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Wales Online
11 hours ago
- Health
- Wales Online
These two dog breeds are in danger due to health problems
These two dog breeds are in danger due to health problems There is a new top dog on the list as some of the most popular breeds fall out of flavour due to concerns A third preferred the face of a cockapoo over other breeds when given a choice (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto ) People appear to be falling out of love with flat-faced dogs as awareness grows about the health problems of pugs and French bulldogs. Research conducted for Burns Pet Nutrition suggested the new designer dog of choice is the cockapoo. The crossbreeds topped a poll of 2,000 dog-lovers who were asked to select their favourite face of a pooch. A third preferred the face of a cockapoo over other breeds when given a choice – while just a handful opted for French bulldogs (6%) and pugs (4%). Huskies were the second most popular breed, with their face chosen by a fifth of respondents while Staffordshire bull terriers were the third at 15%. The findings follow a Frenchie winning the Utility Group at Crufts this year – a result that left many dog-lovers unhappy that a breed with many known health problems claimed the title. French bulldogs are predisposed to problems with their eyes, skin, bones and breathing, and pugs are equally associated with a raft of health issues. A poll in June last year placed Frenchies joint top of the table with Cockapoos as the nation's favourite breed. Article continues below But the new research suggests the popularity of flat-faced breeds could now be on the decline. Laura Crotch-Harvey, Nutrition Manager at Burns Pet Nutrition said: "While they may look very cute, in reality French bulldogs and other flat-nose breeds can be prone to more medical issues than the majority of breeds. "The majority of these problems have been made worse by backyard breeders and people who don't health test – but there are many good breeders who do care and do health test their dogs. "If you're considering bringing a dog into your home, make sure you do your research on the breed and the breeder, ensuring they are health tested. "And it's also vital to make sure you have the funds for any medical conditions that may not be covered by your pet insurance. "This is commonplace with short-nose breeds. When it comes to crossbreeds, unlike pedigrees, where you know what type of coat, temperament and mental stimulation your dog needs, it can be more of a gamble with what you get. "The temperament of a cocker spaniel is very different to that of a poodle. Article continues below "However, mixing breeds together has its benefits. Crossbreed dogs can be healthier as they are not as likely to be bred just for their appearance. Moving towards breeding for health and not the appearance of the dog is what we want in an ideal world. "When considering getting a crossbreed puppy or dog, it is important to do your homework on both breeds and be prepared for the best or worst of both to make sure it suits your lifestyle, and you can cater to that dog's needs. "It's essential to thoroughly research any breeds and consult with breeders and rescue centres to find the most suitable dog for you."
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Barnala police freeze ₹60-lakh drug money in 5-yr-old case
The Barnala police have frozen drug money amounting to ₹ 60.2 lakh under section 68(F) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, linked to a case registered in July 2020, deputy superintendent of police Satvir Singh said on Friday. The Barnala police have frozen drug money amounting to ₹ 60.2 lakh under section 68(F) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, linked to a case registered in July 2020, deputy superintendent of police Satvir Singh said on Friday. (Getty Images/iStockphoto/ Representational image) As per the information, the police got the drug money frozen by the competent authority and administrator, smugglers and foreign exchange manipulators (forfeiture of property) in New Delhi. In such matters, the police prepare and send proposals to the competent authority, which then processes and issues further directives. The drug money is directly linked to a case registered in July 2020 under sections 21, 22, and 29/61/85 of the NDPS Act at the Barnala police station. Providing insights into the operation, deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Satvir Singh said, 'The case involved around ₹ 1 crore worth of tablets which were recovered.' He said of the total recovered drug money, ₹ 48,58,000 was recovered from Raghu Raja, a resident of Jandiala Guru, Amritsar, while an additional ₹ 11,75,000 was recovered from Vikas Mangla, a resident of Moga. Reverting on the timeline, the DSP said that the trial for this case is currently underway. The process under Section 68(F) is lengthy, which is why it has taken time. It is an ongoing process. He added that investigations are continuing to freeze properties belonging to other individuals involved in the case. 'More than 10 individuals were involved, all of them have been arrested and are on trial,' the DSP added.
CBS News
a day ago
- Business
- CBS News
How much would a $300,000 annuity pay monthly if bought at age 65?
We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. If you're trying to decide whether a $300,000 annuity makes sense for your retirement portfolio, it may help to know what your monthly payments could be. Getty Images/iStockphoto Retirement planning has become increasingly challenging as Americans grapple with today's economic issues, which include persistent inflation and an increasingly unpredictable stock market. What many retirees and soon-to-be retirees are discovering is that their traditional 401(k) and IRA balances might not stretch as far as they once hoped, prompting a fresh look at guaranteed income strategies. And, that's where annuities, which are insurance products that offer predictable, often lifelong income streams that can't be derailed by market downturns or economic uncertainty, come into play. With an annuity, you hand over a lump sum to an insurance company in exchange for guaranteed monthly income for the remainder of your life. This offers a straightforward way to eliminate guesswork from your retirement budgeting, and today's elevated interest rate environment means insurance companies can offer significantly more attractive monthly payouts than they could in recent years. So, buying an annuity in this economic landscape offers the opportunity to lock in favorable rates and potentially maximize your lifetime income benefit. If you're considering converting a portion of your retirement savings into guaranteed monthly income, a $300,000 annuity generally represents a substantial but often achievable investment. This amount could provide meaningful financial security while allowing you to maintain other investments. Exactly how much monthly income can you expect from this investment if it's purchased at age 65, though? That's what we'll examine below. Find out how much retirement income an annuity could offer you now. How much will a $300,000 annuity pay monthly if bought at age 65? In general, the monthly income you'll receive from a $300,000 annuity depends heavily on your age, gender, the type of annuity you purchase and current interest rates at the time of purchase. That said, though, here's what a 65-year-old retiree could expect to receive from a $300,000 immediate fixed annuity, according to an analysis of Cannex data by A 65-year-old man: About $1,942 per month About $1,942 per month A 65-year-old woman: About $1,861 per month About $1,861 per month Joint-life annuity (covers both spouses): About $1,684 per month Why the variation? For one, annuity payouts are calculated based on life expectancy. Because women tend to live longer than men, insurance companies spread their payments out over a longer period, resulting in slightly smaller monthly checks. Similarly, a joint annuity provides income for as long as either partner is alive, so the insurer assumes a longer payout period, which reduces the monthly amount. Interest rates also play a significant role. The higher the prevailing interest rate environment when you buy the annuity, the more income the insurer can confidently generate from your premium. As of mid-2025, fixed annuity rates remain higher than they were during the ultra-low rate years of the 2010s and early 2020s, making this a relatively favorable time to consider purchasing. The type of annuity matters, too. The figures above are for immediate fixed annuities, which begin paying out right after purchase. If you opt for a deferred annuity that begins payments years down the line or choose one with additional features like inflation protection or a guaranteed period of payments, your monthly amount will differ, sometimes significantly. Adding optional features and riders can also result in lower monthly payments. Cost-of-living adjustments, for example, help your payments keep pace with inflation over time, while guaranteed minimum payout periods ensure your beneficiaries receive some benefits even if you die shortly after purchase. Explore your annuity options and find the right fit today. What else should you consider before buying an annuity? While the idea of a reliable monthly income is appealing, annuities are not a good fit for every retirement portfolio. So, before you commit $300,000 to an annuity, it's important to consider how it fits into your broader retirement strategy. Here's what to consider before buying one: Liquidity trade-offs: Annuities provide income but tie up your money. Once you purchase a fixed immediate annuity, that lump sum typically can't be withdrawn. That makes annuities great for predictable income, but less ideal Annuities provide income but tie up your money. Once you purchase a fixed immediate annuity, that lump sum typically can't be withdrawn. That makes annuities great for predictable income, Tax considerations: If you purchase your annuity with pre-tax retirement dollars (like from a traditional IRA), your monthly payments will be taxed as ordinary income. If you use after-tax dollars, only the interest portion is taxable. Understanding how your annuity income will be taxed is critical for budgeting. If you purchase your annuity with pre-tax retirement dollars (like from a traditional IRA), your monthly payments will be taxed as ordinary income. If you use after-tax dollars, only the interest portion is taxable. Understanding how your annuity income will be taxed is critical for budgeting. Inflation risk: Fixed annuities offer predictable payments, but those payments don't rise over time. Unless you choose a product with cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), your purchasing power may shrink annually. The bottom line If you're age 65 and thinking about buying a $300,000 annuity, you could expect to receive somewhere between $1,684 and $1,942 per month, depending on your gender and whether you're purchasing alone or as part of a couple. Those types of payments could make a big difference in your retirement budget, especially considering that they're guaranteed. Still, annuities are just one piece of the retirement income puzzle. The big draw is that they offer security, but it's important to remember that they also come with trade-offs in terms of flexibility and inflation protection. So, before committing your cash, take time to consider your full financial picture to ensure that an annuity is the right investment for you.
New York Post
2 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Massive jellyfish spotted on New England beach, swimmers urged to steer clear: ‘Don't touch it!'
They're gonna need a bigger beach. A massive jellyfish with tentacles stretching more than 100 feet washed ashore a Maine beach last weekend — with swimmers and beachgoers warned to keep their distance from the stinging sea creature. The nearly five-foot-wide lion's mane jellyfish — one of the largest jelly species in the world — was spotted prowling the waters at Willard Beach in South Portland, the city announced on Facebook. Advertisement 3 Lion's mane jellyfish washed ashore in South Portland, Maine. Facebook/City of South Portland 'Don't touch it! They sting,' officials warned Monday, sharing a photo of the blood-red, bell-shaped predator, with its long, hair-like tentacles floating just beneath the surface. 'Observe it. They're so interesting to watch, and pretty too. If you see one washed up at Willard Beach, notify a lifeguard and they will help it back into the water with a shovel.' Advertisement The swimming drifter — with tentacles up to 120 feet long — is typically found in colder waters, ranging from the Arctic to the Pacific Ocean along the coasts of Alaska and Washington, according to Oceana. Named for its thick, tendrilled 'mane,' the marine animal has up to 1,200 tentacles divided into eight clusters, each capable of delivering a powerful sting to anything and anyone that brushes against them. 3 Stranded lion's mane jellyfish on a sandy beach. Getty Images/iStockphoto 'They would hurt,' Dr. Jerome Piniti, a scientist at the Gulf of Main Research Institute in Portland, told WMTW of getting stung by the lion's mane. Advertisement 'They would burn. But in general, it's not dangerous unless you are allergic to it. If you get stung, you should try to remove the tentacles using sand or using salt water.' 3 Lion's mane jellyfish underwater. Getty Images Other symptoms may include skin irritation, burning, swelling, and in more severe cases, nausea, confusion, dizziness, difficulty breathing, muscle pain, and even heart complications, experts said. Despite the jellyfish's eerie appearance, social media users flocked to the viral post to comment on the enormous ocean dweller. Advertisement 'The design in the middle is very pretty, but I thought it was a giant blood clot,' one user wrote on Facebook, as others compared it to 'Trump's hairpiece!' or their 'mother in law.' 'Thought at first someone had flung their bbq ribs into the water,' one person commented.
CBS News
2 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Plan to apply for credit card debt forgiveness this July? Do these 3 things first.
Credit card debt forgiveness could wipe out some of your existing balance, but you shouldn't necessarily rush into the process. Getty Images/iStockphoto With the average credit card debt around $8,000 currently, it's no wonder that many Americans are searching for debt relief. Combined with the fact that the average credit card interest rate sits just under a record 23% and the reality that compounding interest is making it increasingly difficult to pay off previously manageable balances, credit card debt forgiveness may seem like the solution many borrowers are searching for. And it very well can be. This type of debt relief, for qualified borrowers, can eliminate 30% to 50% of your credit card debt, providing the help you need to get back on track and dig out of debt once and for all. But if you're planning on applying for credit card debt forgiveness soon, there are some things you may want to consider doing first. Instead of immediately applying this July, then, we compiled a list of items that you should consider before taking action. Below, we'll detail three of them. Start by checking your credit card debt forgiveness qualifications online here. 3 things to do before applying for credit card debt forgiveness this July Don't rush into a credit card debt forgiveness plan this summer before first taking these three steps: Determine if you (really) need it Credit card debt forgiveness may seem like a quick way to regain your financial freedom, but it's not exactly quick (it can take 24 to 48 months) and it may not be something you really need anyway. Do you have healthy spending habits? Do you have the budget to pay off what you owe without having to ask for help or forgiveness? Remember, not only will this service take multiple years, but it will also damage your credit score, and it will likely come with tax implications. So take the time, first, to determine if you even need it. You may be surprised by the answer you come up with. Learn more about your credit card debt forgiveness options here. Explore all alternatives You should never pursue your first offer, and fortunately for those in debt, there are multiple options available. Ranging from debt management programs to credit counseling to debt consolidation loans and more, there may be a viable alternative for you that won't come with the lengthy process and credit score ramifications that a debt forgiveness program offers. But you won't know which is the right fit for your unique circumstances until you take the time to explore all of them. Keep credit card debt forgiveness as the backup option until you've fully examined your other, potentially more appropriate, debt relief options. Shop around for servicers Once you've determined your genuine need for credit card debt forgiveness and compared it to all alternatives, you'll want to spend some extra time shopping around for servicers. Not every debt relief company will offer this unique solution, nor will every debt relief company have identical eligibility criteria or fees associated with their programs. It's important, then, to shop around for servicers to find a legitimate one that's most cost-effective for your debt balance (there will be a fee you'll need to pay for this type of help). This will have the unfortunate consequence of delaying a forgiveness program until later in the summer but if the alternative means getting stuck in a program that you can't afford and won't help, it's a delay well worth enduring. The bottom line Credit card debt forgiveness may or may not be the debt relief solution you need this July. By making the three aforementioned moves, however, and by keeping an open mind about your balance and the reasons you got stuck in debt to begin with, you can begin the delayed work of regaining your financial freedom. Just be sure that whatever solution you ultimately decide on is the right one for you, both now and into the future -- and not one that just seemed quick and pain-free this summer. Learn more about your potential debt relief options online today.
