Technology Archives - AKAMom Magazine

Don’t Let Infertility Win – Consider Frozen Donor Eggs

wmanning — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 14:02:44 +0000

For any woman who desperately wants a child, finding out that her eggs are no longer viable can lead to a powerful range of emotions. Failure, guilt, jealously, anger, rage; they’re all common feelings. Throw sadness, emptiness, self-pity, and anxiety into the mix and who could blame her for feeling like her dreams of becoming a Mom have been ripped apart?

If you find yourself in this situation, it may be a tough pill to swallow, but the good news is that with major advances in modern fertility technology, the donor egg IVF process has never been so effective or affordable.

Pick Yourself Up

Upon receiving the news that you aren’t likely to get pregnant using your own eggs, it’s only natural that you may not want to accept it right away. It is essential to take all the time that you need to get used to the idea. So be angry. Be mad at the world. You have every right, because you know what? Life is unfair.

Scream, shout, cry; try therapy if it helps. Take your time to process your emotions, and then, when you’re ready, pick yourself up and fight this battle head on. Don’t let infertility win. It’s time to look at the facts.

Consider Your Options

If you’re married or living with your significant other, this can be a very taxing time in your relationship and it’s important that both of you are on board with whatever decision you make. For some couples, it makes sense to adopt, while others can’t face the idea of going through such a lengthy process without even the guarantee of a successful outcome. Cases of mothers changing their minds at the last minute after giving birth are abundant, and the emotional strain can be too much to bear.

While the option of using a donor egg for procreation has been around for over thirty years and is now a fairly standard procedure, you may find yourself struggling with the idea that your child will not physically share your genes. However, using a donor egg still allows you to experience being pregnant; carrying your child in your womb for nine months and feeling him or her kick and hiccup inside you. The maternal bond is the strongest in the world and begins between a mother and child long before birth.

Using Frozen Donor Eggs

If you’ve decided that trying donor egg treatment is the best option for you, you still may have run into various obstacles. After all, not everyone has the finances for this fairly expensive treatment, or the time required to synchronize the menstrual cycle of the egg donor and recipient as required with a fresh donor cycle. That’s where frozen donor eggs come in.

In the last few years, major technological advancements in the field of vitrification (a flash-freezing technique used to freeze eggs) mean that access to this ground-breaking fertility treatment has not only become more widespread, convenient, and economically viable; but the chances of success are now higher than ever before.

Vitrification minimizes the possibility that ice crystals will form in the eggs, which often happened with slow-freeze methods. Due to new and improved methods of freezing and advances in thawing protocols, the chances of thawed egg viability and survival are now much higher. This means that the chances of frozen donor eggs leading to a healthy pregnancy and birth are also higher. Currently, the chances of success from using frozen donor eggs are almost as high as that of using fresh donor eggs in the United States.

Benefits of Frozen Donor Eggs

As with any major decision, you should weigh the pros and cons of all treatments. Bear in mind that using frozen eggs instead of fresh eggs still has a slightly lower success rate, and you will need to consider this against other factors, such as cost, convenience and increased availability and choice. But to give you an idea, the main benefits of using frozen donor eggs over fresh ones are:

You no longer have to spend the time or high amounts of medication needed to synchronize your cycle with that of the egg donor
Any complexities related to ovarian stimulation for the donor or problems that arise from stimulation have already been taken care of; the eggs are fully ready for fertilization
Once you have chosen your donor, embryo transfer can begin quickly, and on your schedule
Costs for each treatment cycle are lower using frozen donor eggs than fresh eggs
You have greater selection as you are no longer limited to finding someone local or available

Keep in mind that a fresh egg donor cycle could run upwards of $28,000, (including agency fee, medication and IVF). Whereas using frozen donor eggs can be as much as half that price, with some donor egg companies even offering financing plans and a full refund if you aren’t successful after a given number of cycles.

While no one can make up your mind for you, it should be of some comfort to know that you have many options available to you and a real, viable chance of becoming a mother. So don’t let infertility win – consider frozen donor eggs.

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New Report Finds Teens Feel Addicted to Their Phones, Causing Tension at Home

wmanning — Tue, 03 May 2016 12:42:23 +0000

Common Sense Report Finds Tech Use is Cause of Conflict, Concern, Controversy

San Francisco, Calif. — A new report issued today by Common Sense Media finds that 50 percent of teens “feel addicted” to mobile devices, and 59 percent of their parents agree that their kids are addicted. Additionally, parents and children are concerned about the effects mobile device use has on their daily lives—from driving to the dinner table—with over one-third of the families in the Common Sense poll arguing about it daily.

The Common Sense poll surveyed 1,240 parents and kids from the same households (620 parents, 620 kids) and accompanies a white paper that reviews the latest scientific research about problematic media use, including impacts on youths’ well-being and development. Together they offer a fresh, comprehensive review and perspective on addiction and media-use in the U.S. today. Common Sense initiated the research to better understand mobile technology’s impact on children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional development and identify families’ need for support.

“Mobile devices are fundamentally changing how families go about day-to-day life, be it homework, driving or having dinner together,” said James Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense. “What we’ve discovered is that kids and parents feel addicted to their mobile devices, that it is causing daily conflict in homes, and that families are concerned about the consequences. We also know that problematic media use can negatively affect children’s development and that multi-tasking can harm learning and performance. As a society we all have a responsibility to take media use and addiction seriously and make sure parents have the information to help them make smart choices for their families.”

Key Findings from the Survey of Parents and Teens Include:

Addiction: 1 out of every 2 teens feels addicted to their devices and the majority of parents (59%) feel their kids are addicted

Frequency: 72% of teens and 48% of parents feel the need to immediately respond to texts, social networking messages, and other notifications; 69% of parents and 78% of teens check their devices at least hourly

Distraction: 77% of parents feel their child gets distracted by his or her devices and doesn’t pay attention when they are together at least a few times per week

Conflict: One-third of parents and teens (36% and 32% respectively) say they argue with each other on a daily basis about device use

Risky behavior: 56% of parents admit they check their mobile devices while driving; 51% of teens see their parents checking/using their mobile devices when driving

Common Sense’s white paper, a review of existing studies and research on internet use, technology and addiction, concludes that there is cause for concern around problematic media use, which in extreme cases can have very damaging consequences. The paper finds that multitasking, toggling between multiple screens or between screens and people – which is common for kids doing homework or socializing – impairs their ability to lay down memories, to learn, and to work effectively. Additionally, problematic media use can harm face-to-face conversation, and undermine the development of empathy. Parents and teens should avoid multitasking with devices while talking to others and replacing human interactions with technology.

“Parents are right to be concerned about the impact of media on the development of their kids,” said Ellen Wartella, a leading scholar of the role of media in children’s development. “It is a good thing that parents and educators are focused on kids’ social and emotional learning and asking the right questions – many of which we don’t know the answers to yet. From attention disorders and multi-tasking to basic social interaction and interpersonal skills, we need to devote more time and research to understanding the impact of media use on our kids and then adjust our behavior accordingly.”

The Common Sense report stemmed from last November’s landmark Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens that indicated U.S. teens use an average of nine hours of media per day. The technology addiction research was initiated to spark a national discussion on media and technology use by acknowledging a pervasive feeling of addiction by American families and help them identify resources to resolve family conflicts and encourage responsible use of technology.

Resources for families who are concerned about media use are available on the Common Sense website, including “5 Simple Steps for a Healthy Media Diet,” family media agreements and video guides, 20 Q&As that include answers to questions like: Is Internet addiction real? What are the downsides to multitasking? How can I make sure my kid doesn’t become addicted to technology?

A webinar on helping families achieve media balance will be held on May 19^thand will be free to the public at www.commonsense.org. To review the white paper and Executive Summary in their entirety, visit LINK.

Survey Methodology:

The survey is based on a nationally representative survey designed and administered by Lake Research Partners and conducted by telephone using professional interviews from February 16 to March 14, 2016. A total of 1,240 interviews were conducted with parents (n=620) and their children (n=620) residing in the same household.

Respondents were screened to be parents of children between the ages of 12 and 18 living at home with them, with both parent and child using a mobile device. The data for the parent and children sample were weighed slightly by gender, region, age, and race to reflect attributes of the actual population. The margin of error for this sample is +/-4.0%.

About Common Sense:

Common Sense is the nation’s leading independent nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a powerful voice for kids and families in the 21st century. Millions of families, educators, and policymakers turn to Common Sense every day to access our independent rating systems, unbiased research, and trusted tools and advice that help them navigate a rapidly changing digital landscape at home and at school. Learn more at commonsense.org

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Increasing Road Safety with Cost-Effective Technology

wmanning — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 14:08:18 +0000

Driving conditions have drastically changed in recent years, and thanks to the rise of cell phones and smart devices there are more distracted drivers on the road than ever before. In fact, the National Safety Council reports that 1.6 million crashes each year are a direct result of cell phone use while driving.

So what steps can you take now to prevent your family from becoming another accident statistic?

Forward collision warning and lane departure warning technology can be the difference between an average commute and a tragedy on the highway. The systems use radar technology to detect if you get too close to an obstacle or another vehicle, which signals the system to sound an alarm – providing up to five full seconds of extra reaction time. That may not seem like much, but imagine how far you can go in five seconds when speeding down the freeway at 60 mph.

This technology isn’t just available in new luxury cars. You can get it installed aftermarket in your current vehicle at a fraction of the cost.

Safe Drive Systems is leading the charge in helping drivers protect themselves and their families on the road by providing affordable forward collision and lane departure technology that can be outfitted into almost any car.

Here are just a few ways that collision avoidance systems can save you money in the short- and long-term while keeping you safe:

Don’t wait for mandatory collision-avoidance technology. Government and consumer advocacy groups are attempting to make forward collision warning technology mandatory in all new cars by 2022. However, you don’t need to wait to protect your family – the technology is available now. This potentially life-saving upgrade is available to all consumers, and getting it installed in your vehicle can provide you and your family a safer driving experience years before the auto dealers will begin manufacturing the technology in standard models – at a higher price point.

Upgrade your safety features without buying a new car. Most manufacturers and dealerships won’t add collision avoidance technology to a car that’s already been purchased. However, you don’t have to buy an expensive car to be safer on the road. Drivers need to be aware of cost-effective aftermarket solutions that can be installed in almost any automobile. This technology can add up to $4,000 to the price of a new car from the manufacturer, but consumers can install it in their current vehicle for half that cost. And with some aftermarket vendors offering interest-free financing, making it even more affordable, there is no need to wait for the government mandate or purchase a brand new vehicle.

Reduce accidents and prevent hikes on insurance premiums. When drivers get into a car accident, they can often expect to pay thousands in insurance surcharges and fees over time on top of repair costs. Avoid these costs by relying on technology that assures a reduction in accidents. Some collision-avoidance vendors are even willing to pay up to 50 percent of your insurance deductible if an accident should occur.

You’re not just surrounded by other drivers when you’re on the road, you’re surrounded by text messages, tweets and apps too. With 80 percent of today’s car accidents caused by driver inattention, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there’s no reason for waiting to take necessary and cost-effective steps to make your car safer.

For more information and tips on how to make your vehicle safer and reduce accidents, call 855-826-4234 or visit safedrivesystems.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

*FF

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Top tips for recycling tossed-aside tech

wmanning — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 16:01:09 +0000

Do you know what to do with that old computer monitor sitting in storage? What should you do with a retired PC or tablet? If the items cluttering your home were newsprint, plastic bottles or aluminum cans, you would know exactly what to do with them – recycle! But if you’re unsure how to recycle technology, you’re not alone.

Nearly 80 percent of American households have old technology sitting around, according to a recent survey by Staples. Most people with old, unused tech devices have one to five pieces they’d like to get rid of, but less than half know how to recycle it, the survey found.

“You make a lot of changes when you’re trying to live a greener lifestyle, from recycling all the plastics your family uses to choosing more energy-efficient appliances,” says Toni Hammersley, blogger at A Bowl Full of Lemons. “Fortunately, you can also green your digital life by recycling old technology you no longer use. Staples will take a slew of your old and unused technology products right in-store for free to help you responsibly and easily recycle.”

Recycling technology is good for the environment, the EPA says. Valuable resources like metals, plastics and glass can be reused; every 1 million cellphones recycled yield 35,000 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold and 33 pounds of palladium, according to the EPA. What’s more, recycling or donating electronics reduces consumption of natural resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and air and water pollution associated with making new materials.

Hammersley, an organizational expert, offers some tips for recycling tech:

* You can recycle old office technology that no longer works for free by taking them into your local Staples. The store will accept the computers, monitors, printers and numerous other types of electronics for recycling – free of charge. For more information on the program and a list of tech items that can be accepted into the free recycling program, visit Staples online.

*You can also trade in eligible technology to receive a Staples eCash card that you can use toward your next in-store or online purchase. The laptop that’s too slow for your gaming activities might qualify for a trade in and get a gift card to put toward new technology or anything else you need within the store.

* Equipment that still works can also be donated. Goodwill accepts technology items for repair and recycling and schools, churches, charities and other community organizations in your area may accept older tech that’s still usable. You can also find computer donation organizations with a simple online search. Before you donate any piece of technology, be sure that the organization can use it and you won’t burden them with items they might have to recycle. Also be sure to delete all your personal information, including files, documents and apps that may contain personal information. Staples provides this service in stores through their Tech Services.

“Clutter of any kind can stand in the way of organization at home or in the office,” Hammersley says. “Recycling is one of the most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally responsible ways to get rid of any kind of clutter – including old technology.”

*BPT

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Update Your Home this Summer with These Techy Toys

wmanning — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 17:40:17 +0000

By Greer Barnes

For many people technology is a double-edged sword. Sure, technology can make work easier and more efficient but actually using “techy” devices can be frustrating and complicated. Thankfully the newest high-tech gadgets are easier to assemble and use than ever, making this summer the perfect time to give your home an update. Not only will these devices be easy-to-use; they’re also cost-efficient, time-saving, and will give you a little more peace of mind when it comes to your family’s health and safety. Here are our picks for the best of the best in new technology for the home:

Even if you’re not the greatest cook in the world you probably spend a lot of time in the kitchen. That’s why the Ninja Blender Duo with Auto-iQ from Nutri Ninja is going to be your new best friend. This baby does all the hard work for you. Easily and swiftly grind whole fruits, veggies, and even chunks of ice with the power of the Total Crushing Technology and the patented Ninja blade system. Worried about operating a high-tech kitchen gadget? The Auto-iQ technology takes all of the guesswork out of blending and crushing with easy-to-read buttons. Want to make a smoothie? Simply press the Frozen Drinks Smoothies button. Be ready to relax because getting your kids to eat their vegetables has never been easier.

With summer in full swing it can be tough to find ways to get your family members to spend time together while enjoying each other’s company. That’s why the SyrenPro from iLuv will be your new go-to music device. This sleek, weather-resistant wireless Bluetooth speaker is compatible with devices you already have, including the iPhone 6 and most tablets. Plug the SyrenPro into an outlet, or use the rechargeable battery while on a family beach vacation to get 360 degree sound on-the-go.

Need another gadget the whole family will love? Look no further than the Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 from Logitech. This keyboard is compatible with everything from your iPad to your iPhone. Need to write a late-night email to your boss but don’t want to turn on your desktop. Simply connect your iPhone to the Multi-Device Keyboard and type that email in no time flat without leaving your bed.

Moms, you know it’s true: kids are germ vacuums. They suck up bad bacteria everywhere they go and touch everything they can get their hands on. With the Cimarron Touchless Toilet from Kohler installed in your kids’ bathroom, you’ll have one less germ-filled thing to worry about. Activated by a no-touch sensor located in the tank and powered by replaceable AA batteries, the Cimarron Touchless Toilet will help cut down on germs and keep your bathroom cleaner than ever, giving you a little more peace of mind and more time to not clean.

Most parents will agree that there is nothing more important than their family’s, especially their children’s, safety. More than ever there is a demand for home security, but security doesn’t always come cheap. That’s why the Arlo Security System with 2 HD Cameras is an absolute must. For around 350 dollars you get two HD indoor/outdoor cameras, a smart home base station that connects to your WiFi router, camera mounts, and seven days of free cloud recordings. Worry about your home’s security at night? Night vision and motion alerts will give you peace of mind while you sleep. The Arlo Security System even comes with a free app so operating your motion-alerted security system is easy and efficient.

The newest techy toys are the best of both worlds: they’re not too difficult to use but they still give you all of the modern convenience you want in a gadget. Give these devices a try and see if updating your home this summer wasn’t the real vacation after all.

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Illuminating the New Year: The International Year of Light 2015

wmanning — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 14:35:45 +0000

By Lincoln McElwee

Still deciding on a last-minute New Year’s resolution? Maybe you just want a more tangible goal under your belt? A marker in the not-to-distant-future that will not only be fun and rewarding to move towards, but one that also involves commitment, compassion and travel? If this sounds like what you are looking for, why not resolve to make 2015 a year of light? That’s right: a remarkable year of light!

The year 2015 has been designated by both UNESCO and the United Nations as The International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies. Throughout the year, festivities and activities which honor the forward thinkers and scientists who paved the road for both light and optical technologies in our daily lives (Albert Einstein) will take place globally.

In essence, it is a year of education, which is why 2015 is a perfect year to combine this education with travel, making a current and historic memory bank for not only you, but for your child as well.

Though the focus on the International Year of Light is primarily to disseminate the purpose and importance of light-based technologies around the globe through education and training, showing its impact and possible scope in the sectors of agriculture, energy, health, and education, The Year of Light can (and should) also play a vital role in reflecting on the purpose and importance of light-based technologies in the travel industry as well.

From computer screens, mainframes and hard drives that book travel flights and spit out tickets and ticket receipts, to the mechanics behind in–flight entertainment and the physics of air travel, from the latest and greatest technology at our fingertips in hotel rooms and resorts, to even the food we eat, how its prepared, and where we might need to go for medical emergencies while abroad, light and light-based technology has a firm hold in the travel industry and in our lives as travelers and parents as well.

To this end, The International Year of Light is not only a wonderful moment in time to spend with your family in appreciation of our global footprint and the vital need for sustainable development not only nationally but internationally as well, it is also a time to start thinking about ways to incorporate The Year of Light into our travel plans.

In keeping with the importance of sustainable development, why not plan a family trip to visit one of the endangered world wonders? The Great Barrier Reef, for instance, has been said to be eroding and at a far greater risk from global warming than previously thought. The Great Wall of China is slowly crumbling, only about one-third of it left for tourists to view. Even the Taj Mahal seems to be losing its luster, with treatments enacted on its closed days to give this Wonder of the World a much-needed facelift. There has even been speculation about the fading Taj Mahal closing its doors altogether and…recently…the possibility of it crumbling due to poor infrastructure.

In any case, by visiting one of the world wonders, you have the chance of ensuring that your children not only read about these places, that they don’t simply recognize these “hot spots” as some passing fact or travel fad from a history book, but that they have a connection to these global environments by having visited these remarkable, yet fated, destinations.

You can even have fun with the idea of light and base a travel experience around this concept alone. Traveling to see the Northern Lights, for instance, would be one way. Or perhaps you might want to consider what it means to travel light? To some, this might mean booking an all-inclusive vacation package, staying at a resort where everything is at your fingertips and you want for nothing. For others, traveling light could mean backpacking or camping out under the stars with your family, staying at a camping site or RV park, traveling without all of the creature comforts that many of us have become used to when traveling.

Regardless of how you choose to travel in 2015, be sure to make it a wonderful year of prosperity and insight. Be sure to make it a wonderful year of light!

Useful Links:

Lonely Planet’s Illuminating Experiences for 2015 (Article): http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/the-worlds-most-illuminating-experiences?affil=EMLEDITORIALNEWS_101

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7 Ways To Help Kids Unplug From Technology

wmanning — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 16:40:43 +0000

By Jennifer Chung, Kinsights.com

Our lives feel busier than ever – cell phones, tablets and laptops can certainly help us be more efficient, but they can also make us feel like we need to be accessible to everyone all the time. Kids are introduced to technology at a younger age than ever before. Is technology a good thing or a bad thing when it comes to raising our kids? Here are some tips to help parents find balance and set some boundaries around screen time.

Out of sight, out of mind. Having the TV in the family room can make the television feel like the center of your family activities. If possible, put the TV in a hutch and close the doors when not in use. If your space is limited, move it into your bedroom (or better yet, a spare bedroom) to help make TV time more structured. On weekends, the family can snuggle on the bed and watch a movie together.

Set a predetermined time for use of tablets or video games. Rather than battling over it all day, set a time and duration for when your kids will know they can play – many tablets even allow parents to pre-program access time. Consider setting play time before dinner for 30 minutes. It gives the kids a chance to unwind while you cook dinner.

Create off-limit times for all devices. For example, have everyone turn in their cell phones before mealtime. Use a dedicated drawer or box so that it becomes a habit for everyone to just drop their phone in before sitting down at the table.

Monthly unplugged day. Every month, ask the family to take one day to “unplug”. Have family members take turns planning activities for the day (go on a bike ride, a nature walk or visit a museum). Be sure to actually schedule the day every month and assign someone to be in charge of setting the agenda.

Make learning fun. Since you can control what games/apps are on a tablet, pick options that are interactive and educational – there are lots of fun options that also encourage math, reading, and/or spelling skills.

Curb the snacks. It’s easy to munch on snacks while watching a video without realizing how much (and how badly) you’ve eaten. Try to avoid handing out empty calorie snacks while your kids are watching – a plate of fruit and low-fat cheese make a nice sweet and savory combo for kids. And make sure you offset screen time with plenty of outdoor activities.

Family game night. Replace watching TV with a family game night. Game night is also a great opportunity to invite neighbors and friends over with their kids for some healthy competition. And it’s a great way to encourage good sportsmanship, team building, and cooperation.

About Jennifer Chung:

Jennifer Chung is a parenting expert and co-founder of Kinsights: part parenting community, part online health record. Kinsights provides parents with a safe place to seek answers to their questions while also helping them track their child’s health information. Organize your child’s growth and developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, allergies, and more. Connect with Kinsights at https://kinsights.com to learn more and sign-up! You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@kinsights).

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Dealing with Travel in the Digital Age

wmanning — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 15:18:12 +0000

By Lincoln McElwee

There has never been more access to social media from a barrage of outlets as there is now. Whether a phone or netbook or notebook or mini-notebook or laptop or desktop, just to name a few, social media has made it almost impossible to go without some sort of device to connect to one another with. Though for many parents this may be a sign of the times or an indication that we are spending less time together face-to-face with our friends and family, it can also be a useful tool when it comes to traveling and travel ideas for capturing those moments of pure delight with your family.

Kids are now more tech-savvy than their parents with social media apps and the latest phones and gadgets. They know specs and speeds and what plays the fastest videos. To filter this information and make sure you have a handle on what your children are learning and using their devices for, get actively involved! Travel can help with this.

One way of spending more time with your children on your kid-friendly vacation – or even before the vacation – is to sit down with your children and explain what the boundaries of using this technology will be on the trip. At the same time, however, you can have your children prepare a mini “tutorial” for you as to what are the best ways to capture those precious moments. Though this might seem like a chore, many kids will relish the idea of teaching something to their parents, of holding some knowledge that their parents don’t even have. This in turn makes for a wonderful time of share-and-tell at home where parents and children can learn from each other about various social media apps and what the best ways are for not only capturing great moments and media but saving those moments that will surely take place on family-friendly vacations.

Another important thing to remember is that the technology itself is not the important thing here: it is the quality time spent together on vacation with your family. Many parents exasperate themselves trying to keep up with their children and the latest technology. There are even some parents that have more apps and social media outlets than their own children. But again, the most important thing to remember is that these items are just means to an end, and that end is sharing the actual, lived moments with your children and loved ones. A daily excursion, family meals together, walks around the resort or theme park – these are the times that bring your family together!

It is important for your children to be up-to-date with the technology that will enable them to excel in the classroom, but not all technology is necessary or even worthwhile. Be sure to draw the line with your children as to what they can use and when they can use it. Just because your children have more access than you does not take away from the fact that you are the parent!

In this way, your vacations will turn into fun learning experiences where children and parents experience social media together! Posting pictures online and creating slideshows, making small movies and uploading digital media to watch for a later date all play into this. By setting the boundaries and knowing what you are setting the boundaries for, you will be able to better make use of social media and to make sure that your children, both during the vacation and after the vacation is over, are making the right use out of social media!

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Technology & Travel – Play It Safe While on the Road

wmanning — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 16:37:57 +0000

By Becky Frost

Spring break is around the corner. It’s the perfect opportunity to take off with the entire family to escape and unwind at a faraway destination. Simply put, get away from it all. Or so you think! Like a baby with a bottle, most of us don’t want to part with our phone, tablet or laptop. Today’s family may want to leave town, but not their online life. No matter where we are, most of us want to check email, update our Facebook page and text our BFF anytime, anywhere. However, the need to remain connected could put your identity at risk.

Identity theft is a serious crime that does not discriminate, affecting both the young and old. Your identity can be stolen with as little as one important piece of information. All it takes is information such as a Social Security number, a driver’s license or a bank account statement to be accessed online by the wrong person for someone to become an identity theft victim. In worst case scenarios, it can take victims years to realize their identity has been used illegally to open fraudulent credit cards, obtain loans, etc., furthering the damage to their credit, making prevention and awareness all the more important.

Unfortunately, taking a trip can dramatically increase the risk of having your identity stolen when relying on unsecure public Wi-Fi and overlooking measures you can take on and offline that can protect your family. The good news is there are steps you can take to keep your identity safe and keep the good times rolling while on vacation. Identity theft protection product Experian’s ProtectMyID suggests you implement the following tips:

Control Your Wi-Fi: A portable router will allow you to create your own hotspot for your family’s devices and avoid using public Wi-Fi spots. You’ll need a local SIM data card, which can be found at most electronic stores or even airport kiosks.
Steer Clear of Hackers: If you must use public Wi-Fi, make sure you are logging into secured/private networks. Otherwise, the consequences of using an unsecured Wi-Fi network opens the door to hackers gaining access to the networks which can lead them to your login details and any credit card information you may have entered into it.
Limit Online Socializing: Social media is a great way to highlight your trip to friends in real time however posting pictures or messages can alert someone that your home is vacant. If you just can’t help yourself, make sure to set your privacy settings on your Facebook page to “friends only” to help control the number of people who actually see your pictures. However, the best option is to delay posts until you are back home. Other safeguards to put in place are to set your home alarm and/or hire a house sitter.
Is that URL the Real Deal?: There are plenty of URL spoof sites out there, created for the sole purpose of stealing your information. Since not all mobile browsers show the URL, it’s important to make sure the website is legitimate before logging onto it from your mobile device. Make it a habit to bookmark your favorite sites after you type in the address.
Guard your social networks. If you have a blog or social accounts, such as Facebook and Twitter, use the highest security settings possible.
Use strong passwords. Use a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, symbols and punctuation to make your passwords harder to crack.
Protect your mobile devices. Losing your mobile phone, a thumb drive or laptop can be just as bad as losing your wallet. Be sure to protect your mobile devices with passwords and encryption.
Avoid skimming: If you have to use an ATM during your travels, be sure that it is in a secure location, and whenever possible, use one stationed at a bank branch. Fake ATM machines are known to have been placed in high traffic tourist areas. Shield your pin entry with your other hand to avoid shoulder surfers. Debit cards also provide thieves with a direct pipeline to your bank accounts. When used with a PIN, you need not sign for the purchase. When used for a “credit” purchase with a signature, no confirming PIN is needed. This is why debit cards are deemed valuable to thieves. It is also more difficult and time consuming to resolve fraudulent purchases made with debit cards than to resolve those made with credit cards.

It’s important to note that while these tips should be implemented while on vacation, they’re just as important to follow when you are out and about at home.

As mobile devices continue to play a larger role in our everyday lives, our online activity continues to increase in public places like the local coffeehouse or shopping mall. Technology has made life more convenient in so many ways, but understanding and being well informed about the dangers that lurk out in cyberspace is vital to help keep your family’s identity private and safe.

About Becky Frost: Becky Frost is Senior Manager of Consumer Education for Experian Consumer Services, which offers credit monitoring products like ProtectMyID. Find Becky on Google Plus.

The post Technology & Travel – Play It Safe While on the Road appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Take a Break from Technology

wmanning — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 15:21:02 +0000

Tips to Enhance Family Togetherness

As access to technology increases, families may find they are spending more time on their devices and less time together.

Some psychologists worry our growing attachment to technology may result in social isolation.

“We’re getting used to a new way of being alone together,” said Sherry Turkle, Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor, psychologist and author of “Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other.” “People want to be with each other, but also elsewhere, connected to all the different places they want to be.”

In her book, “Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other,” Turkle explores the idea that this constant need for virtual connection is leading to a gap in communication between families, and a new generation of children is unable to actually communicate and relate to their peers or parents.

Ready for a Tech Timeout?

Foresters™, a life insurance provider committed to the well-being of families, recently launched the Tech Timeout™ challenge in response to a growing awareness that our attachment to digital devices may contribute to a sense of social isolation among families. Tech Timeout encourages families across North America to take a pledge to turn off their digital devices (including TVs, smartphones, video games and computers) for an hour each day for one week and connect with each other in a more meaningful way. The idea is not to eliminate technology, but to create awareness of the dependence on technology, and ultimately improve personal bonds within families.

Easy Ways to Unplug

Carving out space and time for each other can start the channels of communication flowing. Here are some activities families can do together:

Board Game Bonanza – Break out the cards, puzzles and board games for a night of old-fashioned fun.
Get Out and Play – Find a local trail and set out on a hike together. You will have a chance to interact with your surroundings and one another and be active too.
Volunteer – Volunteering can help strengthen community connections and avoid a sense of social isolation. Find a cause your family is passionate about and volunteer with a local organization.
Cook Together – Dig out your favorite recipes and try cooking as a family. Assign each person a role in meal preparation. You will not only have plenty of time to interact, your children can pick up some valuable life skills along the way.
Take a Tech-free Holiday – Family vacations are a great time to recharge and bond with your kids, but connecting can be tough if you are each plugged into your electronic devices. Fun time together will create memories your children will cherish for years to come.
Rediscover Reading – Begin a family reading hour or book club. Starting a discussion about literature will open up communication.

To take the Tech Timeout pledge, and for more tips on building stronger bonds within your family, visit www.TechTimeout.com and www.facebook.com/TechTimeout.

Foresters™ is the trade name and a trademark of The Independent Order of Foresters, 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9; its subsidiaries are licensed to use this mark.

Tech Timeout and the Tech Timeout logo are trademarks of The Independent Order of Foresters.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

The post Take a Break from Technology appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.