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December 2020

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

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160th Edition

Kimberly Cares:

A Medical Clinic Patient-Driven, Not Profit-Driven

Founder of Kimberly Cares, Kimberly Barrow

10-11

INSIDE

04

How Small Businesses Can Be Ready for This Holiday Shopping Season Amidst the Pandemic

16-17

Tiffany Quinton Raises HIV/AIDS Awareness With Courage and Hope

12

“Pinch-Dash-Done, A Gateway to Flavorful Recipes”

December 2020 | 3

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

MR. D-MARS CERTIFIED:

HMSDC

d-mars.com is proud to continue our partnership with Kimberly Cares is a clinic in our community, bridging the community, publishing positive content and success the gap between affordable and quality healthcare and the uninsured. This is a valuable medical resource stories promoting the advancement of our African in our community providing quality, American businesses and civic affordable health services for everyone, and community leaders. without regard to insurance status.

There are millions uninsured “The mind and body are not Founded by veteran and family nurse in our country. Could you separate. What affects one, practitioner, Kimberly Barrow, Kimberly be one of them? Are rising Cares is founded on a self-designed model healthcare costs, the economic affects the other.” purposed to deliver top-notch, costdownturn, an erosion of — Anonymous efficient care for the uninsured. employer-based insurance, As always, thank you for your continued or public program cutbacks a support of d-mars.com, progressing our contributing factor as to why you publication’s efforts to highlight the communities in are uninsured? There are clinics that provide medical which we serve, live, and work. Partnering together, we care at an affordable rate or at no-cost, but is it quality succeed in making positive things happen. healthcare?

This month’s cover story highlights Kimberly Cares.

Port of Houston

BEHIND THE JOURNAL PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. COO & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Tiffany Brown ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter CONTRIBUTING WRITERS d-mars.com

METRO

City of Houston

HISD

CONTENTS 04 BUSINESS 04 How Small Businesses Can Be Ready for This Holiday Shopping Season Amidst the Pandemic 04 National Business League, Nation’s First Black Business Organization Turns 120 Years Old 08 EDUCATION & CAREER 08 CareerBuilder Offers Free Services to Black-Owned Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 12 Teacher of the Year Shares Distance-Learning Tips 12 FINANCE 12 Navigating Important Family Decisions With a Financial Advisor 10-11 COVER STORY 10-11 Kimberly Cares: A Medical Clinic Patient-Driven, Not Profit-Driven 13-20 HEALTH AND WELLNESS 14 New Study Suggests COVID Patients More Susceptible to Mental Illness 16-17 Tiffany Quinton Raises HIV/AIDS Awareness With Courage and Hope 17 New Coronavirus Vaccine Requires ‘Trust’ of African American Community 18 Get a Clue About the Flu: What You Need To Know 22 REAL ESTATE 22 Housing Instability and COVID-19: New Help is on the Way 22 Nation’s Largest Black-Owned Mortgage Company Rapidly Expands to Create More Black Homeowners 22 TECHNOLOGY 22 6 Questions To Ask When Taking Your Business Online 26 New Research Highlights Cybersecurity Threats as Workforces Go Remote

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4 | December 2020 BUSINESS

How

Small Businesses Can Be Ready for This Holiday

Shopping Season Amidst the Pandemic By d-mars.com News Provider

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early every business has been disrupted by COVID-19 in some way, which makes this year's holiday shopping season more important than ever for many small businesses. Small business owners have demonstrated incredible resilience and creativity this year, and there are ways they can prepare for a holiday shopping season unlike any we've seen before.

For consumers, the season is already underway - and the way to reach them is online. More than 70% of U.S. adults said they planned to do more than half of their shopping digitally this year, and those shoppers are open to buying from small retailers, especially local small businesses.

Below are a few ways businesses can be digitally ready to reach customers this holiday shopping season from Kim Spalding, Google's global product director for small business ads.

Create a strong digital presence and keep customers informed To help you get ready for the holidays, we created a holiday hub where business owners can get personalized recommendations to reach shoppers where they are across search,

shopping and maps.

Sixty-six percent of people in the U.S. who plan to shop this holiday season said they will shop more at local small businesses. This is great news for business owners, especially as they can stand out by personalizing the customer experience.

To ensure customers are finding the most up-to-date information about your business when they search on Google, be sure to claim and update your Business Profile. During this holiday season, you can add links to your online store so shoppers can easily place a pickup or delivery order when researching your business on Google, and also let customers know the added safety precautions you're taking throughout COVID, like offering plexiglass at checkout.

In just six months, we've seen people changing how they shop. Global searches for "curbside pickup" have grown by over 3,000% over this time last year. Knowing that curbside pickup is likely to be of interest for many holiday customers, you could showcase this service, as well as offering virtual shopping concierge services, gift certificates, customizable gift packages, or flexible return policies. Make sure to share this information on all of your online channels, including your website, and across your social media channels.

accessible to the hundreds of millions of people who shop online every day.

You can get started by either submitting your product feed through our Merchant Center or by automating this through platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce or BigCommerce. You can also get your inventory online instantly by connecting to Pointy from Google via a compatible point-of-sale system or device.

If you're ready to advertise, you can use Smart campaigns - built specifically for small businesses. If you don't yet have a website, Smart campaigns can automatically build a landing page with your phone number, hours, photos and even your reviews. Platforms like Wix and WordPress also offer free accounts that help small business owners build affordable websites.

Adapt to changing customer behavior To keep your finger on the pulse of customer trends in real time, our Rising Retail categories tool shows a list of the fastest growing retail-related search categories on Google at a national and state level - including the most popular queries related to each category.

We know customers want to shop locally and support small businesses. And this is even more evident this holiday season, so be sure to get your business in front of the people who are looking for your products and services.

Show up when shoppers are searching For small businesses owners, it's critical for your products to be in front of consumers searching online. We recently announced that retailers offering e-commerce can list their products for free on Google, making what you offer more

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Source: BPT

December 2020 | 5

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6 | December 2020 BUSINESS

National Business League, Nation’s First Black Business Organization Turns 120 Years Old Booker T. Washington’s Legacy Evolves into the Knowledge-based and Digital Economy By d-mars.com News Provider

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ooker T. Washington's historic Black trade organization, the National Business League (NBL), turned 120 years old, and celebrations will begin over the next year.

Recently, the NBL's 120,000 members across 367 chapters worldwide celebrated the organization's steadfast commitment to the economic development of Black communities. On its 120th birthday, the NBL is poised to streamline the integration of the nation's 2.6 million black businesses into the global marketplace using technology. Black-owned businesses generate $150 billion in annual revenue in the U.S. and support 3.56 million U.S. jobs. This advanced shift into the digital age will be absolutely critical in the post-COVID-19 era, according to NBL president and CEO Ken L. Harris, Ph.D.

"Booker T. Washington's vision is more relevant today than it was 120 years ago, as a new generation of unapologetic Black leadership

takes the helm," said Harris, president/CEO of the National Business League, Inc. "The revolution won't be televised; it shall be digitized," he said.

Booker T. Washington, founder of the Tuskegee Institute, organized the National Negro Business League on August 23, 1900, to promote "commercial, agricultural, educational, financial, and industrial advancement of the Negro [sic]." In 1966, the organization was renamed the National Business League.

"Booker T. Washington's vision was that a significant number of our people would train for, and become, captains of industry, employing millions during this time of global economic development," said Booker T. Washington's great-grandson, Marshall WashingtonCabiness Abuwi, Ph.D. The World Conference of Mayors, an organization engaged with 5,000 current and former mayors throughout the United States and around the world, joined the Historic Black Towns and Settlements Alliance in voting unanimously to adopt a formal declaration recognizing the National Business League as an official partner in its efforts to develop Black business and commerce-driven activity worldwide and declaring Aug. 23 an official holiday in recognition of 120 years of service. The Honorable Johnny Ford, founding president of the World Conference of Mayors, said, "This is the beginning of a worldwide partnership unifying the Black political economy throughout t he world to further develop the entrepreneurial and innovative landscape

within the global marketplace."

Booker T. Washington was also known for his ability to develop financial and political connections between the Black community and white corporate elite.

Washington's close associate, Andrew Carnegie, helped Washington establish a group of corporate giants such as John D. Rockefeller, JP Morgan, John Wanamaker, and Julius Rosenwald, president of Sears, Roebuck and Co., just to name a few. These men played pivotal roles in helping the NBL to development Black businesses throughout America.

"Today, the NBL has established itself as a corporate powerhouse with more than 125 Fortune 500 companies, public and private partnerships, including the likes of Amazon, AMEX, Comcast, Comerica Bank, FIAT Chrysler, Ford, GM, Google, and Toyota, as the organization further advocates for economic equity and inclusion of Black businesses nationwide," said Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., NBL Board Chairman.

In Booker T. Washington's last address to the league, he said, "At the bottom of education, at the bottom of politics, even at the bottom of religion itself there must be for our race, as for all races, an economic foundation, economic prosperity, economic independence." Visit www.nationalbusinessleague.org for more information.

Source: The National Business League, Inc.

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December 2020 | 7

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8 | December 2020 EDUCATION & CAREER

CareerBuilder Offers Free Services to BlackOwned Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

HR tech leader to support rehiring for Black-owned businesses, alongside investment in employee D&I training and community partnership By d-mars.com News Provider

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ecently, Global HR technology leader CareerBuilder unveiled an initiative to support Black-owned small businesses, which have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. According to a report from the National Bureau of Economic Research, 41% of Black-owned businesses have shuttered due to COVID-19, compared to just 17% of their white-owned counterparts.

The initiative offers free access to CareerBuilder's talent acquisition solutions including free job postings; the ability to source, contact and hire from CareerBuilder's more than 140 million candidate profiles, which are representative of the country's demographics; and capabilities to increase applications by automating targeted emails to candidates who are a good fit for open positions.

"We have always aimed to equip employers with qualified and diverse workforces. Reflecting America's diversity in our candidate pool is part of supporting the community from all sides," said CEO Irina Novoselsky. "As we continue to react, adjust, and in many cases, recover from COVID-19, we must understand its unique impact on Black business owners. We're proud to be able to offer them tangible support, providing free access to our tools and services to help as they prepare for The Great Rehire."

The actions come after CareerBuilder's executive leadership and D&I team announced a series of commitments to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Inside

their own walls, CareerBuilder has invested in creating an inclusive environment starting with unconscious bias and effective allyship trainings and is working to increase awareness for 24/7 employee mental health support.

As a next step, CareerBuilder is also entering a partnership with Chicago's Project H.O.O.D. and its Entrepreneurship Center. In the partnership, CareerBuilder will offer the organization in-kind access to their Talent Network technology helping to connect area employers with job seekers, as well as direct support to job seekers in the communities

Project H.O.O.D. serves through job search, resume building, career mapping and upskilling guidance.

For more information, visit careerbuilder.com, and to learn more about their solutions for employers, visit hiring.careerbuilder.com.

Source: CareerBuilder

EDUCATION & CAREER

Teacher of the Year Shares Distance-Learning Tips By d-mars.com News Provider

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chool closures and hybrid learning models have forced educators, parents and students to adapt to new forms of learning; the impact of this is not to be underestimated.

Teachers and parents around the country have expressed concerns about the accessibility and quality of education under these conditions.

Fortunately, new tools and educational resources are being made accessible to help tackle these concerns. “Teacher of the Year” and author Michael Bonner is sharing resourceful ways for educators, students, families and communities to address some of the common challenges associated with distance- and hybrid-learning.

1. Students: Create Personalized Workspaces: When students have a lack of comfort, stress has a way of compounding at an exponential level. To combat this, focus on the things that create a productive and inviting learning environment, like creating a workspace that is functional, fun and organized.

The good news is that it doesn’t require

many materials to create a DIY desk and it’s a great activity to do together. Using science tri-folds and heavy-duty tape, parents and kids can create private cubicles that can be propped up on any surface and customized to their liking – be creative and look to bring things into the space that will keep your child energized and motivated.

2 . Pa rent s : I ncre a s e Communication Touchpoints: With most schools operating through some variation of distance- or hybrid-learning, communication is a key asset for parents. Staying in regular contact with your child's teacher can help you better understand and track how your child is performing and get ahead of any potential issues or concerns.

Parents should feel empowered to reach out to their child’s teacher for progress updates or to address any areas of confusion with class schedules or assignments. Something as simple as sending a bi-weekly email with questions could help improve the overall experience for you and your child.

3. Teachers: Keep Kids Engaged: Teachers can break up the day by infusing

different educational games and hands-on learning opportunities like 3M Science at Home. This online STEM video series is a great example of how students can tap into their curiosity about the world around them. By discussing observations

and giving kids a chance to ask questions and come up with solutions, teachers and parents can foster a growth mindset while keeping kids engaged.

4. Community: Working Together to Improve Educational Access and Equity: COVID-19 has forced organizations, businesses and education systems to

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configure new frameworks to continue functioning. Unfortunately, educators are facing a huge wall as roughly 15 percent of U.S. households with school-age children do not have the high-speed internet connection at home needed to complete their assignments, according to Pew Research Center data.

While options may vary based on a school district’s ability to provide resources, parents can reach out to their local community boards and school districts to see what options are available to them. Some schools are creating hotspots or are teaming with local libraries and community partners such as churches and businesses to extend their connections.

As we all adjust to new educational models, ensuring learning is engaging and fun doesn’t have to be challenging, it can start with just a few simple techniques. Whether you are modifying a space to be more inviting for learning or finding supplemental, interactive activities to break up the day, diversifying your approach will help students better retain information and grasp new concepts while having fun.

Source: StatePoint

December 2020 | 9

EL E V EN T H A N N UA L 19th

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DEC 8am-12pm

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HIGHER DIMENSION CHURCH 9800 Club Creek Dr, Houston, TX 77036

DROP-OFF A NEW UNWRAPPED TOY TO BLESS A LITTLE BOY OR GIRL IN OUR COMMUNITY!

Please join as we continue to spread a little love and cheer in these difficult times

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For sponsorship please call us at 281.748.8111 or For Donations please call 713.373.6652 Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

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We approach medicine with compassion, especially when minorities and those without health insurance can be treated as unimportant.

Subsidized health centers are sometimes spread so thin that the patients are cycled in and out as quickly as possible. Healthcare is profit-driven and has lost the human element. But patients at Kimberly Cares are treated as people.

—Founder of Kimberly Cares, Kimberly Barrow, MSN, APRN, NP-C

Kimberly

The Bridge Healthcare By d-mars.com NNPA Provider

D

o you have health insurance? If not, you are not alone, as millions of Americans don’t have health coverage for themselves and their family. According to the CDC (2019 statistics):

• Number of persons under age 65 uninsured at the time of interview: 32.8 million • Percent of persons under age 65 uninsured at the time of interview: 12.1% • Percent of children under age 18 uninsured at the time of interview: 5.1% • Percent of adults aged 18-64 uninsured at the time of interview: 14.7%

Rising healthcare cost nomic downturn, an eros ployer-based insurance, a program cutbacks are co factors as to why there ar uninsured. There are c provide medical care at able rate or at no-cost, bu ity healthcare? Kimberly clinic in our community, b gap between affordable a healthcare and the unins Kimberly Cares is medical resource in our c providing quality, afford regard to insurance statu practitioner, Kimberly B self-designed model purpo

d-mars.com Q&A with Kimberly Barrow of Kimberly Cares:

• Please talk about how Kimberly Cares is able to provide quality medical care to those with no healt insurance.

We provide most primary care services for a $55 office cost.

Primary care consists of routine general physicals, well woman exams, well child visits, and management of chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

• Being that you are a nurse practitioner and served as a captain in the United States Air Force, talk about your community outreach efforts for our veterans.

My mother and fathered both served, so I come from a family of veterans. I joined the Navy at 20 and fulfilled an 8-year service contract. Last year, I was commissioned as captain in the Air Force as a flight nurse.

Having those experiences makes Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

December 2020 | 11

y Cares

e To Affordable and Quality e for the Uninsured

ts, the ecosion of emand public ontributing re so many clinics that an affordut is it qualy Cares is a bridging the and quality sured. a valuable community able health services for everyone, without us. Founded by veteran and family nurse Barrow, Kimberly Cares is founded on a osed to deliver top-notch, cost-efficient care

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. d

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for the uninsured. A single parent who experienced life with no health insurance for her and her family, she understands the challenges and stress it brings.

“I know from personal experience the struggles and stresses of living without health insurance. And as a single mother, it was an especially frightening time. That is one of the reasons I founded Kimberly Cares. Here, we help lighten the load by offering high-quality healthcare at a low cost,” says Barrow.

in Houston, they are the preferred provider for this organization’s healthcare program assistance. This collaboration includes providing vaccines and other services to low-income students in preparation for entrance into the healthcare program of their choice. Kimberly Cares also serves as a rotation site for a number of universities with graduate nursing programs.

Find out more about Kimberly Barrow and all of the clinical services provided through Kimberly Cares.

Visit www.kcaresmore.com for more information and to book your appointment.

Kimberly Cares also provides quality medical care to our community through partnerships. Partnering with the Volunteers of America, a nonprofit here

it easier to connect with other veterans. As a veteran-owned business, we are contracted to perform Veteran’s Disability Exams and annual physicals for active and reserve members of our Armed Forces. We evaluate both physical and mental health and provide service members with resources for a variety of services.

• Please talk about your clinic’s work, continuing to support the community, despite the challenges of COVID-19. And what changes, if any, has your clinic made to adapt to COVID-19?

As a result of the pandemic, many provider offices closed or greatly reduced hours of availability.

Instead, we have remained open to provide essential healthcare services to our patients, both in person and via telemedicine. We observe all precautions, such as mandatory masks, temperature checks, and social distancing of both the patients and staff.

• What can we expect/new plans for your clinic to serve the community in 2021?

Community outreach projects are tentative, as we are unsure of how the pandemic will continue to

affect our communities. However, we are planning to launch mobile clinic services that will be available to many of the underserved areas throughout the city.

• Are there any awards or special recognitions you want to mention?

My clinic will be featured on the Drew Barrymore show on CBS this month! It’s exciting, but I am just grateful that our clinic will receive the exposure, raising awareness, so the uninsured know our clinic is here to provide them with quality medical care.

• Do you find that it is still a challenge to encourage our community to go to the doctor?

CONTACT Office: (346) 277-5391 Fax: (832) 916-2111

And why do you find there is this challenge?

What is your clinic doing to encourage our community to get regular health checks?

It is certainly a challenge, as we are living in the days of consumer medicine. Health information is at our fingertips. People are often using the web to guide decisions on how they proceed with health concerns.

Although there is an abundance of information at our disposal, knowing how to decipher and apply credible information is key. At Kimberly Cares, having those discussions and robust patient education is an integral part of our care. Knowledge can be power, so we work diligently to educate and restore patients’ confidence in providers, especially with COVID-19 as a factor, to ensure they are making informed decisions. Patient education improves adherence to provider recommendations for routine exams, etc., because they understand why things are being done and that it’s beneficial.

• Explain the extensive training, experience, and qualifications of a nurse practitioner.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses with an advanced level training

Sources: CDC Urban.org

and certification that allows for diagnosis and treatment of common conditions. We are licensed and governed by the Board of Nursing, much like physicians are by state medical boards. Our course of study, be it master’s or doctoral level preparation, is shorter than that of a physician, as we do not require a 4-year residency to complete our programs. Since we enter advanced practice with an average of 3-5 years of bedside experience as a registered nurse, the additional coursework and clinical time is just an enhancement of our previous 4 years of undergraduate studies. By the time we are licensed in advanced practice, we have completed 6-8 years of study that includes actual clinical experience as well.

• Is there a success story that you can share?

I have a patient who came in with frequent infections from a previous surgery. She was scared and tearful.

For years, she suffered from recurrent infections resulting in hospitalization for septic shock. She almost lost her life. I managed her condition with a $55 office visit and a $10 maintenance antibiotic dose. There have been no infections since. She was so grateful, that she burst into tears and thanked me for saving her life. This is why I do this.

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12 | December 2020 COMMUNITY

“Pinch-Dash-Done, A Gateway to Flavorful Recipes” Gives Traditional Dishes a Fresh Twist in New Cookbook By d-mars.com News Provider

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inch-Dash-Done, LLC a Houston-based publishing company, announces the launch of its first book, Pinch-Dash-Done, A Gateway to Flavorful Recipes by co-authors, Vernita Harris and Bea Moore. Currently available for pre-order and digital download on Amazon.com, the new cookbook gives traditional dishes a contemporary twist with Southern, Tex-Mex, Italian and Caribbean influences the entire family can enjoy. Filled with more than 160 recipes even the pickiest eater will love, Pinch-Dash-Done, A Gateway to Flavorful Recipes will delight experienced cooks as well as those new to the kitchen.

In addition to introducing satisfying recipes to readers, Harris and Moore are also using the project as a philanthropic effort to bring awareness to food insecurity.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book will benefit the Houston Food Bank and Prairie View A&M University, the authors’ alma mater. The pair was inspired to give back after the coronavirus pandemic highlighted the fact that countless people do not have access to enough food to meet their needs.

“This international fusion of flavor will serve as a guide to anyone willing to try cooking. More importantly, it also encourages the mindfulness essential in the ongoing fight against food insecurity and food deserts,” Harris said.

Pinch-Dash-Done. A Gateway to Flavorful Recipes will also introduce readers to herb gardening basics, which is a throwback to Moore’s childhood growing up on a Texas farm and learning about gardening from

From left to right, Bea Moore and Vernita Harris.

her grandparents. That authors hope to bring families back together at the kitchen table to fellowship as well as provide flavorful options to anyone who wants to prepare a meal regardless of their level of cooking skill.

“The compilation of recipes offers a glimpse into my world where the garden is as essential to my cooking as is heat,” Moore said. “My sincere prayer is that many families will be encouraged to start a garden to combat food insecurity, come together in the kitchen and reconnect as family, and continue the time-honored tradition

of creating new recipes and handing down secret recipes.”

Houston Food Bank is America’s largest food bank in distribution, leading hunger relief in 18 southeast Texas counties. Prairie View A&M University is the second oldest public university in the state of Texas. Moore and Harris plan to establish a scholarship endowment at Prairie View A&M University because of its agricultural and mechanical focus to assist students that are economically challenged in safeguarding a quality education.

The newly created scholarships will support students majoring in Agribusiness to promote domestic and international food systems and supply chains.

The university’s President Dr. Ruth J. Simmons penned the foreword to the book.

Pinch-Dash-Done, A Gateway to Flavorful Recipes is being published by Pinch-Dash-Done, LLC and is available at Amazon.com and your favorite bookstore.

Publisher: Pinch-Dash-Done (November 2020) Language: English ISBNs: 978-1-7355463-0-8, Hardcover, $45.00 978-1-7355463-1-5, Paperback, $29.99 978-1-7355463-1-2, EBook, $14.99

Media Contact: Misty Starks at Misty@mistybluemedia.com

FINANCE

Navigating Important Family Decisions With a Financial Advisor By d-mars.com NNPA Provider

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ecent historic economic downturns and significant unemployment numbers and job losses have created considerable financial worries for families across the country. Health and safety concerns about returning to schools, childcare facilities, and office settings have only added to the uncertainty and stress that Americans are currently feeling.

Many families now have to make multiple important decisions with the potential to impact their personal and financial situation. If you are one of them, remember that you do not have to make these choices alone – there are many qualified experts, including professional financial advisors, who can help. Financial advisors, such as Certified Financial Planner professionals, can help you understand and fully evaluate the short- and long-term impacts of your choices in the following areas.

• Employment: You may not be thinking about a job change because of your child’s needs, but you may still be

worried about the stability of your current position. A CFP professional can work with you to ensure you have enough of a savings cushion to protect your finances in the event you are laid off, furloughed, or have your hours cut back.

They can also help you determine whether you should consider alternate sources of income.

• Healthcare: Open enrollment for the health insurance marketplace begins in the fall, which is also when employers typically give employees a chance to change their plan for the coming year. CFP professionals can help you choose a plan that minimizes your costs while maximizing the benefits of savings plans like Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts.

• Retirement: Economic downturns raise many questions about retirement planning. Should you cut back on your investments or withdraw money from existing funds to boost your cash flow? Should you delay your retirement plans? A CFP professional will help you answer these questions and avoid panic-driven decisions.

• Education: With return-to-school plans continuing to change, many parents must decide how their children will learn during the 2020-21 academic year. Some are

choosing to leave the workforce, transition to part-time jobs, or freelance so they have the flexibility to support virtual or hybrid learning plans. A CFP professional can help you evaluate how a change in your work status will affect your family’s income and recommend strategies for cutting costs and managing savings.

• Childcare: Parents without school-aged children – or those with kids too young to care for themselves before and after school – must also choose how to handle childcare needs. Is your usual daycare facility open, and are you comfortable sending your children? Should you enroll them in a center with fewer children or consider hiring a nanny? Before you make a final decision, consult with a CFP professional about how your choice fits into your financial plan.

To find a CFP professional near you, visit www.letsmakeaplan.org.

Seeking advice from a qualified professional can help relieve some of the stress of these major decisions and ensure you are considering all possible angles.

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Source: StatePoint

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December 2020 | 13 June 2020 | 13

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HEALTH & WELLNESS JOURNAL

BIOTECH | BUSINESS | CAREER | EDUCATION | HEALTHY LIFESTYLES | MEDICAL | MENTAL HEALTH | POLICY | RESEARCH | SPORTS MEDICINE

November 2020

|

Inspire, Inform & Educate

|

100th Edition

Tiffany Quinton Raises HIV/AIDS Awareness With Courage and Hope 16-17

INSIDE

14

New Study Suggests COVID Patients More Susceptible to Mental Illness

17

New Coronavirus Vaccine Requires ‘Trust’ of African American Community Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

18

Get a Clue About the Flu: What You Need To Know

14 | December 2020 HEALTH

New Study Suggests

COVID Patients More Susceptible to Mental Illness

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

edical and scientific experts have sounded the alarm, wanting people to understand that COVID is not the flu or a common cold, and recovery may not be permanent.

According to a new study, 20 percent of recovering coronavirus patients develop some form of mental illness within 90 days.

Researchers at Oxford University in Great Britain noted that first-time diagnosis of anxiety, depression, and insomnia increased two-fold in patients after they’ve recovered from COVID. Further, they discovered that COVID survivors also found significantly higher risks of dementia.

“People have been worried that COVID-19 survivors will be at greater risk of mental health problems, and our findings … show this to be likely,” Paul Harrison, a professor of psychiatry at Oxford, told Reuters. “(Health) services need to be ready to provide care, especially since our results are likely to be

M

underestimates (of the number of psychiatric patients),” he added.

The study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal, analyzed electronic health records of 69 million people in the United States, including more than 62,000 cases of COVID-19.

The findings are likely to be the same for those afflicted

by COVID-19 worldwide, the Oxford researchers noted, according to Reuters.

In the three months following testing positive for COVID, 1 in 5 survivors were recorded as having a first-time diagnosis of anxiety, depression, or insomnia — about twice as likely as for other groups of patients in the same period, the researchers said.

The study further revealed that people with a preexisting mental illness were 65 percent more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19 than those without.

More than 10 million Americans have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, and over 238,000 have died.

African Americans comprise more than 20 percent of the total deaths in the United States.

Blacks and other communities of color continue to suffer disproportionately from the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Urban Institute.

Over one-quarter of adults in Black households surveyed between August 19-31 used savings or sold assets to meet economic needs on the previous week.

Twenty-four percent of Black adults lived in households that were behind on rent payments.

And approximately one-third of African Americans shared a home with someone expected to lose employment income this month.

“COVID-19 affects the central nervous system, and so might directly increase subsequent disorders,” Simon Wessely, regius professor at King’s College London, told Reuters.

“But this research confirms that is not the whole story, and that this risk is increased by previous ill health.”

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December 2020 | 15

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16 | December 2020 HEALTH

Tiffany Quinton

Raises HIV/AIDS Awareness With C By d-mars.com News Provider

W

orld AIDS Day, held each year on December 1st, is an opportunity to celebrate and support global efforts to prevent new HIV infections, increasing HIV awareness and knowledge, and supporting those living with HIV. When it comes to this disease, our community accounts for a higher proportion of new HIV diagnoses and people with HIV, compared to other races/ethnicities.

The poverty rate among African Americans is high. The socioeconomic issues associated with poverty—including limited access to high-quality health care, housing, and HIV prevention education—directly and indirectly increase the risk for HIV infection and affect the health of people living with and at risk for HIV. These factors may explain why African Americans have worse outcomes on the HIV continuum of care, including lower rates of linkage to care and viral suppression.

Helping to combat these statistics in our community is Tiffany Quinton, a soughtafter speaker and advocate who diligently continues to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS. Behind her boldness and passion to educate on this issue is a personal experience, as she has been living with HIV for over twenty years. With a beautiful smile and selfless spirit, she is courageous in sharing her testimony with others, hoping that her story and community outreach efforts will educate and empower others to be responsible with their health, lowering these numbers.

d-mars.com Health & Wellness Q&A with Tiffany Quinton: 1. Please tell us how long you have been living with HIV. I have been living with HIV for 26 years.

2. Do you see yourself as a victim or a survivor? I don't see myself as a victim or a survivor, but as an overcomer.

3. What is the difference between HIV and AIDS? HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases.

If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease, AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus.

4. What outreach efforts do you participate in/lead to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS in the community? In addition to my speaking and activism, I am involved in many HIV/AIDS community outreach

initiatives, such as a team captain for the AIDS Walk and lead counselor at Camp Hope, a camp for children living with HIV. Also, I am a leader of the HIV Ministry at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, my church.

5. What challenges do you face living with HIV? A major challenge that I face today is not being able to go out and enjoy life because I am at high-risk for other diseases, like COVID-19.

6. What are some of the attitudes of others that you and those living with HIV experience? There are definitely judgments. Some people look at us like we don't deserve to be happy. And there are those who feel that we deserve to live with the virus, looking at us like we are less than a child of God. Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

December 2020 | 17 HEALTH

Courage and Hope

New Coronavirus Vaccine Requires ‘Trust’ of African American Community

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

ews that Pfizer and BioNTech’s announcement that their coronavirus vaccine was more than 90 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 among those without previous infection arrives as the United States continues to realize recordbreaking new cases.

The total number of cases soared past 10.5 million, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Both California and Texas have recorded more than 1 million total cases, while states like Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey have seen significant rises in COVID infections.

More than 242,000 people have died in the United States since the declaration of the outbreak of the pandemic in Ma rch.

Health officials have expressed that the new vaccine offers real hope for the future.

“It is a great day for science and humanity. The first set of results from our Phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trial provides the initial evidence of our vaccine’s ability to prevent COVID-19,” Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer Chairman and CEO, offered in a news release.

“We are reaching this critical milestone in our vaccine development program at a time when the world needs it most, with infection rates setting new records, hospitals nearing over-capacity, and economies struggling to reopen,” Dr. Bourla remarked.

N

people seeking information on HIV/AIDS. I love that my church has a ministry and support system for those living with HIV/ AIDS, and I’m hoping more churches in our community will follow suit.

8. What else do you want our readers to know? HIV is 100% preventable. Never trust anyone with your body. Treat everyone as if they have the virus. And if you are living with the virus, be truthful with your partner. Don’t take someone else’s life.

7. Do you find that some organizations/churches/schools are still silent on this issue, or are you seeing more acknowledgement that the outreach is needed? We are starting to talk about it more, but we can do much better, being that HIV/ AIDS impacts our community more than others. Some don't want to talk about it because it hasn't hit their house, and some choose to ignore it, hoping it will go away. I am happy to see an increase of our young

Since COVID-19, talk of HIV/AIDS has been on the backburner. But HIV remains a disproportionate risk to African Americans.

1 in 7 blacks/African Americans with HIV are unaware they have it. “I have been living with HIV for over twenty years, and I am not ashamed to tell my story. God still has me on this earth for a reason. And if my sharing saves just one person’s life, my living has not been in vain,” says Tiffany.

Sources: hivinfo.nih.gov cdc.gov hiv.gov

He continued: “We are a significant step closer to providing people around the world with a muchneeded breakthrough to help bring an end to this global health crisis. We look forward to sharing additional efficacy and safety data generated from thousands of participants in the coming weeks.”

Pfizer has maintained a strategic partnership with the National Newspaper Publishers Association, offering insight on various rare diseases like sickle cell that disproportionately affect the African American community.

Dr. Kevin Williams, the Chief Medical Officer for Pfizer’s Rare Disease unit, periodically writes a column in the Black Press to help keep the African American community informed.

According to information posted on the CDC’s website, clinical development is a three-phase process.

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During Phase I, small groups of people receive the trial vaccine.

In Phase II, the clinical study is expanded, and vaccine is given to people who have characteristics (such as age and physical health) similar to those for whom the new vaccine is intended.

In Phase III, the vaccine is given to thousands of people and tested for efficacy and safety.

Many vaccines undergo Phase IV formal, ongoing studies after the vaccine is approved and licensed.

Pfizer’s vaccine is the first in the United States to generate late-stage data.

An analysis of individuals that received two injections of the vaccine, spaced three weeks apart, revealed more than 90 percent fewer cases of symptomatic COVID-19 when compared to those who received the placebo.

The results are significant because health and science experts have stated that they expected a vaccine to yield an effective rate of no more than 70 percent.

In spite of this good news, many in the African American community continue to take a wait-and-see approach.

“Somehow, scientific, education and community leaders must reassure a skeptical community of color that the vaccine will help and protect them,” said Gina Harper.

She created an urban garden in New York after growing up on a farm in Oklahoma.

“Perhaps the best way would be to prove the point by exemplifying members of the Black community who have taken the vaccine and remained healthy,” Harper remarked.

The Pfizer vaccine clinical trial “went out of its way in their recruitment and enlarged their initial population of 30,000 to almost 44,000 to recruit more people of color,” stated Dale Yuzuki, a biotech executive and author of “COVID-19: From Chaos to Cure. The Biology Behind the Fight Against the Novel Coronavirus.”

“It is certainly a focus within the National Institutes of Health, where they are sensitized to the acute needs of minority populations and their justified suspicion of governmentsponsored public health programs.”

Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, one of the world’s foremost immunologists and president and CEO of Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn., is a recent appointee to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s commission that will ultimately approve the Pfizer vaccine and any others.

Hildreth, an African American, insists that any vaccine must have the confidence of Black people.

“I’ve made the decision that I’m going to participate in one of the vaccine trials.

The trust issue cannot be overstated,” Dr. Hildreth said.

“We have to have more trusted messengers and more trusted opinion leaders to make this work.”

Source: NNPA Newswire

18 | December 2020 HEALTH

Get a Clue About the Flu:

What You Need To Know

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

A

s flu season collides with the COVID-19 pandemic this year, it's critical to think about how to best protect yourself, your loved ones and the members of your community from getting sick and overburdening an increasingly strained healthcare system. Getting a flu shot each season is an easy and safe way to take preventative action.

In a recent Walgreens survey conducted online in August by The Harris Poll, 72% of Americans say they probably or definitely will get the flu shot this season, with 32% of all U.S. adults saying they are more likely to get a flu shot this year than in previous years.

While encouraging, the survey also revealed that 28% of Americans have not made plans to get their flu shot this year and many common misconceptions about the flu continue to prevail. Misinformation can discourage some from getting a flu shot and taking the best preventative step they can to ward off seasonal illness.

To help ma ke su re Americans are getting the right information, Dr. Kevin Ban, chief medical officer at Walgreens, addresses some of the top questions people have about flu shots.

Question 1: I'm already social distancing, wearing a face mask and frequently washing my hands. Do I really still need a flu shot?

While these measures are all important steps to help limit the spread of COVID-19, the flu and other respiratory illnesses, getting a flu shot every year can help prevent community spread of the flu and a possible "twindemic" with both flu and COVID-19 circulating at the same time. Last season, the flu shot prevented 3.69 million doctor's visits and 105,000 hospitalizations, and everyone needs to do their part to preserve healthcare resources as COVID-19 continues to spread.

Question 2: What if my insurance doesn't cover my flu shot?

Flu shots are covered by most insurance plans with a $0 co-pay, although provider networks may vary. People enrolled in Medicare Part B and many with Medicaid in certain states may also receive the flu shot at no cost, according to the CDC. Members of the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club may also get a discount of 20% off cash retail price. You can speak with your local pharmacist to learn more about your payment options.

Question 3: Is it safe to get a flu shot

during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Doctor's offices and pharmacies are taking all the necessary precautions to safely immunize patients. For example, at our pharmacies, we conduct temperature checks and symptom screenings prior to administering a flu shot, require pharmacy team members to wear face masks and plastic face shields, promote social distancing and clean and disinfect the immunization area after the patient has left. Patients can also complete paperwork in advance and schedule appointments online to reduce time in the pharmacy.

Staying up to date on routine immunizations like influenza, shingles and pneumonia is more important during the COVID-19 pandemic to help protect communities from vaccine-preventable illnesses.

Question 4: How do I know what flu shot is right for me?

Your local pharmacist can work with you to determine which flu vaccine is right for you based on your age and health history. In addition to the standard-dose flu shot, there are also flu vaccines designed specifically for people 65 years and older. While high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines can help improve antibody response for older people, according to the CDC, seniors may receive any currently licensed flu vaccine that is available.

Question 5: Is it too late for me to get a flu shot this year?

It's not too late to get your flu shot for protection during this year's flu season.

Primary care providers and pharmacies typically offer flu vaccines past the peak of the flu season well into the spring. If you haven't already received your flu shot, now is the time, as it takes about two weeks to develop the antibodies to fight the flu after getting your flu shot.

For more information on what to expect when getting your flu shot this year or to make an appointment for a flu shot, visit Walgreens. com/flu.

Source: BPT

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December 2020 | 19

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20 | December 2020

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December 2020 | 21

The Most Important Factor in Your Family’s Education is

YOU

Give your family the best chance for success by supporting their education at home and at school.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, sticking to a schedule, partnering with teachers and administrators, utilizing culturally sensitive best practices, and tapping into local resources are just a few of the ways that you can support distance learning at home and keep your family on track for educational success.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.NNPA.ORG/EDUCATION © 2020 NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

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22 | December 2020 REAL ESTATE

Housing Instability and COVID-19: New Help is on the Way

declaration. The CDC moratorium requires tenants to file a federal declaration form to be eligible for the eviction protection.

By d-mars.com News Provider

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he economic downturn caused by the pandemic has created widespread housing insecurity for both renters and homeowners. However, advocates say that free and low-cost legal assistance and other support is helping people remain in their homes.

“The economic challenges caused by COVID-19 are putting a spotlight on the most vulnerable communities, which have been disproportionately affected by job losses, under-employment and housing instability,” says Eileen Fitzgerald, head of Housing Affordability Philanthropy with the Wells Fargo Foundation.

By the end of the year, up to 40 million U.S. renters may face eviction, according to research from the Aspen Institute and the COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project.

Black and Hispanic tenants represent 80 percent of those potentially facing eviction nationwide.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an eviction moratorium until the end of the year, tenants must still be proactive. Here are steps you can take to protect yourself, according to the National Housing Law Project: • Contact your landlord. As soon as you know you won’t be able to make a rent payment, contact your landlord.

• Gather documentation. Retain all correspondence and receipts from your landlord. Be sure to document phone calls and in-person conversations.

• Know assistance is available. Seek out community services offering rental relief, food and health care.

Visit www.Legalfaq.org to learn more about services available in your community.

• Seek legal assistance. An estimated 90 percent of landlords have legal representation, while only 10 percent of tenants do, according to Harvard researchers.

This creates a glaring equity gap, as legal representation can make you more likely to avoid eviction. Look into services providing free legal assistance and submit your

What’s Being Done Fortunately, large-scale, multifaceted efforts are already underway to address the nationwide housing affordability crisis. As part of its $175 million response to COVID-19, the Wells Fargo Foundation has provided over 1,200 grants to nonprofits, including funding grants to provide legal assistance for renters at risk for eviction. Grants from the Foundation will allow 15 organizations that work to keep people and families housed through services and advocacy efforts to expand their services.

Housing insecurity is an issue in communities beyond urban centers. According to Partners for Rural Transformation, of the 395 counties with persistent poverty in the U.S., eight out of 10 are rural and the majority of people living in them are people of color.

In response, the Wells Fargo Foundation has made grants to community development financial institutions to help keep people housed in rural communities.

These efforts are part of the Wells Fargo Foundation’s $1 billion philanthropic commitment to address housing affordability solutions by 2025, which includes investing in strategies to advance housing stability, increase the supply of affordable homes and expand homeownership opportunities for people of color. To learn more about the housing crisis and some of the philanthropic efforts to address it, visit wellsfargo. com/impact.

“Housing instability is a persisting problem that must change. Home is a sanctuary. Having a safe and affordable place to call home is an essential pathway for wellness, dignity and economic opportunity,” says Fitzgerald.

Source: StatePoint

REAL ESTATE

Nation’s Largest

Black-Owned

Mortgage Company

Rapidly Expands to Create More Black Homeowners By d-mars.com News Provider

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EGACY Home Loans, the nation's largest Blackowned mortgage firm, recently announced its expansion into South Carolina with the opening of three new branches in Columbia, Florence and Greenville.

Unwavering in its commitment to the Black community, the opening of these new locations is testament to the company's progress in its goal of being positioned in states where the Black population is 25% or higher. With Black homeownership at an all-time low of 46% (according to the U.S. Census Bureau), every new branch opening demonstrates Legacy's footprint in its greater mission of helping Black families leave a legacy by building sustainable wealth through homeownership.

J o i n i n g L E G A C Y Home Loans as the Regional M a n a g er of the firm's three South Carolina locations is SC native, Todd Simon. Todd brings 17 years of experience working in the Banking-Finance industry, along with a love of South Carolina and advancing the community through homeownership and financial literacy education. "I am thrilled to be joining the family at LEGACY," said Todd Simon. "I look forward to assembling an innovative and hardworking team that is just as passionate as I am about serving the community and delivering high quality, competitive loan products."

"Todd is a proven leader with an unparalleled skill set and character to match and we are proud to have him onboard," explained Ben Slayton, President & CEO of LEGACY and the nation's first Black REALTOR®.

"At LEGACY, what sets us apart from other mortgage companies is that we not only contribute to Black communities via donation, but we also reinvest our profits to open new offices in predominantly Black cities nationwide. This allows us to not only serve potential customers within these communities, but it enables us to hire, train and develop new talent from within. We're also proud to have an employee home purchase program to help our employees purchase their own homes as well."

In addition to hiring Todd Simon, Legacy has also invested in dynamic new leadership to spearhead its operations efforts nationwide. Jammie Jelks, MBA, is the company's new Vice President of Operations and a member of the Forbes Real Estate Council. Jelks has extensive mortgage banking experience and will oversee LEGACY's operational efforts which include everything from loan disclosures to funding for its 12 branches across the country. The company is also looking to hire Regional Managers, Branch Managers, Loan Officers, Underwriters, Processors and Closers nationwide.

To learn more about LEGACY Home Loans, its loan programs and/or job opportunities with the company, please visit https://myhomelegacy.com.

Source: LEGACY Home Loans

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December 2020 | 23

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6

24 | December 2020

Questions TECHNOLOGY

To Ask When Taking Your Business Online

By d-mars.com News Provider

T

hether you run a solo small business, or your business is moving from brick-and-mortar to e-commerce, you've likely got a long to-do list - and you may not know where to start. Or if your business is already online, you may be trying to improve your website and stand out from the competition. Do you have the skills and know-how to make that happen?

Not everyone does. Chances are, you know a lot about your products or services, but not necessarily how to promote your business and run it successfully using today's digital tools. And due to the pandemic, increasing your online presence and running your business virtually has become even more crucial.

According to survey data released by Fiverr, 49% of U.S. small and medium-sized businesses are optimistic about their future prospects after the lockdown has passed, but not surprisingly, nearly a quarter (22%) of them do plan to increase their digital marketing spend as a result of COVID-19.

If you're one of the many entrepreneurs trying to figure out your next steps for taking - or optimizing your business online, here are some questions to ask: 1. WHAT ARE YOU SELLING? Are you selling a product or a service? This makes a difference in how you run your business. Can your business happen virtually (if it's a service), or do you have to manage manufacturing, inventory and shipping on top of marketing and advertising, online ordering and finances?

2. DO YOU NEED YOUR OWN WEBSITE OR ONLINE STORE? Many small businesses can succeed - or at least start out - by selling products on an existing platform like Etsy or Amazon, rather than creating their entire online store from scratch. But it may not be as hard to build your own site as you think.

3. WHAT DO YOU NEED ON YOUR WEBSITE? What will best serve your business? "About" and "Contact Us" pages? Do you want to include a blog?

Customer testimonials and special promotions for new clients? Do you need a catalog of products and services? Does your business need to include a list of services, rates and shipping costs? Making a list of what your business needs is a useful starting point for whoever you hire to help build your website.

5. WHAT TYPE OF CONTENT DO YOU WANT TO SEE ON YOUR SITE? Would you like to see custom-made illustrations or animation? Stock or custom photography? How about videos?

6. HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE CUSTOMERS CAN FIND YOUR WEBSITE? There's a lot of competition out there. Unless you're well-versed in SEO and how Google algorithms work, you may not know how to build an online presence others can find using a web search.

website developer matching experience that will match you with a verified, highly-rated professional specializing in web design and development. For those new to creating a website, the matched talent will act as a guiding force throughout the website creation process.

On The Shift hub, you can also browse inspiring case studies, read stories about how businesses have transformed their digital presence and get tips from helpful blogs, podcasts and many other useful resources for small and medium-sized business owners across all industries.

Some entrepreneurs find the thought of putting their business online daunting, but with an expert in your corner, it can be simple and hassle-free. Fortunately, there's a service that can help you find the right talent to create a web presence that really reflects your unique brand: Fiverr is a platform connecting businesses of all sizes with skilled freelancers offering digital services in over 400 categories including graphic design, digital marketing, programming, video and animation.

You can view professionals according to their skills, along with ratings, reviews and cost of the service you need.

And now there's a new tool to make it even easier to get started building a website for your business - Fiverr's The Shift. This new resource hub includes a

4. WHAT WEB TEMPLATES DO YOU SEE WORKING BEST FOR YOUR BUSINESS? Are you familiar with WordPress, Wix and Squarespace? Which would be the best to suit your particular business?

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Source: BPT

December 2020 | 25

TH E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

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26 | December 2020 TECHNOLOGY

New Research Highlights Cybersecurity

Threats as Workforces Go Remote By d-mars.com News Provider

T

he business landscape changed significantly in 2020, and new research suggests that cyber criminals took note.

The latest threat intelligence from SonicWall Capture Labs, which reflects year-to-date findings through September 2020, shows that while overall malware volume declined for the third consecutive quarter, cybercriminals are increasingly using different means of attack.

“For most of us, 2020 has been the year where we’ve seen economies almost stop, morning commutes end and traditional offices disappear,” says SonicWall president and CEO, Bill Conner. “Unfortunately, the overnight emergence of virtual offices has given cybercriminals new attractive vectors to exploit.”

What do businesses need to know?

Consider these key findings from SonicWall:

it’s a pretty good indication that it’s infested with several types of malware.”

So how can businesses protect against Ryuk? SonicWall Capture Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) with patentpending Real-Time Deep Memory Inspection (RTDMI), protects against all Emotet, TrickBot and Ryuk ransomware variants.

IoT Threats Grow COVID-19 led to an unexpected flood of devices on networks, resulting in an increase of potential threats to companies fighting to remain operational. SonicWall Capture Labs found a 30% increase in IoT malware attacks worldwide.

Malware Volume Dipping Global malware volume is steadily declining. In a year-over-year comparison through the third quarter, SonicWall researchers recorded a 39% drop worldwide. However, this doesn’t mean it’s going away. Conner warns this could represent a cyclical downturn that could shift course in short order. What’s more, malware authors and cybercriminals are still busy working to launch more sophisticated, targeted and diversified attacks.

Ransomware Erupts Ransomware attacks are making daily headlines as they wreak havoc on enterprises, municipalities, healthcare organizations and educational institutions. SonicWall researchers tracked a staggering 139% year-over-year increase in the U.S. A relatively young ransomware family, Ryuk in particular gained popularity in 2020. Whereas there were just 5,123 recorded Ryuk attacks reported through the third quarter of 2019, there were 67.3 million through the third quarter of 2020. This represents one-third of all 2020 ransomware attacks.

“The increase of remote and mobile workforces appears to have increased the prevalence of Ryuk, resulting in financial losses and impacts on healthcare services,” says SonicWall vice president, Platform Architecture, Dmitriy Ayrapetov. “Ryuk is especially dangerous because it’s targeted, manual and often leveraged via a multi-stage attack preceded by Emotet and TrickBot malware.

Therefore, if an organization has Ryuk,

Most IoT devices, like voice-activated smart devices and door chimes, were not designed to prioritize security, making them susceptible to attack and supplying perpetrators with numerous entry points.

“Employees once relied upon the safety that office networks provided, but the growth of remote and mobile workforces has extended distributed networks that serve both the house and home office,” says Conner. “Consumers need to consider whether devices like AC controls and baby monitors are safely deployed.

For optimum protection, professionals using home offices, especially those in the C-suite, should consider segmenting home networks.”

SonicWall threat intelligence data also concluded that cryptojacking, intrusion attempts and IoT maleware remain sources of opportunity for cybercriminals.

To learn more about the latest threats and solutions, visit www.sonicwall.com.

“Our findings show a relentless pursuit by cybercriminals to obtain what’s not rightfully theirs for monetary gain, economic dominance and global recognition,” says Conner. “As changing times require organizations to evolve, they’ll need seamless protection to address emerging cybersecurity threats.”

Source: StatePoint Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

December 2020 | 27

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28 | December 2020

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Final HEB Diversity Red ads.qxp

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December 2020 | 29

Page 5

At H-E-B, each and every Partner is responsible for upholding our commitment to diversity. Our daily actions value both the differences and similarities that make our Customers, Communities and Partners so unique.

®

For more information on diversity at H-E-B, visit

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©2008 H-E-B Food Stores

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30 | December 2020

Survey: TRAVEL

Pandemic Has Shifted How Americans View Travel By d-mars.com NNPA Provider

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he COVID-19 pandemic has had an undeniable, unavoidable impact on the world - from the way you conduct business, to how you shop for groceries. It may have even shifted your idea of what is important in life.

According to Hankook Tire's latest Gauge Index, Americans say spending time with family is a top priority.

In light of everything 2020 has brought so far, Americans are shifting gears with a renewed emphasis on things they may have previously taken for granted: from time spent with loved ones, to road trips to favorite vacation destinations, and even, surprisingly, the daily commute.

Therise riseof ofthe theroad roadtrip trip The For many, the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench in vacation plans. But Hankook found that nearly two-thirds (62%) of Americans are still hopeful and excited about the idea of an upcoming vacation.

And more than likely, that vacation will be a road trip.

As consumers remain skeptical of traveling by plane and other forms of public transit, they are finding a safe hygiene haven in their own vehicles. According to the survey, 60% of Americans expect to take more road trips as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many expect a rise in road trip plans enabling travelers to explore while still safely adhering to social distancing guidelines.

So, who are they going with? Even as restrictions lift, Americans remain uncertain about traveling with people outside their households. At the same time, they don't necessarily want to travel with everyone in their household.

When asked who Americans would most like to travel with after the pandemic restrictions ease, the top choice was their significant other or spouse (40%), indicating a desire to spend some quality time together. Traveling with a spouse or significant other was more than twice as popular as the next most popular choice: traveling with your children (18%).

Redefiningthe thedaily dailydrive drive Redefining Americans' preference for wheels over wings doesn't stop when it comes to planning their next vacation. It will also have a significant impact on the daily commute. Americans widely agree automotive travel will be the top form of transportation after the COVID-19 pandemic eventually subsides (62%). Only a small percentage of people expect to regularly use other forms of transportation - including public transit (9%), ride sharing (7%) and trains (6%) - with the same regularity.

Of course, nobody knows what that regular rush hour might look like, as offices across the country look for ways to safely stagger workforces and encourage working from home to

allow for proper social distancing. Many will continue to avoid commutes altogether as companies encourage employees to keep working from home. When the time is right to resume your daily commute to work or school, make sure your vehicle is ready for the job as well by checking your tire pressure, any flat spots developed from prolonged parking and that A/C and heating systems are ready.

Overall, it's clear that one of the many perspectives the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped is Americans' attitudes toward driving. What may have once been a daily drag might now be a necessary change in routine, and a welcome opportunity to spend time with the people that matter most.

Source: BPT

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December 2020 | 31

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