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Entry bubble Privacy Protection

By: Nicole | July 25, 2008 | Category: General

Shred Personal DocumentsYou know it’s important. Everyone is talking about it. But you’re not sure exactly what you're supposed to do. No worries. We’ve developed a new Privacy Resources page just for you.

The idea of protecting your privacy can be a new and strange concept for many people. While there have always been restrictions on how companies can use and share your personal information, today individuals must be more active in protecting themselves. The first step is learning about your privacy rights and responsibilities.

Our new privacy page brings together government and non-government resources to provide a comprehensive look at privacy issues. There are several major areas of concern, including financial privacy, medical privacy, and online privacy.

While technology has made everything from shopping to booking a flight easier, it has also become a dangerous tool for con artists and criminals. Identity theft is a very real problem, but you can take steps to minimize your risk.

In addition to these concerns, parents must think carefully about how to protect their children’s privacy. Talking to children and family members about how to protect personal information might sound like a chore, but it’s absolutely necessary.

So, check out our new page, and let us know what you think.

| View Comments [4] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: identity_theft   nicole   privacy   privacy_rights   protect  

 

Entry bubble Buying Prescription Drugs Online

By: Nicole | July 11, 2008 | Category: Health

Prescription medicine pillsA recent study found that 85% of websites that sold prescription drugs directly to consumers didn’t require a doctor’s prescription. That’s an alarming statistic, especially when one considers the danger of prescription drug abuse and fake medication.

It’s no secret that the price of prescription drugs in this country continues to rise at an incredible rate. For many people, especially those who take maintenance prescriptions, these rising costs can have a serious impact.

Some consumers have discovered that they can fill their prescriptions cheaper and easier online. In fact, some insurance companies require policy holders to do so.

One way online pharmacies reduce costs is by automatically using generic drugs unless prohibited by your physician’s order. Whether or not you buy online, you can usually save some cash by opting for generic drugs.

If you find yourself about to plunge into the sea of online pharmacies, keep these tips in mind:

  • National Association of Boards of Pharmacy logoUse the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy to research a website before using it.
  • Don't buy from sites that sell prescription drugs without a prescription or that sell drugs not approved by the FDA.
  • Only use sites that have a pharmacist available to answer your questions.
  • Only buy from sites based in the U.S. It’s against the law to buy prescription drugs from other countries. It could also be unsafe.
  • Talk to your doctor or clinic before using any medicine for the first time.

When you receive your medication, you might want to verify that it’s the right pill by searching for its image in a pill identifier database.

Have you used an online pharmacy to buy meds? Were you happy with the experience?

| View Comments [4] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: buy   doctor   drugs   generic   internet   medications   meds   nicole   online   online_pharmacies   pharmacist   pills   prescriptions   purchase   sales  

 

Entry bubble Fireworks on the Fourth

By: Nicole | July 04, 2008 | Category: General

Fireworks and the FlagI have a confession to make. As a kid, I hated fireworks. I hated loud, sudden noises, even if they were accompanied by pretty colors in the night sky. I hated going to the Fourth of July celebrations with my parents, where inevitably I would end up under the picnic blanket, hiding from the scary kabooms overhead.

Apparently, I was on to something. Each year, there are more than 10,000 people treated for injuries related to fireworks, and half of them are under the age of 15. That’s not to say that you can’t enjoy fireworks on the Fourth, but use a bit of caution and follow basic safety tips. Also, know the laws in your state regarding the purchase and use of fireworks.

I am happy to say that as an adult I have come to enjoy an annual fireworks display. In fact, I was fascinated to learn just how those colorful explosions are created.

Check out USA.gov’s Fourth of July page for more information about the history and celebration of Independence Day, as well as fun related activities. I took the kids’ quiz and am chagrined to say that I didn’t score a perfect 10. Oh, well. I won’t let that bother me tomorrow as I’m soaking up the sun and enjoying the smoky smell of a good BBQ.

| View Comments [6] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: fireworks   indepedence   july_fourth   nicole   safety  

 

Entry bubble Owning a Small Business

By: Nicole | June 27, 2008 | Category: Money

I firmly believe that one of the most rewarding pleasures in life is a terrific story. I recently finished reading a new book by one of my favorite writers. His latest novel is set in a small town in upstate New York, where a struggling, painfully optimistic family man purchases a small corner grocery. With much help from his savvy, less optimistic wife, he makes a successful business of it. As I was reading the story, I have to admit that I was inspired by the powerfully American idea of a small business venture.

Business OwnerIf you have ever imagined owning your own business, check out the Small Business Administration’s website, where there are tons of resources to help an entrepreneurial spirit. There, you can find detailed instructions for writing a business plan or information about finance options. Did you know that there are laws governing what you can name your business? You can find that and much more on the site.

There are also free online courses offered through the site. For example, you can take courses about starting a business, managing a business, financing a business, or marketing and advertising. The courses are interactive, engaging, and accessible. If you’re interested in a small business but feel intimidated by the process, these courses will definitely help.

In addition to the resources above, you can get help at the Small Business Administration’s district offices or at a Small Business Development Center in your area. You might also benefit from the Federal Citizen Information Center's related publications.

And for businesses of any size, USA.gov's Business Gateway provides all the government information you need.

Have you ever been inspired by a terrific business idea?

| View Comments [8] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: business   capital   enterprise   entrepreneur   finance   manage   money   nicole   opportunity   own   start up  

 

Entry bubble After the Midwest Floods

By: Nicole | June 20, 2008 | Category: General

Rescuers Helping during Midwest Floods Several folks in the Gov Gab office have family in Iowa, Indiana, and Wisconsin, so it’s not uncommon these days to hear talk of the Midwest floods. We pass each other in the hallway or on the stairwell and ask, “How are your folks? Have you talked to them today?” So far, most of the extended Gov Gab family seem to be okay. 

If you’re worried about a family member, or have been affected by the floods, you can visit our newest page for help.

From there, you can search for loved ones to see if they have registered as "safe and well" with the Red Cross. Or you can register yourself as "safe and well."

You can also apply for disaster assistance or volunteer to help in the recovery efforts.

There are lots of other helpful links. For example, you might want to know about scams prevalent in flooded areas or learn more about personal health and safety after a flood.  If you lost important documents during the flood, like your birth certificate or social security card, you can find information about replacing your vital records. 

The U.S. Geological Survey has posted photos of the flooded areas on their website, along with related news releases and updates. 

Are there other bits of information you need regarding the flood?  Let us know, and we’ll try our best to help you find them.

| View Comments [3] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: flooding   floods   indiana   iowa   midwest   nicole   wisconsin  

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