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What Qualifies You for Social Security Disability Benefits?

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To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must have a qualifying disability and have worked in jobs that required you to pay into the Social Security system. If you meet these requirements and your doctor says you won’t be able to work for one year or longer, you may be able to receive benefits until you can work again—if that ever happens.

So which conditions qualify you for disability benefits? Read this and see if your diagnosis is on the list. If it’s not, don’t worry, your condition may still be qualifying.

Asthma
Anxiety
Autism
Back injuries
Blindness
Cerebral palsy
Coronary artery disease
COPD
Deafness
Disorders of bone marrow failure
Epilepsy
Heart failure
Hemolytic anemias
HIV/AIDS
Irritable bowel disorder
Intellectual disorder
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Lupus
Marfan syndrome
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sjogren’s syndrome

Any disease, injury, or disorder that prevents you from working for at least 12 months could potentially be a qualifying condition, depending on the severity. You’ll need to discuss your condition with a Social Security disability lawyer to determine whether or not you qualify.

There are certain conditions that will automatically qualify you for benefits so you can begin receiving payments right away without having to go through the approval process first. These include early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, Lou Gherig’s disease, stage IV or inflammatory breast cancer, cancer of the pancreas or gallbladder, and several other cancers.

How to Apply

If you want the Social Security disability process to run smoothly and efficiently, there are some things you need to know before your first appointment. To get the process started immediately, come prepared. Bring your Social Security number and those of your spouse and children, your W-2 information from the past year, and discharge papers if you were in the military.

The first thing you’ll need to do after you’ve gathered your information is to fill out a Social Security Disability report form. You can download this from their website and fill it out in advance. This form will ask you for information like your doctors’ contact details, the medications you’re taking, your past jobs, and any claims you’ve filed.

The next step in the process is to schedule your appointment with the Social Security Administration. You can make your appointment over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 or schedule your appointment online.

Another thing you can do to speed up the application process is to get a copy of your medical records from your physician in advance. Once you’ve requested your record, your doctor has 30 days to get it to you. Many doctors will turn it around faster than that, but it’s still smart to request it at least 30 days ahead of your appointment.

You can download this Disability Starter Kit to learn more about what to expect throughout the process. This helpful guide contains information, a worksheet, and a checklist that’ll help you prepare.

If Your Benefits Are Denied

According to the Social Security Disability lawyers at Bader Scott, in many cases the initial claim will be denied by Claims Examiners, who often make mistakes due to a lack of experience. With an attorney’s help, you may be able to successfully appeal so your application for benefits can be settled on favorable terms.

You can apply for an appeal hearing on the Social Security website, but be forewarned, you’re going to be waiting for this hearing for a long time. On average, the wait time for an appeal will be twelve months or longer. If your appeal goes well and your benefits are approved, you’ll get retroactive benefits either in payments or a lump sum.

You will have 60 days after you receive the notice of denial to file your claim. If you are denied, you should get on this right away. Your benefits may depend on it.

AUTHOR: Cheryl Roy

The Millennial’s Financial Guide to Homebuying

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Around 4.8 million millennials are turning 30 in 2020. This is the largest age bracket among millennials, according to CNBC. Many of them have families and are looking to buy their first home.

Compared to older generations, saving for a house hasn’t been easy for millennials. In 2017, millennials who bought homes paid around 39 percent more than baby boomers who bought houses in the 80s. With higher costs of living and rising student debt, it takes millennials longer to afford a home. Now, considering the economic impact of COVID-19, it’s tougher for people to make major life purchases.

But don’t fret. Knowing your mortgage options and proper financial planning will make a difference. If you commit to a budget now and work on your savings, it’s possible to purchase a house in the near future. Here are essential financial tips you need to know before buying a home.

When to Consider Buying a House

Before taking a mortgage, improve your credit score. Give yourself time to improve your credit. Make sure to pay your loans and credit card on time. If you have large outstanding debts, be sure to pay them down. Check your credit report and see if there’s any inaccurate information. Disputing errors like unrecorded payments can help improve your credit score.

Most conventional lenders usually approve a credit score of 680 and above, and some may approve 620. Conventional loans are offered by lenders that are not sponsored by the government. You can get them from banks, credit unions, and non-bank mortgage companies.

If you have an excellent credit rating, you’re eligible for lower interest rates. This makes your monthly mortgage more affordable. It will help you save on total interest costs throughout the life of your loan. Make sure to shop around for loans and choose the lowest interest rate.

Know how much house you can afford.

Compare real estate listings to know what price range you can manage. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t buy property beyond your means. How do you know if your dream home fits your budget? You must understand your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.

DTI ratio compares your gross income with how much debt you owe. If your DTI ratio is too high, your loan will not be granted. A low DTI ratio makes it more manageable to make monthly mortgage payments. This decreases your risk of defaulting on your loan and losing your house to foreclosure. Once you’re perceived as a low-risk borrower, lenders are more likely to approve your mortgage.

Lenders check these two important DTI ratios before approving a loan:

Front-end DTI ratio – The percentage of your income that pays for mortgage-related costs. It includes monthly mortgage payments, property insurance, and association dues. Your front-end DTI must not exceed 28 percent. This is the standard requirement for conventional mortgages which are not federally backed by the government.
Back-end DTI ratio – The percentage of your income that pays for your mortgage-related costs along with your other debts. This includes auto loans, credit cards, student loans, etc. Your back-end DTI ratio must not exceed 36 percent. But for federally backed government mortgages such as Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, the DTI limit is 43 percent.

Know how much you can borrow.

To know this, get pre-approved for a mortgage. Speaking to a lender determines the specific amount you can borrow. It’s one of the best ways to know how much home you can afford. To do this, you must authorize your lender to review your credit report. Getting pre-approval does not require you to borrow from the lender. But once you’re ready to make an offer, you can choose one with the best rates and terms. Lowermybills.com mentions that “Like all things connected to home buying and mortgage rates, do your research.” Furthermore, they state that “If you find a rate you are comfortable with, and it gets you the mortgage payment in your price range, it might be a good idea to decide to lock in the interest rate.”

Know when and where house prices are low.

A year before buying, research local market conditions in your preferred area. Check common house prices and pay attention to big price shifts. There are periods when real estate prices are depressed or generally low. In other times, they can be awfully expensive. It also pays to check houses in low-cost locations such as less crowded suburbs. Homes in busy metropolitan areas and coastal states usually have expensive price tags.

How Much Down Payment Should You Save?

Ideally, homebuyers should make a down payment that’s 20 percent of the home’s value. For instance, if you’re buying a $250,000 house, your down payment should be $50,000. These days, you might notice buyers making a smaller down payment. This has its drawbacks, which come in the form of mortgage insurance costs.

Conventional loans come with an annual private mortgage insurance (PMI) policy, which is 0.25 percent to 2 percent of your loan amount. It’s typically required if your down payment is less than 20 percent. PMI is usually rolled into your monthly payments and is canceled once your mortgage balance reaches 78 percent.

Meanwhile, federally backed mortgages such as FHA loans come with mortgage insurance premiums (MIP). If your down payment is less than 20 percent, MIP is required. It’s paid both as an upfront fee (1.75 percent of the loan amount) and an annual insurance fee (0.85 percent of the loan amount). MIP is usually paid for the entire life of the loan, which makes it a lot costlier in the long run.

How do you save for your down payment?

Start gathering funds as early as you can. Saving your tax refund is a great source. As of 2020, the average tax refund is $3,100, which is a large amount that can bolster your down payment. You can also use work and holiday bonuses you get from your employer. Save cash gifts during birthdays, as well as windfall inheritance funds from relatives. To earn extra income, work overtime hours or get a freelance job on the side. This will take time. So the earlier you save, the better.

Low Down Payment Options for First-Time Homebuyers

More often, people do not usually have enough time to save for a higher down payment. They need to relocate because of a new job or a growing family. When this happens, you can opt for low-cost mortgages options. If you need a loan with low down payment and relaxed credit requirements, consider government-sponsored mortgages. These are loans meant for low to moderate income families who need assistance in buying a home.

FHA Loans
You can qualify for an FHA loan if your credit score is between 500 to 580. Your down payment can be as low as 3.5 percent if your credit score is 580 and above. If your credit score is below 580, your down payment must be at least 10 percent. All FHA loans require MIP regardless of your down payment amount.

USDA Loan
The U.S. Department of Agricultural approves home loans if your credit score is 640. Down payment is not required but is definitely an option. To get a USDA loan, you must purchase a house in a USDA-approved rural area. This includes many suburbs and around 97 percent of land mass in the U.S. Moreover, your household income must not be over 115 percent of the median income of your area. USDA loans come with a guarantee fee, which is paid as an upfront fee and an annual fee rolled into your monthly payments.

VA Loans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers special loans to active military members, veterans, and qualified military spouses. VA loans are flexible with credit scores, but it’s better if your credit score is at least 620. Down payment is also not required but is an option. However, instead of a mortgage insurance premium or guarantee fee, VA loans require a VA funding fee. Paying at least 5 percent down payment helps reduced this added cost.

Worried about poor credit? There are local housing agencies per state that can help you. Your state agency can assist you in looking for housing options that can accommodate your low credit score. They can also provide down payment assistance for mortgages. Just get in touch with your state housing agency soon.

The Importance of Saving a 20 Percent Down Payment

Making a 20 percent down payments eliminates private mortgage insurance costs. This reduces the amount you need to borrow, which effectively lowers your monthly mortgage payment. The higher payment also decreases your loan-to-value ratio, which is the amount of your loan compared to your home’s value. It also allows you to secure a much lower mortgage rate.

To give you a better idea how it affects your mortgage payments, let’s see the table below. It compares the same mortgage. One made an 8 percent down payment, while the other made a 20 percent down payment.

30-year Fixed-Rate Mortgage
Home price: $350,000
Interest rate: 3% APRMortgage5% Down Payment20% Down PaymentDown payment$17,500$70,000Borrowed amount$332,500$280,000Monthly payment$1,401.83$1,180.49Total interest paid$172,160.03$144,976.87Loan-to-value ratio95%80%Total PMI cost$18,038.130

In the example above, making a 20 percent down payment reduces your borrowed amount to $280,000, while 5 percent only reduces it to $332,500. Your monthly mortgage payment will be $221.34 lower with a 20 percent down payment. As for interest cost, you save $27,183.16 more in total interest with a 20 percent down payment. Meanwhile, with a 5 percent down payment, you still need to pay $18,038.13 on top of interest charges. Basically, you’ll gain more saving in the long term if you make a higher down payment.

Need help with your mortgage budget? Use this mortgage payment calculator to estimate your monthly mortgage payment, total interest, and PMI costs.

Here’s a tip: If you take an FHA loan for the low down payment, there is a way to remove MIP. If your credit score is at least 620, you have the option to refinance into a conventional mortgage after a few years. Refinancing is basically taking out a new loan to replace your existing one. You can refinance to a conventional loan with a lower rate. You may consider this option to get rid of costly MIP charges.

The Bottom Line

Now that you know your housing options and requirements, you can better prepare your finances. As early as now, start improving your credit score to qualify for a loan. Borrowers are offered lower interest rates when their credit score is high. It’s also ideal to save up for a 20 percent down payment.

Next, keep track of your debt-to-income ratio. As long as you don’t accumulate large debts, you should be eligible for a mortgage. Moreover, start checking home prices at low-cost areas. If you time your purchase when house prices are generally low, you can score a better deal.

If you can’t make the 20 percent down payment, there are low-cost mortgage options to choose from. Check out FHA loans and USDA loans. If you’re a veteran or military member, you’re qualified for VA loans. Just take note that government-backed loans come with extra costs, such as mortgage insurance premium for FHA loans. If you take advantage of these options and plan your finances, soon you can purchase your own house.

Ways to pass the time in the fall

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Do you feel stuck at home when the weather suddenly starts to change? Does the gloominess of fall make you lazy and unproductive? While most people keep on using social media platforms to kill their boredom, there are other ways to feel motivated. Some of you may surf the Internet for fun like playing MrBet online pokies nz. The options are endless. Let’s have a look at them to maintain your sanity during such a season.

Polish your Skills

This is the best time to work on your skills and polish them. Learn something of your interest online or take a short course. Consume your time in learning something relevant to your field or just work on your hobbies. Explore more options and set a goal. Improve your skills, whether it be crafting, writing, graphic designing, photography, or whatever. Just believe in yourself, so that you can achieve everything.

Spark Creativity

When creativity strikes, one can have numerous ways to have fun-filled days. If you have an interest in casino games, then get this bonus. Many creative and innovative ideas are bound to make your days full of spice and thrill. Some of these are:

Have a backyard party. Sounds interesting? Just grab some barbeque grills, comfy chairs, and call over your friends. You are all set to have the best time.
Play a new game. Yes, believe us, it helps energize and entertain.
Challenge yourself every day.
Paint the wall of your room. Use different techniques to make it look brighter and sharper. Google the options.
Start gardening. Spend your time with the plants and take care of them. This kind of activity will have a soothing and calming effect on you.
Try out a new recipe. Good food makes everyone happy.
Have you borrowed a book ages ago from your friend? Time to sit draped in a blanket on the couch and finish it. It is the best way to kill time productively.
Nothing makes you happy? Don’t worry. Just switch on your TV and tune into Netflix. Time to watch the series, but grab some popcorn first.
Reconnect with life. Explore the beauties of nature. Rake up the fall leaves and click some fall pictures.
Bake fall-inspired cookies. Invite your friends and decorate cookies together.
Fall is the best season to make leaf garlands. Try your hands out on this craft.

Conclusion

If you are curious and excited to learn, there are many ways to keep you entertained. Never limit yourself, but try to explore all the options. If you are on the verge of tears because of boredom, try out some of these activities. We are sure you will find a way to conquer boredom, which will keep you on track this fall season.

Author: Nick Chong

4 Observations Showing Us the World Has Changed

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Oh boy. Did you ever think back in, hey, just 2019, that we’d end up where we are now? The world has changed significantly over the course of a year, but honestly, the writing has been on the wall for a while now that things are about to get real.

1. Celebrity status is now cemented as a valid work background as a politician, even president

Yep, Kanye is making a swing at getting on the ballot for the next election in the US. Crazy? No, considering both Trump and Schwarzenegger paved the way have gone on to be successfully voted in, after serving as a reality TV star (/businessman) and action movie hero, respectively.

Celebrities are (mostly) aware that they get a huge platform to speak from: they already have household name recognition. In fact, this is why Taylor Swift said she kept her political opinions to herself for so long. She believed that she was ‘just a pop singer’ so her approval or disapproval of political goings-on shouldn’t be used to sway her listener’s votes. She ended up changing her tune, but it really speaks to the reasons why we shouldn’t listen to celebs just because they’re in our faces.

Instead (sorry, Ye) we should look to people experienced in politics, leadership, international relations, and industry, instead of celebrities who have experience in their craft, marketing, and jet setting. Instead, politicians should listen to celebs as consultants – they have a unique world view which can be useful to hear.

2. International travel is no longer a thing

Planning your next far-flung island getaway? Ha! Hahaha! Yeah… about that.

Throw your mind waaaay back, back to the beginning of 2020. International travel was more affordable than ever. Your Instagram was filled with stories from your mates time at the Maldives, or Bali, or Croatia. Life was grand and you were excited for your summer trip this year. Then came Covid and now international travel is only really for EU citizens (and maybe not even) and everywhere else is closed. No stamps on your passport, ridiculously expensive flights, and zero tourist visas anyway.

Hope you’re happy holidaying somewhere close to home or getting the green screen out and just pretending. How many airlines will collapse before this is all over? How much will the tickets be afterward? When are we going to get to travel? Who. Knows.

3. We’re doing evvvverything online

Working from home, attending classes online, socializing via Zoom. Everyone has had to get used to doing their regular ‘in-person’ activities in a stripped-back, purely online form. And it’s worked for the most part.

Even activities you may not have thought of have shifted online – for instance, gamblers stepping away from the huge, luxury casinos they’re used to playing at in favor of online houses. Of course, these land-based casinos have something their online counterparts cannot replicate (it’s good but not quite the same). When you enter you feel the energy, the scale of the places, and, unless you’re a billionaire, you may feel a little intimidated.

With such a huge shift online, it’s unlikely we’ll see the pendulum swing back entirely the other way to in-person activities. It’s great not having to wear pants, after all.

There is now such a thing as BC and AC: Before COVID-19 and After COVID-19, and it is apparent that there is a shift in international relations during these time periods. While there may not be a significant shift in power dynamics between different countries – yet – there certainly has been some interesting ripples as different countries, and even different regions within countries, feel dismayed at others’ policies.

4. International relations have shifted

Of course, much of this international shift has to do with the posture of the US, with Europeans now alarmed at the rising rates of coronavirus and wondering why US citizens aren’t more concerned with their health. There’s also the president out here returning to calling COVID-19 “The China Virus” which strains already fraught tensions between the two superpowers. The meddling of Russia in both the US elections and (allegedly) Brexit. People are still wary of China and yet intrigued as to how cleverly they’ve seemingly handled their internal coronavirus situation.

To sum up: it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin.

However, these new emerging dynamics are unlikely to go away, or back to the way they were any time soon, if at all. It’s going to be a very interesting few years to come.

The world has changed and it’s still changing – faster and faster. Let’s see where we end up next, hey? And can 2020 please be over already?

Vietnam Kratom Guide

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Your guide to the diverse strains and effects of Vietnam Kratom.

Vietnam kratom is not a new strain. It has been growing in the fertile Vietnam areas for years now. But it has gained popularity recently with its impressive range in strains and effects. From pain relief to energizing boosts, Vietnam kratom does it all. There are a lot of varieties of kratom products, such as Vietnam kratom powder, kratom capsules, kratom tea, etc. Each customer can choose a kratom type to satisfy their needs. You can find Vietnam kratom and all its substrains online at sites like https://www.authentickratom.com/. If you are interested in Vietnam kratom, you are in the right place to learn about and love Vietnam kratom strains!

Introduction to Vietnam Kratom

Vietnam kratom is considered to be a unique strain. It is because the areas where Vietnam kratom grows are favorable to the kratom. The most common areas where Vietnam kratom grows are An Giang Province and the Mekong River. The area along the Mekong River is rich in minerals. Due to this, the quality of Vietnam kratom is very high, as is the popularity of the strain.

Vietnam kratom is unique because of where it grows. Soil rich in minerals is favorable for the growth of kratom. Such soil produces high-quality kratom. In addition, Vietnamese farmers are experienced in what they do. They know when to harvest and how to harvest. Because of the enhanced harvesting expertise, the quality of Vietnam kratom is notable in many ways. One example is the unique aroma of Vietnam kratom and the pronounced scent makes it better than other strains.

Vietnam Kratom Strains

Vietnam kratom is popular to introduce a new substrain. Before, there were only three vein colors. But now, a fourth vein color; yellow vein, has also been introduced in the market.

So, in total, Vietnam kratom has four strains. These strains are, Red Vietnam Kratom, White Vietnam Kratom, Green Vietnam Kratom, and Yellow Vietnam Kratom.

Red Vietnam Kratom

Red vein Vietnam kratom is one of the most powerful Vietnam strains. This strain has red veins on the kratom leaves. The red veins mean that they have been matured properly. The more mature a kratom strain, the more powerful it is.

Even though red Vietnam kratom is powerful but it is milder than other kratom strains. The effects of Vietnam kratom are more towards relaxation and enhancing your mood. They don’t have intense effects like sedation. That’s also the case with red vein Vietnam kratom.

Effects of Red Vietnam

Red Vietnam kratom is popular for its relaxing effects. It is a mature strain, so its relaxing properties are high as well. Following are the effects that you can expect while using red Vietnam kratom:

Red Vietnam kratom relaxes your body and mind. It reduces the symptoms of stress.
It gives a hint of energy to the user’s body. You feel energized and motivated after using red Vietnam kratom.
Red Vietnam kratom clears your mind and makes you feel happier and better.
Like other red vein strains, red Vietnam is a pain reliever. The pain-relieving properties of red Vietnam aren’t as prominent as other strains. But its analgesic effects are considerably high.
Red Vietnam kratom provides you with instant effects. You don’t have to wait for hours to experience its effects.

White Vietnam Kratom

White vein Vietnam kratom is famous for its energizing properties. But, it is not a good strain for new users as their first strain. White Vietnam kratom is the most potent among the other Vietnam strains so, people who don’t have experience with kratom shouldn’t use it as a first try.

Effects of White Vietnam

People use white Vietnam kratom to drive away fatigue and laziness. It is a great alternative to your morning coffee as it wakes you up more than a coffee or tea ever would. Here are the common effects of white vein Vietnam kratom:

White Vietnam kratom energizes you and enhances your focus
White Vietnam kratom reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression
It releases the feel-good chemicals in your body and makes you feel confident

Green Vietnam Kratom

Green Vietnam kratom is the most popular Vietnam strain. Its popularity is due to its pleasant effects. It is a potent strain but not as intense as other kratom strains. Even a light dosage of green Vietnam kratom provides long-lasting and relaxing effects.

Effects of Green Vietnam

Green Vietnam kratom’s effects are a mixture of red and white Vietnam kratom. It has the following effects:

Green Vietnam kratom is a pain reliever without any sedative effects so it can be used during the day
It provides stimulation which is good after a long and tiring day.
It boosts your energy and increases your ability to perform every task

Yellow Vietnam Kratom

Yellow Vietnam kratom is a unique strain; its different color is because of the region where it grows. Yellow Vietnam has a sweet taste which makes it better for users to consume it.

Effects of Yellow Vietnam

Yellow Vietnam has the following effects:

Yellow Vietnam is a great antidepressant and mood enhancer
It relaxes your body and mind while increasing your focus
Yellow Vietnam takes away any kind of a pain but it doesn’t sedate you

Conclusion

Vietnam kratom is unique for its pleasant effects, rich quality, and unique substrain. It differs from other strains in its taste as well. The sweet taste makes it easier for the users to consume it.

With so many benefits and varieties to Vietnam kratom, which strain will you try next?

ARMED WHITE MILITIA VIOLENCE

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Leading national racial justice organizational leaders issued a joint statement on armed white militia violence and police camaraderie with militia members following the arrest of a militia member in connection with the killing of two police accountability protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

“Tuesday night, two protesters who were advocating for accountability following the horrific police shooting of Jacob Blake were allegedly shot and killed by a 17-year-old associated with a white militia group. We are outraged by these killings. The ability of a minor to travel from another state at the urging of adult white supremacists organizing on Facebook highlights the corrosive and dangerous convergence of race, police violence, and the presence of these violent groups. That this volatile cocktail was allowed to develop led directly to one of the most violent nights in the city’s history. In light of the fact that the suspect apparently crossed state lines in order to commit this crime, the federal government should launch an investigation to determine whether he was involved in an interstate criminal conspiracy.
“We are equally outraged by videos showing Kenosha Police Department Officers exhibiting camaraderie toward militia members – who were out in violation of the curfew before the shootings — and also seemingly ignoring protesters who tried to identify the shooter in this incident. Police solidarity with white militia members is abhorrent and intolerable – and it represents a highly dangerous threat to the lives and rights of people of color. In addition, the fact that Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis blamed protestors for the killings is another example of the racially disparate treatment that Americans across the country have been protesting against since May and for decades before. We call on Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul, to immediately investigate and prosecute these killings, the shooting of Mr. Blake, and the increasingly pervasive issue of armed white militia members confronting and attacking protesters demanding police accountability. They must also demand the immediate removal of Chief Miskinis.

“Finally, turning to Facebook, the prevalence of armed white militia groups organizing on the platform is not new. Facebook must also be held accountable for its inaction while these violent groups have been allowed to grow and organize. Facebook must take immediate steps to ensure that its platform is not used to foment violence and hatred — and to take immediate and comprehensive action to put an end to groups using its services to organize activities that perpetuate racism and cause harm.”

The following leaders signed the statement:

·       Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
·       Reverend Al Sharpton, founder and president, National Action Network
·       Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Convener, Black Women’s Roundtable
·       Kristen Clarke, president and executive director, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
·       Vanita Gupta, president and CEO, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
·       Derrick Johnson, president and CEO, NAACP
·       Marc H. Morial, president and CEO, National Urban League

Founded in 1940, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) is the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization. LDF has been completely separate from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1957—although LDF was originally founded by the NAACP and shares its commitment to equal rights. LDF’s Thurgood Marshall Institute (TMI) is a multi-disciplinary and collaborative hub within LDF that launches targeted campaigns and undertakes innovative research to shape the civil rights narrative. In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP Legal Defense Fund or LDF. Follow LDF and TMI on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality or gender. For more information go to www.nationalactionnetwork.net.
The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP), founded in 1976, is one of the most active civil rights and social justice organizations in the nation “dedicated to increasing civic engagement, economic and voter empowerment in Black America.” The Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR) is the women and girls empowerment arm of the NCBCP. At the forefront of championing just and equitable public policy on behalf of Black women, BWR promotes their health and wellness, economic security & prosperity, education, and global empowerment as key elements for success. Visit www.ncbcp.org and follow us on Twitter @ncbcp and Instagram @thenationalcoalition.

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Now in its 56th year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its quest to “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights.

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 220 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s largest and foremost grassroots civil rights organization. The mission of the NAACP is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. Members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights and social justice in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work by visiting naacp.org.

The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its 90 local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people annually nationwide. Visit www.nul.org and follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @NatUrbanLeague.

This Is How to Sleep Through the Night

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Do you have trouble sleeping at night and looking for advice? A lack of sleep each night can increase your risk of serious health problems.
Some of these might include stomach problems, lack of energy, weight gain, and depression. There are tips that you need to follow to avoid these health conditions and for you to improve the quality of your sleep.
Here’s how to sleep through the night and to wake up feeling energized and rejuvenated.

Relax Your Body With Exercise

Did you know that regular exercise can prepare your body for quality sleep? Physical activity can help you to sleep through the night without disruptions.

Moderate workout sessions can decrease the length of time it takes for you to fall asleep. Exercise also helps to relax your mind and body, which makes it easier for you to fall asleep.

Exercise is known to reduce muscle tension in the body, reduce stress, and to increase the production of endorphins, which are the ‘feel-good’ hormones. You don’t have to perform a strenuous or challenging workout to get substantial benefits.

You can dedicate thirty minutes of exercise sessions to improve the quality of your sleep. For example, your exercise routine may consist of jogging, brisk walking, swimming laps, washing your car, sweeping, or other simple chores around the house.

Try to avoid physical activities for at least three hours before going to bed. This is a precaution that you can take to give your body enough time to cool off from your workout and to prepare for sleep.

For long-term results, you need to find an exercise routine that you enjoy and stick with it. This is one of the easiest ways for you to overcome your sleeping problems.

Use a Leg Pillow

Are you a side sleeper? Your pillow can be a critical component of your sleep health. Placing a pillow between your legs is an effective technique that increases the quality of your sleep.

When you place a pillow between your legs, you’re helping to eliminate stress on your hips, prevent lower back and leg pains, improve blood circulation, and to improve spine alignment.

This technique might also be useful if you suffer from breathing conditions such as sleep apnea. Positioning a pillow between your legs may help to alleviate this condition.

Using a pillow might seem simple, but it can be very effective for you to sleep peacefully during the night. This is a comfortable sleeping position that you can utilize to enhance your sleep.

Read this article to learn more valuable information about sleeping with a pillow between your legs.
Make Your Bedroom Comfortable
Be sure to optimize the comfort level of your bedroom so that you can get quality sleep. There might be issues in your bedroom that you’re not even aware of.

For better sleep, you might need to adjust your lighting, so that it’s not too harsh to disrupt your sleep. You can also keep your bedroom completely dark when you’re sleeping.

You might need to remove your television set from your bedroom and move it to another room. Watching television before you fall asleep might prevent you from getting enough sleep during the night.

So, you need to turn off your television screen or remove it from your room.

The electronics in your bedroom could also interfere with the quality of your sleep. Your radio, tablet, laptop, cell phone, and other items in your bedroom can be problematic.
So, it is beneficial for you to remove your electronics from your bedroom.

Another important bedroom makeover is to change your mattress. Be sure to get rid of your old, lumpy mattress. Replacing your old mattress can be an effective way for you to get the quality sleep that you deserve.
These are simple tweaks that you can use to turn your bedroom into a better sleeping environment.

Avoid Smoking

Less smoking might help you to sleep better. Smoking is detrimental to your health, but it can also cause you to have sleeping problems. It might cause sleep apnea, snoring, and a host of other sleep-related issues.
Nicotine found in cigarettes could be the main reason why you’re unable to get a full night’s sleep. This is a chemical that is known to be responsible for insomnia and other issues.

When you’re trying to fall asleep, your nicotine cravings might be too intense, especially if you’re in the habit of smoking before bedtime.
Too much smoking tends to disrupt the patterns of your normal sleep cycle and might keep you awake for most of the night. Due to these problems, you should consider quitting your smoking habits.

Avoid Caffeine

Caffeine is a common stimulant that might prevent you from falling asleep. Once it enters your bloodstream, it might cause insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbance.

Try to avoid caffeine intake to improve your sleep. You need to avoid drinking coffee, tea, and soft drinks before bedtime. These are essential steps for you to sleep better.

Follow a Guide to Learn How to Sleep Through the Night

When you learn how to sleep through the night, it will be easier for you to adapt to a strategy that improves your sleeping patterns. Instead of waking up in the middle of the night, you have the chance to get the beauty sleep that you deserve.

Do you want to discover more helpful tips? If you want to read more useful articles, you can check out the rest of our website.

Vaping and Smoking – More Similar Than You Might Think

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You might have heard that vaping, and the many promises it brings, is the best alternative to regular smoking currently available on the market. In reality, they are entirely more similar than you would initially be led to believe.

Vaping is viewed as being ‘safer’ and less hazardous for the sole reason that it relies on heating the liquid substances inside the electronic cigarette or vape pen, with the subsequent release of inhalable vapors.

This is chemically different from the nicotine-filled smoke of a tobacco cigarette, and, supposedly, quite less harmful for the human body. However, vaping can have just as severe consequences as the regular consumption of tobacco. In some cases, it can cause even greater health hazards.

Popcorn Lung

One of the most common illnesses related to vaping, bronchiolitis obliterans, commonly known as ‘Popcorn Lung,’ is caused by its flavoring liquid – a chemical called diacetyl.

The lung disease gets its moniker from its preponderance in microwave popcorn plants and factories, where diacetyl was used as a flavoring additive, and its mass inhalation caused a significant spike in cases that could not be linked to anything else beyond the chemical itself.

This buttery-scented compound, oftentimes found in vape flavors such as vanilla, coconut, and many others, can cause vape users who inhale it severe long-term health problems. Seeing as vape flavors are usually quite sweet and fruity, the younger generations are especially susceptible to their consumption, and to the risks of developing Popcorn Lung

Besides wheezing, headaches, and fevers, a stark symptom of Popcorn Lung is a persistent dry cough that is virtually incurable and can only be kept under minimal damages through serious medication, such as antibiotics or pills that reduce lung inflammation.

Lung Cancer

While tobacco has been proven time and time again as a direct country-wide cause of lung cancer, some of the chemicals that are present in e-cigarette vapors have also been shown to be linked to traces of lung cancer in the general American population.

On a UK carcinogen study that has been undergone last year, a large number of mice were exposed to nicotine-filled smoke, vapor without nicotine, and regularly filtered air. The studies showed that 9 out of the 40 mice that were exposed to e-cigarette smoke developed lung tumors. None of the nicotine-free batch of mice developed any lung tumors.

The inherent connection that vaping has with lung cancer invariably link e-cigarette and vape pen manufacturers to legal issues of personal injury law.

Because the majority of the brand promotion that is done around vaping is promised as a safe and carcinogen-free, it is your right as a customer, that, should you or a loved one come to suffer from lung cancer post-vapor exposure, you should seek out immediate legal aid. Especially if the victim is underage.

A lung cancer lawyer is able to provide you with all the necessary legal counsel that you require. Through their expertise, you should have all the necessary tools to receive the emotional and monetary compensation that you are entitled to receive, having been victimized by a product that assured you safety, and provided you with illness.

What Is Next for Vaping?

With the PMTA deadline coming up on the 9th of September, the world of vaping and electronic cigarettes will be changed forever.

The FDA’s newly imposed regulations will result in a large number of manufactures being forced to pull their products from the market, albeit gradually. This means that, if you rely on a certain brand or flavor for your current vaping needs, be prepared for the changes that are about to take place.

Just like with the menthol cigarette ban throughout the majority of Europe this past spring, this change will reshape the smoker population of the US from the ground up. It remains to be seen how everyone will adapt to such a significant change in future consumer behavior.

AUTHOR: Kyle Hambright

Improve the Structure of Your Home With These Key Hacks

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You have a lot to consider when you look to improve your home and make the most of it as an asset. Your home is something you should be looking to make the most of moving forward, and there are a lot of things that play a role in this. One of the major factors you need to keep in mind right now is that you are going to need to improve the structure of the home as much as possible.

Assess the Property

First things first, you need to make sure you assess the property and find out where there might be any issues that need to be addressed. Often with homes, you don’t actually realize there is an issue until it occurs, and once you go looking for one issue, others tend to appear. You also need to make sure that the structure of the home is as sound as possible. Try to come up with ideas that are going to help you assess the home!

Make Changes

No matter how much you love your home, there is a good bet you’re going to want to change parts of it to make you love it more. If there are structural issues, it is even more important to make these changes, as it is something that could make or break your home right now. Focus on taking it to next level. There are a lot of changes you can make that will help with this.

Bring in Experts

There are plenty of experts you can bring in to help you deal with the structural issues you might face as a homeowner. This is something you need to do right now so that you can take things to the next level. Try to come up with ideas that will help with this, and make sure you are hiring a foundation problem expert to help look after the structural integrity of the home.

If you can follow these hacks you will find yourself well-placed to make the right changes for your home right now. This is something that is going to improve the property and make it a much safer and more attractive place for you to live. There are a lot of things that play a role in this, and it is so important to try to make the most of this right now.

Do You Vape? How to Prepare for the Upcoming PMTA Deadline

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Do you vape? If you do, there’s an important deadline coming up on September 9 – and if you haven’t already started preparing, now is the time.

Are you left scratching your head after reading that first paragraph? If you have no idea what deadline is coming up or how it’s going to affect the vaping industry, this article is for you. We’re going to explain the upcoming PMTA deadline and describe exactly what you should be doing right now to prepare.

FDA Vaping Regulations: A Brief History

Ever since e-cigarettes and e-liquids first appeared in the United States, the FDA has attempted to exert regulatory control over the industry. The agency’s first attempt at vaping regulations ended in failure. In the late 2000s, the FDA began to seize incoming shipments of e-cigarettes entering the United States, saying that vaping products were unregulated drug delivery devices being sold without approval.

The vaping industry sued the FDA. The district and appeals courts involved in the lawsuit both ultimately decided in favor of the vaping industry, ruling that, as long as sellers didn’t claim that e-cigarettes could be used for quitting smoking, the FDA could only regulate those products as tobacco products – not as drug delivery devices.

The FDA finally announced its intention to regulate vaping products as tobacco products in 2016. Subjecting vaping products to the same legal requirements as tobacco products meant that every vaping product on the market had to comply with the U.S. Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which said that, after 2007, all tobacco products must obtain FDA approval before entering the market.

No vaping product being sold today was on the market before 2007. Therefore, every vaping product is a “new tobacco product” that requires FDA approval.

What Is the Vaping PMTA Deadline?

We always knew that this day would come; it was just a matter of when. The vaping industry’s deadline for FDA compliance has been moved from August 2018 to August 2022 before being moved forward to May 2020 and finally pushed back to September 2020. At the time of writing, it appears that September 9, 2020 will be the final compliance date.

To start the process of FDA compliance, the manufacturer of a vaping product must submit an application showing the FDA that the product is beneficial to public health compared to the tobacco products that are already on the market. It costs nothing to file a premarket tobacco product application (PMTA), but the cost of gathering the required data for the application can exceed $100,000. Every e-liquid flavor, every nicotine strength of every flavor, every vaping device, every tank and every coil counts as a “new tobacco product” and requires a PMTA.

What Happens to the Vaping Industry on September 9?

When the PMTA deadline arrives, two things will happen.

Many e-liquid makers have the necessary funds to submit PMTAs for some or all of their products. Timely submission of a PMTA means that a product can remain on the market for another year while the FDA processes the application. If the FDA gets behind on processing applications, it’s possible that the grace period will be extended.
Many other e-liquid makers do not have the funds and are not planning to submit PMTAs. Those companies are required to pull their products from the market on September 9, although that may not happen all at once. Some companies may just continue what they’re doing now until they hear from the FDA.

What Does the PMTA Deadline Mean for Vapers?

The one certain thing is that, after September 9, there will be fewer vaping devices, tanks, coils and e-liquids on the market than there are today. Since most companies in the vaping industry aren’t talking about their plans for the PMTA deadline, it’s impossible to say exactly which products will and won’t be available. With that in mind, here’s how you need to prepare.

Stock Up on Your Favorite Vape Juice Flavors Now

Unless your favorite vape juice brands have already announced that they’re ready for the PMTA deadline, you shouldn’t assume that those brands’ products will still be around after September 9. There will definitely still be e-liquid available to buy after the PMTA deadline – but if you have a favorite brand or flavor and can’t bear to be without it, you should start stocking up right now.

Get a Vape Mod With Removable Batteries

It’s unknown which of the vaping hardware manufacturers – almost all of which are in China – have submitted PMTAs for their products or which products they’ve applied for permission to continue selling in the United States. Your best bet is to choose a vape mod with removable batteries and buy it right away. A mod with removable batteries can conceivably last for years because you can simply swap out the batteries when they stop working correctly. A mod with a permanent battery, on the other hand, is much more difficult to repair. The FDA doesn’t regulate batteries, so you can buy them freely.

Buy a Rebuildable Atomizer

It’s also unknown which vape tanks and coils will get through the PMTA process. If you have a favorite vape tank and want to ensure that you can continue using it, you should stock up on coils now. In the long run, though, it’s even better to grab a rebuildable atomizer and learn how to build your own coils. The FDA can regulate tanks and coils, but it can’t regulate wire and cotton – just like it can’t regulate batteries. Regardless of how FDA regulation shapes the future of the American vaping industry, you won’t ever have trouble finding coil building supplies.

Consider Learning How to Make Your Own E-Liquid

As mentioned above, you will definitely still be able to buy e-liquid after September 9. Many e-liquid companies have already submitted – or are about to submit – PMTAs for their products. They’ll be able to continue selling their products for at least another year, and it seems likely that many or all of those products will eventually receive full FDA approval.

Just in case those products don’t receive FDA approval, though, it’s a good idea to start learning how to make your own e-liquid now. You’re free to buy vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol and flavorings. Unless something changes from a legal standpoint, you’re also free to buy liquid nicotine if you’re an adult. As of right now, there’s nothing preventing you from making your own vape juice.