way for him to figure out how much money he should be keeping in cash.

Heather inherited an IRA but MUST empty it within ten years but she doesnt need it right now. What should she do??

Sheryl gets stock from her company, and she would usually sell itbut the stock value has decreased. And now, she isnt sure what she should do.

Julie and her husband have access to an HSA for ONE MONTH. Can they max it out before they lose access to it?

In todays episode, former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy and I tackle these tough questions.

Do you have a question on business, money, trade-offs, financial independence strategies, travel, or investing? Leave it here and well answer them in a future episode.

Enjoy!

Bill asks (at 2:57 minutes): I listened to your episode about the 4% rule, found it very informative.

I have one question about something he said that you didnt go into: he said that hes only 15% invested in stocks right now.

Is there a formula or a method used to determine how much to invest versus keeping cash?

Heather asks (at 9:22 minutes): Im 45 years old and I just inherited a traditional IRA with approximately $30,000 in it.

I have to take the distributions over the next 10 years to empty the account and will owe taxes on it, even though Im not retired and dont really need the money.

However, I do appreciate the gesture and want to invest the money wisely.

What type of asset allocation would you recommend for an account that has to be emptied in 10 years? If I didnt have to take distributions, I would probably put it all into an S&P 500 index fund.

Sheryl asks (at 22:02 minutes): Like many tech employees, I receive a large portion of my compensation in the form of restricted stock units. Also, like many tech companies, our tech company stock has decreased recently.

I was treating my RSUs as income and selling them immediately to either buy diversified stock or to pay for large household items. But with the recent plunge, my company has decreased a larger amount than the S&P 500.

Ive been considering whether I should hold onto this stock to see if there would be any recovery.

For context, the amount that has vested is less than 5% of my investment portfolio, and so I could think of this as my speculative portion of investments, given I dont have any other speculative type assets.

Does it ever make sense to hold on to RSUs in a portfolio? And are there any tax implications that I should be aware of?

Julie asks (at 44:36 minutes): My husband is starting a job with a new company that offers a high deductible health plan with an HSA.

We are really excited about the potential for an HSA. Weve never had one before, but we know that it is a great F.I.R.E. vehicle and we really want to max it out.

We expect that after about a month of my husband having the HSA, my company is going through a change and will be offering new full coverage insurance.

I understand that we cannot have the HSA when I have access to other full coverage insurance.

If for that month before my new benefits take place, can we max out our HSA with my husbands company? The plan would be to put all of my husbands paychecks and max out to the $7,300 limit. We wont be able to contribute to the HSA in the following months, because my husband and I will have coverage through my job.

Can I do this in a month span or do rules around the HSA apply to the entire calendar year?

We have so many changes going on that its a little bit confusing and we really, really want to maximize that HSA if we can for all of the tax advantages.

Resources Mentioned:

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#394: Ask Paula: Inflation is High! How Much Cash Should You Keep?! - Afford Anything