The summer is upon us and with the longer days and added sunlight, many people want to exercise outdoors. However, in many places, the sun, humidity, and heat can make people not want to exercise at all! Here are some helpful ideas to make getting off the couch easier and the thoughts of working out more appealing.

1. Choose the right time to exercise. If you are a morning person, get up earlier and hit the outdoors before the sun is overhead and beating down. If you are an evening person, make time to exercise right before sunset. These are the times when outdoor exercise will have the least amount of sun heat and you will be more comfortable exercising.

    

2. Change Your Exercise Routine. You may already know the benefits of cross training, and the added strength and stamina your body will receive from trying a new exercise routine. The summer is a great time to trade in jogging for doing laps in the pool, or for relinquishing indoor aerobics classes for outdoor roller blading.

    

3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. The most common cause of exercise related illness in the summer heat is the lack of hydration. It is mandatory to drink water before, during, and after any exercise sessions in the summer. If you are on a boat or in the sun for a prolonged period time, it is essential to hydrate, even if you aren’t exercising, as the sun will dehydrate your body at an accelerated pace.

    

4. Make Good Choices for Exercise Locations. If you can only exercise during the day when the sun is hot and the air is humid, then choose an exercise area that is shaded and cool. Air conditioned gyms, air conditioned rooms at home, and shaded outdoor areas will be easier on your body than exercising in the full sun.

    

5. Learn About Heat Related Illnesses. If you are planning on exercising outdoors in the summer, then you owe yourself the discovery of learning more about heat related illnesses and what to do if you experience any of the symptoms associated with these maladies. For example, if you start to feel dizziness, nausea, develop a terrible headache, or feel like you are going to faint, you will need to stop exercising, sit down, cool off, and hydrate.

    

6. Take New Classes. The summer months may be the time when you feel more energy, and you can take advantage of these energy spurts to learn new sports or to try something new. For example, maybe you would like to try ballroom dancing classes which will be indoors and air conditioned in most places. Maybe you would like to try handball, or indoor tennis, or even buy a Wii for indoor exercise sessions with a virtual hulahoop. The summer gives you an opportunity to explore and try new things.

    

7. Think Cool. The best way to get exercise and stay cool is to think about the cool places that surround your area. For example, you could get into a pair of waders and fly fish in the middle of a cool river, or you could do water aerobics in a pool. You could get a kayak and hit the rivers or go to the beach for a long swim.

    

8. Wear Sunscreen. If you are going to be in any amount of sun for any amount of time, you need to wear sunscreen. Put sunscreen on at least a half an hour before you exercise so the lotion can sink into your skin and not be removed by perspiration or water. Re-apply sunscreen every half an hour to get the optimal benefits. Sunscreen will protect your skin from aging, wrinkles, potentiality for skin cancer, and sunburn. There is nothing hotter than having a sunburn, so if you want to stay cool, use sunscreen.
   

    As spring is waning and the summer months are approaching, many travelers are opting for the economical transportation of traveling by car to their summer vacations. Those travelers with pets decide to either leave their pets attended by others at home or in a kennel, or decide to travel with their beloved companions. Some pets are willing and excited travelers while others may liken their driving experiences only to the dreaded vet’s visit. Whichever applies to your pet’s proclivity for traveling, here are a few tried and helpful tips for making traveling with pets an enjoyable experience for all.

It is estimated that there are over 150 million cats and dogs in the United States, and many people have millions of other pets, such as birds and horses. For the purpose of this discussion on pet travel tips, cats and dogs are the focus. Other pets, such as horses, need their own unique transportation systems and arrangements. In a recent survey of 6,000 pet owners, over sixty percent of the owners had plans to travel with their pets this year to places over fifty miles away from their homes. With so many pets and owners traveling together, here are some proven strategies for peaceful traveling.

1. Practice Traveling: If you have only transported your cat or dog to the vet’s office, then having several small trips planned before the vacation travel will prove beneficial. The pet gets used to being in the car for purposes other than medical, and you have the opportunity to make car traveling fun and stress-free.
   

    

2. Never Leave Your Pet Alone in A Car: Every year many owners leave their pets in the car while they go shopping or eat at a restaurant. Dogs and cats have different temperature systems than humans and cannot stand prolonged heat. Within a few minutes of summer heat in a parked car, temperatures can rise to over 100 degrees which is enough to cause severe physically stress your pet, and perhaps even cause death.
   

    

3. Feed Before Traveling: To help prevent car sickness, feed your pet four to six hours before leaving for the trip so digestion can take place. If you feed your pet at night, wait until your pet is done riding in the car for the night and then feed.
   

    

4. Hydrate: Just as humans need to be hydrated during traveling, pets have this need as well. Bring along a folding water bowl that can easily be filled with bottled water when you make stops. Do not try to give your pet water in the car or they might hurt themselves drinking while the car is moving.
   

    

5. Include Frequent Breaks: Dogs and cats need walking and bathroom breaks approximately every two hours during a car trip. Be sure to bring a leash for your pet as many states will fine you for having an unleashed pet. Put the leash on before you open the car door to ensure that your pet will be safe from harm or running away. Always keep your pet under control and away from strangers.
   

    

6. Use A Restraint System: Most pet owners will use a pet carrier or crate in the back of their car, but there are also a host of restraints and harnesses that can be employed for pet safety. Never put your pet into the back of an open car or truck as this practice is illegal in many states and can leave your pet open to being thrown out of the back or strangled if restrained.
   

    

7. Keep Heads Inside: Although many pets like to put their heads out an open window, this is a very dangerous practice. The eyes and ears of pets are delicate and unprotected, and they can be severely damaged by road debris and flying dirt or stones. In addition, your pet is at a greater risk for injury if they have their head out the window and the car has to stop suddenly or is struck by another car.
   

    

8. Stay Calm: Your pet has an inexplicable attachment to you and their family. If you are anxious, your pet will decipher that anxiety and become anxious, too. Even in the worst of situations, such as experiencing a car breakdown, having you remain calm may be the best thing to do for ensuring your pet enjoy their travels
   

    

9. Bring A Favorite Toy: Just as you may want to bring your snorkeling equipment with you on vacation, your pet may also want their favorite Frisbee or toy mouse for play. The fact that the toy will smell like home and be associated with fun and play will make it all the better.
   

    

10. End With A Reward: Your pet wants to know that they pleased you during the traveling, so make sure you end the trip with a reward such as a nice walk, a biscuit, a play time outside, or a good game of throwing a tennis ball.
    

     

Wear Identification: Thousands of pets every year are lost on their vacation trips with only a fraction of these retrieved and placed again with their original owners. Most lost pets end up in animal shelters. Be sure your pet has a collar, pet identification tag that includes your address and cell number, and information about their identification microchip, if applicable.

SUN CARE AND HEALTHY PREVENTION HABITS

    Now that the weather is turning warmer, and the sunny days are longer, many people will want to spend more time outdoors. The warmth of the sun, the newly blooming flowers, and the ability to be outside for several hours is alluring to most people. Although a little sun is a great source of Vitamin D for bodies, the stress that sun causes for skin can be very damaging. At the very least, sun exposure causes skin to dry and wrinkle, and at the worst, sun can cause skin cancer. None of us want to relinquish our time outdoors, but precaution can help to develop healthy skin care habits.

Here are some helpful tips for preventing dry skin and for exercising skin care while in the sun.

1. Wear a sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or more every time you are in the sun. Use a skin moisturizer with a SPF of 15 or more, and for those who wear make-up, choose brands with a SPF of 15 or more. For prolonged outdoor activities, use a sunscreen of 60 or more. Remember to reapply all sunscreen every two hours for the maximum benefit.

    

2. Cover your body when in the sun, during outdoor activities, and even on cloudy days. The sun’s rays penetrate clouds, and you still need covering and sunscreen. Wear a hat every time you are in the sun, and for prolonged periods, wear clothing with SPF in the materials.

    

3. Wear sunglasses every day during all seasons for protection of the eyes from sun damage. The most protective sunglasses are polarized and have UV protection. Never look directly at the sun as this may cause severe damage to the eyes.

    

4. Stay away from tanning parlors and prolonged outdoor tanning as these both lead to damaged skin, dehydrated skin, wrinkles, and possibly skin cancer. If you need to look tanned, opt for artificial tanning products, and spray tans. You also have the choice to be comfortable in natural skin without a tan.

    

5. Seek shade whenever possible or provide your own shade with an umbrella, tent, or other device if necessary. Being in the shade will keep you cooler, enable you to stay outside longer, and give your skin a natural protection from the sun. However, you will still need sunscreen even if you are in the shade.

    

Know the environmental risks around you, such as higher altitude, geographical proximity to the equator, and urban environments. Each of these factors allows your body to have less protection from the sun’s damaging rays. As global warming becomes more prevalent, every area on the globe will have increased sun exposure.

DID YOU KNOW BRUSHING YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY CAN REDUCE YOUR LIKELHOOD OF A HEART ATTACK BY 70%?

        In a recent study done by scientists from University College London, data was analyzed from 11,000 people with an average age of 50 who took part in the Scottish Health Survey. Interesting findings correlated oral hygiene with heart attacks regardless of other health factors, such as obesity and smoking. As part of the medical history, participants were asked about their oral hygiene habits and findings showed those who rarely brushed their teeth, and those who brushed their teeth less than two times per day, were 70% more likely to experience a heart attack.

    Although gum disease and tooth infections have previously been shown to increase the propensity for heart disease, this is the first study that correlated tooth brushing habits with heart disease. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a build-up of seven hundred types of bacteria in the mouth that can then be spread to other internal organs and through the bloodstream. Bacteria entering a person’s bloodstream cause an activation of the body’s immune system, thus making artery walls inflamed and narrowed. This blood born bacteria also attaches to fatty deposits already in the arteries, thus narrowing the arteries even more.

A spokesperson for the British Dental Association concurred with the findings from this study. Additionally, he said there were other research studies that showed correlation between poor oral hygiene and elevated incidences of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. Here are some easy to follow suggestions for good oral hygiene:

1. Brush your teeth daily after every meal, and at least twice every day.
2. Use toothpaste with fluoride.
3. Floss your teeth after every meal.
4. Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria, enhance digestion, and clean the salivary glands.
5. Have regular dental examinations.
6. Have your teeth cleaned every six months.
7. Follow your dentist’s instructions for teeth and gum care.
8. Restrict sugary snacks.

Seek immediate dental attention if anything hurts or bleeds in your mouth.

CHILDREN AND SUN SAFETY

    Every day parents are bombarded with information and research on what is best for their children’s nutrition, exercise, and safety. Some of the media messages are confusing, such as encouraging parents to have their children spend more time exercising outdoors, but being cautioned about the high risk of future skin cancer from extending their child’s skin exposure to the sun’s rays. What are the correct levels of skin exposure and sun protection practices for children? Here are a few helpful suggestions that parents can use with their children.

1. Skin Type- Sun exposure triggers many changes in the skin, and research has shown that early childhood exposure to unprotected tanning correlates with higher levels of skin cancer in adults. While all children need a high SPF sunscreen, the sunscreen SPF level needs to be higher for children with blue or green eyes. The recommendation for all children is for a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or more. There are specially formulated sunscreens for babies and children, and parents need to reapply sunscreen at the intervals indicated on the specific sunscreen lotion and every time their child has been swimming or perspiring.
   

    

2. Children’s Age- The skin of babies under six months old has not formulated melanin for protection, so during this stage, a baby should never be in direct sunlight. All other children should be covered with proper protective, sunscreen clothing, a wide brimmed hat, and socks and shoes when they are exposed to any amount of sunlight.
   

    

3. Sports- Children of all ages need to wear sunscreen, and a hat and sunglasses if allowed, at all times while playing sports. Their favorite sunscreen should be a permanent part of the gym and sports bag regardless of where they play. Children can be exposed to damaging sun rays even on cloudy days.
   

    

4. No Tanning Beds- The newest research shows that teens who used tanning beds are 75% more likely to have skin cancer as adults. There is a plethora of tanning creams and lotions, and spray on tans available if a teen feels that he or she needs a tan for a specific event. Tanning beds emit UV rays that are as much as 15 times that of the sun.
   

    

5. Provide Shade- Parents need to purchase strollers that provide shade. In addition, any trip to the beach should include taking a beach shelter and/or beach umbrella. If your child will be involved in an activity that exposes him or her to the sun, then provide a top with a hood and/or a hat of their choosing. It’s a good practice to leave a hat for everyone in the car so there’s never an excuse to go without sun protection.
   

    

Shade- Whenever possible, find a place in a park, on the beach, or at a sports game where there is shade. Sitting, picnicking, relaxing or watching a sports event will be just as enjoyable, and much healthier, if the family is covered by natural shade.

HELPFUL TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH PETS

    As spring is waning and the summer months are approaching, many travelers are opting for the economical transportation of traveling by car to their summer vacations. Those travelers with pets decide to either leave their pets attended by others at home or in a kennel, or decide to travel with their beloved companions. Some pets are willing and excited travelers while others may liken their driving experiences only to the dreaded vet’s visit. Whichever applies to your pet’s proclivity for traveling, here are a few tried and helpful tips for making traveling with pets an enjoyable experience for all.

It is estimated that there are over 150 million cats and dogs in the United States, and many people have millions of other pets, such as birds and horses. For the purpose of this discussion on pet travel tips, cats and dogs are the focus. Other pets, such as horses, need their own unique transportation systems and arrangements. In a recent survey of 6,000 pet owners, over sixty percent of the owners had plans to travel with their pets this year to places over fifty miles away from their homes. With so many pets and owners traveling together, here are some proven strategies for peaceful traveling.

1. Practice Traveling: If you have only transported your cat or dog to the vet’s office, then having several small trips planned before the vacation travel will prove beneficial. The pet gets used to being in the car for purposes other than medical, and you have the opportunity to make car traveling fun and stress-free.
   

    

2. Never Leave Your Pet Alone in A Car: Every year many owners leave their pets in the car while they go shopping or eat at a restaurant. Dogs and cats have different temperature systems than humans and cannot stand prolonged heat. Within a few minutes of summer heat in a parked car, temperatures can rise to over 100 degrees which is enough to cause severe physically stress your pet, and perhaps even cause death.
   

    

3. Feed Before Traveling: To help prevent car sickness, feed your pet four to six hours before leaving for the trip so digestion can take place. If you feed your pet at night, wait until your pet is done riding in the car for the night and then feed.
   

    

4. Hydrate: Just as humans need to be hydrated during traveling, pets have this need as well. Bring along a folding water bowl that can easily be filled with bottled water when you make stops. Do not try to give your pet water in the car or they might hurt themselves drinking while the car is moving.
   

    

5. Include Frequent Breaks: Dogs and cats need walking and bathroom breaks approximately every two hours during a car trip. Be sure to bring a leash for your pet as many states will fine you for having an unleashed pet. Put the leash on before you open the car door to ensure that your pet will be safe from harm or running away. Always keep your pet under control and away from strangers.
   

    

6. Use A Restraint System: Most pet owners will use a pet carrier or crate in the back of their car, but there are also a host of restraints and harnesses that can be employed for pet safety. Never put your pet into the back of an open car or truck as this practice is illegal in many states and can leave your pet open to being thrown out of the back or strangled if restrained.
   

    

7. Keep Heads Inside: Although many pets like to put their heads out an open window, this is a very dangerous practice. The eyes and ears of pets are delicate and unprotected, and they can be severely damaged by road debris and flying dirt or stones. In addition, your pet is at a greater risk for injury if they have their head out the window and the car has to stop suddenly or is struck by another car.
   

    

8. Stay Calm: Your pet has an inexplicable attachment to you and their family. If you are anxious, your pet will decipher that anxiety and become anxious, too. Even in the worst of situations, such as experiencing a car breakdown, having you remain calm may be the best thing to do for ensuring your pet enjoy their travels
   

    

9. Bring A Favorite Toy: Just as you may want to bring your snorkeling equipment with you on vacation, your pet may also want their favorite Frisbee or toy mouse for play. The fact that the toy will smell like home and be associated with fun and play will make it all the better.
   

    

10. End With A Reward: Your pet wants to know that they pleased you during the traveling, so make sure you end the trip with a reward such as a nice walk, a biscuit, a play time outside, or a good game of throwing a tennis ball.
    

     

Wear Identification: Thousands of pets every year are lost on their vacation trips with only a fraction of these retrieved and placed again with their original owners. Most lost pets end up in animal shelters. Be sure your pet has a collar, pet identification tag that includes your address and cell number, and information about their identification microchip, if applicable.

SIGNIFICANCE OF EARTH DAY

This week marked the fortieth anniversary of Earth Day. The idea for the original Earth Day was evolving for over seven years, and began as a grassroots operation to bring environmental concerns to the national political agenda of the Kennedy administration during the 1960’s. As the evidence of environmental concerns and issues began to mount, the idea gained strength for a national “teach-in” from coast to coast, at universities, and in the media. The final plans for the national Earth Day activities were spearheaded by Senator Gaylord Nelson who had championed environmental concerns for the preceding decade. The amazing success of the first Earth Day in 1970 was evidenced through twenty million demonstrators who protested for more stringent environmental protection policies and laws.

Earth Day has been celebrated every year since then with global participation and a plethora of events highlighting environmental concerns, issues, and climate control. It may seem at times that one individual may not be able to make a difference in preserving the environment, but the ideals and longevity of Earth Day observances have shown that to be incorrect. Here are some ideas for how you can help to preserve the environment and save yourself money.

1. Shower- Skip taking a bath and use the shower instead. A bath uses up to seven times the amount of water than a shower.

    

2. Buy in Bulk- Buying items that you frequently use in bulk will save you money and reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of packaging and consumables.

    

3. Use the dishwasher- Using the automatic dishwasher reduces by at least three times the water consumption over doing dishes by hand. Make sure you wait until you have a full load of dishes to maximize your savings and the water conservation.

    

4. Low-flow Showerhead- Most of the showerheads made before 1992 draw up to five and a half gallons of water compared to the modern versions used now that only draw two and a half gallons.

    

5. Cloth Napkins- Using cloth napkins and hand towels instead of paper napkins and paper towels can save billions of trees a year.

    

6. Recycle- Most communities have recycling as part of their waste management plan. Keep all of your recyclables available in matched bags, or for the curbside pick-up. You can also recycle your old clothes, media devices, furniture, etc. at charitable outlets like the Salvation Army, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, and local shelters for the homeless.

    

7. Bring Your Own Bags- Whenever you go shopping, not just for groceries but for all products, bring your own bags. Recycle your bags for work lunches, gifts, organizing closets, etc.

    

8. Change Light bulbs- Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with the compact fluorescent light bulbs. The fluorescent light bulbs run on one third the amount of electricity and last up to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs.

    

9. Use Plates and Silverware- Using your glass plates and silverware versus using disposable paper or plastic plates and plastic silverware will save billions in global waste materials and hundreds a year in your expenses.

TEN HEALTHY REASONS TO DRINK MILK

    Perhaps your mother or grandmother told you to drink three glasses of milk a day to help you grow strong bones, but now research has shown other benefits to drinking milk. Please note that calcium gives even more benefits when combined with other nutrients and weight bearing exercise. The other nutrients that increase the health effects of milk are Vitamins K and D, boron, and magnesium. Fifteen minutes a day in sunlight can help to give the body natural Vitamin D, but this vitamin can also be taken as a supplement. Boron is found in almonds, avocadoes, and peanut butter. Magnesium can be naturally found in leafy greens, tofu, legumes, and potato skins. Good sources of Vitamin K are found in spinach, leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. Eat these mentioned vegetables, walk in the sun a little bit every day, drink milk, and enjoy your healthy body!

Here are just a few of the benefits you can derive from drinking milk daily:

1. Helps prevent migraines

    

2. Provides as much restorative hydration and energy as vitamin drinks

    

3. Helps prevent osteoporosis

    

4. Helps in preventing hypertension

    

5. Works well as an antacid in the stomach

    

6. Helps in preventing colon cancer

    

7. Aids in developing strong bones

    

8. When milk is heated, it acts to induce sleep and as a muscle relaxant

    

9. Milk makes teeth stronger, and protects teeth from tooth decay and cavities

    

Aids in growing healthy and strong hair and nails

DID YOU KNOW NEW GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION WILL MAKE MORE MONEY AVAILABLE FOR STUDENT LOANS?

    A new law passed this week that will have far reaching and dynamic effects in how most people in the United States pay for a university or college education. In the past, both the federal government and private banks worked together to allocate student loans, but the loan rates and repayment schedules were determined by the loan processing banks. In recent years, many banks raised the interest rates on student loans and shortened the allotted time for repayment of the loans, thus making a university education impossible to access for many would-be students. Here is a brief list of the changes from the new federal law:

1. Shifts Responsibility- The federal government will end the subsidies previously given to private banks and assume responsibility for issuing cut-rate student loans.
   

    

2. More Loan Money- The government operated student loan program would be less costly, thus freeing much more money that was previously given as bank subsidies to be available for student loans.
   

    

3. Lessens Government Spending- It is estimated that the federal government will save at least $61 billion dollars over the next ten years by governing student loans and eliminating bank subsidies.

    

4. Lowers Monthly Payment Caps- The previous cap for student loan repayment was set by banks at 15% of monthly income, and that has now been lowered to 10%, thus making repayment of student loans easier over time.

    

5. Changes Debt Cancellation Time- The previous student loan system allowed for loan balances to be forgiven after 25 years. The new law would allow for student loan debt forgiveness to occur after 20 years.

    

6. Lower Rates- The federal government promised to lower the interest rates on student loans so more opportunities would be available for low-income and minority people to access a university education.

    

Continued Tax Benefits For Being A Student- There were many tax credits and benefits for students that went into effect in 2009, and those will be continued in the future. It is hoped that the tax benefits, combined with the lower interest rates on student loans, will encourage more people to seek a university education and re-education in fields currently needed in the employment sector.

DID YOU KNOW THAT IDENTITY THEFT IS EASIER THAN EVER BEFORE?

    The internet is used for everything from shopping to paying bills, getting directions to doing banking, and for playing games to working. The Federal Trade Commission stated that identity theft has topped their complaint list for the past three years, and each year the number of complaints exponentially increases. In a recent investigation, federal authorities disbanded the largest identity theft ring in a case with over 41 million credit and debit cards that had been stolen online. At this rate of advancement in identity thefts, people should expect to have their information stolen at some point during their lifetime and plan ahead on what to do when the identity theft occurs.

    The best approach to identity theft is to take a protective stance before an identity theft can transpire. Once your personal information is stolen online, there are many black market avenues where your vital information can be sold, your financial and personal freedoms will be violated, your credit may be adversely effected, and it may take many months to a year until your name and the fraudulent transactions can be cleared. Although you may not be assured that your credit card company doesn’t get hacked, you can take some steps to limit your own possibilities of becoming an identity theft statistic. Here are a few preventive approaches you can take to protect your personal and financial confidentiality.

1. Proctor You Social Security Number- You should keep your social security number in a locked file cabinet away from any observers, and not in your wallet. Do not provide your Social Security number to anyone on the telephone, and only provide it when absolutely necessary, such as on a job application or for a passport.

    

2. Shred Your Paperwork- When you need to dispose of any paperwork that contains your personal identifying information, such as name, date of birth, social security number or phone number, use a shredder. Identity thefts will grouse through garbage to get information that will make you an identity theft victim.

    

3. Lock Your Mailbox- Your mailbox should be locked, and all of your mail should be held at the post office if you will be gone for more than one day. In addition, do not leave your paid bills in the mailbox for the carrier to pick up as this is just making identity theft easy.

    

4. Proctor Your Banking Statements and Bills- Taking the time to review and reconciling your bank statements and bills on a monthly basis will give you the database for determining if there are any discrepancies. If you see something abnormal, such as a bill from a state you never visited, then immediately call the credit card company or the bank to rectify the situation.

    

5. Use a Spam Filter- This may seem obvious, but do not open e-mails or solicitations online from an unknown source. Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail, and do not make donations online unless you are sure that the site is secure. You may have to upgrade your spam settings and computer security systems often, but the rewards will be to have some peace of mind at least on your home computer.

1. Notify Law Enforcement Agencies- Identity theft is a crime and needs to be dealt with as soon as you notice the problem. You need to inform your local police immediately as this may be part of a larger scheme and you will quell the use of your information sooner. You should also file a complaint at the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Hotline toll free number: (877) 438- 4338. You can also file your identity theft complaint with the federal Internet Crime Complaint Center at: www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx.

    

Check the Internet Site Before Doing Business- Before you make a purchase, donation, or transact any type of business online, check to make sure that the site is secure. You can check this function online by checking the browser window to make sure it says “https” in the financial transaction area. Those letters stand for “secure hyper text transfer protocol”, and you should not use the site for any purchases if this isn’t present.