Starting your day with a healthy morning routine can set the tone for the rest of your day. If you often struggle with bloating or digestive issues, incorporating a few simple habits into your morning can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day.
Hydrate First Thing
After a night of sleep, your body is dehydrated and in need of fluids. Drinking a glass of warm water with lemon first thing in the morning can help kickstart your digestion and hydrate your body. This simple habit can aid in reducing bloating and promoting regular bowel movements.
Eat a Balanced Breakfast
Skipping breakfast or opting for sugary pastries can wreak havoc on your digestion. Instead, opt for a balanced breakfast that includes fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Foods like oatmeal with nuts and fruit, Greek yogurt with granola, or a smoothie with spinach and avocado can provide the nutrients your body needs to support healthy digestion.
Rushing through your meals or eating on the go can lead to poor digestion and bloating. Take the time to sit down and savor your breakfast, chewing your food slowly and mindfully. This can help prevent overeating and improve the efficiency of your digestion.
Sip on Herbal Tea
Herbal teas like peppermint, ginger, or chamomile can have soothing effects on the digestive system. Sipping on a cup of herbal tea after your breakfast can help calm any digestive discomfort and promote healthy digestion throughout the day.
Bloat Be Gone
Your daily or on-the-spot fix for a lighter, more comfortable belly. Its gentle blend of digestive enzymes, ginger, peppermint, and dandelion root tackles puffiness from stress, travel, or indulgences—no matter what’s on the menu.
By incorporating these simple habits into your morning routine, you can support better digestion and start your day feeling energized and bloat-free. Remember, consistency is key, so make these habits a part of your daily routine so you can feel your BEST, all of the time!
Unity is a powerful thing, particularly in business. Partnerships, alliances and acquisitions can create significantly more value, deliver new opportunities and bring much stronger offerings to the market for all stakeholders. When each partner brings a specific set of skills and expertise to the table which complements the other, it makes for a dynamic union.
In line with Big Red Group’s ethos to support local, the new additions are Australian owned and operated entities, making them a logical fit to join its powerhouse of experience brands which include Adrenaline, Lime&Tonic, and RedBalloon.
All brands under TicketMates Australia will move into Big Red Group’s portfolio of brands, with the exception of auto-club business Club Connect – a dedicated member benefits platform serving Australia’s large-scale auto-clubs such as RACQ, RACV and NRMA.
While Club Connect will continue to procure its existing products directly, Big Red Group has negotiated a long-term wholesale agreement enabling Big Red Group experience suppliers to be progressively introduced to the portal, giving them exclusive access to auto-club’s 11 million members.
Queensland based Experience Oz is an industry leader in serving domestic holiday makers, while its B2B platform Local Agent, is Australia’s leading one-stop-shop for concierge activity bookings. Local Agent currently serves 700+ hotels including Mantra and Oaks Hotels, providing access to 3000+ experiences Australia wide.
These new acquisitions provide Big Red Group with a very complete marketplace, while giving its suppliers unparalleled access to both direct and indirect audiences with B2C, B2B, and exclusive partnership offerings.
When David Anderson and I co-founded Big Red Group more than 4 years ago, we had a vision to build a multi-brand marketplace, with each brand speaking to a distinct audience, and where people would recognise the value in buying experiences over material goods.
David Anderson summarises this very succinctly, seeing this amalgamation as a win-win for all parties. “We areabsolutely delighted to welcome Experience Oz and Local Agent into our portfolio of experience brands. This is a natural evolution that has been in the workings for over a year and we are tremendously excited about the mutual benefits ahead through driving efficiencies and expanding product offerings.”
As has been the underlying mantra throughout the pandemic, we are stronger together. Whether that be in the community or in business, it’s very much applicable to the times we are in.
I look forward to bringing you more news of this in the near future as opportunities are realised.
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MANILA, Philippines – Most parts of the country will continue to experience rain due to the low-pressure area (LPA) and the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” the weather bureau said on Sunday.
In its 4 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the LPA was located 115 kilometers north of Virac town, Catanduanes province or 285 east of Infanta, Quezon as of 3 a.m.
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The LPA will bring cloudy skies with scattered rain and thunderstorms to the Bicol, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas regions as well as in the provinces of Aurora and Quezon.
Daniel James Villamil of Pagasa said the LPA has a little chance of developing into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours but will continue to bring heavy rains, particularly in Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate.
Metro Manila, Mimaropa, the rest of Visayas, the rest of Central Luzon, the rest of Calabarzon, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga will also experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms caused by “habagat.”
The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the southwest monsoon.
Fueled by rapid technological advancements, demographic changes and shifting consumer expectations, the Life & Annuity industry is set for several transformative changes in 2025. Swiss Re forecasts average global real premium growth of 2.6% in 2025 and 2026, with life insurance projected to expand globally by 3% annually— more than twice the pace of the past decade. In this evolving landscape, staying ahead of the curve is not just a competitive advantage; it’s a necessity for survival.
The integration of generative AI (gen AI) and the growing reliance on digital data are key for a future where underwriting processes are more efficient. Additionally, insurers’ increased use of technology to enhance consumer engagement will aim to foster stronger relationships and improve customer satisfaction.
These underwriting predictions highlight the trends that life insurers must embrace to thrive in the coming years.
1. Generative AI will be pivotal in the underwriting process
The scaling of AI and machine learning is set to revolutionize the accuracy of risk assessment and the speed of underwriting. It is telling that industry analyst Gartner notes life insurers modernizing their underwriting processes have shifted their focus from automation and rule engines to predictive analytics, AI, and third-party data for risk scoring. Incorporating generative AI in automation offerings allows for intelligent ingestion and the extraction of information from all types of structured and unstructured data feeds, while also augmenting decision-making processes. This further streamlines underwriting and claims procedures. Leading platform providers like the Accenture Life Insurance & Annuity Platform (ALIP) are already offering embedded generative AI underwriting solutions, clearly positioning 2025 as the year of implementation.
2. Customer and agent interactions will be boosted by generative AI
The growth of digital-native consumers is compelling insurers to invest in advanced digital platforms that offer real-time feedback, personalized recommendations, and educational information. In last year’s predictions, I highlighted how gen AI-empowered customer centricity will close the gap even further between carriers, agents, and customers, leading to more personalized product offerings and services. We foresee the increased use of gen AI-powered virtual assistants to simplify customer interactions, ultimately boosting satisfaction and loyalty. While these solutions have primarily been focused on contact center operations, we are now seeing similar technology being applied to improve, for example, internal communication between field-level agents and back-office underwriters. Additionally, this shift opens new paths for underwriters to manage requirements orders and take actions more efficiently.
3. Seamless integration of vendor data will become the norm
The evolution of underwriting will necessitate a comprehensive vendor strategy, encompassing a spectrum of technologies such as AI, predictive models, and automation throughout the underwriting process. With more than 80 vendors contributing to the shift towards predictive and comparative models, insurers must concentrate on bolstering these capabilities. The next couple of years will witness substantial strides in process automation, yet the critical hurdles of automating intricate decisions, mitigating AI bias, and integrating with existing systems will persist. CIOs will be pivotal in supporting underwriters, measuring the impact of automation, documenting technology, and enhancing user proficiency.
These predictions reflect the dynamic shifts within the Life & Annuity industry, fueled by technological innovation, evolving consumer expectations, and the pursuit of enhanced operational efficiency. Insurers who embrace these underwriting capabilities are likely to find themselves well-placed for success in the ever-changing market milieu.
This is not a long-term forecast—the capabilities are available today. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, and let’s discuss implementing initiatives tailored to your reinvention journey and business needs.
This Fundrise review will examine how the platform works and review its pros and cons.
Fundrise allows non-accredited investors to invest in private real estate funds with initial investments as low as $10. The company has recently expanded to include private equity and private credit investments.
Pros
No accredited investor requirement.
Minimum investments as low as $10.
Multiple fund types are available.
Cons
Investments require careful assessment
How It Works
Fundrise made its reputation by offering real estate funds to smaller investors who aren’t eligible for funds restricted to accredited investors.
The company has introduced new offerings and now offers funds in four strategy categories.
Real estate funds offer multiple packages combining a range of real estate asset classes, serving several investment strategies.
Private credit is an investment strategy pooling funds to lend to companies, capitalizing on the high interest rate environment to deliver strong fixed-income returns.
Venture capital is a new investment strategy for Fundrise, offering investors exposure to a range of pre-IPO companies without the restrictions that often apply to private investors.
Retirement accounts include both conventional and Roth IRAs.
Fundrise is building from its base in real estate to develop a fully integrated platform for investing in alternative assets. The company currently manages over 20 different funds, and investors can choose among them.
Funds are accessible to private investors who previously had little access to these asset classes, with minimum investments as low as $10.
Fundrise currently has over 393,000 active investors. The total portfolio holdings are over $7 billion, and Fundrise has paid out over $344 million in dividends to investors.
Investor communication is a priority, and investors can expect real time performance reporting, frequent analyses of economic trends affecting Fundrise portfolios, updates on portfolio changes, and other materials designed to enhance transparency.
Fundrise offers several investment tiers with different minimum investments and different features.
Plan
Minimum Investment
Features
Starter
$10
Minimal customization, uses fixed portfolios
Basic
$1000
Allows investment via IRAs
Core
$5000
Complete customization and access to a dedicated investor relations team. Accredited investors only.
Advanced
$10,000
Access to customized strategies
Premium
$100,000
Minimal customization uses fixed portfolios
Each of these contains one or more of the Fundrise fund offerings. The difference is in the minimum investment and in the investor’s ability to tailor the portfolio to meet personal preferences and requirements.
Fundrise offers an extremely simple investment process. You open an account, fund it, and select your investment strategy, investment goal, and tier.
From there, Fundrise will manage your portfolio for you, offering suggestions and updates, or you will design your own portfolio if you have selected one of the more customizable tiers.
The Fundrise site gets generally high marks for being informative and easy to navigate.
Let’s take a closer look at what Fundrise offers in its various asset classes.
Real Estate
Fundrise offers several real estate investment plans, differentiated by the mix of income-focused and growth-focused assets in each fund.
Supplemental income funds are designed to produce consistent dividends over the life of the fund but may have lower long-term appreciation.
Balanced investing funds are highly diversified and place an equal weight on income and growth.
Long-term growth funds will generate dividends but place a higher priority on growth-focused assets.
Fundrise calls their real estate funds eReits, and they are structured as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). The main difference between Fundrise eREITS and public REITs is that public REITs are liquid: they trade on public exchanges and can be sold at any time.
The funds managed by Fundrise do not trade on an exchange and are considered illiquid. You can’t just sell any time you want to. There may be a waiting period for redemption – redemptions typically occur at the end of each quarter – and some funds may have early withdrawal penalties.
Fundrise advises that its real estate funds should be considered long-term investments. Investors should not commit funds that they are not willing to tie up for five years or more.
Fundrise offers an exceptional range of real estate assets, including the following:
8,962 multifamily apartments in 10 US markets.
2,310,800 square feet of leased industrial space.
3,471 single-family apartments in 30 US markets.
Fundrise also has 296 active real estate projects and 147 completed projects. These projects are divided into four categories with increasing risk levels.
Fixed income investments generate immediate cash flow with an expected 6% to 8% annual return.
Core Plus investments take 6-12 months to deliver yield, but expect to deliver 8% to 10% annualized yield, with a slightly higher risk profile.
Value Add is a strategy of acquiring undervalued assets and investing additional capital to increase their value. Time to cash flow is 12-18 months, and projected returns are 10% to 12%.
Opportunistic investments carry the highest risk. They may take 2-3 years to first cash flow but are expected to generate 12% to 15% returns on an annualized basis.
All figures for expected return are projections, not commitments.
A Fundrise portfolio can contain a mix of these assets tailored to fit the user’s risk tolerance and investment strategy.
The number of different strategies and asset types can be confusing, but that variety also offers a very high level of diversification for the size of the investments involved and offers the ability to construct many different portfolio types.
🏢 Learn more: Explore the top-performing market opportunities with our guide to the best real estate stocks & ETFs available today.
Private Credit
Fundrise has introduced a private credit fund, which the company describes as “an opportunistic strategy for income-focused investors. The strategy is based on the fact that short term loans currently carry higher interest rates than long-term loans.
The fund is designed to capitalize on the current high interest rate environment by pooling investor funds and lending them to companies. Fundrise is leveraging its real estate experience by lending specifically for real estate projects.
The fund currently has $516 million in capital deployed in 90 debt deals covering real estate projects with 20,194 units at an average interest rate of 10.8%. It delivered a 13% annualized return in its first quarter[1].
This strategy is designed to be temporary and will only be viable while interest rates remain high. Fundrise does not expect this situation to last beyond 2024.
Venture Capital
Investment in privately held technology companies has traditionally been restricted to venture capital firms and well-heeled angel investors. Fundrise aims to upset that status quo with a venture capital fund that is accessible to any investor.
Called the innovation fund, this investment vehicle focuses on high-growth private companies, primarily in the tech sector. The fund primarily invests in four categories.
Modern data infrastructure
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Development operations
Financial technology
The fund currently has over 35,000 investors, with over $100 million invested in 19 private companies.
As with any venture capital fund, profits are only gained when the companies held go public or are acquired. Investors should be prepared to hold the fund for a medium-term to long-term time frame.
Past Performance
Fundrise provides detailed information on investor returns. As you can see, average returns are solid, but some accounts deliver returns well below the average.
Fundrise also provides data on returns vs public REIT and the S&P 500. Again, these are averages and not all portfolios will deliver the same performance.
It’s clear from these figures that Fundrise can deliver very competitive returns. It’s also clear that these returns are not guaranteed.
You will need to pay close attention to the composition of your Fundrise portfolio, especially if you are using one of the more customizable plans. Evaluating these portfolios will require significant research and expertise.
Costs
Fundrise offers a generally low-cost investing model. There is an annual advisory fee of 0.15% or $1.50 for every $1000 you have invested. This fee does not cover actual fund management expenses.
There is also a management fee of 0.85%, which replaces the per-fund management fees charged by many fund managers.
This amounts to a total of 1%/year in management costs.
You may be required to pay a 1% early redemption fee if you choose to redeem your fund shares after a holding period of less than five years.
The Flagship Fund and the Income Fund do not charge any penalty for quarterly redemptions, but Fundrise can freeze redemptions during periods of economic stress.
There may be additional fees associated with specific projects. These will only be stated in the offering documents for the project, so you’ll need to read these carefully.
Risks
Any investment involves risks, and Fundrise is no exception. Be sure to consider these factors.
Low liquidity. Fundrise offers private funds designed to be held for a minimum of five years. Redemptions are available quarterly, but you may pay a fee if you redeem before five years have passed.
Possible redemption freeze. Fundrise reserves the right to suspend redemptions during periods of economic stress. You may not be able to withdraw your money.
Complex investment vehicles. Fundrise offers a huge range of options, particularly in their higher tiers. Accurately assessing these options may require time and expertise that many investors don’t have.
Fees may be higher than expected. The basic fee structure is reasonable and accessible, but individual projects may carry fees and restrictions of their own, which may not be as easy to find.
No assurance of performance. As with all investments, there is no assurance that a Fundrise portfolio will deliver the expected returns. While average returns are competitive, past results do not assure future performance, and some accounts have delivered below-average returns.
Tax issues. Income from your Fundrise portfolio will be taxed as regular income, not as capital gains or dividend income. You should remember this when comparing potential returns to those of other investments.
Unlike some competing platforms, Fundrise has not invested in projects in which the property developer failed to deliver the expected property and the money effectively disappeared. That doesn’t mean that it can’t happen in the future, but based on its track record to date, Fundrise has generally done a good job vetting and managing its projects.
User Reviews
Fundrise has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), indicating a high degree of responsiveness to complaints. The site has only 8 reviews and 30 complaints, all resolved over the last three years. It’s not possible to draw a relevant conclusion from such a small sample.
Fundrise has 358 reviews on Trustpilot. The average is 2 of 5 stars, which is poor. At the same time, Trustpilot reports that 75% of reviews are five-star and 16% one-star, with the rest scattered between.
Reading the reviews, there’s a clear division between those who were happy with their returns and those who were not. This may stem in part from a failure to fully understand the nature of the investment from the start.
Some investors were clearly unhappy.
Others had more favorable experiences.
If you do choose to invest in Fundrise, it’s important to recognize that these funds are complex and they are actively managed: fund composition may change rapidly. There is no assurance that a given level of return – or any return – will be achieved.
Is Fundrise Right For You?
Fundrise offers accessible exposure to alternative asset classes such as real estate, private credit, and private equity. You can diversify into these asset classes with investments as low as $10.
That is a substantial advantage over platforms that are only available to accredited investors.
Just because you can, of course, doesn’t mean that you should. A Fundrise investment will tie up your funds for a substantial amount of time, and you may pay a penalty if you need to withdraw early.
If you’re considering a Fundrise investment, be sure that you are assessing not only the potential returns you could get from Fundrise but also the possible returns you could get from other uses of the same funds.
Fundrise has achieved a solid record in its 13 years of operation. Not all portfolios have been profitable and not all years have been positive returns, but the company has avoided scandal and major issues and is a viable option if you want to diversify into alternative asset classes without a major commitment.
If you’re considering a new investment in any asset class, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional investment advisor.
At AFPA, our team of kinesiology experts and certified personal trainers, with decades of combined experience, frequently hears from individuals wondering why their muscular strength gains differ from others despite following similar workout routines. This curiosity about muscular strength and how it varies drives many to seek answers. At AFPA, we’ve helped thousands unlock their fitness potential by teaching the science behind muscles and strength. This article explores the key factors that shape muscular performance, answers why muscular strength is important, and highlights muscular strength benefits like improved health and confidence. Whether you’re curious about muscular strength examples or seeking to define muscular strength for your fitness journey, let’s dive into the proven factors that drive results.
What is Muscular Strength
Muscular strength is the ability of a muscle or muscle group to exert maximum force in a single effort. It’s what allows you to tackle demanding tasks like lifting a heavy barbell or shoving a stuck lawnmower with ease. Unlike muscular endurance, which is about sustaining effort over time, muscular strength focuses on generating peak force, making it vital for both athletic feats and everyday activities. The functions of muscular tissue, such as contraction and force production, are at the heart of this ability, and developing muscular strength enhances not only performance but also overall health, supporting stronger bones, improved posture, and injury prevention.
Muscular Strength Examples
I often explain muscular strength by pointing to practical examples that bring the concept to life. Imagine pulling off a heavy deadlift in the gym, feeling your back, glutes, and legs fire up as you lift the barbell from the floor—that’s muscular strength powering through, engaging multiple muscle groups for a single, powerful effort. Outside the gym, muscular strength examples include hauling a heavy toddler up a staircase or giving a strong push to get a stalled car moving. These moments highlight the muscle strength needed for short, forceful actions, showing why building muscular strength is essential for both functional, everyday movement and fitness performance.
Key Factors Shaping Muscular Strength
Ready to unlock what makes some people power through lifts like superheroes while others struggle? Muscular strength isn’t just about hard work—it’s shaped by a fascinating mix of genetics and biology. From the type of muscle fibers firing in your body to your age, gender, and even the length of your limbs, these factors play a huge role in how strong you can become. Below, we’ll break down these game-changers, showing you how they influence your muscular performance and what you can do to maximize your muscle strength.
Type of Muscle Fiber
One of the most influential factors that affect strength is muscle fiber type. We have two basic types of muscle fibers, often referred to as “slow twitch” and “fast twitch.” Slow twitch muscle fibers are best used for cardiovascular (aerobic) activities. They produce small levels of force for long periods of time and thus are better suited for endurance activities. Fast twitch fibers are best used for anaerobic activities. They produce high levels of force for short periods of time and are best suited for power activities such as weightlifting.
Most men and women have an equal combination of both slow twitch and fast twitch fibers. However, some people inherit a high percentage of slow twitch fibers that enhance their performance in endurance activities, such as long-distance runners. Most world-class marathon runners have a very high amount of slow twitch fibers. World-class sprinters or football players, for example, have relatively more fast twitch muscle fibers. Although both fiber types respond positively to strength training workouts, the fast twitch types experience greater increases in muscle size and strength, and thus may obtain greater and/or faster results from a strength training program.
Age
Another factor over which we have little control is age. Studies show that people of all ages can increase their muscle size and strength as a result of a safe and effective strength training program. However, the rate of strength and muscle gain appears to be greater from age 10-20, the years of rapid growth and development. After reaching normal physical maturity, muscular improvements usually don’t come as quickly.
Learn How to Become a Certified Personal Trainer Online in Less Than 6 Months
Gender
Gender does not affect the quality of our muscle, but does influence the quantity. Although men’s and women’s muscle tissue are characteristically the same, men generally have more muscle tissue than women do because muscle size is increased by the presence of testosterone, the male sex hormone. The larger the muscles, the stronger the person; this is why most men are stronger than most women.
Limb and Muscle Length
Another strength factor that is naturally determined is limb length. Persons with short limbs tend to be able to lift more weight because of advantageous leverage factors (arms and legs). Similarly, differences in strength development may come about because of variation in muscle length. Some people have long muscles, and some people have short muscles. Persons with relatively long muscles have greater potential for developing size and strength than persons with relatively short muscles.
Point of Tendon Insertion
Muscle strength is also influenced by the point of tendon insertion. For example, let’s say Jim and John both have the same arm and muscle length. However, Jim’s biceps tendon attaches to his forearm farther from his elbow joint than John’s does. This gives Jim a biomechanical advantage: he is able to lift more weight than John in biceps exercises such as the Biceps Curl.
Effective Training Techniques for Muscular Strength
Building muscular strength hinges on training smarter, not just harder. I’ve seen the best results come from slow, deliberate lifting techniques that fully engage the functions of muscular tissue. Lifting until your muscles reach fatigue—think that moment when you can barely complete one more rep—triggers the growth needed for muscle strength. It’s not about piling on endless sets; it’s about intentional programming and quality. Programs like the AFPA Personal Trainer Certification dive deep into crafting balanced routines that maximize muscular performance while avoiding common pitfalls.
Rest and Recovery: The Unsung Heroes
One of the biggest mistakes I see in the gym is neglecting rest, and it’s a surefire way to stall your muscular strength gains. Your muscles grow during recovery, not while you’re lifting. Overtraining—whether by skipping rest days or overloading with too many exercises—can lead to burnout or injury, undermining the muscular strength benefits like stronger bones and better posture. Aim for 48-72 hours of rest per muscle group between sessions, and prioritize sleep and nutrition to fuel growth.
Breaking Through Plateaus with Program Variety
Hitting a wall in your strength training is normal, but staying stuck isn’t. If your muscular performance flatlines or your workouts feel stale, it’s time to switch things up. Varying your routine—by changing exercises, tweaking rep ranges, or increasing intensity—keeps your muscles challenged and your progress on track. Genetics may shape your potential, but they don’t dictate your effort. For practical tips on avoiding stagnation, check out 10 Things to Avoid in Your Strength Training Workout to ensure your muscle strength keeps climbing, no matter your starting point.
Why Muscular Strength Matters
Muscular strength benefits include increased bone and ligament strength, enhanced metabolic health, and improved psychological well-being through greater self-esteem. Whether you’re lifting weights, carrying groceries, or playing sports, muscle strength supports daily activities and long-term health. By embracing a well-rounded strength training program, you can unlock the full potential of your muscles and strength.
For those eager to dive deeper, the AFPA Personal Trainer Certification offers comprehensive insights into strength training techniques tailored to individual goals. Learn how to harness the functions of muscular tissue and avoid common pitfalls in your workouts to achieve optimal muscular performance.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2014 and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Written by
Gene Lim, Certified Personal Trainer
Learn How to Become a Certified Personal Trainer Online in Less Than 6 Months
The Trump administration terminated a $53 million NIH grant to study how impaired blood flow in the brain can lead to dementia. The lead scientist fought the decision, and got the money back.
MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST:
The Trump administration has terminated hundreds of scientific research grants, but in a few cases, it has restored the funding. NPR’s Jon Hamilton reports on how one scientist lost and then regained a $53 million grant to study a leading form of dementia.
JON HAMILTON, BYLINE: It’s called vascular dementia, and it can occur when a stroke or other condition impairs blood flow in the brain. It’s the most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s, so in 2020, the National Institutes of Health announced funding for a six-year study to understand how damage to blood vessels can affect memory and thinking.
CHARLES DECARLI: It is the only study that has been funded to do that.
HAMILTON: Dr. Charles DeCarli is the principal investigator and a neurologist at the University of California, Davis. He says the plan was to enroll more than 2,000 Black, white and Latino people 65 and older who had noticed a decline in their memory or thinking. The team would use MRI scans and blood tests to see if they could predict who would go on to develop vascular dementia. By March of this year, the study was about two-thirds done. Then, DeCarli got a call from the NIH.
DECARLI: My program officer called me. And she had been told on a Friday, and she called me on a Monday to say that it had been terminated.
HAMILTON: The official notice would come later.
DECARLI: It took a couple days for us to actually get the letter because they sent it to the wrong person (laughter).
HAMILTON: The letter read like others being sent to NIH-funded scientists around the country. It criticized research programs that study diverse populations and said that the grant in question did not align with NIH priorities. DeCarli was puzzled. The NIH had insisted that the study include populations at high risk, and Black and Hispanic individuals are at least 1.5 times more likely to develop dementia. What’s more, DeCarli says, the study was fulfilling a congressional mandate to improve diagnosis and treatment of dementia.
DECARLI: The grounds of the termination notice were irrelevant to my study, and the lawyer’s advice that I got agreed with that. And so we had more – if you would call it – leverage.
HAMILTON: DeCarli and a team of academic scientists and lawyers spent three weeks preparing an appeal, and it worked. The NIH restored the funding. DeCarli recounted the experience at a meeting hosted by the McKnight Brain Research Foundation. Without the restored funding, the team would have been unable to continue tracking study participants, and DeCarli says that would have made it nearly impossible to determine who was most at risk.
DECARLI: But the ability to predict because we needed follow-up, that opportunity would likely have been lost.
HAMILTON: And millions of dollars would have been wasted.
Accuracy and availability of NPR transcripts may vary. Transcript text may be revised to correct errors or match updates to audio. Audio on npr.org may be edited after its original broadcast or publication. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
This post is part of a series sponsored by IAT Insurance Group.
Cargo theft reached an all-time high in 2024 – up 26% from 2023, with total reported losses of $455 million. The average estimated value per theft rose 7.7% to $202,364.
Increasingly, these thefts result from a growing tactic known as strategic cargo theft – a method in which criminals use stolen identities of motor carriers and logistics brokers to misdirect and steal freight. This theft has surged nationwide, particularly in hotspots like California, Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee, and Texas, with incidents rising by a staggering 430% year over year.
CNBC conducted a six-month investigation into the crime, uncovering how increasingly sophisticated cargo theft rings are targeting America’s supply chain to steal entire truckloads carrying consumer goods, food, beverages, and electronics with near impunity. Fleet owners and operators should take proactive measures to safeguard cargo before a loss and be prepared to act quickly if a theft occurs.
Top Tactics for Strategic Cargo Theft
Diligence is essential to protect cargo from increasingly sophisticated heists, which can manifest in different ways – from phishing and online scams to full-blown identity theft. Understanding common cargo theft tactics will help drivers, carriers, and shippers implement effective risk management strategies to reduce the likelihood of loss.
One common tactic involves perpetrators impersonating a freight broker or carrier to secure a shipment from a customer. They then arrange for an unsuspecting driver or carrier to transport and deliver the freight. The thieves often use industry-specific jargon, instruct drivers not to disclose delivery details to the shipper, and may even tender cash upon delivery to add a layer of legitimacy.
Once the legitimate carrier has picked up the load, the thieves attempt to redirect it to a warehouse for quick transloading and product movement. When the shipment fails to arrive at its destination, the customer investigates only to discover they might have contracted with a fraudulent broker or carrier. The innocent driver, who unknowingly followed false instructions, is often left bearing the blame and gets penalized.
In other cases, thieves will create a fake brokerage to secure load contracts, then hire a third-party carrier to transport the shipment. After receiving payment from the customer, they disappear, leaving the actual carrier unpaid.
Additional forms of strategic cargo theft include double brokering and consignee impersonation. In double brokering, a broker contracts a legitimate carrier to transport freight but secretly rebrokers the load to another party without the shipper’s consent, keeping the payment and leaving the actual carrier uncompensated. In consignee impersonation, scammers use phishing and cyberattacks to alter recipient details and intercept shipments in transit.
Effective Strategies for Strategic Cargo Theft Prevention
Shielding your digital data from malicious actors is imperative to prevent cargo theft. Here are four best practices to help reduce your risk:
1. Safeguard and Verify your Information
Leverage your own experiences and insights from colleagues and professional networks as proactive defenses against cargo scams. For example, if an unfamiliar person claims to represent one of your shippers, brokers, or carriers, verify their identity with a trusted contact before moving forward.
Pay close attention to details like email addresses, phone numbers, physical addresses, logos, and names. Even minor discrepancies can signal a scam – and lead to substantial losses.
As a shipper or receiver, it’s essential to track every incoming and outgoing truck. Document the motor carrier number, driver’s license, bill of lading, carrier name, and more. Whenever possible, use video surveillance or take photos to maintain records.
While this level of scrutiny requires effort, it significantly deters bad actors targeting your valuable cargo.
2. Screen New Partnerships
Like with personal relationships, ongoing security relies on working with trusted partners. Longstanding relationships with vetted carriers and brokers ensure that your interests are understood and prioritized.
When evaluating new partners, perform thorough due diligence. Use references, professional networks, and tools like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Carrier411 to vet providers and protect your operation.
3. Maintain a Healthy Level of Skepticism
Stay cautious when reviewing offers from carriers, brokers, or shippers. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
While pricing can vary, trucking costs – like fuel, vehicle maintenance, and driver pay – are generally stable. Be skeptical of unusually low rates or overly generous pay, and investigate the reasoning behind such offers before committing.
4. Ensure Information Security Protocols are in Place
Although fundamental, these cybersecurity best practices remain essential in the fight against modern scams, including cargo theft:
Keep passwords confidential. Share them only with trusted individuals, update them regularly, and close unused accounts.
Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources. Encourage employees to hover over hyperlinks and check the browser status bar before clicking.
Do not respond to unsolicited emails, especially those impersonating legitimate companies.
Traditional Cargo Theft Trends and Best Practices
While strategic cargo theft has surged in recent years, traditional cargo theft remains prevalent. In 2024, 46% of all cargo theft occurred in California, Texas, and Illinois. The most targeted locations were warehouse/distribution centers and truck stops, with top commodities including food, beverages, and consumer household goods.
Best practices for drivers and carriers to reduce the risk include:
Include cargo security in your pre-trip inspection.
Be strategic with parking: back trailers against buildings, fences, or other trailers; park in well-lit, high-traffic areas; and look for surveillance cameras.
Do not discuss your load or route with anyone who doesn’t need to know.
If you suspect you’re being followed, slow down and let the vehicle pass. If that fails, exit at a safe location. Contact law enforcement if suspicion remains.
Try to drive several hours after pick-up before making any stops, reducing the chance of being targeted.
Use theft-deterrent devices to secure and track your freight.
If the vehicle must be left unattended, lock it, take the keys, and return quickly.
Upon return, scan the area for suspicious people or vehicles and adjust accordingly.
Follow all company policies and procedures related to cargo security.
Should a theft occur, promptly file a report with law enforcement, notify all relevant stakeholders, and collaborate with your broker or insurer to initiate the claims process. By following these protocols, you can effectively address and mitigate the impacts of cargo theft.
IAT Insurance Vendor Partnerships to Prevent Cargo Theft
IAT Insurance has added two new partners to its Loss Control vendor list, offering cargo theft prevention products at preferred pricing for IAT policyholders:
Enforcer Locks: Offering a range of heavy-duty security products, including padlocks, trailer door bar locks, air cuff locks, and trailer kingpin locks.
7P Solutions: Specializing in covert GPS cargo tracking and trailer geo-fencing technology.
For more information, please contact the IAT Insurance Loss Control department.
ASK A LOSS CONTROL REPRESENTATIVE Have a question on how to mitigate risk? Email [email protected]
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE? IAT Loss Control Specialist Jared Fritts and SVP of Commercial Truck Pete Matthews talk more about strategic cargo theft on IAT’s podcast, What’s Brewing. Tune in here.
January 29, 2023 Posted By: growth-rapidly Tag:
Personal Finance
Walmart Neighborhood Market is a smaller grocery store format owned by Walmart, offering fresh produce, meat and dairy, bakery, deli, and pharmacy services, among other items. Walmart launched its Neighborhood Market store format in 1998.
Walmart is a multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of discount department stores, grocery stores, and more. It was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, United States. Walmart is one of the largest retailers in the world and offers a wide range of products including groceries, clothing, electronics, home goods, and more at affordable prices.
As of 2023, Walmart has over 11,000 stores worldwide, with over 5,000 in the United States alone. And there are over 550 Walmart Neighborhood Market stores in the United States.
Walmart Neighborhood Market stores typically provide the following services:
Grocery items including fresh produce, meat, dairy, bakery, and deli products.
Pharmacy services with prescription filling and related health services.
Select household essentials such as health and beauty products, cleaning supplies, and pet supplies.
Financial services including money transfers, bill payments, and tax preparation services.
Online grocery delivery and pickup options.
Optical services such as eye exams and eyeglass fittings.
The difference between Walmart Neighborhood Market and Regular Walmart Stores
Walmart Neighborhood Market stores are smaller in size compared to regular Walmart stores and primarily focus on grocery items, pharmacy and select household essentials, while regular Walmart stores offer a wider range of products including electronics, clothing, and home goods in addition to groceries.
In conclusion, the purpose of Walmart Neighborhood Market stores is to provide a convenient, smaller-format grocery shopping option for customers in local neighborhoods. They offer a selection of grocery items, pharmacy services, and select household essentials, aimed at making it easier for customers to get what they need quickly and efficiently. The focus on grocery items and essentials is meant to meet the needs of customers who live in urban or densely populated areas where a full-size Walmart store may not be feasible.
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