(NAPSI)—The U.S. Department of Education reports that nearly 57 million children will go to shool in America this year. Some of them live in what are known as “education deserts,” but fortunately, there are solutions.

Mapping School Deserts

A new study used geospatial analysis software to map families’ drive times to schools, whether public, magnet, charter or voucher-accepting private schools. It discovered three kinds of deserts:

• In A-rated school deserts, no A-rated schools of any kind are within a 30-minute drive for families in a given area;
• In choice deserts, no options such as charter, magnet or voucher-participating schools exist within a 30-minute drive for families, other than the zoned traditional public school;
• In educational opportunity zone deserts, families’ only option within a 30-minute drive radius is a D- or F-rated traditional public school.

The study also found that even in places considered to be choice-rich when it comes to education, such as the state of Indiana, access to quality schools is not universal. [Read more…]

(NAPSI)—Whether changing the oil, replacing the wiper blades or checking the tires, finding the time to perform simple preventative vehicle maintenance is money in the bank.

According to research conducted by automotive market research firm IMR Inc., one out of three consumers who put off routine vehicle maintenance do so because they cannot find a convenient time. In addition, millennials and those who own older vehicles are more likely to delay routine maintenance.

Expert Advice

“There is an old adage that if you take care of your car, your car will take care of you,” said Rich White, executive director of the nonprofit Car Care Council. “Making time to perform routine auto care not only ensures a safer, more dependable vehicle, but car owners can preserve the trade-in value and save money by addressing small issues before they become more complicated, expensive repairs.” [Read more…]

A study by the American Heart Association shows people with HF report spending more time on managing their condition; free app aims to make it easier

(NAPSI)—The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, shared this month that more heart failure patients and their caregivers report they are putting more effort into managing this complex condition. In 2015, just 55 percent of survey respondents said they were working harder to manage HF. The latest study shows a 14-point increase, with 69 percent now putting effort toward the important daily task of managing heart failure.

The AHA conducted its annual survey as part of the Rise Above Heart Failure initiative, nationally supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, and found that while those diagnosed with heart failure and their caregivers are spending more time and energy managing the disease, they are benefiting. These two groups showed an increased understanding of heart failure since the survey was last conducted. [Read more…]

(NAPSI)—Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability—in fact, it’s even more disabling than it is fatal. The period following a stroke can be difficult for patients and their loved ones, as they grapple with the uncertainties of recovery.

For example, Sabrina Warren-White was a busy professional when a stroke in left her unable to speak or use her right side. She quickly began a rigorous rehabilitation program and can now speak, walk and use her right arm.

Doctor’s Advice

Once acute medical issues are resolved, focusing on rehabilitation is paramount to helping people build their strength, capabilities and confidence, said Dr. Larry B. Goldstein, the Ruth L. Works Professor and Chairman for the Department of Neurology and Co-director for the Kentucky Neuroscience Institute and KY Clinic at the University of Kentucky.

“Most patients will recover to some degree, but a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation is crucial because it has been shown to result in better outcomes for patients,” Dr. Goldstein added. [Read more…]

(NAPSI)—More than 30 million Americans have served in the United States Army. If you or someone you care about is among them, you can now order a personalized, commemorative brick that will be permanently placed along the pathway to the future National Museum of the United States Army.

Making a Museum

The National Army Museum is rapidly taking shape at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, just south of Washington, D.C. This national landmark will be the first museum to tell the entire history of the nation’s oldest and largest military service. The massive 185,000-square-foot building will display a collection of Army artifacts, historic documents, and Soldier artwork. The vast majority of these priceless selections have never been seen by the public.

“For those who served, the Museum will provide a place of reflection,” said retired Army Chief of Staff, General Gordon R. Sullivan, chairman of the Army Historical Foundation. “For the rest of America, it will be an educational institution that conveys American history through the eyes and stories of Soldiers, teaching our nation how the U.S. Army has shaped nearly every major event in our country’s history.” [Read more…]

Why `tock-tick’ does not sound right to your ears.

Ever wondered why we say :

tick-tock, not tock-tick,

or  ding-dong, not dong ding;

King Kong, not Kong King…?

Turns out it is one of the unwritten rules of English that native speakers know without knowing. [Read more…]