Month: November 2020

2020-11-29T23:01:01

(BPT) – Regina Philipps’ son, Shane, was born a happy, healthy and strong baby — holding his head up on his own, rolling, and pushing himself up on his arms. But at six months old, Regina noticed something might be wrong.

“He started moving less, and some of the strength he had seemed to be disappearing,” said Regina. “It was subtle at first — like when he stopped grabbing my hands and pulling himself up after I changed his diaper. He got to the point where he couldn’t really move his legs. When sitting, he would fall over. He could barely even lift his arms up to his mouth to eat.”

Shane was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Type 2 — a progressive, rare genetic disease caused by the lack of a functional survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene.¹ Each year, one in every 11,000 babies is born with the disease.^2,3 SMA is the leading genetic cause of infant death.¹ SMA progresses quickly, meaning the earliest possible diagnosis and treatment is crucial. If left untreated in one of its most severe forms, Type 1, children often require permanent feeding and breathing support or pass away by their second birthday.⁴ While on average, babies with SMA Type 2 are diagnosed between six and 24 months of age, Shane received his diagnosis at 10 months old and he received treatment soon after.

Millions of babies across the country are routinely screened at birth for conditions that can affect a child’s long-term health or survival. In 2018, SMA was added to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP), a federal list of often devastating disorders that require intervention as early as possible and have treatment options available.⁵ Despite the fact there are now treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for SMA, only 33 states screen for SMA through permanent or pilot programs, leaving babies in 17 states, plus Washington, D.C., unscreened for this devastating disease.^5,6

“We live in New Jersey, which was supposed to implement newborn screening for SMA this August, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is implementing it next year. Although we wish we knew sooner, we feel very lucky that Shane’s symptoms were caught relatively early and before he declined even further, so we could pursue treatment as fast as possible,” Regina said. “For babies like Shane, early diagnosis can mean prevention of disease progression. For some babies — especially those with SMA Type 1 — early diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death. That’s why I’m so passionate about educating on the importance of newborn screening, advancing efforts in my state and sharing how people can get involved.”

Children living in states with newborn screening in place can benefit from the remarkable difference early detection and treatment can make — an issue Rory and Carolyn Philstrom know firsthand. It wasn’t long before their son Edan was born that they moved from North Dakota to Minnesota, where Rory was due to start a new job. Because Minnesota actively conducts newborn screening for SMA, Edan’s pediatrician called five days after his birth to tell them his newborn screening test resulted in a positive diagnosis for SMA Type 1. They were blindsided by the diagnosis — but given how quickly SMA progresses, grateful that they could quickly work with their physician on a treatment plan — without losing the precious time they wouldn’t have benefited from in North Dakota. Without screening, children with SMA Type 1 typically receive a diagnosis anywhere up to 6 months after birth.

“Just the sooner you get the diagnosis — the sooner you get that phone call — can make a difference. Even days can make a difference,” said Carolyn.

Since Shane’s diagnosis, Regina has been an active member of the SMA community, helping to advocate for SMA to be added to her state’s newborn screening panel. Their efforts were successful and in January 2020, New Jersey passed a law to screen for SMA, which will be implemented in 2021. Other states have followed, including California, Illinois and Washington. By 2022, Regina, along with patients, caregivers, and the entire SMA community at large, are hopeful every newborn in the United States will be screened for this devastating disease.

For more information about SMA and to inquire about what you can do to ensure that babies in your state are screened for this disease, visit CureSMA.org/ActionCenter.

References

1. Anderton RS and Mastaglia FL. Expert Rev Neurother. 2015;15(8):895-908.
2. Sugarman EA, et al. Eur J Hum Genet. 2012;20(1):27–32.
3. Cure SMA. About SMA. https://www.curesma.org/about-sma/. Accessed June 21, 2020.
4. Finkel RS, Finkel RS, et al. Neurology. 2014;83(9):810-817.
5. Cure SMA. Newborn Screening for SMA. https://www.curesma.org/newborn-screening-for-sma/. Accessed November 18, 2020.
6. Cure SMA. https://www.curesma.org/wpcontent/uploads/2020/02/SMA-State-Fact-Sheet_2020_DC_v3.pdf. Accessed November 18, 2020.

US-ZOL-20-0501

11/2020

2020-11-25T12:01:00

(BPT) – Chances are, you’ve been through it — when severe weather hits, there’s nearby construction or just out of the blue, your power suddenly goes out. And you don’t know how long it will last — minutes, hours or days. It’s not just an inconvenience for your family, especially since everyone is spending more time working and schooling from home these days, but it can actually be unsafe. You may need to heat or cool your home so it’s livable, someone in your family may rely on home medical equipment, and you want your refrigerated food to be safe to eat.

Power outages have been increasing due to extreme weather events, plus more people staying home — sometimes causing an overload in energy demands. Being able to cope with unexpected power outages is crucial to your family’s comfort, well-being and safety.

How to be ready for power outages

You may think you’re ready for an outage because you’ve got plenty of flashlights and batteries. Maybe you even have a portable charger for your phone and electronic gadgets. But think about all the items powered by electricity in your home. Even if you have a gas stove, you need electricity to safely ignite it. You rely on your modem to provide internet and even phone connectivity. And the longer the outage lasts, the more you’ve got to worry about.

What your family really needs is safe, reliable backup power.

Choosing a generator for your home

When extreme weather events hit, you don’t want to be one of the many people running to the home improvement store to try to snag the last generator on the shelf. The truth is, you actually have two choices when it comes to generators — a portable model or an automatic standby generator. Either one can help you during an outage, so it’s a good idea to know the difference between the two.

Portable generators

Having a portable generator handy gives you an easy-to-use, low-cost option which offers you some peace of mind in case of a temporary outage. One benefit to portable generators is that they can be used for a variety of outdoor activities like camping and tailgating.

Portable generators supply enough power for a handful of individual products or systems in your home, like your refrigerator or lights. They are manually operated, which means you need to be home to get them started and keep them fueled throughout the power outage.

In addition, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, you need to be sure your portable generator is placed at least 20 feet away from your home outdoors, and not inside a garage or screened-in porch. Having a carbon monoxide detector in your home is a highly recommended safeguard.

When using a portable generator, make sure all the systems and appliances you’re backing up from your home are plugged in with properly rated extension cords that run from your home outdoors to the portable generator.

Companies like Kohler offer portable generators in a variety of sizes to meet your power demands. Most portable units run on gasoline, so be sure to keep extra fuel on hand.

Automatic standby generators

For a more permanent solution, you could choose to have an automatic standby generator permanently installed outside your home, similar to a central air conditioning unit. These generators can power everything in your home, and they run on propane or natural gas supplied from your home, with no refueling necessary.

One big advantage of an automatic standby generator is that you do not need to be present to start up and operate the system. When the power goes out, an automatic transfer switch shifts power from the main utility to your generator within seconds — whether you’re home or away.

A Kohler Home Generator delivers high-quality power to your home that won’t harm your sophisticated electronics. Larger units can supply enough power to keep your critical hard-wired systems running, including your HVAC, sump pumps, security systems and large appliances. These generators run quietly and come in a corrosion-resistant housing which prevents rusting. You can also use your smartphone or tablet for remote monitoring of the system.

Want to learn more about protecting your home from the next power outage? Visit KohlerPower.com.

2020-11-25T10:01:00

(BPT) – Welcoming a four-legged friend into your family is an exciting time for everyone, but puppies, kittens, dogs and cats can easily find themselves in serious trouble while exploring their new surroundings. It is important to remember that pets are naturally curious and explore their worlds with their mouths, so they will want to interact with or consume anything left out at their level. Because of this, your home is filled with potential risks, some obvious and others you might not expect. The good news is there are simple steps you can take to help keep your new pet safe.

Purina behavior scientist Dr. Ragen T.S. McGowan offers these timely tips to help pet-proof your home and give you peace of mind that it is a safe place for your dog or cat to live and thrive.

How to Keep Your New Pet Safe

1. Put away the toxins

Many common household items are toxic for pets. Cleaning supplies, detergent, bleach, fertilizer, pest or rodent bait traps and paint can all cause serious harm if ingested. McGowan says, “Make sure to always store toxic items in a place where your pet cannot access them, either in a locked cabinet or on high shelves out of their reach. Even if you are vigilant about keeping these items out of reach, sometimes accidents happen. It is good to have the number for the Animal Poison Control Center handy or even saved in your phone, just in case: (888) 426-4435.”

2. Secure small hardware

Pets are attracted to small items that they can mouth, chew or bat around in play. In the home, small hardware items — from buttons, pins, batteries and magnets, to nails, staples, tacks and paper clips — may look appealing to pets, but could cause serious cuts or even damage internal organs if swallowed. “Before your new friend comes home, do a sweep to ensure small hardware items, batteries and magnets are securely stored or kept out of reach,” shares McGowan. “This means getting down to their level and retrieving any items that may have fallen under or behind the furniture. Tacks, pins and magnets should also be moved up from low hanging bulletin boards or the front of the refrigerator, where they could attract the attention of cats, especially.”

3. Beware of food bags … and practice proper food storage

Almost every one of us is guilty of leaving a bag of chips or box of cereal open on the couch or kitchen table. This may seem harmless, but many food bags, including for pet food, are made from a strong material that helps keep food fresh. A curious pet can get stuck if it goes looking in the bag for leftover crumbs or an early dinner.

“Food packaging can be quite attractive to pets. Not only does it smell like food, but it makes a crinkling noise that pets associate with food, treats or play,” shares McGowan. “Make sure to store food or treat bags up high out of your pet’s reach, or inside cabinets or closets. We also recommend rolling the pet food bag closed and storing the entire item in a resealable hard container, so you can keep the label information handy,” advises McGowan. “A pet of any age, size or strength can quickly find themselves in a troubling, and potentially heartbreaking, situation when left unattended with a food bag. By using resealable containers, you limit the risk — and, as a bonus, your food will remain fresh.” Similarly, remember to cut empty bags along the entire top, bottom and down at least one side before disposal, in case your curious pet rummages through the trash.

4. Conceal electronics

Electronics are ubiquitous in most homes, but the many wires and cords they come with can look like a fun toy to your pet. To keep your pet from chewing them or getting tangled, bundle loose cords behind furniture and store extra chargers and cables in a place that cannot be reached or opened with a paw or nose. For cords that must remain visible, McGowan suggests camouflaging them with cable-coverings or tape, so they are less attractive to your pet. “It is also a good practice to store remote controls and video game controllers in a bin or a drawer where your pet does not have access to them,” she adds. “These items often smell like food or lotions from our fingers which can attract pets to chew on them, but their electrical components and batteries are harmful if consumed.”

5. Keep dangerous ingredients out of reach

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are making more meals at home, including experimenting with new recipes. It’s important to remember that some common ingredients can be harmful to your pets. “Before you make your grocery list, review recipes against a list of ingredients that could be toxic for dogs and cats,” counsels McGowan. “Chocolate is well known, but you’ll also want to avoid grapes, raisins and certain spices. Xylitol, a sugar alternative found in everything from cake mixes to yogurt, peanut butter and chewing gum, is another toxic ingredient.” Best practice is to keep all food and ingredients stored in cupboards, pantries, drawers or on high shelves out of reach of your pet.

We all want to make the most of life with our new furry companions, and by following the above tips, we can do so safely. We also encourage you to have your veterinarian’s contact information easily accessible, so you are ready in case of trouble.

As you prepare to start life with your new pet on the right paw, you can read more tips from McGowan and other Purina experts at www.purina.com/articles.

2020-11-25T09:19:00

(BPT) – Are you ready for the holidays? Searching for the perfect gifts for friends and family can be fun and exciting, but it can also be stressful. Especially when money is tight, it’s a challenge to shop for just the right gifts for your loved ones and BFFs. But with a bit of planning, holiday shopping can be just as fun as ever — without clearing out your bank account or piling on credit card debt.

Smart holiday shopping starts with a clear strategy — so get out your tablet or notebook and get started ASAP.

1. Create a budget

Knowing your realistic gift-giving budget can save you headaches down the road. Consider your monthly income and your usual expenses when figuring out how much you can realistically spend on your friends and fam this year.

2. Make a list and check it twice

Your budget got you worried? Consider who you really need and want to shop for — and what they really want.

Maybe your mom would prefer an hour’s worth of Facetime with you so you can chat while you do a craft or your nails together, instead of another knickknack or tchotchke for her dresser. Perhaps your dad would really love a coupon book for doing some yardwork for him, instead of a tie. Think about homemade or handcrafted items your loved ones might really enjoy instead of something you need to buy.

3. Use a smart budgeting app

Want to take advantage of a Cyber Monday deal, but worried about blowing your budget? You can buy now and pay later — with no interest — using a smart budgeting app.

The payments will be automatically charged to the account you provide. And if you’re shopping in-store, touch and go with the app for safer, contactless shopping.

The best news? There’s no hard credit check or impact on your credit score. It’s a stress-free way to handle bigger-ticket items you want for your special someone — but need to spread out payments over time to manage your finances smartly.

Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play — or visit Quadpay.com to learn more.

4. Keep an eye on the sales

Yes, you can use the Quadpay app to catch the best deals on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. But if you don’t snag the items at the top of your list by then, holiday sales are still likely to show up over the next few weeks. Retailers are pulling out all the stops to entice consumers this year, so keep your eye on prices for items you want both during and after the big name sales days.

Research online for a sense of what regular prices are for these items, so you’ll know a bargain when you see one. Keep a running list, and search online and in-store options where the same or similar products might be available for less.

And don’t panic if a website claims there’s only two left — chances are that’s just a sales tactic to get you to buy now.

5. Shop early

While you may not have seen the perfect deal on that one special item, don’t wait until the last minute to finish your shopping. Most retailers offer free shipping with any purchase, or purchases over a certain amount. If you wait too late, you can run into trouble — you don’t want to have to pay extra for expedited shipping just because the gifts you ordered can’t arrive on time. Avoid shipping fees by giving your loved ones gifts cards if you find the calendar slipping away from you!

Take the time now to plan your strategy. With these tips, you can shop smartly for a much less stressful, much merrier holiday season.

2020-11-25T13:47:00

(BPT) – When checking your holiday list, you’re searching for gifts that inspire joy and delight, and electronic items often fit that description. But what if that gift also happens to have a positive impact on the recipient’s life and the world at large? In these difficult times, many of us have a greater appreciation for the things that protect the health of the planet for everyone.

Whether you’re shopping for a shiny new appliance or gadgets to make someone’s life easier during quarantine, here’s how your gift can do a world of good: Look for products that have earned the ENERGY STAR label. These are independently certified to use less energy than standard products, which means energy bill savings and a cleaner environment.

To inspire you, here are a few holiday shopping list ideas:

Cool savings on the hottest electronic devices: Did you know the average household owns 24 consumer electronics products? The more you invest in items designed to save energy, the more the savings will rack up. That’s especially important now, as families use multiple electronics for work and school. For catching up on favorite shows during times of social distancing, tablets use four times less energy than streaming to a laptop and 15 times less than a desktop computer. An energy-efficient sound bar offers a sleek solution to achieving that rich stereo effect, but uses 70% less energy than a conventional model.

A smarter solution to save heating costs: Now that more people are spending time at home, they’re spending less on dining and gasoline. However, home energy costs have definitely skyrocketed. Smart thermostats take the guesswork out of maximizing energy efficiency, and choosing an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat means savings you can trust. Were everyone to make the switch, we’d save 56 trillion BTUs of energy and $740 million a year, offsetting 13 billion pounds of annual greenhouse gas emissions.

Appliances with noticeable cost savings: Even when the purchase price is nice, don’t overlook this hidden cost of owning appliances: The cost of operating the product. So, if you’re eyeing a new washer dryer set as the perfect holiday gift, make sure it’s energy efficient. You’ll feel good helping your loved one realize more than 20% savings on their electric bill while using one-third less water compared to the standard models.

A bright idea for stocking stuffers: Here’s a small gift that can light up their lives and save some serious bucks. A single energy-efficient light bulb can save more than $50 in electricity costs over its lifetime. If each American home replaced just a single bulb to one that earned the ENERGY STAR certification, we’d prevent more than 7 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.

Now that you know how ENERGY STAR-certified appliances and devices can do a world of good, for the recipient as well as our planet, be sure and check out the handy gift guide by visiting energystar.gov/holiday.

2020-11-25T10:15:01

(BPT) –