Infotrak

You have noticed fewer choices on store shelves. But will the missing items return when the pandemic is history? Morgan Seybert from Nielsen, discusses the real reasons behind the changes.

With school season approaching amid the COVID-19 situation, school administrators are struggling with decisions regarding the nation’s children and their education. Prof. Sean O'Leary from the American Academy of Pediatrics says there are downsides to remote learning, and keeping kids at home all day.

The US economy has taken some twists and turns in recent times. What are the best strategies for those who may be planning for retirement? And how can we make our money last a lifetime? Suze Orman, author of many financial advice books including "The Ultimate Retirement Guide for 50+: Winning Strategies to Make Your Money Last a Lifetime" joins us with some sage advice.

There’s a gender gap in higher education, with fewer men than women attending college. Why has this happened and should it be balanced out? David Geary, PhD, Curators Distinguished Professor of Psychological Sciences in the College of Arts and Science at The University Of Missouri, offers some solutions.

Thousands of tons of microfiber pollution is being released into the planet’s rivers and oceans each year. John R. Dean, PhD, Professor of Analytical and Environmental Sciences at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom explains why this should concern you and he outlines simple steps that you can take to solve the problem.

89% of Americans believe it’s important for families to have as many family meals as possible each week. Dr. Shannon Robson from the University of Delaware led a study that showed that more frequent family meals were associated with better dietary outcomes and improved family relationships.

Recent studies reveal ways to prevent Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. Allan J. Hamilton, author of “Younger Next Year”: and “Younger Next Year for Women” explains the importance of exercise in generating the growth of new brain cells. He says physical activity can even result in significant increases in IQ.

Layoffs and unemployment not only impact individuals, but recent research shows they can also impact society, with increases in property crimes and criminal charges. Prof. Mark Votruba, Associate Professor of Economics in the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, explains why.

When sexual harassment happens in the workplace, chances are the company won't deal with the complaint properly. Why does this happen, and what can a victim do about it? Adrienne Lawrence, former ESPN anchor and legal analyst, and author of “Staying in the Game: The Playbook for Beating Workplace Sexual Harassment” shares her advice.

It seems every day, research tells us a certain food is unhealthy, then another study comes out, contradicting it. How can we know what to believe when it comes to nutrition? George Zaidan, science communicator, television and web host, and author “Ingredients: The Strange Chemistry of What We Put in Us and on Us” shares his research on the topic.

Contact tracing is considered an important tool in the fight against COVID-19. But the program ha s attracted scam artists. Colleen Tressler from the Federal Trade Commission shares tips on how you can avoid being a victim.

Do you understand the differences between two primary tests related to COVID-19? Bobbi Pritt, MD, from the Mayo Clinic, explains what every American needs to know about COVID-19 tests.

US government debt is expanding at an unprecedented rate. We face a long path to recovery, once the current crises are resolved. Although he is a deficit hawk, Bob Bixby, Executive Director of the Concord Coalition, believes that the US government has little choice than to pour trillions of dollars into the economy in response to the current economic tailspin.

In the battle against the coronavirus, scientists around the world are working to find an effective vaccine. We'll talk the co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine, Paul Offit, MD, Director of the Vaccine Education Center and Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He says the race to the finish line involves big challenges.

Many Americans have received their stimulus payments from the federal government, but millions of others are still waiting. Prof. Richard Winchester, from Seton Hall University School of Law, offers advice and web site locations for people to check on the payments and to provide information to the government to expedite the process. He also outlines the numerous aspects of economic aid built into the stimulus bill passed by Congress.

Brian Walsh, Certified Financial Planner at SoFi, a personal finance company, suggests some smart financial moves to make during the current economic downturn. He discusses scenarios for those who are unemployed, those who are worried about their jobs and those who have received stimulus checks.

During the COVID-19 situation, shoppers have encountered empty shelves and limited products to buy, and assume the cause is hoarding. Amy David, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Supply Chain and Operations Management at Purdue University, says there are other factors causing the shortages.

Tim Lash, Chief Strategy Officer for West Health, a nonprofit organization dedicated to lowering the healthcare costs of senior citizens, shares the results of their poll that found that about 1 in 7 Americans say they would avoid seeking medical care if they experienced key symptoms associated with COVID-19, out of fear of the potential cost. He also discusses the greater impact of coronavirus in minority communities.

Among the unintended consequences of government-ordered lockdowns, Amanda Kubista-Owen, asocial worker with Mayo Clinic Health System, says cases of domestic violence and child abuse are becoming more frequent, more severe and more dangerous. She offers advice to those dealing with abusive relationships and says that resources are still available to help victims, despite the pandemic.

Americans love to travel. A recent poll reveals a pent up demand, with millions eager to travel again once the pandemic fears are over. But the transition to normal travel may take some time. Rick Seaney, CEO of FareCompare.com says although the current travel outlook is bleak with few flights in the air, there are numerous bargains for consumers who are willing to buy tickets for use later in the year.