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How to choose a safe, healthy senior living community

2020-12-02T14:01:00

(BPT) – It’s understandable for anyone seeking a retirement community to have concerns about health and safety right now. Today’s unprecedented situation leaves many wondering — is it safe to live in a retirement community during a pandemic?

The good news is, many Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are taking extraordinary precautions to keep residents healthy, following up-to-date recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), plus local and state authorities.

Recently retired couple Stuart and Anita Smith examined the measures being taken at The Spires at Berry College — a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Rome, Georgia — before making their decision to move in. Because Stuart is a retired physician, he looked closely at their health and safety protocols. He was happy to learn that they followed recommended CDC guidelines stringently, prioritizing the well-being of their residents.

“The community was up front with us about how they were handling it — using masks, a lot of cleaning, safe dining procedures,” explained Stuart. “I think they’ve done everything really well, including daily temperature checks and not letting people bring guests or family members to visit now. I’m very confident in their health and safety protocols.”

If you or a loved one are considering a senior living community, here are important safeguards to look for.

  • Mandatory social distancing in public areas — CDC officials and public health experts agree: Keeping people a minimum of six feet apart helps prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • Mandatory facial coverings required in public areas — Face masks have been shown to reduce the spread of the virus, protecting both mask-wearer and anyone near that person from excessive exposure to airborne particles.
  • Mandatory regular COVID-19 testing for all team members, and testing for residents — Testing ensures that any infections are quickly identified so staff or residents who test positive can quarantine.

  • Required temperature and oxygen level checks for all residents, team members and guests — Elevated temperatures and decreased oxygen levels have been identified as common COVID-19 symptoms.

  • Proper hand washing encouraged throughout the day for residents, team members and guests — As with many viruses including colds and flu, frequent, thorough hand washing can reduce the spread of disease.

  • Frequent sanitizing of common areas throughout the day — The presence of the virus on surfaces can be reduced by regular disinfecting.

  • Virtual tours encouraged — To limit visitors to a community, providing virtual online tours is essential.

The Spires at Berry College follows all of these procedures to help keep all residents, staff and visitors safe. The community is also in constant contact with affiliated CCRCs nationwide to share information about improving procedures as more is learned about what works best to successfully reduce risk of illness.

Social and emotional well-being

One of the greatest challenges to retirement communities during this difficult time is the emotional and social isolation many residents are feeling. Look for locations that have amenities such as outdoor areas with walking trails, and have access to digital devices like tablets to stay in touch with friends and family.

The Smiths agree that while they’ve had to remain apart from family right now, they’re still able to socialize to some degree. “We are so comfortable and enjoying the relationships we’re forming,” said Anita. “Two couples can do ‘socially distanced’ dining together, calling back and forth across the dining room. People are finding safe ways to communicate and socialize.”

“And I’m a lot more physically fit than when I came here,” adds Stuart. “We do a lot of walking.”

Safety and comfort at a CCRC

Unlike at home, where outside factors offer unknown risks, residents and families can rest easy knowing there is a team dedicated to keeping them safe and well. Contact is minimized, and there are few reasons to leave the community. For example, doctor visits are conducted on site, so there is no risk of infection sitting in waiting rooms, and groceries or medications are delivered straight to residences.

Exploring a move to a retirement community? Learn more at www.RetireAtBerry.com or call 706-784-7644.


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Top things homeowners forget when prepping their home for winter

2020-12-02T11:01:00

(BPT) – In the winter, keeping the cold out and the heat in is everything. For many busy homeowners, it can be easy to overlook a few simple preventive maintenance tasks before cold weather sets in. Doing so can reduce the risk of home damage and help maximize energy efficiency. So before frigid temperatures are here for good, you can use this list to make sure your house is shipshape.

Check for exterior gaps and cracks

Take a walk around the exterior of your home. Get up close and inspect the windows, the siding and the doorways to check for cracks or gaps that need fixing and caulking. Plugging the gaps and making necessary repairs can help you keep the cold out. Because the freeze-thaw cycle can exacerbate these gaps, you’ll want to get ahead of that damaging cycle and fix these today.

Check your attic insulation

Heat rises, and the layers of insulation are an important barrier between you and the cold. The more the insulation settles, the less effective it is. So if it’s been a few years, take a peek at the upstairs crawl space. If it’s sunken below the floor joists, it may be time to replace it. While you’re up there, take a flashlight and check the roof and joists for signs of leaks, rot and popped nails.

Give your heating system a checkup

Before the first snowfall, it’s always wise to contact your HVAC technician for a heating system checkup. They can give it a tune up, check for problems — and if it’s getting up there in years, can tell you if it’s time to invest in a replacement. If you’re ready to upgrade your system, ask your HVAC provider about technologies like LGRED° (reliable to extreme degrees). This new heat technology from LG Electronics delivers superior heating performance, continuous heating operations down to -13°F and remarkable energy efficiency — ultimately helping your family stay comfortably warm during even the coldest winter day.

Clean out the gutters

Leaf debris in your gutters today can lead to roof and gutter damage tomorrow. But when the snow thaws, these leaves can move downstream, and end up plugging up your downspouts. A big sign of this is hanging icicles from the roof. These form when you don’t leave a clear path for the snowmelt, and that creates a dangerous situation when they fall. Plugged up gutters can also leave ice dams on your roof, which can cause leaky ceilings.

Have a smart winter window strategy

In colder months, your windows can help or hurt the cause of conserving energy. If window replacement isn’t in the cards this year, the next best thing is to winterize. In drafty areas, use window caulk and plastic sheeting. Remember, the sun’s lower angle can be an advantage this time of year; use it. By day, open the blinds and drapes so the thermal effect provides a bit of “free” heat, but keep them closed at night to keep the chill from creeping in.

By catching these small issues early, you’ll feel good knowing your house is ready for the snow, ice and cold. Before winter is here to stay, ask your HVAC provider about the latest technology and ENERGY STAR certified products from leading brands like LG. To learn more, visit lghvac.com.


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Important home health tips for people with high blood pressure

2020-12-02T05:01:00

(BPT) – Do you or a loved one have high blood pressure? When you have hypertension it’s important to be proactive about your health. However, many people with high blood pressure don’t have easy access to health care. This situation is made even more complex with the growing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

High blood pressure is particularly concerning for the Black community who are disproportionately impacted by the disease. In fact, according to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Black Americans aged 35-64 years are 50% more likely to have high blood pressure than Caucasians and those of Hispanic descent.

TYLENOL® is offering the following tips and considerations to help you manage high blood pressure at home during COVID-19 and beyond. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

1. Consider which pain medications may be more appropriate if you have hypertension

One in two U.S. adults is hypertensive, according to the American College of Cardiology. Yet 82% of patients surveyed by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc in 2017 with high blood pressure were unaware that NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and aspirin, can interfere with their high blood pressure medication. If you or someone you care for has high blood pressure, talk to a pharmacist or other health care professional with any questions you have about what OTC pain reliever may be right for you. The American Heart Association® recommends avoiding NSAIDs for over-the-counter pain relief because they may further elevate blood pressure, and choosing an alternative therapy, such as acetaminophen.

TYLENOL® contains acetaminophen and may be appropriate for patients who are concerned about the effects that NSAIDs can have on blood pressure. TYLENOL® won’t increase your blood pressure nor interfere with certain blood pressure medications the ways NSAIDs sometimes can. Unlike some NSAIDs, there is no warning on the TYLENOL® over-the-counter drug facts label to ask a doctor before use if you have high blood pressure. Learn more at www.tylenol.com.

2. Explore healthy eating and cooking opportunities

Spending more time at home can have many benefits, especially when it comes to what you eat. Rather than being on-the-go and feeling rushed to grab whatever is available to eat, the gift of time lets you take a step back and look at what you’re putting in your body. Stock your fridge and cabinets with heart-healthy foods — such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains — to encourage everyone to eat well.

Additionally, with ample time you can try new recipes using healthy foods and consider meal and snack planning to keep your eating on track. You also can explore new cooking methods such as steaming, sautéing or using a convection oven. If you have a spouse, partner or kids, consider making this a group effort to try a new healthy recipe together. You might be surprised how tasty low-sodium, heart-healthy cooking can be!

3. Find new ways to exercise at home

For many people, the pandemic disrupted exercise routines. Health clubs and sports fields are closed or at limited capacity, and group fitness classes are difficult considering social distancing best practices. Many people have stopped the things they loved to do to stay safe, but it’s important to adopt new healthy habits in the meantime.

Getting 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise daily is ideal. This could be something as simple as taking a morning walk around the block to get the day going, or finding free at-home fitness classes online or through streaming TV services. Go with another person in your household to keep you accountable. It’s important to find an exercise routine that works for you, and stick with it, to benefit your heart health. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting or changing any exercise regimen.

4. Adopt clean habits to protect everyone

In addition to COVID-19 concerns, it’s now cold and flu season, which means a host of other viral illnesses will be circulating. Make sure you’re washing your hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer when you leave the house and wear a mask in public. When you return home, wash hands immediately upon entry.

5. Keep track of your health numbers

It’s especially important for individuals with hypertension to keep track of key health numbers, including blood pressure, cholesterol and weight, which provide vital information about your health. These are easy metrics to track from home using simple tools, such as a blood pressure monitor or scale, so you can take your heart health into your own hands.

TYLENOL® is partnering with several local affiliates of the National Urban League to provide resources needed and safety education to communities with an increased prevalence of hypertension. You can also visit the American Heart Association to learn more about how to monitor these health metrics based on your individual health needs.

Staying healthy is important for everyone during the pandemic, especially communities disproportionately impacted by high blood pressure. For more information, go to www.tylenol.com.

All third-party trademarks used herein are registered trademarks of their respective owners.

© J&JCI 2020


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Safer travel: 6 reasons to consider ski vacations and snow getaways

2020-12-02T10:43:00

(BPT) – Perhaps there’s no better place to experience the majesty of winter than on a mountain surrounded by the stunning beauty of Mother Nature. Whether you’re seeking some fresh powder to ski or snowboard, prefer to snowshoe or go cross-country amid the evergreens, or simply like cozying up by a fire overlooking the incredible atmosphere, the season is showcased in stunning ways during a snow getaway.

Throughout the summer and fall, most travelers opted for outdoorsy escapes and getaways to nearby beaches where they could comfortably socially distance while enjoying some R&R. As the seasons change and people continue to look for safe ways to vacation, a ski trip might be the perfect solution, as outdoor activities make it easier to stay 6 feet away, making health and safety a priority on the slopes.

Here are a few reasons your winter vacation plans should include a trip to the mountains:

Easy to socially distance

Ski vacations are always popular, but the fact that you can be outdoors and easily social distance from anyone not in your travel party makes it an even better choice for a getaway during COVID-19 times. What’s more, when everyone wears masks and safety is being taken very seriously by resort owners, you can feel even better about health precautions during travel.

Health and safety for guests

Hotels and resorts are making their health and safety measures more robust and transparent than ever. Since May, more than 300,000 properties have added health and cleanliness information to Expedia.com, including measures like contactless check-in, mask requirements, enhanced sanitization and more. You can even see how guests have rated the property’s cleanliness right on the property’s info page, so you can quickly compare how your top choices stack up.

Fewer crowds in open spaces

Ski resorts are altering the way they sell tickets so there will be fewer people on the hills. This year, there will be fewer crowds on the mountain because of the limited capacity. This provides peace of mind from a health perspective, but it also means you should book your accommodation early and make sure to reserve your pass now, because once a day’s sales are at max, you won’t be able to get a ticket.

Refundable fares are cheaper than ever

Flexibility is incredibly important during these uncertain times with rapidly changing travel restrictions. Luckily, booking a refundable rate doesn’t come at a premium; Expedia’s 2021 Trends Report revealed that refundable rates were 20% cheaper this year than in 2019. Use the site’s “free cancellation” or “book now, pay later” search filters to find flexible stays that will let you change your plans should anything come up.

A stay for every taste

Most ski destinations have an array of different accommodation options, from luxury, 5-star hotels with award-winning spas, to quiet, cozy cabins underneath the snow-laden trees, and everything in between. Depending on your budget, what type of amenities you want, and the space you need, you can usually find something that fits the bill and isn’t far from the slopes. This makes ski and snow getaways appealing whether you’re traveling with kids for an extended stay or making it a romantic weekend.

Your safety is the priority

Mountain resorts are eager to welcome back tourists, but in order to stay open and keep people safe, you can expect to see health efforts enforced both on and off the mountain. Be courteous and follow all safety requirements such as wearing a mask, staying home if you feel unwell, staying 6 feet apart from other guests, only riding with the people you’re traveling with/staying with and sanitizing often. Plus, many resorts and businesses will be going cashless as an extra precaution, so be sure to bring credit cards and digital payment options.

Now that you’re feeling properly inspired, the only thing left to do is start planning. Check out this list of top ski packages and trip ideas here.


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Destination weddings: How to plan your dream celebration in uncertain times

2020-12-02T13:01:01

(BPT) – Something old, something new, masks for guests and hand sanitizer, too — weddings during COVID-19 look different than those in the past. However, love is leading the way as couples are making thoughtful adjustments to their ceremonies to reflect their personalities and commitment to each other while prioritizing health and safety.

“Expect the unexpected is a phrase wedding planners have shared with couples for decades, and the global pandemic is certainly having an impact on matrimony traditions,” says Jonalee DeNoble, associate director of meetings and events at Destination Kohler. “Although the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way weddings are typically planned and performed, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a dream wedding in a memorable location.”

Jonalee offers expert insights for planning a wedding during the pandemic and the top wedding trends that smart brides and grooms are embracing:

Smaller groups provide intimacy enjoyed by all

Having hundreds of people gather for a wedding or reception simply isn’t possible right now. Don’t sweat the change and instead embrace the intimacy that only smaller celebrations can provide. This might be a few dozen of your closest friends and family or something as simple as the bride and groom and their parents. There is a beauty in smaller ceremonies that truly reflects the unconditional love a couple has for each other. When planning, remember group gathering restrictions vary by state and can change at any time, so be sure to plan accordingly and be conservative in your numbers.

Road trips rule for local destination weddings

Jetting to a tropical country or international destination for a wedding is not currently a great option, however, you can still enjoy a dream destination wedding in a picturesque setting when you explore options within driving distance. For example, Kohler, Wisconsin, is the premier wedding destination for people in the Midwest, with the new Straits Chapel at Destination Kohler that’s an intimate location surrounded by the beauty and serenity of nature. The picturesque setting of Straits Chapel, complemented by its modern design and proximity to Whistling Straits golf course, will captivate guests looking to celebrate as well as seeking a place for tranquility.

Nature-based settings are stunning and spacious

Opting for celebrations in nature over urban settings helps guests feel more comfortable knowing there is ample space for safety and social distancing. For example, Straits Chapel is nestled in the woods on the edge of bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, which provides stunning views with plenty of access to the outdoors. When planning a wedding, consider if you want an indoor or outdoor ceremony, and how the natural benefits of parks, gardens and other nature-based destinations can enhance your wedding aesthetically while also providing a safer setting for everyone who attends your special day.

Streaming ceremonies and celebrations online

So many people are working and attending school online, it’s no surprise that the wedding ceremony has gone digital, too. Knowing celebrations will likely be smaller, this is a wonderful way to make people feel included even if they can’t attend in person. Research platforms and streaming options, as many have pros and cons, and choose the best one for your needs. Then on the big day you can broadcast the ceremony and celebration to loved ones who want to watch as you say “I do” and share your first moments as a married couple.

Request contactless accommodations

For guests who are attending the ceremony in person and need a place to stay overnight, research the safest and most convenient options so they can choose which they are most comfortable with. Many hotels have upgraded cleaning routines and offer contactless accommodations for a safer experience. Guests at Destination Kohler might consider the new Lake and Pond cabins with upscale features in a beautiful location that is very secluded from other guests. Reach out and get the details on different options to make it easy for guests to feel comfortable with their stay.

“COVID-19 has forced us to go back to the drawing board and create unique and luxury experiences while keeping everyone safe,” says DeNoble. “With great thought and our proactive measures, you can have a dream wedding with memories to last a lifetime.”


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Your Recipe for Baking Feel-Good Treats This Holiday Season

2020-12-01T17:01:01

(BPT) – ‘Tis the season for warming up our homes with delicious baked goods and showing gratitude for those around us. Whether you celebrate the moment with new recipes featuring seasonal ingredients or tried-and-true family favorites, consider these tips for making feel-good treats.

  1. Discover ingredients that do double-duty. Try ingredients that do more than just add flavor to your recipe. Foods like prunes contain natural elements which help heighten the flavors of other ingredients while adding moisture to your baked goods. Adding prunes or dates can add moisture and texture to your baked goods while also adding a touch of natural sweetness too.
  2. Sweet loves savory. This spring we spent time perfecting our favorite sourdough, focaccia and pizza dough recipes. Put those skills to good use by satisfying your savory taste buds in a traditionally sweet season. Pairing savory flavors like cheese and thyme with sweet flavors like dried cherries in a delicious pull-apart bread gives taste buds a multi-sensory experience.
  3. Make smart substitutions. Next time you are looking to make a delicious, yet nutritious, baked good, consider swapping out the butter and oils for prune puree to reduce calories and enhance flavors. For one stick of butter, you can substitute a half cup of prune puree and a half stick of butter. You can also substitute prune puree for added sugar in a 1:1 ratio in baked goods.
  4. Bake it forward. In a year unlike any other, baked goods are a way to express gratitude and emotion for those around you. Sharing wholesome goodies is a great way to let someone know how much they mean to you. Consider baking up a batch of your favorite treats and delivering them — safely — to friends, family and neighbors!

Need a little inspiration to get started? From Pecan and Date Bars to Prune Cinnamon Swirl Bread, find your new go-to holiday baked good recipe at www.sunsweet.com.


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The Ultimate Holiday Brunch Board [Infographic]

2020-12-01T10:31:01

(BPT) – While the holidays are looking a little different this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the festive season. This year, Pretzel Crisps® is helping you rethink your holiday gatherings with a unique and of course crunchy Holiday Brunch Board featuring your favorite Pretzel Crisps® flavors and brunch menu must-haves!


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Celebrate Smart: 5 ways to upgrade your home tech for the holidays

2020-12-01T11:39:43

(BPT) – This holiday, people around the world are getting ready for a season that looks dramatically different from past years. As millions decide to stay home, the desire to make the most out of the holiday festivities is driving people to find more creative, convenient, and memorable ways to enjoy the season and eliminate unnecessary stress.

Whether you’re relaxing at home or celebrating with family, a smart home can help take care of daily tasks around the house, giving you more time to enjoy the things that matter most. Not only can smart home products enhance the holiday ambiance, but they can also simplify daily tasks and help you keep your home and family safe. These affordable devices provide the perfect blend of good cheer and peace of mind that are exactly the combination in high demand this year.

Here are five ways smart home devices can take the stress out of the season and help you enjoy a safe, relaxing holiday.

1. Automate holiday lights with smart plugs

Using an automatic timer for holiday lights is nothing new, but smart plugs take convenience to the next level. They’re easy to setup and, unlike fussy old-school timers, give you greater control. With smart plugs, you can simply use your smartphone to turn on holiday lights right from the couch, without kneeling behind a tree to plug in a power cord or stepping out in the cold to turn on lights or inflatable decorations in your yard.

2. Upgrade to a Smart Christmas tree

If finding, transporting, and composting a live tree is too much hassle this year, consider upgrading to an artificial tree with smart lights built in. A smart Christmas tree comes with lights pre-installed and, using your smartphone or Amazon Alexa, you can easily select the lighting color, turn lights on or off, or schedule the lights to turn on at a certain time each night. Many smart Christmas trees even let you change lighting modes with a simple voice command like “set Christmas tree to blue,” or “set Christmas tree to sparkle” to create a flawless festive mood.

3. Keep track of comings and goings with smart security cameras

For the holidays and beyond, one of the best investments you can make is a smart home security camera. As online shopping for everything from holiday presents to daily household essentials continues to increase, having a smart home security camera can alert you when your purchases arrive and help keep them safe.

Popular smart home security cameras like Blink Outdoor are wireless, weather-resistant, and offer up to two years of battery life, making them easy and convenient to install anywhere around your home. For indoor settings, Blink Indoor security cameras can help you check in on your home day or night with motion alerts and infrared night vision.

The full range of features are detailed at www.amazon.com/blink, but their cameras also provide two-way audio and live video, so you can check in on your family, accept deliveries, and greet visitors remotely. Not only does this help encourage social distancing, it also means you stay cozy with fewer trips to the front door.

4. Protect against winter hazards with smart alarms

Upgrading to smart alarms is another top strategy for staying safe during the winter. You might not associate fires with winter, but house fires are actually more prevalent with the increased use of fireplaces and heaters. Smart smoke alarms alert you to problems even when you’re not at home, ensuring you get help as soon as possible.

Winter also means keeping your home sealed up tight. While this saves energy and keeps you warm, it also increases the risk of carbon monoxide build-up. Smart CO detectors give you up-to-the-moment information about the air quality in your home, allowing you to breathe easy.

5. Sink into a holiday soundscape with smart speakers

Finally, smart speakers are the best choice for immersing yourself in the sounds of the holidays. People are missing the cheerful carols and soaring classical music that normally fills the air when you’re out and about this time of year. Capture that feeling with smart speakers. Use them to sync your music throughout your home, and transform it into a winter wonderland in no time.

While this winter will certainly be different, smart home devices can help encourage holiday cheer while keeping everyone safe and sound. From security cameras to dazzling lights, there’s a smart solution out there that can make your holidays even brighter.


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Survey: Americans don’t follow through on crucial annual eye exams

2020-11-30T23:01:00

(BPT) – If you’ve fallen behind in scheduling and keeping your regular eye exams, you’re not alone. In fact, eye health is not an important enough priority for most people, according to a recent study by Johnson & Johnson Vision.

That’s a problem, since annual eye exams are the single most crucial step you can take to effectively protect your eyes. Alarmingly, the global survey reveals that 80% of people see eye exams as important for their overall health, yet only 46% actually get their recommended eye exam each year. Further, many can’t give a reason for that lack of action.

“It’s worrisome that so many people understand the importance of annual eye exams, but don’t make them happen,” notes Dr. Carol Alexander, head of North America Vision Care professional relations for Johnson & Johnson Vision. “We need to find ways to help people push past the obstacles that keep them from taking good care of their eye health, which is a key to their quality of life.”

You may want to be aware of these other eye care facts revealed by the survey.

People are misinformed about the need for check-ups

Myths prevent some people from moving forward with eye exams. For example, 32% of respondents say they haven’t scheduled an appointment because their vision hasn’t changed in the past year. In total, 47% think they can prevent their own eyesight from deteriorating, while 46% think vision loss is a normal part of aging or a process over which they have no control. Another problem? Twenty-five percent consider their eye health less important than their other health concerns.

The truth is, a single eye exam can help identify a wide span of life-altering conditions, and the information gained can help preserve and protect your vision. Many people don’t realize a comprehensive eye exam can also help detect some 270 different medical conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, or even cancer.

People underestimate the impact of clear eyesight

Our ability to see (or lack thereof) has a profound effect on our lives. However, 61% of survey respondents don’t realize clear vision is key to learning and comprehension, and 75% don’t realize it’s critical for healthy development in children.

People are deterred by the pandemic

While COVID-19 has drawn attention to the importance of overall health and well-being, not everyone feels comfortable going in for routine doctor visits right now. You may be among the 16% of respondents who have been reluctant or unable to attend eye exams due to factors related to COVID-19.

That’s understandable; however, routine medical care is still necessary. About half of survey respondents look to their doctors or personal care providers to inform them of the importance of their eye health, but only 27% report that their providers have spoken to them about the link between their eyes and other illnesses.

Clearly, people across the world under-prioritize the importance of eye health. That’s why Johnson & Johnson Vision launched Prioritize Your Eyes, a worldwide effort to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and encourage everyone to take the single most important step in eye health – get an eye exam. You can find an eye care professional for your next comprehensive eye exam at JJVision.com.


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Oral steroids for asthma: An unequal risk

2020-11-30T23:01:00

(BPT) – More than 25 million Americans live with asthma, but people across the country are affected differently. For example, people from Black and Hispanic communities are more likely to visit the hospital due to asthma symptoms and less likely to discuss an asthma action plan with their doctor. These hospital visits mean asthma may be uncontrolled for many people in these communities. And when asthma is uncontrolled, oral corticosteroids (OCS) are often used to manage flare-ups.

OCS, like prednisone or dexamethasone, are important fast-acting medicines that are often used to treat flare-ups by quickly reducing swelling in the airways that happen during an asthma attack. These common medicines, which are given as pills, are critical for people living with asthma.

However, OCS use also has serious short- and long-term health risks such as high blood sugar, bone thinning or infections. Because of this, they should only be used for daily control of asthma as a last resort. In fact, requiring OCS more than twice a year can be a sign that the condition is uncontrolled and that a new asthma management plan is needed. Steroids can also be given by an IV drip or an injection in the hospital. If someone is treated with steroids this way, they should let their other doctors know.

“Oral corticosteroids for the control of asthma symptoms and exacerbations have been a mainstay of treatment for over four decades, but carry serious health risks if overused,” said Eugene Bleecker, MD, Co-Chief, Division of Genetics, Genomics and Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona Health Sciences. “Across the country we have seen oral steroids be overused, with many people who suffer from asthma receiving more than two bursts per year. Unfortunately, this has been especially true for lower-income communities.”

People living with asthma can avoid unnecessary exposure to OCS by remembering the “Rules of Two” before their next doctor visit. Asthma may be uncontrolled if they’ve:

  1. Had more than two courses — or bursts — of OCS in a one-year period
  2. Used a quick-relief or rescue inhaler more than two times per week other than before exercise
  3. Refilled a quick-relief or rescue inhaler more than two times a year
  4. Woke at night with asthma symptoms more than two times per month

OCS Overexposed: Thinking Beyond the Burst is a collaborative, national education campaign to reinforce the importance of appropriate OCS use and reveal OCS overuse for what it often is — a treatment plan failure. Investigate more at www.OCSOverexposed.com.