InfoTrak

Today, identity theft and fraud are happening everywhere, partly due to modern technology. Frank Abagnale is an FBI advisor and top expert on scams, and he shares simple strategies to outsmart today's ripoff artists.

The devastating consequences of the opioid crisis are far-reaching in the United States, in terms of lost and broken lives. Prof. Segel from Penn State University examined the often-overlooked costs to taxpayers via the impact to state and local budgets.

Parents know all too well that family, friends and so-called experts can dish out loads of advice on raising kids. But, much of that advice can be wrong, according to Prof. Emily Oster from Brown University. She examined some of this standard advice, compared it to scientific research and found that the conventional wisdom is often wrong. She offers advice to help new moms and dads to be better and more relaxed parents.

The devastating consequences of the opioid crisis are far-reaching in the United States, in terms of lost and broken lives. Prof. Segel from Penn State University examined the often-overlooked costs to taxpayers via the impact to state and local budgets.

How much do you know about Health Savings Accounts? Roy Ramthun is an expert known as Mr. HSA and he explains the benefits of HSAs, how to avoid overpaying for medical services and how to shop for you own HSA.

Prof. Palamar led a study at the NYU School of Medicine that found that teenagers are more likely to experiment with recreational drugs such as LSD, marijuana, cocaine or ecstasy for the first time during the summer months. He said that the amount of free time on their hands once the school year ends and activities like music festivals are major factors in this risky behavior. He said parents should educate and warn their kids about using recreational drugs, their risks and side effects.

Efforts to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources can help lower carbon emissions. However, Prof. McGee led a recent study at Portland State University that found that renewable energy increases “energy inequality” for lower-income Americans because it costs more than energy produced by oil, coal and natural gas.

Prof. Palamar led a study at the NYU School of Medicine that found that teenagers are more likely to experiment with recreational drugs such as LSD, marijuana, cocaine or ecstasy for the first time during the summer months. He said that the amount of free time on their hands once the school year ends and activities like music festivals are major factors in this risky behavior. He said parents should educate and warn their kids about using recreational drugs, their risks and side effects.

Joanne Lara, is an autism expert, former special education teacher, and Executive Director of the organization “Autism Works Now.”

She said up to 85 percent of autistic adults are either unemployed or underemployed. She explained how “Autism Works Now” teaches pre-employment and workplace readiness skills to young adults with autism. She outlined the challenges faced by autistic students, and she explained the role that parents, schools and employers play in helping them to secure meaningful employment.

Will McCallum is the Head of Oceans at Greenpeace UK, and the author of “How to Give Up Plastic: A Guide to Changing the World, One Plastic Bottle at a Time.”

He noted that humans produce over 300 million tons of plastic each year, with 12.7 million tons ending up in our oceans. He discussed the major impact that plastic and microplastic waste has on marine life and the environment. He said it is not possible to recycle all of the plastics used in our everyday lives. He outlined small changes that anyone can make to reduce the amount of plastic waste in their home or community.