The PACT Act expanded health care and benefits for certain veterans.

If you have a teen in your home, you probably worry that they are spending too much time shooting things up or living in a virtual world. But it’s not all bad.

The Texas Workforce Commission announced that the U.S. Department of Labor notified the commission that the state’s unemployment rate fell below the threshold needed to continue the benefits.

Either way, these squashes are inexpensive, versatile and easier to prepare than you may think. According to Consumer Reports, squash is loaded with Vitamin A, which helps build a strong immune system and eye health, Vitamin C, blood pressure lowering potassium, and fiber. If you’re not sure how to prepare it, check out these tips. First, you’ll want to store it in a dry, cool place to extend its shelf life. Just know that you won’t get the maximum flavor as you would by roasting it.

We’re used to hearing that sitting for long periods of time can negatively affect your health, but a new study published in Consumer Affairs explored how spending meaningful time sitting down could actually benefit seniors' cognitive function. The study says while physical activity is important for older peoples' overall wellness, taking time to sit down isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Researchers said skills in general knowledge and vocabulary were higher for people who spent more time sitting, whereas problem solving and reasoning skills were higher for those who exercised regularly. The study suggests keeping the mind active, even while sitting, can lead to strong cognitive abilities. While researchers aren’t encouraging people to spend more time on the couch, they do suggest keeping your brain active while sitting down.

Spending meaningful time sitting down could actually benefit seniors cognitive function, study saysPublished: October 31, 2020, 9:44 ama new study published in consumer affairs exploring how spending meaningful time sitting down could actually benefit seniors cognitive function.

A study in The Lancet medical publication looked at 120 babies born to women who tested positive and were breastfed and handled with surgical masks and other virus containment procedures. The change came after it was learned that an estimated 30% of pregnant moms in New York tested positive for the novel coronavirus, most without any symptoms at all. She was quick to note; however, “COVID-19 positive mothers whose babies then also tested positive was only like 2% to 5% of the babies. University Hospital is embracing the practice for many reasons and has removed roadblocks that would separate newborns from their mothers. She noted that the documented benefits of breast milk have even created a new trend.

Families on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or whose children receive free or reduced meals at school may be receiving an extra $285 this month per child. "The benefit is for families that are currently receiving SNAP benefits. But it's also been extended to any families that receive free and reduced-price meals within their school district," said Deborah Rice, assistant director of child nutrition at South San Antonio Independent School District. Abbott extends emergency SNAP benefits due to COVID-19 pandemicFamilies with children ages 5 to 18 years old that received SNAP benefits in March will automatically receive $285 per child in their Lone Stone Cards account. Families should check with their child's school district website for a link on how to apply for the P-EBT program.

Some Texas families may get an extra $285 per child in SNAP benefits this month. Here’s why. Published: June 5, 2020, 10:21 pmSome Texas families may get an extra $285 per child in SNAP benefits this month. Here’s why.

Governor Abbott announced Thursday that he was extending SNAP benefits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Human Services Commission (HHSC) will provide approximately $177 million in emergency SNAP food benefits for the month of June. “As we continue the process of safely and strategically opening Texas for business, we are committed to ensuring families across the state have access to nutritious food,” said Governor Abbott in a press release. “We’ll continue to be flexible in our response to this pandemic to make sure Texans can access the services they need as this situation evolves.”By June 12, SNAP households will see the additional amount on their Lone Star Card. RELATED: Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program to provide $1 billion in food benefits to some Texas families

AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission and Gov. Greg Abbott have sent a letter asking if Texas Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can use their benefits at take-out and drive-through restaurants throughout the state, officials announced Wednesday. The letter went out to the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday, according to a news release from Abbott’s office. The request comes as Texas, along with the rest of the country, continues to combat COVID-19. I urge the federal government to quickly approve this waiver, giving Texans another food option during this public health emergency.”Read the letter by clicking or tapping here.