Latest news with #LaCrosse
The Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
What is ‘tech neck' and how can you fix it?
With nearly 86 percent of full-time American workers spending long, unhealthy hours sitting at their desks, leaning over computers, or staring down at their phones, many have found themselves suffering from 'tech neck.' The condition, sometimes also referred to as 'text neck," is used to describe pain and discomfort in the neck that can happen when someone bends their head down. The problem is pressure, with experts saying that holding your head at a 45-degree angle can feel like 50 pounds of weight. "That's like having an 8-pound bowling ball as your head. Then you have 72 pounds at your elbow and 96 pounds on your shoulder," Brian Langenhorst, industrial and ergonomics specialist at Wisconsin's La Crosse Mayo Clinic Health System, said. "I probably see tech neck on a weekly basis at businesses, schools and industry." There has been an increase in cases in recent years, but there are ways to prevent the condition. Here's how to fix it. Stretch those neck muscles out Stretches should be done frequently for the best benefits, according to sports medicine Dr. Jeffrey Peng. "Five minutes is really all you need to stretch out the neck," he said. "But the key is to do these stretches frequently — ideally, three times per day. That way, you are slowly increasing mobility and range of motion of the neck muscles that often get tighter and tighter throughout the day.' He recommends touching your ear to your shoulder to stretch the upper trapezius, a large shoulder muscle. For further pressure, put gentle pressure on your head using your hand. Hold it for 30 seconds. You can also stretch the levator scapula: a neck muscle that runs along the upper back on neck on either side of the spine. With the head turned diagonally, pull down on it with one hand and guide the other hand to rest on the base of the neck. To target the anterior scalene — which helps to flex the neck and elevate the first rib — pull the ear toward the shoulder, look up, and lean back. Improve your posture Adjust your monitor to the right level, with eye height about a half inch to one and a half inches higher than the top characters on your screen. Sit with your head, hips, and spine stacked, and keep your wrists straight and elbows bent at a 90-degree angle. Your feet should be flat on the floor and your knees should be aligned with your hips. When using a phone, place pillows on your lap to support your forearms and try to hold the phone or tablet in an upright and angled position. By looking straight ahead, your muscles get a chance to relax, preventing uneven pressure. "It's not great, but it's better than not being supported," said Langenhorst. Other strategies That will get blood circulating and it will get your neck in a different position. Or, even just stand. 'Humans are upright creatures, and our bodies aren't designed to look down for long periods of time, which puts extra pressure on the cervical spine,' Dr. Kavita Trivedi, an associate professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center, said.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
GM Q1 Earnings Preview: Should You Buy the Stock Before the Results?
General Motors GM is slated to release first-quarter 2025 results on April 29, before the opening bell. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the to-be-reported quarter's earnings and revenues is pegged at $2.66 per share and $42.37 billion, respectively. The consensus estimate for the to-be-reported quarter's earnings has moved north by 2 cents over the past seven days. The bottom-line projection indicates a modest year-over-year uptick of 1.5%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for quarterly revenues, however, suggests a year-over-year decrease of 1.5%. For 2025, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for GM's revenues is pegged at $179.3 billion, implying a contraction of 4.3% year over year. The consensus mark for 2025 EPS is pegged at $11.21, implying growth of around 6% on a year-over-year basis. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research In the trailing four quarters, this U.S. legacy automaker surpassed earnings estimates on all occasions, with the average earnings surprise being 15.81%. General Motors Company price-eps-surprise | General Motors Company Quote Our proven model predicts an earnings beat for General Motors this time around as well. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter. GM has an Earnings ESP of +7.40% and a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. (See the Zacks Earnings Calendar to stay ahead of market-making news.) General Motors sold 693,363 units in the first quarter of 2025, up 17% year over year. It posted double-digit gains across its key brands— Chevrolet (up 13.7%), GMC (up 17.6%), Cadillac (17.8%) and Buick (39.3%). The company dominated the U.S. auto industry for the quarter, leading in total, retail and fleet sales. Meanwhile, GM's closest peer Ford F saw its sales drop 1.3% in the quarter ending March. GM's retail sales surged 15%, marking its best first-quarter since 2018. Electric vehicle (EV) sales were up 94% to 31,887 units, with General Motors being the #2 seller of EVs in the country, trailing only Tesla TSLA. In the quarter to be reported, General Motors delivered 442,000 vehicles in China, nearly flat year over year but down 26.3% sequentially. However, its new energy vehicle sales jumped 53.2% year over year. The Buick GL8 led the premium multi-purpose vehicle segment with 24,000 units sold, while the Wuling Hong Guang MINIEV retained its popularity. LaCrosse and Envision Plus models saw strong gains. Additionally, Chevrolet Tahoe deliveries began under GM's Durant Guild platform in March. Our estimate for wholesale vehicle sales volumes of the GMNA (General Motors North America) segment is 807,000 units, suggesting year-over-year growth of 1.9%. We project revenues from the GMNA segment to be $36.46 billion, implying an increase of 1%. Operating income from the unit is estimated at $3.9 billion, implying growth of 2%. On the flip side, we expect wholesale volumes from the GMI unit (excluding China JV) to be down roughly 2% in the quarter to be reported to 102,000 units. Our projections call for a contraction of 17% in revenues year over year. However, we expect operating income of $58.3 million against a loss of $10 million in the year-ago period. Year to date, shares of General Motors have declined 12%, outperforming the auto sector. It has also performed better than Tesla, whose shares have plunged 36% so far in 2025. Meanwhile, Ford has gained 1.6% in the same timeframe. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation perspective, General Motors is trading relatively cheap. Going by its price/sales ratio, the company is trading at a forward sales multiple of 0.26, below the industry's 2.19. The company has a Value Score of A. Meanwhile, Tesla looks too pricey at a forward sales multiple of 7.6, whereas Ford's P/S of 0.24 is slightly lower than GM's. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research General Motors is the top-selling automaker in the United States. It is advancing well in its electrification journey. GM exited 2024 with several wins. Its EV portfolio became 'variable profit positive' in the last quarter of 2024, with 189,000 electric vehicles produced during the year and a goal to ramp up to 300,000 units in 2025. The company expects EV losses to shrink by $2 billion this year, reflecting growing operational efficiency and scale. Meanwhile, cost discipline has been another bright spot. GM met its $2 billion cost-cutting goal and is unlocking another $1 billion in annual savings after pulling back from robotaxi development. GM's China operations are starting to look more promising. Its restructuring efforts in the region are showing early signs of a turnaround, with the company aiming to return to profitability this year. Financially, GM remains sturdy. The automaker ended 2024 with $35.5 billion in automotive liquidity and returned $7.6 billion to shareholders via dividends and buybacks. A 25% dividend hike and a fresh $6 billion repurchase authorization (including a $2 billion ASR) fuel confidence. However, near-term headwinds remain. GM expects a slight dip in internal combustion engine vehicle volumes in North America and forecasts a 1-1.5% decline in vehicle pricing, which could weigh on margins. Also, macro uncertainties and tariff troubles could cloud the company's near-term prospects. GM looks like a solid long-term play. However, for new investors, it may be wise to stay on the sidelines until the company outlines how it plans to navigate ongoing tariff tensions and pricing pressure. So, instead of jumping to buy the stock ahead of results, it's better to exercise patience and wait for more clarity. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Ford Motor Company (F) : Free Stock Analysis Report General Motors Company (GM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Mayor
24-04-2025
- Health
- Business Mayor
La Crosse virus disease: The rare mosquito-borne illness that causes deadly brain inflammation
Disease name: La Crosse virus disease Affected populations: La Crosse virus disease is a rare viral illness that is spread to humans via mosquito bites. The name comes from La Crosse County, Wisconsin, where the disease was first observed by doctors in the 1960s . Approximately 30 to 90 cases of La Crosse virus disease are reported in the U.S. each year. Around 60% of those cases occur in males, and 90% affect people under 20 years old. Transmission of La Crosse virus most often happens in late spring through early fall, when mosquito populations peak. Most cases of the disease occur in upper Midwestern, Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern U.S. states . No cases have ever been reported outside the U.S . Related: New York resident dies of eastern equine encephalitis — what is it? Causes: La Crosse virus disease is caused by the La Crosse virus, which is spread to humans via the bites of mosquitoes carrying the germ. Most commonly, a species known as Aedes triseriatus spreads the virus to humans. As their name suggests, these mosquitoes typically breed in holes within trees , and they also lay eggs in outdoor containers that hold standing water. People who live, work or spend recreational time in wooded areas have a higher risk of becoming infected with La Crosse virus than others, as they are more likely to come into contact with A. triseriatus mosquitoes. Get the world's most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox. Once inside the human body, the La Crosse virus can infiltrate the central nervous system, including the brain, and infect and damage neurons there. La Crosse virus disease cannot be spread from person to person ; the only way people can catch it is directly from mosquito bites. Mosquitoes can't pick up the virus from infected people, because it never reaches a high enough concentration in the blood. For this reason, humans are considered 'dead-end' hosts of the La Crosse virus. (In the environment, mosquitoes pick up the virus from small mammals, such as squirrels and chipmunks .) The La Crosse virus can enter the human brain and attack neurons, causing severe inflammation as it does so. (Image credit: KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty Images) Symptoms: Around 96% of people exposed to La Crosse virus do not develop any symptoms. The small percentage who do may initially experience a fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can emerge within three to 10 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. For some people, especially children under 16, these symptoms can then progress to more severe disease. For instance, the virus may cause brain inflammation , known as encephalitis. Around 75% of the La Crosse cases that involve encephalitis occur in children. The fatality rate from La Crosse encephalitis is less than 1%. However, between 5% and 15% of patients who recover from this condition can go on to experience recurring seizures after the initial infection has passed. Treatments: There is no cure for La Crosse virus disease, nor a vaccine that can help prevent infection. However, patients with severe symptoms may be given supportive care in the hospital . People can reduce their risk of being infected with La Crosse virus by avoiding mosquito bites in the first place. They can do this by using recommended insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants while outdoors, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends .
USA Today
10-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Revamp your linen closet with up to 25% off at The Company Store's Sleep Week sale
Revamp your linen closet with up to 25% off at The Company Store's Sleep Week sale Shop The Company Store's bedding sale to save up to 25% on percale sheets, comforters, Turkish cotton towels. — Recommendations are independently chosen by our editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Sleep Week 2025 is officially here, and there's no better time to upgrade your bedding and home essentials than during The Company Store's Friends & Family sale! Having high-quality sheets and blankets can seriously transform how you sleep. If you're used to sleeping on old, worn-in bedding, you will feel an immediate difference when you upgrade. The Company Store has Sleep Week discounts on top-sellers like the Cotton Classic Cool Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set and the Essentials Classic Down Alternative Comforter, plus deals on bath towels so you can give your morning shower routine an upgrade, too! From luxurious sheets to cozy comforters, you can save 25% on almost everything with the promo code FAMILY25 at checkout. Below, check out my top-recommended products you won't want to miss. Shop The Company Store's Sleep Week sale 1. Company Cotton Classic Cool Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set 2. LaCrosse Premium Down Comforter 3. Company Cotton Turkish Cotton 4-Piece Bath & Hand Towel Set 4. Legends Hotel Down Alternative Mattress Topper 5. Company Essentials Classic Down Alternative Comforter 6. Company Cotton Pillow Protector, Standard More: Shop unbelievable Sleep Week discounts on Cozy Earth blankets, sheets, slippers and more When is Sleep Awareness Week 2025? Sleep Week 2025 is observed from Sunday, March 9 through Saturday, March 15. What is Sleep Awareness Week? Sleep Week, more formally known as Sleep Awareness Week, is an annual event organized by the National Sleep Foundation to help promote better sleep habits and raise awareness about the importance of sleep. During this time, you can find different Sleep Week sales on all types of sleep essentials from mattresses, bedding, pajamas, sleep aid tech and more. How to fold a fitted sheet hack Fold a fitted sheet with ease using this hack. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY More: The quick, no-fail guide for how to fold fitted sheets (with video) When is The Company Store's Sleep Week sale? To celebrate Sleep Week 2025, The Company Store is hosting a Friends & Family sale now through Sunday, March 23 with up to 25% off when you spend $100 or more and use the promo code FAMILY25 at checkout. Shop The Company Store Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
CBS News
05-02-2025
- CBS News
Amber Alert issued for missing pregnant teen Sophia Martha Franklin in Wisconsin
CHICAGO (CBS) -- An Amber Alert has been issued for a missing pregnant teen in Wisconsin. Sophia Martha Franklin, 16, is three months pregnant, and is believed to be with 40-year-old Gary F. Day, the father of her unborn child. Day is facing a no contact order for Sophia. Sophia was last seen at her home in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, around 9 p.m. Sunday, police said. Investigators believe Franklin left her home around 7:45 a.m. on Monday, and is traveling with Day in a black 2014 Buick LaCrosse. Police said the LaCrosse has used various licesnse plates, most recently with Pennsylvania license plate KGW5186. It also has used Arkansas license plate BBR20L. Sophia is 5-foot-9 and 189 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Day is 5-foot-7 and 165 pounds, with blond hair and green eyes. Anyone with information on Sophia's whereabouts should call the Beaver Dam Police Department at 920-887-4612 or the Amber Alert tip line 888-304-3936.
