Friday, December 5, 2025

Healthy Habits - Sleep to Live Well Family Guide

  The Sleep To Live Well Foundation (STLW) is thrilled to announce its partnership with Northern California’s noted mental health and family support organization, Family Paths, which has been serving the community's needs for over 50 years. Sleep To Live Well supports Family Paths' mission to empower and strengthen families by offering Sleep Wellness education resources to their clinicians, program services teams, and the hundreds of parents and children they serve.

 

"We are pleased to announce that Family Paths is our inaugural community partner, given their exemplary 50-year+ legacy of strengthening families. We expect our Sleep Wellness resources to augment their efforts in fostering resilience, particularly among children," said Scarlet Nickhol, STLW's executive director and chief marketing officer. "Furthermore, we consider ourselves privileged to collaborate with Family Paths Executive Director Barbra Silver before her retirement this year, following her 27 years of service at the organization, thereby incorporating this dimension of support during her tenure."

 

"Family Paths is honored to be the first community partner to help launch this important resource with the Sleep to Live Well Foundation,” said Executive Director Barbra Silver. “Over the past 50+ years, Family Paths has worked to empower and support parents and children and give them tools to heal from the impact of trauma and stress. Understanding the importance of sleep as a source of resilience and improved health is aligned with our goal of strengthening families."  

 

The timing of the partnership is fortuitous, as it comes just as Sleep To Live Well is releasing its guide to help parents combat the CDC-declared public health epidemic of insufficient sleep, which is adversely affecting the health of millions of children and adults in the U.S.

 

Embracing Sleep Wellness: A Family Guide To Transforming Sleep Resistance Into a Nurturing Ritual, authored by Dr. Roger Washington, MD, FAAFP, with Scarlet Nickhol, MPP, MBA, is an essential 64-page guide to establishing Sleep Wellness in the household. Family Paths will utilize the guide and other STLW materials in parenting programs and with the children it serves.

 

"The mental health clinicians at Family Paths, led by Clinical Director Rene DValery, are the perfect conduit for our Sleep Wellness Screening Protocol and Digest tools," said STLW Founder and Medical Director Dr. Roger Washington, a family physician of 35 years. "For too long, our healthcare providers have lacked proper training and resources to assess sleep quality as an indicator of health and wellness—physically, mentally, or emotionally. With our screening kit, they have a method to quickly evaluate whether inadequate sleep contributes to the  health issues they are observing in individuals and families, along with guidance to prompt Sleep Wellness practices.”

 

More on the Family Guide for Transforming Bedtime

Created for Sleep To Live Well by Stanford-trained physician and sleep wellness advocate Dr. Washington (aka "Doctor Bedtime"), the family guide, Embracing Sleep Wellness, provides actionable strategies for parents and caregivers to address children's bedtime resistance, create nurturing rituals, and support lifelong healthy sleep habits. With practical advice for parents, tips for managing bedtime for different age groups, and a focus on emotional resilience, the guide is poised to become a vital resource for any household.

 

Key Features:

  • Easy-to-follow steps for fostering Sleep Wellness at any age
  • Guidance on recognizing and honoring sleep cues
  • Rituals for creating a calm, secure bedtime environment
  • Solutions for families with multiple children or challenging schedules
  • Section for adults to "unlearn" bad sleep habits and model healthy practices

 

"Our goal is to break cycles of sleep deprivation and empower the next generation with tools for resilience and well-being, especially among youth experiencing stress and trauma," says Dr. Washington.

 

What People Are Saying About the Family Guide

"Simple, practical advice that actually works—made bedtime way less of a struggle at our house." – Parent of 6 and 13-year-olds.

"We needed advice on how to reframe bedtime so that sleep is not a punishment." – Parents of three children.

 

About Family Paths

Based in Oakland, CA, Family Paths has been helping families thrive in Northern California communities since 1972 by providing Mental Health Therapy, Parent Education, Parenting Support Services, and Community Outreach. Through therapy, peer support, trauma-informed care, classes, education, and a 24/7 parenting helpline, Family Paths fosters emotional well-being, resilience, and self-sufficiency for children, parents, and families. They have tracked measurable change and meaningful outcomes among thousands of families they have served, including parents who are more patient with their children, increased parenting confidence, improved child behavior, and better stress management.

Website: www.familypaths.org

 

About Sleep To Live Well Foundation

Based in San Jose, CA, Sleep To Live Well is a health education nonprofit dedicated to advancing public health by promoting Sleep Wellness as preventive medicine, with a focus on children and families facing adversity. Part of its mission is to develop, produce, and distribute evidence-based educational materials, including this parent guide and the children's book Doctor Bedtime’s Sleep Magic SuperPowers for Super-Sleepers, that are grounded in trauma-informed care, behavioral science, and decades of clinical expertise. Both the family guide and children’s books are available on Amazon, with all proceeds supporting its charitable book programs.

 

Fun Freetime - Survey Reveals The Top Public Sports Parks In Each State

 Weekends in America still belong to pickup games, park runs, and dusty diamonds. Across America, public parks turn into makeshift stadiums where families, friends, and total strangers gather for the love of sport. To find out where that spirit shines brightest, SportsBookReview.com, a leading sports review site, surveyed 3,002 people to reveal the sportiest public parks in the country. These are the green spaces where baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and running trails are more than amenities – they’re part of everyday life.

Across the nation, favorites were:

Central Park – Manhattan, New York
Central Park’s Great Lawn, Heckscher Playground, and adjacent sports areas host baseball diamonds, soccer fields, cricket pitches, basketball courts, and running tracks, all in the heart of Manhattan. Weekends start with early youth and adult league matches, shift into afternoon pick-up games on open fields, and extend into evening recreational play while families picnic, stroll, or cycle along the park’s paths – demonstrating a seamless mix of city-scale sport and casual community recreation.

California Oaks Sports Park – Murrieta, California
In Murrieta (Riverside County), California, Oaks Sports Park spreads across open grounds where formal sports and relaxed recreation sit side by side. With lit baseball/softball fields, basketball and tennis courts, a skate park, playgrounds, and green picnic lawns, it supports both league play and laid-back fun. Weekends might start with organized games in the morning and shift into afternoons of families picnicking, friends tossing a ball, or simple lawn time under the oaks. The balance of structure and spontaneity gives the park a welcoming, inclusive energy that suits the community.

Loveland Sports Park – Loveland, Colorado
Just north of central Loveland, Colorado, Loveland Sports Park brings together broad athletic fields, courts, and recreation zones set in a character-rich, semirural backdrop. With seven full-sized grass fields for soccer (plus a synthetic turf championship field), basketball and sand volleyball courts, playgrounds, a spray park and picnic shelters, the complex serves both competitive sports and relaxed family recreation. Early mornings may be filled with league or tournament play, while the lawns, shelters, and playgrounds allow families and friends to enjoy the space as the day unfolds. Though the fields are primarily reservation-based, the mix of sport, open space, and community amenities creates a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for active weekends in Northern Colorado.

Indianapolis World Sports Park – Indianapolis, Indiana
Tucked on the city’s east side, Indianapolis World Sports Park brings an international flair to local play. Its open fields welcome everything from soccer and cricket to rugby and casual weekend kick-abouts. Early games draw organized teams, but by midday the atmosphere loosens – families watching from the sidelines, kids joining in around the edges, and small groups setting up for informal scrimmages as the sun drops. It’s urban sport at its most inclusive and community-driven.

Centennial Park, Nashville, Tennessee
Centennial Park, adjacent to downtown Nashville, is a hub for weekend activity. Its open lawns host casual soccer, volleyball, frisbee, and sometimes informal football games. Runners and cyclists use the outer paved loop, while fitness enthusiasts gather for yoga, tai chi, or bootcamp classes. The Parthenon replica provides a striking backdrop for both organized and casual gatherings. Playgrounds and walking trails further support family-friendly activity, making the park a central space for locals to move, socialize, and enjoy the city’s weekend energy.

Parks have always been where America’s love of sport begins,” says James Bisson, the Editor-in-Chief of SportsBookReview.com. “You don’t need a stadium or a scoreboard – just open space, good weather, and a willingness to play. What our survey shows is that these local parks aren’t just recreation spots; they’re where communities connect, generations mix, and the weekend spirit truly comes alive.”

 

Post credit SportsBookReview.com 

Money Matters - AI and Investing

 InvestorsObserver, a financial analysis company, surveyed over 1,000 experienced U.S. individual investors ages 35–60, to understand how they use and trust AI chatbots for investment decisions. 

The results reveal a clear trust gap: 

  • 19% of respondents say they do not trust AI with any financial task, even as AI tools become more common in consumer finance. 

  • Only 5% act on AI advice without extra research, or human judgement.

Despite this hard line, most investors are moving toward AI on their own terms. Nearly two‑thirds (64%) have never used an AI chatbot for investment advice, yet 59% say they plan to use or continue using AI for investment advice in the future. 

Only 5% report acting directly on AI-generated advice without additional research, while the majority treat it as input rather than instruction.

Read the full report here


ABOUT SAM BOURGI

Sam Bourgi is a finance analyst and researcher at InvestorsObserver, bringing over 13 years of expertise in financial markets, economics, and monetary policy. His professional background spans the private, nonprofit, and public sectors, where he has held positions such as senior policy adviser, labor market analyst, and marketing director. Sam’s in-depth research and market analysis have been referenced by leading institutions and organizations, including the U.S. Congress, Department of Justice, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Bank for International Settlements, Boston University Law Review, Barron’s, and Forbes. Sam regularly appears on TV, including CBNKFYR TV11Alive, and ABC30, and is often quoted by such media outlets as the SF Chronicle and MSN

ABOUT INVESTORS OBSERVER

InvestorsObserver is a trusted source of independent financial analysis, market insights, and investment research for individuals and institutions. Founded to empower retail investors with actionable intelligence, InvestorsObserver delivers timely commentary, data-driven studies, and accessible financial tools designed to simplify complex market trends. Its research and insights have been featured by various media outlets, including Yahoo, The GuardianMorning StarNasdaq, and more.

Previous research by InvestorsObserver: 



Music MInute - JD Shelburne & Crystal Gayle: Silver Bells

 Kentucky-born country standout JD Shelburne and Grand Ole Opry member and multi-award-winning country artist, Crystal Gayle, have added a fresh, heartfelt version of “Silver Bells” to his expanding holiday repertoire. Listen to the new music on all streaming platforms HERE.


Bart Busch produced the holiday favorite, recorded and tracked at Saxman Studios in Mt. Juliet, TN. The Christmas classic premiered yesterday on Country Evolution, further showcasing the artistry and fan-centered spirit that have shaped Shelburne’s remarkable career. Fans can listen to JD’s complete holiday catalog by tuning in to his Christmas playlist on Spotify.

“I recently made my Grand Ole Opry debut in July, sharing the stage with fellow Kentucky native and Opry Member Crystal Gayle. Crystal has been a beloved figure in Kentucky throughout my life, and growing up on a farm, my mom often talked about her and Loretta. I've loved her music and her story for years. It was surreal to meet her at various events, and on my debut night, she performed and later invited my family and me into her dressing room for photos and a meeting. She was very kind to everyone. A few weeks after my debut, I saw she followed me on Instagram and started commenting on my posts. We quickly connected, exchanged numbers, and kept in touch. I asked if she would record with me, and she said, "YES!" We decided to cover the classic Christmas song, "Silver Bells." It was an honor to sing with a Grammy-winning artist and such an accomplished musician. I’m excited for our fans to hear our version—Crystal nailed it!

Crystal Gayle added, "I first met JD Shelburne and his beautiful family when he was making his Opry debut.  He was fantastic. When he asked me to sing with him on one of my favorite classic Christmas songs, “Silver Bells,” I was honored. It is always great singing with a fellow Kentuckian. Love you, JD!"

Stay current with everything JD Shelburne on his website and follow him on social platforms Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram, and subscribe to the official Artist YouTube channel for the latest videos. Music is available on all digital platforms, including Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music 
HERE.

About JD Shelburne:
JD Shelburne caps a dream run of milestones with his seventh studio album, “Raised on the Good Stuff.” The Kentucky native made his long-awaited Grand Ole Opry debut on July 5, 2025, calling the night “unforgettable, something I’ve been looking forward to my entire career.” Recent highlights include a Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Songwriter Session at the Ford Theater as well as a sold out Bluebird Cafe spotlight show and the launch of his Signature Series 101 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey statewide, following collaborations with The Oak Ridge Boys on stage and on his prior album, Neon Hallelujah, which delivered the #1 CMT 12 Pack Countdown video “Cars & Trucks.”
A road warrior with 3,000+ shows to his name, Shelburne has shared bills with ZZ Top, Montgomery Gentry, Miranda Lambert, Marty Stuart, and more; sung the national anthem at the NBA, NASCAR, and MLB events; and graced the cover of Kentucky’s Official Visitor’s Guide. He’s reached the iTunes Country Top Ten, earned consistent air on CMT and the Circle Network, and notched eight consecutive CMT videos, including two #1s, “Church Pew Barstool” and “Cars & Trucks.” He’s drawn praise from Randy Travis, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray), Steve Wariner, and others.
Television has amplified his reach with appearances on NBC, CBS, RFD-TV, TNN, Newsmax, Circle All Access, Meet the Press, American Country Network, and Great American Country. Averaging 7 million monthly impressions on Facebook, Shelburne’s high-energy shows and fan-first approach have solidified him as a regional powerhouse and earned recognition at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum.
Raised in small-town Kentucky, Shelburne picked up a guitar in 2002 and played his first show at his hometown Baptist church in 2003. That spark led him to Nashville, six original albums, and now “Raised on the Good Stuff”—a collection that distills his electric live pulse and honest storytelling into the next defining chapter of a career built on grit, gratitude, and the fans who keep showing up. Current brand partners include Bubbakoo’s Burritos, Breedlove Guitars, Inclusion Brand Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Texas Roadhouse, and Evan Williams Bourbon.

About Crystal Gayle:
Crystal Gayle was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2017 by her sister Loretta Lynn, adding to an extraordinary list of honors that includes the ACM’s 2016 Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award and her 2009 star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A beloved figure in country and popular music since the mid-1970s, she is celebrated for timeless hits like Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue, You’ve Been Talking in Your Sleep, When I Dream, Half the Way, and her duet with Eddie Rabbitt, Just You and I. With more than twenty No. 1 singles and dozens of crossover successes, Crystal has been recognized by the Grammys, CMA, ACM, American Music Awards, and others for her enduring impact on music.
Her most recent album, You Don’t Know Me, co-produced with her son Christos Gatzimos, revisits classic country songs that shaped her early life and career, including Ribbon of Darkness, You Don’t Know Me, Just One More, and You Never Were Mine. The project also features the first-ever recording of sisters Loretta Lynn and Peggy Sue on "Put It Off Until Tomorrow." Beyond her chart-topping catalog, Crystal’s diverse work includes soundtrack collaborations, inspirational albums, contributions to Grammy-winning children’s projects, and long-standing charitable involvement. A proud Nashville resident, she continues to share her artistry with audiences worldwide while cherishing time with family and community.

Fun Freetime - The Outta Control Holiday Magic Dinner Show (Orlando)

 WonderWorks Orlando is taking holiday magic to another level! Now is the time to grab tickets to see The Outta Control Holiday Magic Dinner Show, returning to the upside-down house from December 13-31, 2025. Jingle all the way to the most magical experience of the season that you’ll want to turn into a holiday tradition! Catch shows nightly at 6 pm, with additional shows at 4 pm and 8 pm on select nights. Families are encouraged to get their tickets early, as this popular annual holiday dinner show often sells out.

 

“This year’s holiday spectacular will be a celebration of all the magic of the season!” said Phillip Kaiser, headlining magician at The Outta Control Magic Dinner Show. “An evening at the show is sure to leave your family talking about each illusion well after the curtain drops.”

Kaiser is an award-winning performer and is leading the way in bringing his finest holiday magic to the Outta Control stage. The show is appropriate for all ages and provides a great family holiday outing. Shows will feature elegant illusions straight from the North Pole, along with festive music and decorative lights. Guests can take in all this excitement as they dine on a delicious holiday feast of unlimited fresh, hand-tossed cheese or pepperoni pizza, salad, a tasty dessert, and beverages, including soda, beer, and wine. This is all included in one ticket price, which starts at just $26.99 plus tax.

 

The holly jolly magic show will also include mysterious gifts unwrapped to reveal magical surprises, and champagne toasts that defy logic and gravity right in front of your eyes. This and much more will keep the family amazed, laughing, and enjoying the holiday atmosphere together as they make memories together. Some lucky volunteers may even get a chance to become part of the show. On select nights, an Outta Control guest magician will take the stage, sharing their special gifts and holiday cheer. For the show schedule, performer lineups, and tickets, visit the site at: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/orlando/the-experience/the-outta-control-magic-comedy-dinner-show/.

 

“Orlando is one of the most magical places to be during the holiday season, so we are always thrilled to contribute to the festivities! WonderWorks and The Outta Control Holiday Magic Dinner Show are great, unique options for families looking for some affordable, festive fun," said Brian Wayne, general manager at WonderWorks Orlando.

WonderWorks has lots of fun in store for the holiday season, making it the perfect family-friendly destination in the coming weeks. The kids will be delighted to see the upside-down Christmas trees and holiday magic show. Parents will love the one-of-a-kind gift shop, where science meets souvenirs. There, they can find many unique gifts for the science lovers on their list or go with a WonderWorks gift card, providing the ultimate gift experience for people of all ages. Gift cards can be purchased in person or online.

WonderWorks is also proud to be a drop-off location for the annual Nathaniel's Hope toy drive in December. Anyone can stop by to drop off new, unwrapped toys that will be donated to Nathaniel's Toy Shop, a pop-up Toy Shop that provides holiday gifts to local kids with special needs and families in financial need. All of this and more truly makes WonderWorks a great one-stop-shop on International Drive.

To keep up on the latest discounts, events, and more, follow the WonderWorks Orlando Facebook page. WonderWorks Orlando is located at 9067 International Drive and is open 365 days a year. It offers a variety of educational and student group opportunities, including visits for scouts, field trips, team building, birthday parties, and more. With over 100 hands-on interactive exhibits to explore, there is something for everyone inside. There are Wonder Zones to explore, a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, laser tag, a 4D XD motion theater, and a family-friendly magic dinner show. To learn more about the possibilities or get ticket information, visit the site at: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/orlando.

About WonderWorks

WonderWorks, the upside-down adventure, is a science-focused indoor amusement park for the mind that holds something unique and exciting for visitors of all ages. Guests enter through an upside-down lobby, where the ceiling is at their feet and the ground is above their heads. They must pass through an inversion tunnel to turn the right side up. There are three floors of nonstop "edu-tainment," featuring over 100 hands-on and interactive exhibits that serve a STEM educational purpose, challenging the mind and sparking the imagination. WonderWorks Orlando is also home to The Outta Control Magic Dinner Show. WonderWorks is in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, Myrtle Beach, Panama City Beach, Syracuse, and Branson. For more information, visit WonderWorksonline.com, and follow @WonderWorksORL on Facebook and X (Twitter), @WonderWorks_ORL on Instagram, and @WonderWorksOfficial on TikTok.

 

 

Money Matters - States Most Vulnerable to Identity Theft & Fraud

 With the recent AT&T data breach impacting nearly 86 million customer accounts, including over 44 million Social Security numbers, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its report on 2025’s States Most Vulnerable to Identity Theft & Fraud.


To determine where Americans are most susceptible to fraud and identity theft, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 15 key metrics. The data set ranges from identity theft complaints per capita to the average loss amount due to fraud.
 
Most Vulnerable StatesLeast Vulnerable States
1. Florida42. Washington 
2. California43. Minnesota 
3. Georgia44. Alaska 
4. New Jersey45. Kansas 
5. District of Columbia46. Ohio 
6. Nevada47. Maine 
7. Delaware48. West Virginia 
8. New York49. Connecticut 
9. Texas50. Montana 
10. North Carolina51. Vermont 
 
Key Stats
  • South Dakota has the fewest identity-theft complaints (per 100,000 residents), 5.6 times fewer than in Florida, the state with the most. 
     
  • The District of Columbia has the fewest people arrested for fraud per capita, 26.6 times fewer than in Delaware, the state with the most.
     
  • South Dakota has the fewest fraud complaints (per 100,000 residents), 3.7 times fewer than in the District of Columbia, which has the most.
     
  • Vermont has the lowest median loss amount due to fraud, 2.1 times lower than in Arizona, Hawaii, and Wyoming, the states with the highest.

To view the full report and your state or the District’s rank, please visit: 
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-where-identity-theft-and-fraud-are-worst/17549


 

“In an age where we have sensitive data online in a multitude of places, we risk falling victim to identity theft and fraud whenever there’s a data breach. Living in a state with robust legal protections against identity theft and fraud, such as identity theft passports and cybersecurity task forces, can decrease your risk of falling victim to these crimes, though staying vigilant and protecting yourself online is still the most important.”

“Florida is notably vulnerable to identity theft and fraud, and one of the big reasons for this is a lack of suitable laws protecting against these crimes. For example, Florida doesn’t have an identity theft passport program or laws against spyware on computers. Plus, Florida had 528 identity theft complaints and 2,163 fraud complaints for every 100,000 residents last year, the highest and second-highest rates in the nation, respectively. It also had the fifth-highest median loss due to fraud, at over $500.”

- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst


Expert Commentary

What can individuals do to guard against identity theft?

“Perpetrators of identity theft have various motives. The most common motive is to use someone else’s identity to apply for loans/mortgage, credit cards, etc. One of the most effective ways to protect yourself against this type of identity theft is to freeze your credit with all three major credit bureaus. This service is free, and you can easily temporarily unfreeze (or ‘thaw’) your credit online whenever you need to apply for new credit. Freezing your credit will prevent anyone from accessing your credit report, so it will effectively block anyone, including identity thieves, from opening new accounts in your name. I began doing this practice a few years ago after one of my email accounts was hacked. In addition, regularly monitoring your credit reports and purchasing identity theft insurance can provide extra layers of protection.”
Chih-Chen Lee, Ph.D., CPA, CFE – Professor, Northern Illinois University
 
“The biggest thing people can do is to pay attention. Check your bank and credit cards regularly. Pay attention to your spending habits. Thieves may try to ‘test’ your awareness by making a few small purchases. So be diligent in monitoring your financial activity online. Once you do believe you've been compromised, you should start by putting a hold on your accounts. You don't have to close them immediately, most financial service providers will offer a lock down until you clear things up. Some other basic strategies for protection are using multi-factor authentication, avoiding repeat passwords.”
Dr. Philip Kim, D.Sc., CISSP, CISA – Associate Professor, Walsh University
 

What are some common scams and fraud attempts people should be vigilant about?

“There are so many scams and fraud attempts today. Be especially aware of social engineering, which refer to techniques that criminals use to manipulate or deceive people into giving away confidential information. Criminals may send phishing emails or make vishing (voice phishing) calls trying to obtain your personal information or financial details. They often rely on psychological tactics such as creating urgency (You must act immediately), impersonating authority figures (e.g., IRS, Immigration officials), or posing as tech support claiming that your computer has a virus or your account needs immediate attention.”
Chih-Chen Lee, Ph.D., CPA, CFE – Professor, Northern Illinois University
 
“Unfortunately, people still fall for Phishing. It is still the most common trap. Fake emails or texts pretending to be from your bank, a delivery service, or even your workplace. I’m also seeing more tech-support scams, fake ‘your account is locked’ notices, and investment scams promising unrealistic returns. A good rule of thumb: if a message creates a sense of urgency or asks for money or personal info, slow down and verify.”
Dr. Philip Kim, D.Sc., CISSP, CISA – Associate Professor, Walsh University
 

Is the expansion of social media facilitating more identity theft?

“Definitely! The widespread use of social media has made it easier for criminals to gather personal information. Be cautious about what you share online, especially details like your date of birth, address, or place of work. For example, when you post birthday photos on Facebook, identity thieves can easily collect that information and use it to steal your identity.”
Chih-Chen Lee, Ph.D., CPA, CFE – Professor, Northern Illinois University
 
“Unfortunately, yes. Social media gives attackers a gold mine of personal details – birthdays, schools, family names, travel patterns – all of which can be used to guess passwords or craft convincing scams. Even small bits of info, when pieced together, can give fraudsters enough to impersonate someone.”
Dr. Philip Kim, D.Sc., CISSP, CISA – Associate Professor, Walsh University


More From WalletHub

Healthy Habits - 10 Ways to Geek Out on FSA-eligible High-tech Health from FSA Store®

 If you “geek out” over the latest consumer tech, particularly when it comes to managing your health, then you’ll love this list of 10 ways to spend tax-free flexible spending account (FSA) funds from, FSA Store®, which is part of the Health-E Commerce® family of brands. These medical-grade devices offer FSA users a unique way to support the health needs of any family members who qualify as dependents under IRS rules, while spending tax-free funds before the December 31 use-it-or-lose-it FSA deadline.


10 Ways to Spend FSA Funds on Trending High-Tech Health at FSA Store®

  1. Wearable Health Trackers: Manage your health and support health improvement with devices like the Oura Ring and WHOOP that deliver data about activity, sleep, and other important biometric measures.

  2. Skincare: Treat conditions like acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema with light therapy devices like the reVive Light Therapy LUX Sonique Mini Sonic Cleansing Device, the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLight FaceWare Pro mask, or the Acne Light Therapy Bundle

  3. Massagers and Pain Relief Devices: Support muscle recovery, physical therapy, and address chronic pain with devices that provide deep-tissue massage, healing light therapy, and nerve stimulation like the Chirp Halo Wireless Muscle Stimulator, the Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite™ BodyWare Pro, the Revive Ultra Massage Gun — Caring Mill™ by Aura, the Therabody TheraCup Advanced Heat & Vibration Cupping Therapy Device or the Hi-Tech Total Body Pain Relief Bundle, only available at FSA Store® and HSA Store®.

  4. Oral Health: Give the gift of a healthy smile with FSA-eligible devices like the Illumine Ultrasonic Gum-Health Scaler – Caring Mill™ by Aura, the dpl® Oral Care Light Therapy SystemCaring Mill™ Cold Sore Therapy Device or the Zima Dental Pod.

  5. Recovery and Physical Therapy: Support physical therapy goals and recovery from injuries with the Chirp Contour Decompression Table, the Carex AccuRelief Ultimate Foot Circulator with RemoteOrbit Step Therapy — Caring Mill™ by Aura or the Hyperboot by Nike × Hyperice.

  6. Medication Management: Adherence with medication plans can get complicated, but devices like the Caring Mill™ Smart Pill Dispenser with Alarm can help you and your dependents stay on track with medication timing and dosing. 

  7. Baby Health Monitors. Nothing is more important than the health of your child. Use FSA funds to purchase devices that deliver real-time visuals and alerts about your child’s health, even while they sleep, like the Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor & Floor Stand (V2) or the Owlet Dream Duo™ Smart Baby Monitoring System, 3rd Generation.

  8. Healthy Pregnancy & Post-Partum Health: From the keggᵀᴹ Fertility Tracker and Kegel Ball to devices like the NatureSpirit Handheld Fetal Doppler, the Mommy Matters NeoHeat Red Light Therapy Device for Postpartum Healing or the Momcozy 3-in-1 Kneading Lactation Massager, gift yourself or your tax-eligible partner devices that will deliver a healthy birthing experience.

  9. Heart Health: Gain vital insights about the health of your heart with the AliveCor KardiaMobile Personal EKG or one of many FSA-eligible blood pressure monitors.

  10. Women’s Health: Alleviate the pain of menstrual cramps and minimize hot flashes during menopause with devices like the Serene Menstrual Relief Bundle - Caring Mill™ by Aura Bundle, the Beurer EM50 Menstrual Relief TENS & Heat Unit, the Mellow Hot Flash Relief Device — Caring Mill™ by Aura, or the Embr Wave 2 Hot Flash Relief Wristband, Rose Gold.


What is the FSA deadline? All FSAs have a deadline by which funds must be spent each year. The majority of employers that offer an FSA have a December 31 deadline, which means anyone who is enrolled in an FSA may need to spend all funds by December 31 (unless they have a balance rollover, a grace period extension, or a runout period extension), or unused funds will be forfeited. The December deadline is often referred to as the “use-it-or-lose-it” deadline. 


Take these steps to avoid forfeiting FSA funds:

  1. Check your FSA balance. Check with your employer or FSA administrator for this information. You may even have access to your FSA information via an online portal through your FSA administrator. 

  2. Use account management tools at FSA Store®, including an interactive deadline spending toolproduct bundles, and the ability to shop by price to align with remaining funds. 

  3. Use the searchable FSA Eligibility ListTM at FSA Store® to shop more than 2,500 exclusively FSA-eligible products. Our specially trained FSA customer service representatives are available 24/7 via online chat or telephone to answer your deadline questions.

For more information about FSA deadlines or to explore eligible products, visit FSAstore.com.

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About Health-E Commerce

Health-E Commerce is the parent brand to FSA Store and HSA Store, online stores that serve the 70+ million consumers enrolled in pre-tax health and wellness accounts. The company also created Caring Mill™, a popular private-label line of health products through which a portion of every purchase is donated to the Children’s Health Fund. Since 2010, the Health-E Commerce brands have led the direct-to-consumer e-commerce market for exclusively pre-tax health and wellness benefits. Health-E Commerce plays an essential role in expanding product eligibility for important new categories within the list of eligible medical expenses.