Field Work Logo
Field Work Logo

DENVER, May 18, 2023 (Newswire.com) - The LOR Foundation has selected 61 projects for its Field Work initiative, investing $538,802 into water-related agriculture projects led by farmers and ranchers. 

Earlier this year the foundation launched Field Work, a research initiative to source innovative approaches to using water in agriculture in the West. Through Field Work, farmers and ranchers in rural parts of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming were eligible for up to $10,000 to implement innovative water projects on their land (think: improved water efficiency, water reliability, water quality, crop yield or crop diversification, and labor efficiency). The goal: Get money quickly into the hands of the people in the field and on the ranch who have the potential solutions.

LOR received more than 250 proposals from producers across all five states. Their innovative projects revealed some important trends among Western farmers and ranchers: the need for more and better pipes, nozzles, and gates to move water efficiently; investment in technology-enabled methods of supplying—and monitoring—remote or hard-to-access areas with water; a growing interest in how soil amendments like wool, fungi, and biochar can improve water retention and soil health; a return to holistic and Indigenous methods of catching, retaining, and spreading water (e.g., earthworks, water planting, underground greenhouses), and more. 

"We believe that those closest to the problem often have the best solutions," says Alex Dunlop, LOR's chief business development officer. "Farmers and ranchers in places like Monte Vista, Colorado, and Questa, New Mexico, have creative solutions to water challenges. Field Work is a chance to help them put those ideas into practice and learn from them."

Ultimately, LOR selected 61 projects, which will get underway this spring and summer. These projects are led by the experimenters, tinkerers, innovators, and iterators who—while Western states agonize over how to resolve antiquated water compacts—have been finding ways to eke out a living from the land. They're people who have a vested interest in finding ways to use water more effectively, for their own operations and for the good of the West. 

They're people like Michael Lobato, a Colorado School of Mines engineer-turned-farmer, who for the past three years has been rehabbing a five-acre farm outside of Fruita, Colorado. Lobato thinks injecting biochar—which is extremely porous—deep into the soil, rather than using it on the surface level, will improve the drought tolerance of hay and grasses and significantly reduce agricultural water consumption across the West. Interestingly, he's planning to inject it using a piece of machinery previously used for sports turf.

Ultimately, LOR hopes research projects like these—led by the people who best understand the challenge—reveal solutions for using water efficiently to grow food and sustain thriving communities in the West while in the grip of desperate drought.

Learn about the 61 selected Field Work projects at lorfoundation.org/field-work.

NEW YORK, May 18, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Laurel Road: Student loan debt in the United States totals over 1.7 trillion dollars, with almost 44 million borrowers holding federal loans. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a federal student loan forgiveness program that offers borrowers the opportunity to have their remaining federal student loan balance forgiven after making 120 qualifying monthly payments over the course of 10 years. PSLF requires individuals to be enrolled in an income-driven repayment plan (IDR). IDR programs utilize information such as annual income, which can help stabilize monthly payments, which can be especially important at the outset of careers. But what happens when an enrollee's salary rises? Salary can play an important role in some of the elements of PSLF—including how much borrowers can save.

PSLF requirements

Qualifying for and applying to the PSLF program involves several important steps. Borrowers must: 

• be employed full-time by a US federal, state, local, or tribal government or qualifying not-for-profit organization 
• have Direct Loans (or consolidate other federal student loans into a Direct Consolidation Loan)
• enroll in an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan
• make 120 qualifying payments over 10 years
• submit a complete PSLF application along with the required paperwork

After completing all PSLF requirements, a candidate's remaining Direct Loan balance can be completely forgiven.

Income-driven Repayment Plans 

Borrowers seeking PSLF are required to enroll in an Income-driven Repayment plan. Federal student loan borrowers who are having difficulty with their monthly payments could benefit from IDR as these plans calculate monthly payment amounts based on income and family size - rather than the amount of the loan - which can help make student loan debt more manageable. 

There are four IDR plans available: 

• Income-Based Repayment Plan (IBR)
• Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan (PAYE)
• Revised Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan (REPAYE)
• Income-Contingent Repayment Plan (ICR)

Each plan has its own set of requirements and benefits. Federal student loan recipients must demonstrate financial hardship, such as low income or a high debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, in order to qualify.

Payments are typically made over a period of 20 to 25 years, after which any remaining loan balance may be forgiven. 

High earners, IDR payments, and PSLF

There is no maximum income cap in the IDR or PSLF program. If a borrower begins with an income low enough to qualify for an IDR plan but later earns a higher salary, their monthly payments under the IDR plan could increase. They may still be eligible for potential forgiveness through PSLF if they continue to work full-time for a qualifying employer and make the required 120 qualifying payments. However, a high-earning IDR participant may become ineligible for forgiveness if they pay off their student loan before making all 120 qualifying payments. Some borrowers may elect to switch to an IDR program that can give them the lowest monthly payments possible.

Recertification Rules

IDR participants must recertify their eligibility once per year by providing information about their income and family size - even if nothing has changed. IDR plans use that data to recalculate a participant's monthly payment, determining whether it should rise, fall, or remain unchanged.  

Borrowers also have the option to recertify and recalculate their payment at the time a life change occurs, such as the addition of a family member or the loss of a job. Borrowers who recertify late or fail to recertify may face penalties, increased payments, or even termination of their IDR plan.

Other repayment options

An IDR plan may not be right for everyone. Federal student loan recipients can talk to their loan servicer about other options, such as: 

• Standard Repayment Plan: fixed monthly payments for 10 years. 
• Graduated Repayment Plan: begins with lower monthly payments that gradually increase every two years over a 10-year period.
• Extended Repayment Plan: extends a repayment period up to 25 years, with either fixed or graduated payments.
• Consolidation: combines multiple federal student loans into a single loan, with a fixed interest rate and a single monthly payment.
• Deferment or Forbearance: temporarily suspends or reduces student loan payments.

Next steps

With the right qualifications and repayment plan, borrowers interested in PSLF may find the financial relief they need to focus on their personal growth and career development. They should take the time to become familiar with the program's requirements and to comprehend the role that income may play now and in the future. And, of course, they can consult their loan servicer or seek expert guidance to help navigate the process. 

About Laurel Road

Website

Laurel Road began originating student loans in 2013 and has since helped thousands of professionals with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees consolidate and refinance more than $7 billion in federal and private school loans.

NEW YORK, May 18, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) is a growing trend among young people. Stories of retirement before 30 and achieving financial independence are gaining massive success on social media. In contrast, in real life, students face serious financial difficulties due to student loans, housing costs, etc. 

EduBirdie, an all-in-one website for students, surveyed the actual student's money-saving culture. The study involved 1,000 full-time and part-time students from the United States aged 18 to 44. Ethnicity and spoken languages were not considered factors of differentiation. The survey was conducted among two groups: students who know and practice the FIRE approach and those who do not.

"Budgeting is always on the agenda for students, as they might be affected by financial crises more than others. Financial stress can significantly impact their academic performance, personal life, and, most importantly, mental health. We at EduBirdie believe it is crucial to discuss personal finances to have generations that genuinely know financial independence." — Avery Morgan, Chief Communications Officer at EduBirdie.

Results showed that most students surveyed know the FIRE approach and actively practice it. 71% of the surveyed students know the movement and either actively practice it or learn where to start. 14% of students who know about the approach do not like it, and 11% need to understand what FIRE is. Surprisingly, 4% of students who did not know about the movement googled it and became interested in early retirement. When broken down by age, most students who knew about the FIRE approach were between 18 and 24 years old, and 50% of them were already learning to take their first steps in the FIRE approach.

21.92% of students are ready to sacrifice their dream job, 19.18% - buying a car, and 17.81% - traveling to retire earlier. Interestingly, 30% of respondents aged 18-24 would better never have children to enjoy an early retirement.

The survey also revealed alternative and creative ways to cut costs. These include staying sober, learning to sew clothes, riding a bike instead of a car, and taking up cost-saving hobbies such as cooking, gardening, and DIY. 

Financial insecurity is becoming a growing concern. When asked what worries students most financially, 18.15% of respondents said rent, 13.90% gas prices, 13.13% mentioned health and medical problems, 12.74% were worried about student loans and 11.97% about job loss. 

The most common consequences of financial stress experienced by students were anxiety and depression (23.68%), sleep problems (19.30%), mood swings (17.54%), and fatigue (15.79%). In comparison, only 1.32% of respondents did not feel the harmful effects of financial stress. 

For more information on the study and its findings, visit EduBirdie.

Women's Health Expert Dr. Jessica Shepherd shares ideas promoting wellness for Women's Health Month
Women's Health advice from Dr. Jessica Shepherd

ATLANTA, May 18, 2023 (Newswire.com) - May is Women's Health Month, the annual observance designed to focus attention on the health issues facing women. Dr.  Jessica Shepherd, MD, shares tips for achieving better health. Dr. Shepherd suggests women should take time to focus more on their own personal health and needs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services points out that heart disease, breast cancer, osteoporosis, depression, and autoimmune diseases are the top five health issues facing women.

TOPIC THAT MANY WOMEN ARE SHY ABOUT

Nearly two-thirds of U.S. women experience bladder leaks, that is 78 million, but the subject has always been taboo. It is time to talk about it by taking control and shattering the stereotypes. FitRight Fresh Start with Arm & Hammer is a complete bladder control solution created for women, by women, to deliver a one-of-a-kind wetness and odor control that every woman deserves. It includes a complete line of discrete bladder control products with the unique four-in-one support needed to feel clean, fresh, and free. FitRight Fresh Start is the only brand with the power of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to control odor. For more information, visit www.fitrightfreshstart.com.

RELIEF FOR MUSCLE ACHES AND PAINS

Self-care and exercise are so important for maintaining mental and physical health, especially for women. Dr. Shepherd recommends Arnicare Gel by Boiron. Whether playing sports, exercising, doing yard work or home improvement projects, Arnicare really can help with pain relief. The non-greasy gel is powered by the Arnica plant and is ideal for women of all ages whose active lifestyles can lead to muscle aches, stiffness, swelling or bruising. The unscented formula is quickly absorbed into the skin and will, "help you to feel better faster." For more information, visit www.arnicare.com.

SUGGESTIONS FOR OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Many people may have heard of the gut microbiome, but women, also, have a vaginal microbiome which plays an important role in maintaining pH, promoting yeast balance and supporting feminine health. When the balance of bacteria in the microbiome is off, some women may feel it. Align Women's Dual Action provides a unique probiotic strain to help relieve occasional bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort, as well as two feminine health strains to help support vaginal health. Align Women's Dual Action also contains botanical chaste tree to promote monthly mood balance. For more information, visit www.alignprobiotics.com.

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TipsOnTV is a lifestyle blog featuring content as seen on national and local media outlets. Expert hosts share advice for viewers, listeners, and readers. TipsOnTV covers a variety of topics, including food, entertaining, personal finance, technology, travel, health, lifestyle and more.

Pete Expert Kristen Levine Shares Tips for National Pet Month
Kristen Levine Gives Ideas for Taking Care of Pets

ATLANTA, May 18, 2023 (Newswire.com) - The author of PAMPERED PETS ON BUDGET, Kristen Levine is always working to make the world a better place for pets. The renowned Pet Living Expert is renowned for sharing her innovative ways to take care of furry family members.

STAY ON BUDGET

Before buying any pet supplies, start by visiting Slickdeals, a community of millions of real people working together to save. It is all about shoppers helping shoppers. Slickdeals has 12 million shoppers vetting and voting up the very best deals from everyone's favorite retailers, with deals on everything from grooming supplies and pet toys to a new camera to photograph those four-legged pals. At Slickdeals.com, pet owners know they are getting the best product at the best price.

PET-FRIENDLY HOME

For pet owners who could use an extra hand around the house, the iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ Robot Vacuum and Mop is just what anyone who has a pet needs. Powered by iRobot OS home intelligence, the Combo j7+ can detect and avoid floor obstacles like cords, shoes, pet bowls and even solid pet waste. Perfect for homes with a mix of floor types, it seamlessly cleans carpet and hard floors in the same cleaning job without any intervention. Unlike other 2-in-1 robots, the Roomba Combo j7+ has an auto-retracting mop pad that lifts when on carpet, preventing wet messes. Visit www.irobot.com

KEEPING PETS HEALTHY

Keep pets healthy with Project Watson. Made with naturally inspired, high-quality ingredients, Project Watson healthcare for dogs offers a full line of products that target the often-overlooked areas of a dog's health: the eyes and ears. When Watson was rescued, his owner found it difficult to find the right products to help protect his eyes and ears from irritation and excess build-up. This led to the creation of the new line that features wipes, washes and supplements. Project Watson healthcare for dogs builds on Bausch and Lomb's rich history in canine surgical solutions. Visit www.bausch.com

VETERINARY CARE

Regular high-quality care is so important. Banfield's Optimum Wellness Plans, or OWPs, make pet care easy with 24/7 access to veterinarians via their telehealth service, Vet Chat. It is a smart package of preventive care services including unlimited office visits, vaccinations, dental cleanings and more, all at an affordable price. This is not insurance; rather, it is for the predictable or preventive aspects of veterinary care, while pet insurance can help cover the unforeseen or emergency aspects of pet ownership. Think of Banfield's OWPs as a monthly subscription for pet's preventive care needs. Visit www.banfield.com

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Fertilix\u00ae logo

CLERMONT-FERRAND, France, May 18, 2023 (Newswire.com) - According to a recent study by Université Clermont Auvergne researchers, exposure to chemical additives and building blocks commonly used in everyday plastic products, even in low doses, can cause significant damage to the genetic material carried by sperm cells.

The study, led by Professor Joël Drevet, examined two common chemicals widely used in the plastic industry: dibutyl phthalate and bisphenol AF. These chemicals have long been linked to lowering male fertility, but the novelty of this study was in evaluating doses that were previously considered safe or inconsequential for consumers. While researchers found no appreciable effect on general semen parameters typically examined in fertility clinics such as sperm counts and motility, significant oxidation and decompaction of DNA structure in sperm cells were observed. This is concerning because damage to paternal genetic material can expose the female partner to higher risk of pregnancy loss and potentially impact the health of the offspring. Interestingly, the study also showed that co-administration with micronutrient supplement Fertilix^® significantly blocked the damaging effects of these chemicals on sperm DNA.

Given that microplastics are found everywhere in our surroundings, these findings underscore the importance of greater public awareness and the urgency for the plastic industry to replace such substances with biodegradable or natural alternatives. Furthermore, fertility experts counseling couples ahead of natural or assisted conception should advocate for preconceptual supplementation and possible lifestyle modifications that may mitigate the impact of environmental pollutants.

This study is now available with open-access in Antioxidants, a premier journal in antioxidant research, and can be downloaded here. CellOxess Biotechnology, the designer and manufacturer of Fertilix^® formulations, will present the full results of this study at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) annual meeting this June in Copenhagen, Denmark.