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Remote Control: Finding Your Optimal Work-Life Balance in 2021

2021-02-26T09:01:00

(BPT) – By Jeannie Finkel, Cetera Financial Group

Before the pandemic, many industries resisted the idea that work could be done primarily from home. They hadn’t fully suited up for extensive remote work. That left many scrambling last spring, and employees had to quickly figure out how to stay connected, collaborate with co-workers and show they could be productive despite working from the kitchen table or spare bedroom. This put a strain on both employers and employees alike as they struggled to adapt to a new normal.

One year later, many challenges remain, but a much greater number of companies and workers have found their stride in the remote workplace.

We at Cetera have learned a thing or two about how to help employees navigate these circumstances while continuing to do good work.

  • Leaders need to be honest about challenges and keep the lines of communication open. When we increased the frequency of our all-hands meetings and set aside part of the time for open discussion, participation hit an all-time high. Employees needed an outlet for their questions and to express their concerns.
  • Being flexible is crucial. There’s a need to adapt to the new rhythms of the workday, without working around the clock. If you’re a morning bird, you shouldn’t expect your colleague who works later in the day to respond quickly to the email you sent at 5:15 a.m. And she shouldn’t expect a quick response from you at 9:30 at night, knowing that is close to your bedtime.
  • Managers must encourage and enable self-care. It is important to acknowledge the mental health challenges employees face under these circumstances. Remind your reports to take breaks, just as they would if they were in the office. It’s OK to run errands mid-day or go for a walk on a beautiful day. That’s also a good reminder for managers like me, who don’t always model the best work-life balance.
  • Trust is the foundation. Most employees will do their job well without constant monitoring. Being clear about the expectations and building strong relationships are effective motivators for most employees and are the foundation of any accountability system.
  • Digital innovation is helpful, if used correctly. Technology is a lifeline for businesses to connect with their employees, but training and support are needed to ensure effective use of digital tools for collaboration and data tracking. Digital competencies are as important going forward as industry knowledge, and making best use of the technologies at our disposal can help us to be efficient and, ultimately, find greater work-life balance.
  • Hiring, recruiting and onboarding may never be the same. Now that remote work has become the norm, a job’s physical location may become less important as more candidates expect employers to accommodate a desired work environment. Nearly every “office” job will require digital proficiency and comfort with working remotely. Gauging those competencies in the recruitment process will help you find the right person for the role. Embracing remote work could even help companies broaden the pool of candidates, draw talent from other parts of the country and diversify their workforce.

By re-imagining the office — with more progressive work-from-home policies and employee well-being programs that support a better work-life balance — companies are more likely to find, and keep, employees that go the extra mile to deliver results.

We are still adapting our approach to remote work as we respond to employees’ feedback. And when our offices open up again, many of the lessons learned will continue to shape our policies and processes. It will take continued effort to provide the support and communicate the vision for what is likely to be a permanent hybrid work situation. To achieve the right work-life balance for our employees, managers and leadership will need additional training and must take time to unplug themselves.

The past year has certainly tested us, in good ways and bad. We will all need to stay resilient and continue to adapt to the new normal. One thing that won’t change in the year ahead is the need we all have for balance in our lives and the importance of self-care. Let’s get off to a good start and go for a walk today!

Jeanne Finkel is Chief Human Resources Officer for Cetera Financial Group in El Segundo, CA.

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Coping with health challenges: Three unique journeys with a rare disease

2021-02-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – Anyone who suffers from health challenges knows how difficult it can be — not only physically, but also emotionally. For those coping with rare disorders, navigating life can be even more challenging.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare, often life-altering disease caused by inflammation in the central nervous system characterized by immune-mediated damage to the optic nerve, brain stem and spinal cord. It can manifest in a variety of ways — vision impairment or blindness, muscle weakness, paralysis, pain, fatigue — which can cause diagnostic delays and misdiagnosis for those with the condition. Prior to diagnosis, many individuals have never heard of NMOSD, leaving them wondering how this disease will impact their lives.

In recognition of NMOSD Awareness Month in March, three individuals living with NMOSD — Carla, Panga and Christine — aim to raise awareness of the disease by sharing how they learned about their diagnosis and found ways to cope as unique as their experiences.

Carla — More than a diagnosis

Carla, a P.E. teacher, first experienced a strange pain in her neck. Doctors thought it was a pinched nerve and prescribed pain medication, but a few days later the pain increased. She began having difficulty grasping items, finally feeling too weak to stand. The school nurse thought she may have suffered from a stroke.

“I was a healthy, active 35-year-old who ran 5ks,” Carla thought. “How could I have a stroke?”

Based on various tests, Carla was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). “For months I relied on either a wheelchair, walker or cane, depending on how weak I felt that day,” said Carla.

When her symptoms worsened while she was being treated for MS, Carla was referred to another neurologist who pursued further testing — a spinal tap and blood test — to understand why she saw no improvement on treatment. These tests showed the presence of aquaporin-4 antibodies, which are associated with NMOSD but not present in patients with MS.

After her NMOSD diagnosis, Carla started treatment for NMOSD, however, she experienced two more relapses and was hospitalized due to the severity of her symptoms, including pain in her back and temporary paralysis. Carla was then referred to a neurologist who specialized in NMOSD who helped her enroll in a clinical trial for the drug now approved as Uplizna® (inebilizumab-cdon).

“While my journey to a NMOSD diagnosis included many hurdles and meeting with various physicians — I am grateful it ended with my enrollment in the N-MOmentum clinical trial. Since starting the clinical trial, I haven’t had additional relapses,” said Carla. “I haven’t experienced side effects or infusion reactions from treatment. It’s important to remember, this is my experience only. Always talk with your doctor to determine the right treatment option for you.”

Carla stays active and positive. “Fear of relapsing no longer stops me from participating in my favorite activities, like spending time with family and running,” said Carla. “I know when to take breaks but feel strong enough to challenge myself — I even ran a 5k. If you were recently diagnosed with NMOSD, never doubt your own strength.”

Panga — Arming yourself with information

Panga, 65, noticed a pins-and-needles sensation in her feet while line dancing one evening in 2015. When her feet continued hurting, she went to the emergency room where she received pain medication. After she was discharged from the hospital, the pain continued to intensify despite medication, sending her back to the emergency room. Her care team in the ER provided a different course of treatment and sent Panga home with additional medication.

The next morning, Panga ended up falling to the floor when getting out of bed. The pain in her feet was so intense she was unable to stand. Panga was diagnosed with transverse myelitis (TM), an inflammation of the spinal cord.

Determined to not let this condition control her life, Panga conducted her own research on TM and similar types of disorders to learn how others cope. During her research, she came across a story from a patient that sounded incredibly similar to her initial symptoms, but this patient had a different diagnosis — NMOSD. Eager to learn more about this disease, Panga reached out to doctors with expertise in the field who ran additional tests. They discovered that her TM was a symptom of NMOSD. Panga’s doctor recommended that she enroll in the N-MOmentum clinical trial for Uplizna.

“Always remember that you are your own best advocate. I was committed to continuing my own research to ensure I was receiving the right treatment for my condition. My research and determination allowed me to receive the correct diagnosis and begin treatment on Uplizna. Although everyone responds to treatment differently, I’ve noticed the burning pain in my legs has lessened,” explained Panga. “I also do not need a wheelchair at all times. I can now walk short distances on my own and I can still do things I love like performing with my band.”

Panga’s determination to understand more about her symptoms led her to experts who knew about her condition to get her the help she needed and better assess her treatment options.

Christine — Strength in community

Christine, 33 at the time, started noticing a strange feeling in her leg and had trouble moving while on vacation with her family. She contacted a neurologist when she arrived home, but by the time an MRI was scheduled, her symptoms had worsened — there was gradual increased leg weakness and eventually the pain had extended throughout her body — Christine was paralyzed from the chest down.

Like Panga, a neurologist diagnosed Christine with TM. After five months and intense physical therapy she was able to walk again, but everyday tasks were still incredibly difficult and Christine and her care team wanted to understand why she was still experiencing pain despite treatment. After a year of medical tests, she was referred to a different neurologist who ordered a blood test which showed the presence of aquaporin-4 antibodies and Christine finally received her correct diagnosis — NMOSD.

“Because I was having continued attacks, which often resulted in sensation differences like sensitivity to extreme cold or heat in my legs, my doctor decided to enroll me in a clinical study for Uplizna,” said Christine. “Since starting Uplizna, I haven’t had additional attacks and I’m able to engage in activities I enjoy — like chasing after my dogs.”

Living with a rare disease can feel isolating; often people with NMOSD feel alone in the symptoms they experience. To combat this, Christine has found strength in support groups and organizations like Guthy-Jackson to connect with others.

“Finding support through advocacy groups and the NMOSD community made me realize I was not alone in this,” shared Christine. “I connected with others who experienced similar symptoms as me, as well as those experiencing different symptoms of NMOSD. I not only established a support system through these relationships, but also improved my understanding of NMOSD and how it impacts everyone differently.”

In honor of NMOSD Awareness Month, the stories of Carla, Panga and Christine highlight and celebrate the resiliency and determination of those living with this rare disease. By sharing their stories, these three women hope to shed light on this rare disease. Through education, fostering community and empowering individuals to advocate for their health, we can continue to help those living with NMOSD. For more information on NMOSD and Uplizna, visit: Uplizna.com, Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation, The Sumaira Foundation, Connor B. Judge Foundation and The Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association (SRNA).

What is NMOSD?

NMOSD is a rare, debilitating disease of the central nervous system that causes damage to the optic nerve, brain stem and spinal cord. Attacks may cause permanent muscle weakness, paralysis, pain and fatigue.[1] NMOSD varies greatly among patients, and attacks and disease severity are unpredictable.[2]

Some of the effects of NMOSD attacks include:

  • Visual impairment/blindness
  • Pain/spasms
  • Limb weakness
  • Sensory disturbance
  • Paralysis
  • Nausea/vomiting

Individuals with NMOSD often do not fully recover from attacks, and permanent disability may result from accumulating damage caused by these attacks.[1][3][4] Within three years, 69% of patients have severe vision loss in at least one eye. After about six years, as many as 18% of patients lose vision in both eyes and 34% may have a permanent motor disability.[5]

While the median age of disease onset is 40, it can impact anyone ages 3-81.[6] About 10,000-15,000 people in the U.S. have NMOSD.[7] While anyone can be affected by NMOSD, women may be nine times more likely to be impacted.[8]

For these three patients, going on treatment for NMOSD reduced their relapses, having a positive impact on their lives. Uplizna is the first and only B-cell depleter approved for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adult patients who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive.

Important Safety Information

What is Uplizna?

Uplizna is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive.

It is not known if Uplizna is safe or effective in children.

Who should not receive Uplizna?

You should not receive Uplizna if you have:

  • had a life-threatening infusion reaction to Uplizna.
  • an active hepatitis B virus infection.
  • active or untreated inactive (latent) tuberculosis.

Before receiving Uplizna, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have or think you have an infection.
  • have ever taken, currently take, or plan to take medicines that affect your immune system, or other treatments for NMOSD. These medicines may increase your risk of getting an infection.
  • have or have ever had hepatitis B or are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus.
  • have or have ever had tuberculosis.
  • have had a recent vaccination or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should receive any required vaccines at least 4 weeks before you start treatment with Uplizna.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Uplizna will harm your unborn baby. Females should use birth control (contraception) during treatment with Uplizna and for 6 months after your last infusion of Uplizna.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Uplizna passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive Uplizna.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What is the most important information I should know about Uplizna?

Uplizna may cause serious side effects, including:

Infusion reactions. Uplizna can cause infusion reactions that can be serious or may cause you to be hospitalized. You will be monitored during your infusion and for at least 1 hour after each infusion of Uplizna for signs and symptoms of an infusion reaction. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of these symptoms:

  • headache
  • sleepiness
  • fever
  • rash
  • nausea
  • shortness of breath
  • muscle aches

If you develop an infusion reaction, your healthcare provider may need to stop or slow down the rate of your infusion and treat your symptoms.

Infections. Infections can happen during treatment with Uplizna. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or get any of these symptoms:

  • painful and frequent urination
  • nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, fever, chills, cough, body aches
  • Uplizna taken before or after other medicines that weaken the immune system may increase your risk of getting infections.
  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation. Before starting treatment with Uplizna, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for hepatitis B viral infection. If you have ever had hepatitis B virus infection, the hepatitis B virus may become active again during or after treatment with Uplizna. Hepatitis B virus becoming active again (called reactivation) may cause serious liver problems, including liver failure or death. Your healthcare provider will monitor you if you are at risk for hepatitis B virus reactivation during treatment and after you stop receiving Uplizna.
  • Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML may happen with Uplizna. PML is a rare brain infection that leads to death or severe disability. Symptoms of PML may get worse over days to weeks. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of these symptoms:
    -weakness on one side of the body
    -changes in your vision
    -confusion
    -loss of coordination in your arms and legs
    -changes in thinking or memory
    -changes in your personality
  • Tuberculosis (TB). TB is caused by an infection in the lungs. Before starting treatment with Uplizna, your healthcare provider will check to see if you are at risk for getting TB or have ever had TB.
  • Vaccinations. Certain vaccines, called “live” or “live attenuated” vaccines, are not recommended in people receiving Uplizna. Talk to your healthcare provider before receiving any vaccinations. If you have a baby and you were receiving Uplizna during pregnancy, it is important to tell your baby’s healthcare provider about your Uplizna use so they can decide when your baby should receive any vaccine.

See “What are the possible side effects of Uplizna?” for more information about side effects.

How will I receive Uplizna?

  • Uplizna is given through a needle placed in a vein (IV or intravenous infusion) in your arm.
  • Before treatment with Uplizna, your healthcare provider will give you a corticosteroid medicine, an antihistamine, and a fever prevention medicine to help infusion reactions become less frequent and less severe. See “What is the most important information I should know about Uplizna?”
  • Your first dose of Uplizna will be given as 2 separate infusions, 2 weeks apart.
  • Your next doses of Uplizna will be given as one infusion every 6 months.
  • Each infusion will last about 1 hour and 30 minutes. After each infusion, you will be monitored by a healthcare provider for at least 1 hour.

What are the possible side effects of Uplizna?

Uplizna may cause serious side effects, including:

  • See “What is the most important information I should know about Uplizna?”
  • low blood cell counts. Uplizna may cause a decrease in some types of blood cells. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your blood cell counts.

The most common side effects include urinary tract infection and joint pain. These are not all the possible side effects of Uplizna.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more information and the full Prescribing Information, visit www.Uplizna.com.

[1] Guthy Jackson. What is NMO? Retrieved from https://guthyjacksonfoundation.org/neuromyelitis-optica-nmo/.

[2] Kunchok, Amy et al. Clinical and therapeutic predictors of disease outcomes in AQP4-IgG+ neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, Volume 38, 101868.

[3] Kimbrough DJ, et al. Treatment of neuromyelitis optica: review and recommendations. Mult Scler Relat Disord, 2012;1(4):180-187.

[4] Baranello RJ and Avasarala, JR. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders wit and without aquaporin 4 antibody: Characterization, differential diagnosis, and recent advances. J Neuro Ther. 2015, 1(1):9-14. 2.

[5] Kitley et al. Prognostic factors and disease course in aquaporin-4 antibody-positive patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder from the United Kingdom and Japan. Brain. 2012;135(pt 6):1834-1849.

[6] Mealy, M. A., Wingerchuk, D. M., Greenberg, B. M., & Levy, M. (2012). Epidemiology of Neuromyelitis Optica in the United States. Archives of Neurology, 69(9). doi: 10.1001/archneurol.2012.314.

[7] Flanagan EP, et al. Epidemiology of aquaporin-4 autoimmunity and neuromyelitis optica spectrum. Ann Neurol, 2016;79(5):775-783.

[8] Wingerchuk DM. Neuromyelitis optica: effect of gender. J Neurol Sci, 2009;286(1-2):18-23.


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Easy Fish Friday options for kids and adults

2021-02-26T06:31:00

(BPT) – Fish Friday is an important part of Lent, and if you honor this tradition, you’re probably looking to add something different to the menu. At the same time, you’re probably not looking forward to the extra effort of making something new.

Fortunately, there are simple ways to create wholesome Fish Friday meals and snacks for both kids and grownups, without extra time or work. Here’s how to do that:

Tip 1: Visit the freezer aisle

For Fish Friday, you don’t need a complex recipe or expensive fresh fish or seafood to make a splash! Stock up on frozen options and you’ll have plenty of easily prepared meals and snacks to last through Lent and beyond.

“At the end of a long week, it’s nice to have a tasty and convenient frozen seafood product on hand to make Fish Friday a stress-free meal,” says Rachael Hartley, a registered dietitian and nutritionist. “I love that SeaPak has created family-friendly options, like Shrimp Scampi and Popcorn Shrimp, to make it easy to meet the recommended 2-3 servings of seafood a week.”

Tip 2: Strike a balance

Even with seafood as the star of your Fish Friday meal, you’ll want to add sides and create a complete, balanced, nutritious dish. Hartley suggests adding potatoes, rice or grains, as well as steamed vegetables or a side salad. Save even more time by steaming your veggies in the microwave!

Tip 3: Create custom plates

Want to jazz up your Fish Friday entrees even more? Whip up some sauces and ingredients to create custom bowls. While one child might like a certain vegetable or sauce for their Coconut Cod, another might want another side or sauce entirely — and this doesn’t even account for the big kids: grownups! Use teriyaki, hoisin and other pre-packaged sauces as a shortcut.

Tip 4: Pack in the protein

To create satisfying meals and snacks that support each child’s growth and development, Hartley recommends including a solid source of protein. The good news is that even if one child wants Shrimp Sea Pals and the other wants Clam Strips, SeaPak frozen foods feature plenty of protein.

“With their playful shapes and great taste, Shrimp Sea Pals make it easy and fun to serve seafood to your family members, even those who may not always be open to new foods,” Hartley says. “As a dietitian, I love that they are made with whole grains.”

Want another kid-friendly Fish Friday idea? Try this simple recipe for Popcorn Shrimp Mac and Cheese:

Popcorn Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
4 Servings

Ingredients:

1 20-ounce package SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp
1 package macaroni and cheese
Milk and butter (if needed to prepare macaroni and cheese)
Shredded cheddar or cheese of your choice

Directions:

Prepare the popcorn shrimp and macaroni and cheese according to package instructions. Pour the macaroni into a serving dish, top it with hot shrimp, and serve the mac and cheese.

Optional preparation: Add finished macaroni to small baking ramekins, top with shredded cheese, and broil for two minutes. Top with hot shrimp and serve the popcorn shrimp mac and cheese.

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5 things to check off your health care list this year

2021-02-25T10:05:00

(BPT) – With everything going on in our lives, plus staying home more due to the pandemic, it may be easy to put off appointments for preventive screenings, check-ups and immunizations. But as you get older, these visits become even more important — and many of them come at no additional cost under your Medicare plan.

For example, did you know that Medicare covers an annual wellness visit at no extra cost to you? Flu and pneumonia vaccines are also fully covered.

And rest assured that, in light of the pandemic, clinics, doctor’s offices and pharmacies have health and safety protocols in place to help keep patients safe during their appointments.

Make it a priority to add the following appointments to your 2021 calendar. Your long-term health may thank you.

1. Annual wellness visit

There is no additional charge under Medicare for your wellness visit.

2. Vaccinations

A COVID-19 vaccine might be available in your area. These vaccines are an important step in slowing the spread of the disease.

For shingles, a vaccination is the best way to protect against the disease. Two doses are recommended for those 50 and older.

The flu shot usually becomes available in August. It’s important to receive your flu shot each year, particularly in a time of COVID-19.

Finally, a pneumococcal vaccine, which can help prevent pneumonia, is recommended for all adults 65 years and older. This can be paired with a flu shot.

3. Preventive screenings and specialists

Visits for heart health, diabetes and other chronic conditions may be crucial to your overall wellness. Connect with your doctor to find out which preventive screenings you may need, too. This might include a mammogram, a colonoscopy and more.

4. Dental exam

A dental exam is an important part of oral and overall health. The American Dental Association recommends two dental visits a year.

5. Eye exam

You should consider having an eye exam every year. Not only can it help with how well you can see, but it may also detect issues, like glaucoma.

If you need more help in deciding how to navigate these appointments, ask your doctor how to most efficiently and effectively schedule these visits. Checking off these items can help ensure that you stay as healthy as possible for all of the other to-dos on your calendar.

And to learn how UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans are set up to help you access to the care you need, visit UHCMedicareHealthPlans.com.

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How to fight climate change from your backyard

2021-02-25T23:01:00

(BPT) – Your backyard or local park is home to ballgames and barbecues with family and friends. But did you know that it is so much more? The trees, grass, plants and flowers in your yard, local parks and ballfields play an important role in fighting climate change.

The planet is growing warmer because there is too much carbon in the atmosphere, which acts as a blanket that traps greenhouse gases. Excess carbon is added to the atmosphere in all sorts of ways, but the easiest way to “sequester” the carbon (storing it in the ground) is through photosynthesis of trees, grasses and plants. So, the more plants, trees and grass you have around you, the more carbon is removed from the air, and the more oxygen is produced.

Also, a properly landscaped yard, including trees for windbreaks and shade, can save energy by warming your home or office building in the winter and keeping it cooler in the summer.

“Many people don’t realize the positive impact they can have by adding plants and trees to their landscape and maintaining a healthy lawn,” said Britt Wood, NALP CEO. “Landscape and lawn care professionals help home and business owners create climate-friendly landscapes that clean the air and help save energy.”

Help your yard become a climate change fighter

Follow these tips to boost your yard’s climate change–fighting abilities.

Add more trees and shrubs. When you plant more trees, plants and shrubs in your yard, you are not only sequestering carbon, you are also producing oxygen and cleaning and filtering the air you breathe.

Ensure that your lawn is healthy. Turfgrass is excellent at capturing carbon and turning it into organic matter that improves soil quality. Keep your lawn healthy to capture more carbon and filter stormwater. If you aren’t sure how to improve your soil conditions or build stronger turfgrass, consult a lawn care expert who can help determine a care plan for your particular grass variety and soil quality.

Plant trees in the right spots. By planting trees and screening shrubs that help block the prevailing winds, you’ll reduce the impact of the wind on your house, keeping it warmer in winter. And, by planting shade trees in the right places, you can cool your home in the summer.

Make the right plant choices. By choosing plants adapted to your particular climate zone and planting them in their ideal growing conditions (full sun, shade or partial shade), they will thrive and use less water to maintain. If you aren’t sure which plants are best for your yard, consult a landscape professional.

For information about making your yard climate-friendly or to find a landscape or lawn care pro near you, visit loveyourlandscape.org.

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Addressing the ongoing U.S. maternal and infant health crisis accelerated by COVID-19

2021-02-25T10:01:01

(BPT) – For any new mother, one of the most important steps she can take is finding a prenatal care provider who can help ensure a healthy pregnancy for herself and her baby. Unfortunately, far too many women in the United States have limited or no access to prenatal care providers — a dangerous reality for mothers-to-be and other women of childbearing age.

Our nation remains among the most dangerous in the developed world to give birth and unequal access to healthcare is a contributing factor. More than 54% of counties across the U.S. have limited access to maternity care and 7 million women of childbearing age live there. While the majority of maternity care deserts are in rural counties, urban environments do not equate to better care where 740,000 women have no access to maternity care.

To address these maternal health disparities and the challenges that many women in these areas face, RB’s Enfa portfolio of brands and March of Dimes partnered to create Better Starts for All — a series of on-the-ground and virtual maternal health services targeting areas of great need. This program is designed to help all moms and babies have the best start in life regardless of social, cultural and economic challenges.

“The U.S. is in the midst of a maternal and infant health crisis, which is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Women living in maternity care deserts are at particular risk due to limited access to care,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta, Chief Medical and Health Officer, Senior Vice President and Interim Chief Scientific Officer at March of Dimes. “A woman dies every 12 hours from pregnancy-related causes, and the CDC reports that 60 percent are preventable. Through the Better Starts for All partnership, we are piloting innovative strategies to improve access and health outcomes in maternity care deserts.

How the Pandemic is Impacting Access to Maternity Care

The strains of the pandemic have intensified the obstacles women in maternity care deserts face, making it increasingly difficult for moms to access proper care. Expecting mothers may miss prenatal care appointments due to fear of exposure to COVID-19, which can lead to missed or delayed diagnoses and increase the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. In fact, a recent report found that one in four pregnant women have skipped a prenatal care appointment since the beginning of the pandemic.[1] Some barriers to care are increasing during the pandemic:

  • Transportation: Women living in rural areas may have to travel long distances to access providers and those in urban areas rely on public transportation. Without access to a vehicle and with some forms of public transportation being limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, both rural and urban women are unable to attend appointments.
  • Insurance coverage: Women without health insurance are less likely to receive preventative and prenatal care, putting them at higher risk for poor health outcomes. Access to care has worsened during the pandemic due to loss of jobs and employee-sponsored health insurance. Black and Latina women have disproportionately experienced job loss throughout the pandemic, increasing the disparity in access to care and the risk of pregnancy-related health problems.[2]
  • Internet access: While telemedicine is becoming more widely adopted by the health care industry, there are disparities in internet coverage and cell service that particularly impact rural and low-income communities making it difficult to access care virtually.

Better Starts for All is Closing the Gap in Maternal Health Disparities

“RB is extremely proud to partner with March of Dimes on the Better Starts for All initiative to provide women with fundamental access to prenatal care,” said Patrick Sly, Senior Vice President, North America & Europe Nutrition, RB. “With the pandemic creating an even more difficult situation for new moms, this partnership allows us to make a meaningful difference in addressing maternal care inequities where it is needed most, to ensure all moms and babies have access to the education, resources and care they need and deserve.”

Better Starts for All will first focus on improving access to care for more than 7,000 pregnant women in 10 counties in Southeast Ohio as well as Wards 7 and 8 in Washington, D.C., two communities that historically face several socioeconomic and health obstacles that contribute to poorer outcomes for moms and babies. The program will offer a series of interventions to bring support, education and clinical care to communities in need, including:

  • Mobile Health Services: A mobile health vehicle that brings prenatal care and related maternal health services to areas where access to services is limited.
  • Supportive Pregnancy Care (SPC): Group prenatal care model that provides clinical care, education and support in a group setting.
  • Virtual Moderated Education: Online prenatal education for moderated groups that is tailored to the needs of the community.
  • Community Coalition: A coalition of community providers that develops and implements innovative strategies to increase access to care in maternity care deserts.
  • Virtual Supportive Pregnancy Care: Fully functional telemedicine solution to virtualize OB care in hard-to-reach communities.

Better Starts for All strives to raise awareness of the maternal and infant health crisis and inspire the public to get involved and work towards eliminating maternity care deserts in the U.S. To learn more and to find out how to participate in this powerful movement, please visit BetterStartsForAll.com.

Both RB’s Enfa portfolio of brands and March of Dimes support the World Health Organization’s recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life, and we encourage continued breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond.

[1] Trends in pregnancy and childbirth complications in the U.S. (2020, June 17). Retrieved February 11, 2021, from https://www.bcbs.com/the-health-of-america/reports/trends-in-pregnancy-and-childbirth-complications-in-the-us.

[2] Ewing-Nelson C. June Brings 2.9 Million Women’s Jobs Back, Many of Which are at Risk of Being Lost Again. National Women’s Law Center. July 2, 2020. Available at: https://nwlc.org/resources/june-jobs-report/

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A free way to save money on prescriptions and help kids with critical illnesses

2021-02-25T13:01:00

(BPT) – Audrey is a 12-year-old girl from Arizona with a passion for fashion. She spends her free time flipping through style magazines and listening to her favorite songs. She dreams of having her photo professionally taken in a long, whimsical dress that covers the leg braces that help her stay steady.

While Audrey’s interests are not uncommon for girls her age, her life is very different due to a nervous system disorder. She is not a stranger to hospitals and is homeschooled by her family. Although her childhood has been challenging, she tries to do many of the things typical preteens like to do, including crafting, reading and dressing up in her favorite clothing.

Audrey’s wish comes true

For Audrey, being a model is the ultimate dream. She imagined getting her hair and makeup done by professionals, dressing up in a lengthy blue gown inspired by her favorite princess, and having her picture taken by photographers, just like the models in the fashion magazines she loves so much.

That’s why Audrey was overwhelmed with excitement when she learned she would be able to experience all of this in real life. In celebration of BuzzRx’s 500th wish with Make-A-Wish® America, the company partnered with Make-A-Wish® Arizona to grant Audrey’s wish to have a magazine-like fashion shoot in her hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona.

“The BuzzRx team feels lucky to be able to grant this wish,” says Shane Power, BuzzRx® chief revenue and impact officer. “Wishes are not just nice, they’re necessary. Wishes have proven to give a child hope, joy and strength to fight against their illness.”

For her photo shoot, Audrey wore three different outfits including a beautiful, poufy blue gown, had her hair and makeup done by a team of professionals and had photos taken by a professional photographer.

Save on prescriptions and support Make-A-Wish

Audrey’s wish was possible thanks to generous support from BuzzRx, an organization that offers a free, ready-to-use Prescription Discount Card for anyone to use at more than 60,000 pharmacies nationwide, including those who have health insurance. Every time a cardholder saves with the card, the company donates $1 to Make-A-Wish. This is at no cost to the cardholder and has no effect on discounted prescription prices.

To date, the company has donated $5 million to Make-A-Wish, helping to grant 500 life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. To get a card, visit www.buzzrx.com/wish, text WISH to phone number 95577, or download the free mobile app. The card can be used to save up to 80% on both generic and brand-name prescriptions.

When you fill a prescription and present the card, you can feel good about saving money and helping make more wishes come true for kids like Audrey. Her wish experience, along with the stunning photographs from her high-fashion photo shoot, will provide joy and hope for her and her family for many years to come.

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Add a dash of spice and style to your kitchen

2021-02-25T11:05:00

(BPT) – In today’s homes, kitchens serve a multitude of purposes beyond being a space to whip up a meal. They’re the heart of your home; the command center; the family gathering spot. So it’s no wonder why kitchens are where homeowners invest their renovation budget and why homebuyers pay a premium for an updated look. And savvy design professionals agree, spicing up your kitchen with stylish, timeless and natural materials — like cypress — is a recipe for success.

Laying it out

Planning a new or remodeled kitchen can be an exciting, yet overwhelming time. Designer Erika Powell from Urban Grace Interiors in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, says making the process less stressful boils down to ensuring the layout meets your needs.

“When starting a project, we first like to sit down with our clients in order to get to know them and how they will be using their kitchen,” she says. “If an architect is involved, we also like to work hand-in-hand with them so that any overarching architectural vision they may have is included in the interior design as well.”

Nowadays, homeowners are mostly looking for open concept floorplans with kitchens that open up to living and dining rooms. And because there’s less available wall space, there are fewer upper cabinets. To compensate, modern kitchen layouts feature expansive islands with seating and storage, a pantry for canned and dry goods, and a butler pantry to hide away less frequently used items.

“Once we determine the layout, then we get to work on selecting building products and finishes,” Powell says. “While there is a wide range of products to choose from, our style focuses on fine materials and classic design elements. Being near the beach, our clients gravitate toward light and natural materials — and products like real wood are just more beautiful. A wood like cypress is stable and durable with unique charm. It’s a fixture in many of our kitchen projects.”

Deciding on cabinets

When it comes to choosing cabinetry, architect Ben Patterson from Bossier City, Louisiana, says it doesn’t take long to notice the difference between cabinetry that’s built with solid wood and what you can find at the big box stores.

“In my experience, homeowners value the natural character and quality of solid wood cabinets,” he says. “I’m a full-service architect and usually design custom cabinets for the projects I work on. And I like working with local materials, so my cabinet designs usually have a cypress face with a birch box.”

Selecting a finish can be tricky, but Patterson says trends come and go. “Painted cabinets seem to be all the rage these days, but a natural wood finish is tasteful and timeless,” he adds. “And that’s another reason I love cypress. Whether new growth, old growth, sinker, or pecky, cypress is simply beautiful.”

Topping it off

If your kitchen feels a little bland, luxury homebuilder Matt Cain from Dallas-based Tatum Brown Custom Homes says what’s overhead is often overlooked.

“In kitchens, we typically install a wood plank ceiling treatment to add visual texture and aesthetic warmth,” he says. “There are a lot of materials to work with, but I prefer cypress — especially pecky cypress — because it offers such a specific look and homeowners just fall in love with it. In fact, I’ve never painted a cypress ceiling; it’s too beautiful to cover up.”

For more ideas on how to add some spice and style to your kitchen, visit CypressInfo.org.

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5 Outdoor Living Trends for 2021

2021-02-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – Now, more than ever, outdoor living is in — with homeowners across the country investing more time and money into their yards than ever before. Following are five trends that are expected to shape the outdoor living landscape in 2021.

1) Outdoor Offices

With working from home and remote learning expected to continue well into 2021, contractors report increased interest in outdoor spaces that can accommodate professionals and students. Creating the look and feel of an outdoor room and providing shade, pergolas are in high demand, enhancing the visibility of electronic devices and offering cool relief.

2) Expanded Elbow Room

To optimize the space beneath an elevated deck, consider an under-deck drainage system, like Trex® RainEscape®. In addition to protecting the deck’s substructure from moisture damage, this system creates dry, usable space beneath a deck that can be outfitted with furniture, lighting, entertainment components, workout equipment or whatever might be needed to accommodate day-to-day activities that now take place at home.

3) Take the Plunge

Homeowners nationwide are taking the plunge and adding swimming pools, hot tubs and other water features to their yards. To give these additions a finished look, surround them with high-performance, low-maintenance composite decking, like Trex. Unlike wood, composite decking won’t rot, warp, stain or fade and never needs sanding, staining or sealing.

4) Luxury Staycation

Fueled by the drastic decline in domestic and international travel over the past year, interest in replicating the style and comforts of luxury hotels at home continues to grow. From plush towels and plumped pillows to outdoor accents like fire tables and industrial railing, commercially inspired designs can give any home environment the essence of an extravagant staycation.

5) Give It a Try with DIY

The DIY category exploded in 2020, encouraging homeowners to roll up their sleeves and tackle even the most challenging projects. To save time and money — and earn some serious bragging rights — ambitious DIYers are turning to YouTube and sites like Decks.com for inspiration, motivation and how-to tips.

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National Rare Disease Day: Recognizing Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension

2021-02-24T23:01:00

(BPT) – In the United States, a rare disease is defined as a condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people. Each year on February 28, the rare disease community joins together on Rare Disease Day to raise awareness of as many as 7,000 rare diseases affecting an estimated 25-30 million Americans. It is a day where the collective voices of patients and families impacted by rare diseases advocate for more research and better access to diagnosis and treatment. In observance of Rare Disease Day, Lundbeck looks to shine a spotlight on a rare condition called neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH).

What is nOH?

nOH is a condition that causes abnormally low blood pressure after standing in people with nervous system disorders. Because this condition causes damage to the nervous system, the body may not release enough of a chemical called norepinephrine, which helps to keep blood pressure from dropping too low. Without enough norepinephrine, blood pressure remains low after standing, which may result in symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, blurry vision, or fatigue.

Who Experiences nOH?

Those who are living with neurodegenerative conditions, like Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and pure autonomic failure (PAF), can be at risk for this condition. Although considered rare, symptomatic nOH is estimated to affect 20% of patients who have PD, 80% of those living with MSA and nearly 100% of PAF patients.

Understanding the Symptoms of nOH.

There are a variety of symptoms associated with nOH. Some of those are:

  • dizziness
  • lightheadedness
  • blurred vision
  • nausea

Symptoms of nOH can be non-specific so it’s important people don’t attribute their symptoms to their underlining neurodegenerative disorder, rather than a separate and manageable condition.

How is nOH Diagnosed?

Like many of those living with a rare disease, patients with nOH may face a long path to diagnosis. nOH should be diagnosed by a physician and usually consists of taking a patient’s blood pressure readings while standing and sitting or during a tilt-table test, along with monitoring heart rate.

Three Tips for Anyone Who May Think They Have nOH:

If you or a loved one who is living with a neurodegenerative condition is experiencing symptoms of nOH, here are three tips to help you take action and begin a discussion with your physician:

  • Get to Know Your Symptoms: Patients and family members of those living with PD, MSA or PAF should monitor for symptoms of lightheadedness, dizziness or blurred vision upon standing, as these may be potential signs of nOH. A symptom checker is available at nohmatters.com.
  • Keep Track of Your Symptoms: Capturing the details of what you are experiencing as it happens will help you and your physician recognize potential patterns. A symptom tracker can be found at nohmatters.com.
  • Reach Out to Your Doctor: It is important that you discuss everything, no matter how minor it may seem, with your healthcare team. A doctor discussion guide is also available at nohmatters.com to help you begin the conversation.

For more information and resources about nOH and management specifically, visit www.nohmatters.com.

References

  1. Rarediseases.info.nih.gov. 2020. Faqs About Rare Diseases | Genetic And Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – An NCATS Program. Available at: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/pages/31/faqs-about-rare-diseases. Accessed December 20, 2020.
  2. Freeman R, Wieling W, Axelrod FB, et al. Consensus statement on the definition of orthostatic hypotension, neurally mediated syncope and the postural tachycardia syndrome. Clin Auton Res. 2011;21(2):69-72.
  3. Metzler M, Duerr S, Granata R, Krismer F, Robertson D, Wenning GK. Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension: pathophysiology, evaluation, and management. J Neurol. 2013;260(9):2212-2219.
  4. Perlmuter LC, Sarda G, Casavant V, et al. A review of orthostatic blood pressure regulation and its association with mood and cognition. Clin Auton Res. 2012;22(2):99-107.
  5. Goldstein DS, Sharabi Y. Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension: a pathophysiological approach. Circulation. 2009;119(1):139-146.
  6. Ha AD, Brown CH, York MK, Jankovic J. The prevalence of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension in patients with Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonism. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2011;17(8):625-628.
  7. Freeman R. Clinical practice. Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. N Engl J Med. 2008;358(6):615-624.
  8. Kaufmann H, Palma JA. Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension: the very basics. Clin Auton Res. 2017;27(Suppl 1):39-43.

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