According to a just-released, first-of-its-kind study by industry trade group InfoComm International, audiovisual products and services will become a $91-billion-a-year global industry by 2012.

Results from the latest "Women and Affluence" survey from Citi's "Women & Co." resource program show that, in response to the recession, women are using their growing financial knowledge and influence to foster a more-open dialogue about money.

According to a survey on behalf of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), most Americans believe that society is less judgmental about cosmetic surgery than it was only a few years ago.

To make sure that their holiday gifts arrive in time, FedEx reminds consumers to not forget about shipping deadlines.

FedEx Office advises consumers to send their holiday cards as early as possible.

According to InfoComm International, the audiovisual industry continues to be an important part of everyday life--despite tough economic times.

Proceeds from a contest sponsored by Oshkosh Defense help efforts by the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF) to assist military personnel and their families.

Listen to statements from many of the recipients of the 2009 National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) "Hero of the Year" awards--as well as from the Association's president, who presented the awards on September 24 in Washington.

Olympic swimmer Dara Torres discusses her involvement with a contest from BP Products North America that's looking for inspiring stories of how Americans maintain their youth and vitality.

The Jewelry Information Center (JIC) describes some of the trends in fine jewelry and watches that were featured at recent trade shows in Las Vegas.

According to Westwood College, career colleges help students meet the needs of a rapidly changing job market that requires specialized training and skills.  (For this report in Spanish, click here.)

Through its "Photography in the Parks" program, Canon USA is, once again, offering photo workshops in national parks and sponsoring a related photo contest.

A recipe for Asian-flavored burgers wins the grand prize in this year's "National Chicken Cooking Contest", sponsored by the National Chicken Council.

A food-media seminar sponsored, in part, by the National Chicken Council looks at how the food industry is dealing with the recession.

The president of Seventh Generation is featured in an upcoming TV special called "Big Green Lies"--which aims to separate myth from reality, when it comes to the conventional wisdom of green living.

Seventh Generation has teamed up with WebMD and Healthy Child Healthy World to develop a new online tool designed to help teach families about chemical dangers in the home.

Proceeds from a contest help efforts by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to support and assist the families of fallen firefighters.

According to TransUnion Canada, consumers can control their spending and protect their personal information during the holidays.  (For this report in French, click here.)

Cook's Ham offers some tips on how you can make your holiday ham even more special.

A social-networking site sponsored by VTech helps shoppers make informed decisions about their holiday gifts.

The chairman and CEO of Citibank describes a new sweepstakes that is awarding millions of rewards points to the bank's customers.

On behalf of State Farm, Dr. Joy Browne discusses her involvement with this year's "Embrace Life Awards"--which honor individuals for empowering themselves and inspiring others, after losing a spouse or parent.

A survey from the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and Ameriprise Financial finds that people who have a comprehensive approach to financial planning remain optimistic about investing for their retirement.

A survey on behalf of Whole Foods Market finds that Americans don't want to compromise on the quality of the food that they buy--despite rising prices.

On behalf of State Farm, the editor-in-chief of "Road & Travel Magazine" discusses how now is actually a very good time to buy a new car.

Millions of dollars in full-ride scholarships are being awarded, through "Project Working Mom", to help working mothers earn online degrees.

New daily online giveaways promote a new line of humorous greeting cards from American Greetings.

North America's Shriners will be holding their meeting this year in St. Louis, June 29th-July 3rd.

According to a new survey conducted on behalf of ProQuo, many U.S. adults are unintentionally putting their privacy at risk, through everyday activities.

"The Satellite Sisters" and VTech are teaming up for a contest designed to educate consumers that cordless phones can be very important in helping people stay connected.

According to American Greetings, creating Mother's Day cards for Hispanic families requires a special approach.  (This report is only available in Spanish.)

A new study from the Newspaper Association of America (NAA) Foundation finds that high-school journalism staffers have higher academic scores.

H&R Block reminds people that they need to file a return this year, in order to receive a tax-rebate check.

According to Tyson Foods, it may be easier than you think to quickly prepare a home-cooked meal that's tasty and good for you.

On behalf of Splenda, a Hollywood life-coach describes how using a non-sugar sweetener may be an easy way to reduce calories while avoiding unrealistic goals.

According to Office Depot, many professionals believe that they can achieve their business goals--if they can become better organized.

Toyota Motor Sales USA announces a comprehensive plan to fix accelerator pedals on recalled vehicles and ensure customer safety.

A policy proposal from The Vernon K. Krieble Foundation aims to deal with America's immigration problems through free markets.

During the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Applied Materials is urging Americans to remember that promoting clean and sustainable energy must be a long-term goal.

The national commander of AMVETS discusses his organization's new online resource containing information on a variety of health issues that confront those who have served in uniform.

According to the president of Business Roundtable, health-care reform should not include a public insurance plan.

Despite the current economic situation, a new report from Pre-K Now--a campaign of the Pew Center on the States--finds that most states are increasing or maintaining their funding of pre-kindergarten programs.

The president of the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) discusses how dermatologists are meeting with members of Congress on what's needed in health-care reform.

A new study commissioned by HNTB Corporation finds that Americans believe that current levels of taxation on gasoline may no longer be sufficient to properly maintain the nation's roads and bridges.

According to the National Grange, "network neutrality" and other regulations may make it more difficult for rural communities to enjoy broadband access.

An economist with the American Sugar Alliance (ASA) discusses a new study on how candy companies--including those that have moved operations out of the U.S.--are still enjoying healthy sales.

Listen to statements from many of those participating in the 26th International Sweetener Symposium--which is being held August 1st-5th in Park City, Utah.

The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) is concerned that proposed legislation concerning long-term-care insurance may cause problems for consumers.

Listen to statements from many of those participating in the 2009 Annual Meeting of the National Governors Association (NGA), being held July 17th-20th in Biloxi, Miss.

Members of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) will participate in a rally in Washington, D.C., to push for a health-care system that offers an option for public health insurance--and that does not tax employee health benefits.

According to a new study from the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), a "cap and trade" bill in Congress could end up having a severe adverse impact on the U.S. economy.

According to a new report on behalf of the Health Industry Group Purchasing Association (HIGPA), "group purchasing organizations" can help promote greater efficiency and savings in the U.S. health-care system.

The Campaign for America's Wilderness applauds a new law that adds two-million acres of publicly owned land to the "National Wilderness Preservation System".

Listen to statements from many of those participating in the 2009 Legislative Conference of the National Association of Counties (NACo), being held Saturday, March 7th, through Wednesday, March 11th, in Washington, D.C.

The latest MetLife "Survey of the American Teacher" finds both encouraging and not-so-encouraging news, when it comes to American education over the past 25 years.

According to a new study from the American Energy Alliance (AEA), lifting the ban on energy production in the Outer Continental Shelf would generate over a million new jobs and billions of dollars in new tax revenue.

According to a new study commissioned by HNTB Corporation, most Americans believe that the nation needs to make sacrifices now to pay for infrastructure improvements--especially when it comes to maintenance and new construction of highways and bridges.

The president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) applauds the final Congressional approval of the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act".

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns of deadly fire and carbon-monoxide hazards with winter home heating.

A new report from the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism finds that the U.S. government needs to take several immediate actions to address the proliferation of nuclear and biological weapons.

A public-education campaign from America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) aims to answer consumers' questions about long-term-care insurance.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds parents to think about toy safety before shopping for holiday gifts.

Sen. Hillary Clinton urges parents to utilize the new video-game "rating summaries" from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

A nationwide survey sponsored by the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) finds that health care is the top personal concern for voters in the upcoming presidential election.

According to the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD), America's health-care system could end up being the next financial meltdown.

The president and CEO of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) reminds Americans that virtually all savings at credit unions are protected by federal insurance.

A new study on behalf of the Institute for Energy Research (IER) examines the negative economic impact of an energy plan being considered by Congress.

According to the director of the "Gulf Coast Recovery Project" at George Mason University's Mercatus Center, the main lesson from Hurricane Katrina may be that governments need to "get out of the way".

State Farm Insurance encourages people to remember both the need to evacuate their pets and the need to have a full supply of their prescription drugs, in the event of a hurricane.

The president and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) discusses how her organization is helping thousands of seniors and doctors express their opposition to proposed Medicare Advantage cuts.

A former government advisor on energy issues believes that allowing drilling in coastal waters and wilderness areas that are now off-limits would help reduce gas prices.

The Coleman Company has developed a new list of essential items that helps families better prepare for hurricane season.

According to the Center for Individual Freedom (CFIF), the Air Force needs to comply with the GAO's ruling concerning the aerial-refueling-tanker contract.

A policy proposal from America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) could result in a reduction of $145 billion in America's annual health-care costs.

A new study from the Travel Industry Association (TIA) finds that air-traveler frustration is resulting in millions of trips not being taken each year.

According to the Institute for Energy Research (IER), increasing taxes on oil firms would do nothing to decrease prices at the gas pump.

On behalf of the Child Safety Task Force, a toxicologist discusses why proposed legislation that would ban the use of "phthalates" in children's products is misguided.

According to the Video Access Alliance, Congress should reject "network neutrality" regulations---and focus instead on promoting broadband delivery to more consumers.

On behalf of the American Sugar Alliance (ASA), the chairman of American Crystal Sugar Company describes how a product derived from sugar beets is proving to be effective as a road de-icer.

The National Taxpayers Union (NTU) believes that upcoming congressional hearings may serve as an excuse to blame domestic energy producers for high prices.

The national commander of AMVETS believes that the administration's VA-funding recommendations fall short in vital areas.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), new rules from the U.S. Department of Labor should help employees and their employers in dealing with provisions of the "Family and Medical Leave Act" (FMLA).

According to HNTB, the U.S. needs to address its crumbling levee system.

A former North Carolina governor, an environmental expert, and the National Grange all criticize an EPA proposal to tighten ozone air-quality regulations.

On behalf of Diet Coke, a registered dietitian offers tips to promote heart-health--both for "National Wear Red Day" (Friday, February 5) and throughout the year.

An initiative between the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP) aims to increase the coverage of cancer-related issues in America's Hispanic newspapers.  (This report is only available in Spanish.)

According to the 20th-anniversary edition of United Health Foundation's "America's Health Rankings", Americans continue to struggle in the battle to change unhealthy behaviors--such as smoking, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise.

Listen to statements from some of those who participated in the 2009 National Conference and Exhibition of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)--which was held October 17th-20th in Washington, D.C.

According to the chief scientific advisor to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, research funding has been very important in helping make progress in the fight against breast cancer.

A new website from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, the National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC), and the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP) helps women be able to talk about sexual health with both their doctor and their partner.

On behalf of Walmart Vision Centers, Daisy Fuentes discusses how all children should receive regular, comprehensive vision examinations.  (For this report in Spanish, click here.)

According to the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), older Americans need to be careful about possible plaque buildup in the legs.

The National Cancer Institute's "Cancer Information Service" is helping educate minority populations about the benefits of clinical trials.

Mayo Clinic and Microsoft recently launched an online application that stores and organizes family health information--and delivers specific reminders and recommendations.

According to a new study published in the American College of Physicians' "Annals of Internal Medicine", repeated, intensive interventions increase the likelihood that a smoker will quit successfully.

A new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) finds that over 17 percent of youth who use drugs start with inhalants.

A new study published in the American College of Physicians' "Annals of Internal Medicine" finds that patients who are connected to a particular physician are more likely to both receive guideline-specific care and follow through with treatment.

According to a new study published in the American College of Physicians' "Annals of Internal Medicine", telephone counseling is as effective as face-to-face doctor's visits, when it comes to weight loss.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) reminds Americans that eating a healthy diet--and leading an active lifestyle--can help lower the chances of getting a number of serious diseases.  (For this report in Spanish, click here.)

A new study published in the American College of Physicians' "Annals of Internal Medicine" finds that the effectiveness of a colonoscopy is determined by whether the cancer develops on the left or the right side of the colon.

Using the NicoDerm CQ patch daily can significantly improve a smoker's chances of successfully quitting.

The new Commit Cappuccino nicotine lozenge helps smokers to quit while giving them the coffee flavor that they enjoy, without the caffeine.

According to the president of American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA), genetic testing is already dramatically improving health care--despite some threats to continued innovation.

The new Nicorette "White Ice Mint" gum is the first stop-smoking aid that also helps whiten teeth.

On "World Stroke Day" (Wednesday, October 29), the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA) are joining international organizations in focusing on "silent strokes".

New recommendations published in the American College of Physicians' "Annals of Internal Medicine" urge primary-care interventions before, during, and after pregnancy, to encourage and support breastfeeding.

The president-elect of the American Medical Association (AMA) discusses a new AMA campaign that provides tips to help people lead a healthier lifestyle.

A pediatrician and parenting expert reminds parents that there are effective, drug-free options for treating children suffering from nasal congestion--such as Breathe Right Kids nasal strips.

According to Qiagen, a combination approach is very effective in detecting HPV in at-risk women.

The director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) discusses this year's observance of "National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month" in September.

According to Genentech, a recently approved new indication may allow more breast-cancer patients to benefit from Herceptin therapy.

A new study published in the American College of Physicians' "Annals of Internal Medicine" finds that most victims of West Nile virus return to normal health, within a year.

According to early clinical results presented at the annual meeting of the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS), a new, minimally invasive procedure successfully eliminates pain and disability associated with "lumbar spinal stenosis".

According to Women'sEyeHealth.org, two-thirds of all people who are blind or visually impaired are women.

A new study shows that Aquafresh White Trays whiten teeth better and faster than a leading competitor.

A new contest from Prevent Blindness America (PBA) offers those affected by impaired vision or vision loss the chance to "See America".

Three scientists have received this year’s "MetLife Foundation Awards for Medical Research in Alzheimer's Disease" for their significant contributions to the understanding of the disease.

Advances in treatment involving the targeted therapy Tarceva are helping some patients with pancreatic cancer live longer.

See also our separate pages for listings of "Discovery Files" features from the National Science Foundation (last updated on Wednesday, November 25), ConsumerFeatures (last updated on Sunday, January 31), public service announcements (last updated on Monday, January 11), "Ways to Make a Green Change" from Whole Foods Market, auto-repair tips from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, "Your Home Improvement Minute" features from NCB, and "Daily Clean-Energy Facts" from the Nuclear Energy Institute.  (In addition, check out demos for the health feature "Journey to Wellness".)