UBCNews - Business

For parents, it's a scary world out there. You don't even need to have seen Adolescence on Netflix to have concerns about smartphones and social media. If you're worried about your teenage children and the effect that technology is having on them, Mission Prep is just a call away. They combine elements like psychoeducation, exposure therapy, and ongoing parental involvement - without outright banning the tech devices themselves.

Earlier this year, the Guardian reported on a social media ban for teens in Australia: legislation was passed to restrict its use until they reach the age of 16. Regardless of where you stand on that... bold move, the data is pretty clear.

Studies continue to show that technology and internet addiction negatively affect adolescents' behavior. In fact, UCL recently published a piece in PLOS Mental Health on its impact on those aged 10 to 19. It found that, at this age, the brain is particularly vulnerable to internet addiction - with a big impact on relationships, sleep, and eating.

This is a key focus point of the treatment at Mission Prep. "With our program, we examine how their use of tech impacts their sense of self, relationships, and overall well-being - and we focus on its effects on the brain, sleep, and mood."

The signs of technology addiction show up clearly in daily behavior, Mission Prep says. You may start to notice your kids spend most of their waking hours on screens, and when they can't access their devices, they often experience real withdrawal - showing anxiety, irritability, and mood swings similar to other forms of dependency.

One of the main elements of the program is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT helps teens spot their technology addiction triggers and recognize the specific thoughts that lead to excessive screen time. They learn to challenge these patterns - gradually building healthier technology habits over time, setting them up for long-term success in the future.

Each patient receives a care plan so they can maintain a balanced relationship with technology after completing the program - including family education to create supportive home environments. Regular follow-up assessments help to ensure positive progress is being made.

Mission Prep is here every step of the way, helping your family to break free from tech addiction!

Check out the link in the description to learn more about the treatments available!

What guides your actions? In a lot of cases, it’s the subconscious thought processes that make up your mindset. But have you ever found that you’re being held back by those thought processes? If so, Mission Connection’s Mindset Test might help you highlight the factors that are stopping you from reaching your full potential. Developed based on the findings of renowned personality, developmental, and social psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck, this screening tool will let you gain some insight into how you approach personal growth.

Mission Connection’s Mindset Test is designed to help you explore your attitude towards challenges, setbacks, and personal development.

It may sound like a complicated process - thoughts are a complicated thing, after all - but the test itself is actually pretty simple. Using Dr. Dweck’s research on fixed and growth mindsets as a foundation, the screening tool questions you about your perceived importance of preserving self-image, how likely you are to avoid challenging scenarios, and your viewpoint towards criticism and the success of other people.

Depending on your final score, you may be determined to have a “fixed mindset,” which is characterized by views that efforts towards personal growth are pointless; a “growth mindset,” a way of thinking that encourages improvement through learning and perseverance; and a “mixed mindset,” which is a blend of both beliefs.

“With each question, you can gain a deeper understanding of your mindset patterns and their implications on various aspects of your life,” explains a spokesperson for the treatment center. “This encompasses facets from academic and professional pursuits to personal relationships and well-being. Using this screening tool, you can discover the power of mindset in shaping your perceptions, behaviors, and ultimately, your path to success and fulfillment.”

The Mindset Test is among the many tests that Mission Connection offers on its website. Other questionnaires that you can take include the PHQ-9 Depression Test, GAD-7 Anxiety Test, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and PTSD Test, all of which are developed based on clinically researched criteria.

Of course, mental health and mindsets are linked, so if you’re dissatisfied with the state of either one (or both), you can also consider enrolling in one of the treatment center’s outpatient programs. These will be personalized based on your condition and goals, ultimately aiming to help you foster long-term mental wellness.

Mission Connection Healthcare is a mental health provider that operates in Virginia, Washington, and California, with plans to expand to other states. The treatment center is highly acclaimed for its comprehensive treatment options, affordability, and the flexibility it offers patients through its telehealth services.

Treat a mental health condition or simply take another step towards the kind of personal growth you want to see from yourself - no matter what you choose, Mission Connection will have your back.

Visit the link in the description to get started!

With luxury pivot doors from Panda Windows & Doors, you can create impactful, eye-catching entrances up to 18 feet high in your home. They’re a super luxurious choice, whether you’re upgrading your home or building your dream property from scratch!

Despite their large size, Panda Windows & Doors' customizable doors have an elegant, sleek design, as the self-closing mechanism remains hidden in either the subfloor or the header. Material choices include aluminum, wood-clad combinations, or solid wood, and customization options also extend to thermal breaks, sidelights, and transom windows.

"Panda Windows & Doors has the best options if you’re looking for a new entryway door. Becoming more popular in recent years, residential luxury pivot doors are one of our most intriguing door designs."

Unlike traditional hinged doors, which are limited in size, pivot doors can create dramatic entrances. The innovative pivot system allows for smooth operation despite the large panels, which often weigh up to 300 pounds.

The doors are made using premium European hardware, 6063-T6 aluminum extrusions, and steel pin hinges. The engineering of these components helps ensure long-lasting durability, functionality, and security.

Building on this, the collection offers advanced security features to protect modern homes. Biometric fingerprint scanners provide cutting-edge access control, eliminating the need for traditional keys. Alternatively, you can choose to fit your door with a numeric keypad lock.

The doors can be customized with different handles to complement any architectural style. The range includes both standard and minimalist designs, along with two premium ladder pull options that span the height of the door—a round ladder pull or a square ladder pull, available at an additional cost.

Premium pivot doors are also available as part of the Voyage Collection, which draws inspiration from international design capitals, featuring styles that reference London, Rio, Tokyo, and more. Other doors available through Panda include lift-and-slide designs, sliding doors, and full sliding wall installations.

Pivot doors are a great way to make a statement wherever they are in your home. Create your dream design today!

Check out the link in the description to upgrade your home with custom, luxury doors!

Pivot doors have been all the rage lately, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s not hard to see them at all, really; these unique doors have a way of capturing attention with their eye-catching designs. If you’re looking for a chic pivot door for your remodeling plans, order one from Panda Windows & Doors; with them, you’ll know you’ll get the kind of look you want because you can design it yourself!

Panda Windows & Doors’ pivot doors are fashioned with artisan-crafted surfaces for both structural and artistic styles. The doors are available in aluminum and wood, and they can be installed into existing architecture due to the pivot hinges embedded into the top and bottom of the frame.

Each unit also comes with self-closing hardware that functions using hydraulic mechanics, which facilitate easy maneuverability while allowing for up to 90-degree open positions.

Standard doors can be designed with custom colors, and you have the choice of numerous finish options. Panda Windows & Doors offers AAMA 2604 and AAMA 2605 powder coats, metallic/bonded powder coats, and anodized powder coats, along with Kynar and Duranar finishes.

If you want to order an all-wood or wood-clad system, you can instead go for any one of the wood species Panda offers. Want the durability of aluminum but crave the natural vibe of wood? Faux wood finishes are also available for buyers who have ordered an aluminum door, so you can get the best of both worlds!

For more advanced customization options, Panda Windows & Doors offers premium Voyage Select pivot doors that allow you to choose from additional designs, handle styles, and hardware.

Regardless of the choice, all pivot doors manufactured by the company can be made with transom windows, sidelites, and other glass designs. If you’re interested in bridging indoor and outdoor spaces or improving natural lighting, consider the many glass options Panda has in store for you.

Panda Windows & Doors has been designing and producing custom-made doors and windows for luxury residential and commercial properties since 1991. In addition to its pivot doors, the company has developed over 80 different products, including folding doors, sliding doors, operable windows, and many other mobile glass systems.

One satisfied customer wrote, “Panda Windows & Doors delivered everything we needed and exceeded expectations regarding the timeframe and budget we had in mind. It definitely gives you peace of mind when you know they have you covered.”

They’ll certainly deliver the pivot door of your dreams too. Because that’s what Panda thrives on: turning their customers’ dreams into reality.

Visit the link in the description to get started!

Moissanite is a stunning, lab-grown gem that’s almost indistinguishable from a diamond but comes with some amazing perks. And the team at Moissanite Engagement Rings have seen couples fall in love with this beautiful, ethical alternative—firsthand!

Here's why couples are falling for moissanite. Firstly, its unbeatable sparkle. Did you know that moissanite actually outshines diamonds? With its brilliant light reflection, this gem gives you that dazzling sparkle you've always dreamed of in an engagement ring. If you want a ring that turns heads for all the right reasons, moissanite is the way to go.

Secondly, choosing Moissanite means no worrying about the environmental impact or human rights issues tied to mined diamonds. At Moissanite Engagement Rings, every stone is lab-grown using far fewer resources, so you can feel good about your choice. This ethical advantage is particularly important to younger shoppers. Moissanite now represents 28% of all non-diamond center stones in engagement rings, with an even higher popularity (35%) among Gen Z consumers.

Thirdly, it's built to last. Moissanite is one of the most durable stones out there—only diamonds can scratch it! That makes it perfect for daily wear. Plus, each ring in the Moissanite Engagement Rings collection comes with a lifetime warranty, including free yearly cleanings—so your ring stays beautiful forever.

The fourth reason? More ring for your money. Moissanite is physically and chemically identical to diamonds but at a fraction of the price. Plus, Moissanite Engagement Rings offers financing options to make your purchase even more accessible.

And the best part? You get to design your dream ring—because creating your perfect ring should be as special as your love story. Moissanite Engagement Rings makes it easy to bring your vision to life. First, share your ideas with their expert team. Next, get a personalized quote that fits your budget. Then choose your center stone from six popular shapes (Round, Oval, Emerald, Radiant, Pear, or Cushion). After that, review and finalize your design. Finally, place your order, knowing your ethical ring is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Ready to make it official? You can visit their Southbank showroom by appointment or book a video call if you're out of town. They’ll even send you a free ring sizing kit, so you're guaranteed the perfect fit.

Founded in Melbourne, Moissanite Engagement Rings operates on three core values: integrity in customer experience and product quality, community support through responsible business practices, and authentic connections with customers and partners.

Your perfect ring is waiting—one that reflects not just your love story, but your values too. Find out more about Moissanite Engagement Rings expanded collection by clicking on the URL in the description.

Whether you’re in Overland Park, Shawnee, Lenexa, or Prairie Village, Edwards Gutter Cleaning and Power Wash is the go-to local company for cleaning your home’s exterior. The team cleans everything from driveways and sidewalks to siding and roofing, and they use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that delicate surfaces aren’t damaged.

According to a study from the University of Texas, Arlington, curb appeal can account for as much as 7% of your home’s value. As many households are facing financial pressures, Bankrate suggests several cost-effective ways to improve curb appeal, including power-washing driveways and other external surfaces, and having windows professionally cleaned.

Edwards Gutter Cleaning and Power Wash offers an all-in-one professional external cleaning package to remove dirt and grime from driveways, sidewalks, patios, siding, windows, roofing, and gutters. By covering a wide range of services in one solution, the company offers greater efficiency, reducing the cost and inconvenience of employing several contractors.

The team uses an advanced “soft wash” system designed to effectively remove layers of dirt without damaging more sensitive surfaces, such as roofs and siding. They can also install gutter guards during the process to help reduce the accumulation of debris during the fall season.

“Our team of highly knowledgeable and skilled guys use advanced equipment and cleaning solutions to remove dirt, grime, and stains from a variety of surfaces, including siding, decks, patios, driveways, and sidewalks,” a company representative explained. “Dirt and grime can cause surfaces to deteriorate over time, but by regularly removing these contaminants, you can extend the life of your surfaces and save money on costly repairs.”

A locally owned and operated business, Edwards Gutter Cleaning and Power Wash began servicing homes in the Overland Park area and has since expanded to encompass the entire Kansas City metropolitan area. The company has received multiple awards from Expertise.com and Home Advisor, including Best Gutter Cleaning Service In Kansas City and Best Window Cleaning Service in Kansas City.

“Edwards did a fantastic job,” one client recently stated. “Their communication was top-tier, they did a very thorough job, and they were also incredibly friendly. Anyone looking for a local group that does the job right should contact this company.”

Check out the description to learn more!

You've built your brand with precision. Every product and every customer interaction reflects your commitment. But your marketing now faces a fundamental tension: permanence versus fleeting engagement.

Is there a balance to be found? Learn how an award-winning agency is helping clients build impactful and memorable advertising and marketing campaigns.

Remember when billboards and magazine ads worked for months? Or when that iconic TV commercial became part of the cultural conversation? LO:LA's report "The Age of Ephemera" documents our shift from lasting campaigns to content that disappears faster than we realize.

In the 90s, advertising was simple, straightforward, anchored in shared experiences, and designed for mass appeal. Coca-Cola's "Always Coca-Cola" and Nike's "Just Do It" campaigns became cultural touchstones.

Now? Your content might vanish within hours, leaving barely a trace in memory.

Digital platforms enable precise targeting, helping you connect with your prospects at just the right moments. You must remember though, building trust—your brand's most valuable asset—requires consistency in your messaging.

The report identifies specific challenges: Content becomes hyper-competitive when viewers scroll past in seconds, brand messages become fragmented across platforms, data-driven decisions override your brand's authentic voice, and stories disappear before they make a lasting impression.

As one brand manager told researchers: "We were getting millions of views but zero recognition. People remembered the joke but forgot who told it."

So, how does brand development work in this new economy?

LO:LA's 'Brand in a Box' solution offers meaningful answers. Their approach rests on planning and executing research and immersion, brand story development, visual expression, and market rollout. Ephemeral marketing can be blended with initiatives that build an enduring brand presence.

It works by developing and maintaining a consistent core identity, building foundational content that lives permanently alongside timely stories, tracking both immediate metrics and long-term indicators like brand recall, and finally, by using ephemeral platforms for experiments while maintaining fundamental promises.

Consider Coca-Cola: Their "Share a Coke" campaign created viral moments but remained anchored in their enduring promise of connection. The execution was ephemeral; the message was permanent.

Is your brand Ready for a marketing approach that builds lasting relationships while leveraging digital platforms? Read the 'Age of Ephemera' report by visiting the link in the podcast notes and discover how their brand specialists can help your business make the best of the moment—and build an image that endures.

Welcome everyone! Today we're addressing a critical issue affecting our military community - substance abuse and the pathways to recovery. We have with us a specialist who's been working extensively with active duty personnel and veterans. You know, what really caught my attention recently was learning that about 1 in 10 veterans report substance use problems in the past year. That's a pretty sobering statistic, isn't it?

The numbers are in: online orders account for more than a million packages being delivered every day on the streets of NYC. It’s no wonder the roads are so busy - and it’s no wonder you’ve been injured in a collision with an Amazon driver. You might feel hesitant to pursue an injury claim against such a daunting opponent… but this firm won’t be daunted.

If you’re facing high medical costs and lengthy rehabilitation, you need Auto Accident Law Group. These expert attorneys offer legal support on a contingency basis - getting you the compensation you deserve without leaving you to shell out from your own pocket.

Recent years have seen an influx of delivery traffic in affluent New York City boroughs such as Manhattan and Brooklyn. As more consumers place orders, more vehicles are on the roads - leading in turn to more auto accidents. Next-day delivery is convenient for some… disastrous for you.

Yet, when accidents involve Amazon couriers, the question of liability can often be complex. This is largely because the e-commerce giant usually hires third-party contractors to deliver its packages. When these contractors lack the requisite commercial vehicle insurance, the chances that your claims process will be straightforward, sadly, aren’t high.

That’s where this team comes in.“Navigating an accident involving an Amazon driver can involve lots of details because of their unique employment setup,” says a spokesperson for the firm. “Luckily, the seasoned attorneys at Auto Accident Law Group are here to help you hold all responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you rightly deserve.”

From your initial consultation all the way through to the courtroom, if necessary, this firm will be there for you. Its injury attorneys know how complicated the injury claim pursuit can be, and they’ll allow you to focus on your rest and recovery. That means they’ll be ready to communicate with insurance providers and opposing legal teams on your behalf, challenging any disputes with an evidence-based approach.

Much of the testimony its team will attain will be sourced from eyewitnesses - utilizing surveillance footage to strengthen your claim. What’s more, the law group works with traffic safety experts to recreate accidents and appropriately demonstrate fault for any collisions resulting from negligence or recklessness. Leave everything to them.

The best part? Its expert support is available as part of a no-win, no-fee policy - making legal services available to anyone who sorely needs it.

“Auto Accident Law Group advocates for victims of Amazon delivery accidents without requiring any upfront payment,” their spokesperson adds. “Our fees are contingent on the success of your case; we advance all necessary costs and only recover our fees from the settlement or judgment we obtain for you.”

Visit the link in the description to learn more!

DIYing junk removal is the equivalent of making that fancy burger you saw on TikTok at home: it only looks cheap until you do your own grocery shopping and realize you need $250 for one cook, and now you wish you had gone with Shake Shack.

Doing junk removal on your own also seems cheap until you start factoring in the time and effort needed and the truck rental fees—which is why you should drop that old tub and let HaulAway Junk Removal finish the job for you.

Many people are unaware that a DIY approach is not really that cost-effective because of the stuff you have to deal with and the time needed to complete the job. Before you decide to call a couple of friends to start taking things out of your storeroom, HaulAway Junk Removal wants you to consider the following:

Sorting, hauling, and disposing of junk can take hours or even days, especially for large cleanouts. The physical labor involved is, of course, exhausting and disruptive to your schedule.

DIY junk removal typically involves using personal vehicles, which may not be suited for large or heavy loads, and renting a truck costs, yep, money.

Without knowledge of local disposal regulations, you might unknowingly dispose of items incorrectly. This could result in fines, so there goes your savings.

HaulAway Junk Removal is the professional team you need if you want attics, garages, basements, and other areas of the house cleaned out of old furniture, broken-down appliances, and other sundries you no longer want. The crew is also amenable to tearing down and removing small structures like sheds, hot tubs, and above-ground pools.

Based in West Boylston, HaulAway Junk Removal is ready to respond to callouts from residents of Northborough, Clinton, Hudson, Lancaster, Marlborough, and other nearby areas.

In addition to residential services, HaulAway Junk Removal serves local businesses such as apartment complexes, restaurants, retail centers, warehouses, and offices, offering dumpster overflow cleanup on top of the regular removal services.

The best thing about HaulAway Junk Removal is that its services won't cost you an arm and a leg, and for those in uniform, it gets much better because military and first responder discounts are always available.

The best way to do junk removal is the right way, which only a team like HaulAway Junk Removal can execute. Learn more about its thorough process and get an estimate by sending them a pic of the space you want cleared at website in the description.