Current Events in August 2017

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    Keeping your pet safe at the beach

    Sun, sand, and seawater can all be dangerous to dogs if proper precautions aren't taken

    Taking your pooch to a dog-friendly beach can be a great way to beat the summer heat and enjoy a little quality time with your furry sidekick. But seaside fun in the sun can also pose potential health threats to your dog.

    Before bringing your pet on vacation, it’s critical to take safety precautions. The pet experts at Petplan insurance say they see claims soar from summer days at the beach from dog-related health problems such as dehydration and blocked bowels.

    To minimize your pet’s risk of getting hurt or sick, it's important to know the dangers of sun, sand, and salt water, says Petplan’s staff veterinarian Rebecca Jackson.

    Beach dangers to pets

    Here are a few dangers to steer clear of while at the beach with your pup.

    • Sand. While you can't avoid sand, you can keep a close eye on your dog to make sure he doesn’t eat too much of it while digging. A little sand won’t do any harm if ingested, but large quantities can collect in the intestines or bowels causing a blockage, the vets at Petplan explain.
    • Salt water. The ocean may look like a giant water dish in the eyes of your dog, but drinking salt water can be dangerous to pets. The most common side effect is diarrhea, but if they lap up too much, salt toxicity can become an issue. To keep your dog hydrated, bring along a collapsible water dish and fresh water.
    • Heat. Heat stroke is one of the most common and most dangerous threats to beach-going pets, according to Petplan. It can take hold of a pet in as little as 15 minutes, and it can be fatal. To keep your pet safe, avoid bringing them to the beach during the hottest part of the day and be sure to provide ample amounts of both water and shade while there.
    • The sun. Humans aren’t the only ones at risk for sunburn. Dogs -- especially those with white or light-colored fur -- can also get sunburned. You can protect your pet’s skin by applying a pet-formulated sunscreen to the bridge of the nose, ear tips, abdomen, and inner legs. Additionally, be sure to provide plenty of opportunities for shady naps.
    • Strong currents. Even dogs that are pro swimmers should be monitored closely, as they can be pulled under by strong tides and currents. If they inhale water while struggling, dry drowning can occur hours or even days later. To keep your pet’s lungs fluid-free, bring a pet lifejacket to help keep their head above water.

    Taking your pooch to a dog-friendly beach can be a great way to beat the summer heat and enjoy a little quality time with your furry sidekick. But seaside...

    Researchers develop new method for detecting antibiotic resistance

    The findings should help doctors prescribe the correct antibiotics right away

    Antibiotic resistance has quickly become one of the leading medical problems that scientists are trying to tackle. After all, bacteria that are resistant to commonly used drugs and treatments can spread rapidly, endangering the lives of any who come across them.

    One of the major challenges behind antibiotic resistance is that researchers do not know right away which treatments are ineffective, so in many cases the wrong antibiotics may be prescribed to consumers. But a new method for quickly determining whether bacteria are resistant may change all that.

    Researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden say their ultrafast method will allow doctors to provide proper treatment from the start by ensuring that patients are taking the right antibiotics home with them.

    "It's great that the research methods we developed to address fundamental questions in molecular biology can come in useful for such a tremendously important medical application," said researcher Johan Elf.

    Quick determinations

    One of the most important aspects of the “fASTest” method is the speed with which researchers are able to determine if bacteria are susceptible to antibiotics. Researcher and PhD student Özden Baltekin points out that the team has primarily used the method to treat urinary tract infections, and that it has cut the time it takes to determine antibiotic resistance down from days to minutes.

    "We've developed a new method that allows determination of bacterial resistance patterns in urinary tract infections in 10 to 30 minutes. By comparison, the resistance determination currently in use requires one to two days,” he said.

    While the method has primarily been tested on one type of infection so far, the researchers believe that the method could prove useful for addressing antibiotic resistance on a much wider scale.

    "The hope is that, in [the] future, the method could be used in hospitals and health centres to quickly provide correct treatment and reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics," says researcher Dan Andersson. "We believe the method is usable for other types of infection, such as blood infections where prompt, correct choice of antibiotic is critical to the patient."

    The detection method is currently being developed by Astrego Diagnostics AB. The researchers hope that the company will have an automated test for urinary tract infections ready within the next few years.

    The full study has been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

    Antibiotic resistance has quickly become one of the leading medical problems that scientists are trying to tackle. After all, bacteria that are resistant t...

    U.S. News ranks the best travel rewards programs

    Taking advantage of one can save frequent travelers plenty of money

    More consumers are traveling thanks to an improving economy, and many are taking advantage of credit card and travel industry loyalty programs that reward that travel.

    Choosing the right card or plan usually depends on the kinds of travel you do, but U.S. News and World Report has highlighted what it deems the best programs for everyday travelers.

    Marriott Rewards took top honors in the Best Hotel Rewards Programs category, scoring points for its ease of earning points, as well as its large network of hotels in popular destinations. Among the perks is complimentary Wi-Fi access and the ability to use points for tickets to sporting events and concerts.

    Wyndham Rewards is second in the rankings, largely for the ease of earning a free night, as well as discounts on room rates and the ability to rack up points by using two different credit cards.

    Rewards in the sky

    Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan was named the Best Airline Rewards Program, an honor it claimed in 2015 and 2016. U.S. News credits its mileage-based earning structure with making it easier for travelers to earn miles at a faster pace than other plans based on spending.

    Delta SkyMiles came in second, cited for its competitive redemption rates for award flights and wide range of benefits. Members can use their miles for hotel stays, cabin upgrades, event tickets, and even free flights.

    "Today's travelers have so many rewards programs to choose from, comparing and contrasting them based on your specific needs can be a challenge," said Christine Smith, associate travel editor at U.S. News. "Our Best Travel Rewards Programs rankings emphasize the ease of earning points and miles, and redeeming them for free nights and flights, which everyday travelers identify as a top reason to join a loyalty program."

    Targeting Millennial travelers

    Fareportal, operators of the CheapOair.com (an Authorized Partner) and OneTravel.com (an Authorized Partner) travel booking sites, is expanding its travel rewards program with an eye toward winning over Millennials. The company says it wants to do the same thing American Airlines did in the 1980s, winning the loyalty of Baby Boomers with its AAdvantage Program, which launched in 1981.

    The company describes its plan as "multi-faceted," seeking to reward users twice and even three times. It says members earn points not only through the CheapOair (an Authorized Partner) and OneTravel (an Authorized Partner) loyalty program, but also with the company's co-branded credit cards, as well as the consumer's own airline programs.

    "All travelers, whether frequent flyers or occasional vacationers, want a flexible loyalty rewards program that they can use based on their own individual travel habits," said Sam Jain, founder and CEO of Fareportal. "In order to be inclusive of all of our customers, we not only allow them to get free rooms if enough points have been accumulated, but also to reduce the cost of a room with the amount of points they do have."

    To go along with its travel rewards plan, Fareportal introduced co-branded credit cards with Synchrony Financial late last year. The two cards have no annual fee and new customers are eligible for a $50 statement credit after making purchases of $500 or more within the first 90 days of getting the card.

    More consumers are traveling thanks to an improving economy, and many are taking advantage of credit card and travel industry loyalty programs that reward...

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      Consumers on the move to view the solar eclipse

      Casper, Wyo., may be very crowded on August 21

      The total eclipse of the sun, on August 21, is shaping up as big business, especially for the travel industry.

      While the manufacturers of certified glasses and viewers will undoubtedly do a huge business in the next 12 days, airlines and hotels also expect to do very well.

      In a very rare event, the total eclipse will be visible in a 70 mile wide strip that extends 3,000 miles across the continent, from Portland, Ore., to Charleston, S.C.

      That means no matter where you live in the continental U.S., you are not terribly far from a prime viewing spot, just by heading north or south. Hotels in and near the 70 mile wide strip are mostly booked solid, and at premium rates.

      Cheapflights.com has analyzed the searches on its site and found cities that lie within the 70 mile wide zone are seeing huge increases in search traffic. The biggest increases are cities in the West.

      Lots of interest in Casper, Wyo.

      Casper, Wyo., has seen the biggest increase, with traffic up 1,064%. At an altitude of over 5,000 feet, Casper may have the best chance of clear skies on August 21, a necessity if you're going to actually see the moon pass between the earth and the sun.

      Redmond, Ore., is seeing a 271% spike in traffic. Redmond is considered a prime eclipse-viewing spot as well, since it normally has 300 days of sunny weather each year.

      In the East, Columbia, S.C. is seeing a 245% increase in traffic. It isn't a normal tourist destination, but the eclipse is giving consumers a reason to go. Local tourism officials hope they stick around to see some of the other, more earth-bound sights.

      Spotlight on small towns

      "One of the best things about this eclipse is that it's shining the spotlight on many destinations that are wonderful slices of America," said Amanda Festa, editor at Cheapflights.com. "The small towns and cities that top our list are seeing big percentage spikes for the solar show in part because they're not the biggest of destinations. But, with or without the eclipse excitement, there's plenty to keep you entertained in each of them."

      While the eclipse will be total in the 70 mile wide strip, it will be viewable as a partial eclipse in much of the U.S. To see how much of the eclipse you'll be able to observe where you live, check out this interactive tool.

      The total eclipse of the sun, on August 21, is shaping up as big business, especially for the travel industry.While the manufacturers of certified glas...

      Four apps to enhance kids’ eclipse experience

      Educational apps that can help kids prepare for and enjoy the total eclipse of the sun

      While the upcoming solar eclipse promises to be an awe-inspiring spectacle for people of all ages, many parents are looking forward to seeing their children witness the rare event.

      In addition to making travel plans and purchasing special filtered glasses for eye protection, families can prepare for the total solar eclipse on August 21 by downloading eclipse apps.

      Apps to check out

      Since this will be the first total eclipse visible only in the United States since the country was founded in 1776, it's an event worthy of preparing for ahead of time.

      The following apps can help kids learn about solar eclipses, learn special photography techniques, and more. And when the event is upon us, some apps can even provide commentary and connect to live-streamed telescope views.

      • Solar Eclipse Timer. This app, for iPhone and Android, is designed for “first-time observers; expert eclipse chasers; professional photographers; teachers; families; children.” It will announce times for viewing partial phase phenomena and let you know when it’s safe to remove eclipse eyewear. Users can even be “talked” through the eclipse.
      • Totality by Big Kid Science. Best for kids 10 and older, this free Android app lets people find out what their view of the eclipse will be like. Users can see, for instance, whether mountains or trees might obscure their view of the eclipse.
      • Total Solar Eclipse. For those who don’t live in the path of “totality,” this app -- hosted by NASA scientists -- will deliver live stream images of the sun from locations in Oregon and Wyoming.
      • DIY Sun Science. With this NASA-funded app, elementary-school age children can learn about the sun through activities, videos, and images. There’s even a “sun observatory,” which shows live images of the sun from a NASA satellite in seven different views.

      While the upcoming solar eclipse promises to be an awe-inspiring spectacle for people of all ages, many parents are looking forward to seeing their childre...

      FTC warns consumers of a new government imposter scam

      Scammers are impersonating officials from the National Institutes of Health

      Government imposter scams have been around in one form or another for as long as anyone can remember, but the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that one current iteration is still getting the best of consumers.

      The agency says that it has received reports of scammers calling unsuspecting consumers and purporting to be from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The callers say that they’ve selected the victim to receive a $14,000 grant, but in order to deliver the money they’ll need to collect a fee through an iTunes or Green Dot card, or by obtaining the consumer’s bank account number.

      To the informed and wary consumer, this line rings with many of the hallmarks of a scam. The FTC says that NIH does not give grants to researchers who don’t apply for them, and that those grants are used for public purposes and never for personal use.

      Red flags

      The FTC says there are several ways that consumers can spot a government imposter. Many scammers tend to follow a similar script which usually relies on the following lines and phrases:

      • "This grant/scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."
      • "You can't get this information anywhere else."
      • "I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this grant/scholarship."
      • "We'll do all the work. You just pay a processing fee."
      • "The grant/scholarship will just cost you a one-time fee."
      • "You've been selected" or "you are eligible" to receive a grant/scholarship.

      The FTC affirms that the federal government will never call you and demand that you give personal or financial information, such as your bank account or you Social Security number.

      “Has a caller ever asked you to wire money, cash a check they send you (and send them money), or use a prepaid card to pay someone? Those are all red flags. Nobody legitimate – and certainly not the government – will ever ask you to pay in any of those ways,” the agency said in a blog post.

      Beating the scam

      In order to beat this sort of scam, the FTC lays out five rules that consumers should follow.

      1. Don’t wire money. Scammers will often try to get you to wire money or send them a prepaid debit card. The reason is that this type of payment is not traceable, and once the money is sent, there’s no getting it back.
      2. Don’t pay for a prize. If you enter and win a sweepstakes, no agency will ever tell you that you have to pay insurance, taxes, or shipping costs in order to claim your prize. If you haven’t entered a sweepstakes, then there’s no way you could win one either.
      3. Don’t give out personal or financial information. Never give a caller any sensitive information about yourself, including your bank account number, credit card number, or Social Security number. Many scammers will use this information to commit identity theft.
      4. Don’t trust your Caller ID. Many consumers tend to trust a call based on its Caller ID information, but this information can easily be spoofed by scammers. That means a call that says it comes from Washington D.C. could actually be coming from anywhere in the world, so don't take this information at face value.
      5. Sign your number up for the National Do Not Call Registry. Taking this step will not stop scammers from trying to contact you, but it should allow you to be more skeptical about any other calls that you receive unexpectedly. Consumers can register their phone number here.

      Perhaps most importantly, consumers are encouraged to always report any suspicious call they receive to the FTC. You can file a complaint by visiting the agency’s site here, but be sure to include the date and time of the call, the name of the government agency the imposter used, what they told you, the amount of money and payment method they asked for, the phone number of the caller, and any other details from the call that you can recall.

      If you mistakenly sent money to one of these imposters, be sure to contact your bank or any other agency you used to send the money to report the fraud as well.

      Government imposter scams have been around in one form or another for as long as anyone can remember, but the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that one...

      Audible launches 'Audible for Dogs' to combat canine loneliness

      Study suggests audiobooks work better than music to calm anxious pets

      You might not want to, but sometimes it’s necessary to leave your pet at home. While most cats are perfectly content to spend a few hours in solitude, dogs are more social creatures who would usually prefer the company of an owner to being alone.

      To help assuage separation anxiety, many pet parents turn on some tunes for their furry friend before leaving the house. However, a 2015 study suggested that music may not be as effective as audiobooks when it comes providing a feeling of company to stressed-out pets.

      In the wake of the study, Audible teamed up with dog behaviorist Cesar Millan to launch Audible for Dogs -- a selection of audiobooks that purportedly helps keep dogs calm and relaxed while their owner is away.

      Developed with dog whisperer

      Audible and Millan, better known as the "Dog Whisperer," conducted their own research at Millan’s Dog Psychology Center and found that 76% of dog owners noticed that audiobooks helped their pets relax.

      Audible’s research showed that dogs responded best to narrators of the same gender as their primary owner, played at average volume on an in-home listening device.

      “Dogs are social animals, so they need to engage with someone and the purpose of Audible for Dogs is to make dogs feel there is someone with them,” Millan said in a press release. “The person performing the audiobook is actually keeping your dog calm and taking the dog to a resting state, acting as an extension of you.”

      Dog-focused audiobooks

      “I’m excited to work with Audible to continue my mission of educating people on how to foster a calm, happy dog the right way,” Millan added.

      Dog owners can get acquainted with the audiobook collection by listening to Cesar Millan’s new Guide to Audiobooks for Dogs. From there, pet parents can queue up a rotating selection of dog-focused audiobook titles for their pup.

      Titles include: A Dog’s Purpose, Soldier Dogs: The Untold Story of America’s Canine Heroes, Pride and Prejudice, and The Art of Racing in the Rain. At the beginning of each title, Millan explains why the book is specially suited to doggy ears.

      Pet owners who don’t have an Audible subscription but would like to try Audible for Dogs can listen to one free selection with a 30-day membership trial.

      You might not want to, but sometimes it’s necessary to leave your pet at home. While most cats are perfectly content to spend a few hours in solitude, dogs...

      Good Food Concepts recalls raw intact and non-intact beef

      The products may be contaminated with E. coli O26

      Good Food Concepts of Colorado Springs, Colo., is recalling approximately 1,290 pounds of raw intact and non-intact beef.

      The products may be contaminated with E. coli O26.

      The following items, processed and packaged on August 3 – 4, 2017, are bring recalled:

      • Various weights of individual packages of “CALLICRATE BEEF, Celebrate goodness, Celebrate life, Filet Mignon,” with lot code 170731CC.
      • Various weights of individual packages of “CALLICRATE BEEF, Celebrate goodness, Celebrate life, Brisket Flat,” with lot code 170731CC.
      • Various weights of individual packages of “CALLICRATE BEEF, Celebrate goodness, Celebrate life, Sirloin Tip,” with lot code 170731CC.
      • Various weights of individual packages of “CALLICRATE BEEF, Celebrate goodness, Celebrate life, Ribeye,” with lot code 170731CC.
      • Various weights of individual packages of “CALLICRATE BEEF, Celebrate goodness, Celebrate life, Stew Meat,” with lot code 170731CC.
      • Various weights of individual packages of “CALLICRATE BEEF, Celebrate goodness, Celebrate life, New York Strip,” with lot code 170731CC.
      • Various weights of individual packages of “CALLICRATE BEEF, Celebrate goodness, Celebrate life, Skirt Steak,” with lot code 170731CC.
      • Various weights of individual packages of “CALLICRATE BEEF, Celebrate goodness, Celebrate life, Top Sirloin,” with lot code 170731CC.
      • Cases of 14.60-lb of “RANCH FOODS DIRECT GROUND BEEF 80/20 BEEF,” with lot code 170804.
      • Cases of 6.40-lb of “RANCH FOODS DIRECT GROUND BEEF 80/20” BEEF, with lot code 170803.
      • Cases of 6.40-lb of “RANCH FOODS DIRECT PHILLY MEAT BEEF,” with lot code 170803.
      • Cases of 6.40-lb of “RANCH FOODS DIRECT TOP SIRLOIN STEAK 8oz BEEF,” with lot code 170803.
      • Cases of 40-lb of “RANCH FOODS DIRECT GROUND CHUCK BEEF,” with lot code 170804.
      • Cases of 6.40-lb of “RANCH FOODS DIRECT GROUND BEEF (73/27),” with lot code 170803.
      • Cases of 40-lb of “RANCH FOODS DIRECT FLAT IRON BEEF,” with lot code 170804.
      • Cases of “FAMILY BUNDLE, 4-GROUND BEEF 80% LEAN 20% FAT, 1-LONDON BROIL, 2-PKGS CUBE STEAKS, 6-FLATIRON STEAKS, $91.99” with lot code 170804.
      • Cases of “STEAK BUNDLE, 4-RIBEYE STEAKS, 4-NEW YORK STRIP STEAKS, 4-TOP SIRLOIN STEAKS, 4-FILET MIGNON $174.99” with lot code 170804.
      • Cases of “RIBEYE STEAK BUNDLE, 10-RIBEYE STEAKS, $117.99” with lot code 170803.
      • Cases of “COLORADO BUNDLE, 4-SKIRTS STEAKS, 4-CHUCK EYE STEAKS, 4-TOP SIRLOIN, 2-CHUCK ROAST, 15-GROUND BEEF 80% LEAN 20%FAT, $199.19” with lot code 170804.
      • Cases of 20-lb of “GROUND BEED, 90% LEAN, 10% FAT $125.99” with lot code 170804.
      • Packages of “ALL NATURAL CALLIGRATE BEEF, Celebrate goodness, Celebrate Life, GROUND BEEF.”

      The recalled products, bearing establishment number “EST. 27316” inside the USDA mark of inspection, were shipped to retail locations, wholesale locations, and restaurants in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

      What to do

      Customers who purchased the recalled products should not consume them, but throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.

      Consumers with questions regarding the recall may contact Dave Anderson, at (719) 473-2306.

      Good Food Concepts of Colorado Springs, Colo., is recalling approximately 1,290 pounds of raw intact and non-intact beef.The products may be contaminat...

      U.S. Senators ask Trump administration to reconsider its stance on forced arbitration agreements

      The lawmakers say that long-term care residents shouldn't be forced to sign their rights away

      For some time, it looked likely that a measure would be passed that would ban the use of forced arbitration agreements in long-term care facilities, which basically take away residents’ right to a day in court by explicitly prohibiting them from filing lawsuits.

      But back in June, after the measure was held up for months by litigation from the healthcare and nursing home industry, the Trump Administration proposed a rule change that stopped short of banning the agreements.

      Consumer advocacy groups were outraged by the revision, saying that it didn’t go far enough to protect residents from being victimized by neglectful and unscrupulous nursing home practices. Now, a group of 31 U.S. senators are adding their voices to that opposition and asking the Trump Administration to reconsider its stance.

      In a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administrator Seema Verma, the senators said that the agency should reconsider its position on forced arbitration clauses.

      “The decision to admit yourself or a loved one into a long-term facility is already an extremely difficult one; nursing home residents and their families shouldn’t also be forced to sign away their fundamental rights in order to access the long-term care they require,” the senators said.

      “We strongly urge you to reconsider this reversal and protect the rights of American seniors and their families by fully enforcing the existing CMS restrictions on pre-dispute arbitration clauses in long-term facility contracts.”

      Stacking the deck

      In their letter, the senators argue that forced arbitration clauses “stack the deck against residents and their families who face a wide range of potential harms, including physical abuse and neglect, sexual assault, and even wrongful death at the hands of those working in and managing long-term care facilities.”

      They explain that the clauses do not give residents justice, but only funnel all of their legal claims into a resolution system that is fixed in favor of the nursing home industry. Additionally, they say that long-term care facilities often shield themselves from responsibility and public scrutiny with these agreements by covering up their bad practices. As a result, more seniors are placed in these facilities and subsequently abused as well.

      “With Medicare and Medicaid spending over $82 billion on nursing home care in 2015, prospective residents their families and the public deserve greater accountability and transparency from these facilities, not less,” the senators said.

      New proposed rule falls short

      The lawmakers point out that CMS was lauded for its initial proposal that banned forced arbitration clauses, but that its current proposal under the Trump administration leaves residents and families at risk.

      Specifically, the senators say the new rule allows nursing homes to once again require forced arbitration agreements to be signed before a resident can be admitted, leaving families with the tough choice of either signing the contract or not being able to enroll their loved one.

      The rule also overrides state law protections that more broadly prohibit the enforcement of one-sided contracts and would allow unscrupulous facilities to threaten current residents with being kicked out if they don't sign the agreements.

      “We strongly urge CMS to fully protect many of our nation’s most vulnerable individuals by withdrawing this proposal and sustaining and fully enforcing the existing restrictions on pre-dispute arbitration clauses in long-term care facility contracts,” the senators conclude.

      The full letter, including the names of all 31 senators, can be viewed here.

      For some time, it looked likely that a measure would be passed that would ban the use of forced arbitration agreements in long-term care facilities, which...

      New treatment for Lou Gehrig's disease available in U.S.

      Drug is first to win approval to treat ALS in 22 years

      A drug therapy that won approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is now available to patients in the U.S., making it the first new ALS treatment in more than two decades.

      RADICAVA, made by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc., is given intravenously and has been shown to slow the progression of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, by 33%.

      ALS is an incurable and progressive disease, in which the patient gradually loses most physical function. RADICAVA has been shown to slow down that process.

      'Clinically meaningful treatment'

      "After two decades without a new treatment, people with ALS finally have access to a new clinically meaningful treatment option for this horrible, progressive and incurable disease," said company president Atsushi Fujimoto.

      The company says the drug can be administered in a number of different settings, including the home. Tom Larson, the company's chief commercial officer, calls it a "seminal" moment in the treatment of ALS.

      "As of today, all across the country, conversations between ALS specialists and patients may be substantially different," he said.

      Affects the brain and spinal cord

      ALS affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It blocks nutrient flow to muscles, causing them to atrophy and waste away. According to the ALS Association, the lateral area of the spinal cord is where key nerve cells regulating muscle control are located.

      The slow degrading of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their destruction. As the neurons die, the brain has less ability to initiate or control muscle movement. Patients eventually lose the ability to speak, eat, move, or even breathe.

      Prior to RADICAVA, riluzole was the only FDA-approved treatment for ALS. The ALS Association says that drug "modestly" slows the growth of ALS in some people.

      About 6,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year. At any given time, around 20,000 Americans are believed to suffer from the disease.

      Most patients who develop ALS do so between the ages of 40 and 70, with an average age of 55 at the time of diagnosis. However, cases of the disease do occur in persons in their twenties and thirties.

      Symptoms vary among individuals, but generally are first manifested through loss of muscle function.

      A drug therapy that won approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is now available to patie...

      House panel recommends contempt citation against consumer watchdog

      Recommendation targets head of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

      A House Financial Services subcommittee has released a staff report that recommends the full House find Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Richard Cordray in contempt of Congress.

      The finding alleges Cordray and the agency defied Congressional subpoenas by refusing to deliver documents related to the drafting of the arbitration rule -- the focus of contention.

      That rule would ban forced arbitration as a way to settle disputes between consumers and financial service providers. The CFPB said it took that step to give consumers their day in court. Republicans in Congress charge the move would benefit trial lawyers more than consumers.

      CFPB responds

      In a statement to CNN, CFPB spokeswoman Jen Howard said the agency has been working to comply with the committee's oversight, and so far has produced thousands of pages of documents.

      Congressional Republicans from the start have been critical of the way the CFPB was established under the Dodd Frank Act, charging that its director is "unaccountable."

      The director cannot be fired by the President, for example, except for cause. It's likely that a contempt of Congress citation would be interpreted as grounds for dismissal.

      Since it was established, CFPB has been active in regulating student loans, credit cards, auto financing, credit bureaus, and so-called "credit repair" companies -- services that tend to draw a lot of consumer grievances.

      Vote to block arbitration rule

      Last month, the GOP-controlled House voted to block implementation of the CFPB's arbitration rule.

      The Trump Administration has said it “strongly supports” the Republican bill, saying that the CFPB’s rule would harm consumers and “benefit trial lawyers by increasing frivolous class-action lawsuits.”

      But Lisa Gilbert, Vice President of Legislative Affairs at Public Citizen, said the House vote amounted to "a savage attack on American consumers."

      "By voting to overturn the CFPB’s arbitration rule, Republicans in Congress are siding with predatory banks, payday lenders, credit card companies, and the financial industry against Main Street Americans, and are choosing to be on the wrong side of history," Gilbert said.

      While Republican and business leaders have generally supported Cordray's ouster, the director might be leaving the post on his own in the near future. Before taking the CFPB post, Cordray was the attorney general of Ohio. It's been reported that he may be headed back to his home state to run for governor next year.

      A House Financial Services subcommittee has released a staff report that recommends the full House find Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Directo...

      Cities and states adopting their own paid sick leave policies

      So far, the federal government hasn't set a policy

      Different companies have different policies when it comes to sick days and family leave. Some are more generous than others.

      While debate continues in Washington over potential federal policies, various cities and states have moved ahead, putting their own policies into place.

      Last year, Chicago passed a provision requiring employers in the city to provide paid sick days to their employees. A few months later, Cook County, Illinois adopted a similar policy.

      A growing number of states also have paid sick leave policies, with Arizona becoming the most recent state to adopt one. It took effect last month and applies to both full and part-time employees, as well as contract workers. Interestingly, it does not apply to people who work for the federal and state governments.

      Broad coverage

      Most of the laws and ordinances are fairly broad. Employees generally can use sick days for themselves or to care for family members.

      The types of illnesses eligible for the time off include any physical or mental illness, injury, or health condition; injuries caused by sexual violence, stalking, abuse, or domestic violence; or any sickness resulting from a public health crisis.

      Here is a complete list of cities and states that have sick leave statutes and what those statutes require.

      According to the Department of Labor, federal law does not require employers to provide paid sick leave. If the company you work for does provide it, the firm is not required to compensate you for unused sick leave if you take another job.

      Family and Medical Leave Act

      Federal law does require employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

      FMLA applies to all public employers and companies with 50 or more employees. The leave can be used to recover from a serious health condition, or to care for a family member.

      NPR reports paid sick leave policies are beginning to gain some traction in a Republican-controlled Congress, mainly because companies are finding the growing number of state and municipal policies confusing.

      One proposal would set a minimum amount of paid sick leave employers could voluntarily offer. By meeting that minimum, the employer would not be governed by state or local regulations.

      Different companies have different policies when it comes to sick days and family leave. Some are more generous than others.While debate continues in W...

      New dating site aims to connect dog lovers

      The creators of Hotdiggiddy believe dog people are usually warm, loving individuals

      Whether you’re looking to meet someone who shares your political views or hates the same things you hate, there’s likely a dating app out there to help you find your ideal match.

      Now, there’s a dating site specifically geared toward those who love dogs. Hotdiggiddy, the new "Social Dating Site" for Dog Lovers, is centered around the idea that those who care for dogs are usually warm, loving, and responsible people.

      The creators of the site say finding romance or friendship with a dog lover won’t only be a boon to your happiness, it’ll be a positive influence in the life of your four-legged friend as well.

      Romantic or platonic relationships

      "Have you ever invited someone over for a visit and as soon as they walked in the door your dog immediately reacted to them? Not in a nice way. Well, we have time and again,” said Scott Murray, CEO of Hotdiggiddy.

      “We find that the people who our dogs like are usually people who we can trust and get along with; even if they are not dog owners themselves. These people just seem to give off good vibes that you and your dog can feel."

      But you don’t have to own a dog to use the Canadian based dating site and app -- a love of dogs is all that’s required.

      Dog lovers in relationships

      In addition to giving off good vibes, dog lovers may also be better communicators. According to a University of Buffalo study, couples with pets have closer relationships and interact more than couples without pets.

      The researchers explained that dogs make people want to seek out more social contact. As a result, they tend to form stronger and longer-lasting relationships.

      Another potential perk of dating a dog lover: they may be more empathetic. A 2014 study found that dog owners are more engaged with their communities, likely as a result of being tapped into their empathetic, understanding side from all the hours spent caring for their pet.

      Hotdiggiddy says it’s looking for people who are living life to the fullest. And while you only need to be over the age of 18 to use the site, its key demographic is 30 years of age and older.

      Whether you’re looking to meet someone who shares your political views or hates the same things you hate, there’s likely a dating app out there to help you...

      FDA sued over formaldehyde in hair products

      Environmental groups say hair-straightening products a danger to salon workers

      Two environmental groups have sued the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), charging the agency with allowing hair products with "unsafe levels of formaldehyde" to remain on the market.

      The lawsuit, filed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Women’s Voices for the Earth, claims the hair-straightening products pose a hazard to consumers and salon workers.

      The suit is the latest chapter in an ongoing saga in which the two groups have pressed the FDA to investigate popular hair-smoothing products that are available in stores and widely used in hair salons.

      The plaintiffs says the products contain liquids that can release formaldehyde, which they say is not only a carcinogen, but also a fairly potent allergen.

      “The FDA has failed to protect stylists and consumers from exposure to formaldehyde,” said Melanie Benesh, a legislative attorney at EWG. “Since at least 2008, the agency has known about the health hazards associated with these hair straightening products and done nothing. Despite the complaints, the FDA has yet to take action to regulate these products.”

      Salon workers report symptoms

      The two environmental groups say the hair-straightening solutions are applied to hair and then heated, which then releases formaldehyde into the air. Alexandra Scranton, director of science and research for Women’s Voices for the Earth, said salon workers have suffered symptoms that are linked to these products.

      “The health risks posed by these products deserved immediate action from the FDA when it was brought to its attention in 2008," Scranton said. "Allowing salon workers and their customers to continue to be harmed by these products for more than six years is unconscionable.”

      The American Cancer Society notes that professional keratin hair smoothing products can contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasing chemicals.

      "Using these can raise indoor air concentrations of formaldehyde to levels that could be a potential hazard," the group says on its website.

      The plaintiffs complain that products labeled "for professional use only" are not required to list ingredients on the label. They are backing proposed legislation in the U.S. Senate that would require ingredients to be listed on all cosmetics products.

      Two environmental groups have sued the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), charging the agency with allowing hair products with "unsafe levels of formaldeh...

      Record high stock market not telling the whole story

      Most stocks are not participating in the rally

      The stock market closed at a string of record highs last week, boosted by strong earnings reports and optimism about the economy.

      The Dow Jones Industrial Average is over 22,000, the Nasdaq is closing in on 6,000, and the S&P 500 is within striking distance of 2,500. But market analysts are cautioning that those heady numbers may be a little misleading. They're being propelled higher by only a handful of stocks.

      The Dow Jones Industrial Average is made up of 30 stocks, but one of them happens to be Apple, which has been on a tear lately. McDonald's, Boeing, and Microsoft are also included in the Dow, and those stocks have largely pushed the average higher.

      Soaring tech

      Drilling deeper into all three indices, you'll find that technology stocks in general have soared in the last few months, far outpacing the rest of the market. Normally, analysts like to see the broader market participate in a rally.

      In particular, the stocks of companies like Facebook, Apple, Netflix, and Google -- the so-called FANG stocks -- have led the way. Energy, financial services, and most other sectors have lagged behind.

      Cliff Asness at AQR Capital Management told Bloomberg News this pattern is the normal case and doesn't see it as anything to be concerned about. But Richard Harris, a Hong Kong-based chief executive officer of Port Shelter Investment Management, doesn't think it's a good sign.

      “It very often means that eventually people are going to run out of things to buy," he told Bloomberg.

      'Super-volcano'

      Barry James, CEO of the Advantage Fund, is in a similar camp. On CNBC's "Futures Now," he compared the current market to the "super-volcano" in Yellowstone National Park.

      "Even though [the market] looks beautiful—setting new highs, good momentum, and earnings have been coming in strong, [there are] things to worry about," he told the network.

      Marketwatch reported Monday that other market analysts are turning negative on the market -- or at least becoming more cautious. It notes that Brad Lamensdorf, a portfolio manager at Ranger Alternative Management, is finding bearish signals on market breadth -- the number of stocks that are rising against those that are falling.

      Consumers with retirement funds invested in equities should not make any rash moves based on analysts forecasts. Instead, this might be a good time to review your portfolio with your investment advisor, to make sure you are well positioned for any eventuality, and to update asset allocations and plan for the future.

      The stock market closed at a string of record highs last week, boosted by strong earnings reports and optimism about the economy.The Dow Jones Industri...