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Get decked out: Expert tips for planning your dream deck

2022-04-29T16:01:00

(BPT) – So, you’ve decided this is the year you’ll add the deck of your dreams to your home. Now that you’re ready to put all hands on deck, it’s time to consider all of your options. The experts at Decks.com offer these tips to get started:

Plan ahead – A typical deck project can take six months (or more) from inspiration to installation. To get things going, put together a timeline and checklist. Helpful how-to articles and resources for planning can be easily found online. Be sure to factor in time for permitting to ensure your deck is built to code standards and is in compliance with local regulations.

Get inspired – There are countless possibilities when it comes to the layout and design of a new deck — from simple, yet refined, ground-level styles to more complex and elaborate multi-level decks. There is no shortage of inspiration to help you determine your likes and dislikes, and even uncover creative ideas you may not have considered. Decks.com, for instance, features hundreds of images and deck plans for every type of housing configuration and setting.

Design your dream – Ultimately, a deck should be designed around how you plan to use it — e.g., relaxing, entertaining, etc. Beyond function, consider views, sun/shade and entrances, and exits from the home and into the yard. All these factors will have an impact on your deck’s size, shape and scale.

Be mindful about materials – It’s important to choose quality materials that will withstand wear and tear. With the price of wood on the rise, many homeowners are opting for high-performing, low-maintenance composite decking. Resistant to fading, staining, scratching and mold, wood-alternative decking never needs to be sanded, stripped or stained, resulting in less hassle and more time for outdoor enjoyment.

Think beyond the boards – Often overlooked, substructure and railing can have tremendous impacts on the performance, appearance and cost of a deck. For optimal structural integrity, be sure to protect wooden joists and beams with waterproof flashing tape. And don’t forget about railing, which adds both safety and style to a deck. Available in a wide array of styles, shapes and materials, deck railing helps to frame and personalize an outdoor space.

Understand costs and value – To ensure your dream remains within reach, keep costs in mind throughout the planning process. Several factors will affect material and labor costs, including the size and shape, along with any extras you may want to incorporate. To help homeowners with budgeting, Decks.com offers handy calculators that estimate material needs and costs based on input regarding size, substructure and products being considered.

Account for add-ons – When planning your deck, have fun exploring the many options that are available for customizing your design. You’ll need to decide early on if you want to incorporate integrated features like built-in benches, planter boxes and storage. You’ll also want to budget accordingly for extras such as a pergola, fire pit or lighting, which can add comfort, character and convenience to your outdoor retreat.

For more deck planning tips and tools or to find a professional deck builder near you, visit Decks.com.

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Let’s play catch-up on routine childhood vaccinations

2022-04-29T07:01:00

(BPT) – For many of us, life over the past two years has been anything but routine. We missed out on playdates, reunions with loved ones, in-person school activities, sports — in some cases, even our children’s regular doctor visits, putting them at risk of not being up to date on their routine vaccinations for serious diseases like measles and whooping cough.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides vaccines for nearly half of America’s children. Over the last two years, distribution of routine vaccines is down more than 10% compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, which could mean an alarming number of children are vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. Now is the time to get back to some of our routines, including well-child checkups and vaccinations.

Even before the disruptions of COVID-19, delays in routine vaccinations against vaccine-preventable diseases — particularly measles — have caused outbreaks. Getting children vaccinated following CDC’s recommended vaccination schedule can help protect against outbreaks and allows children to be protected before they may be exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.

You have the power to protect your child’s health through vaccination. You and your child’s doctor can make a plan to ensure your child gets back on track and stays on track with their vaccinations — so your child is ready for school and play.

There are resources available to help answer your questions about your child’s regular checkups and routine vaccinations, such as:

Which vaccines does my child need?

Check out CDC’s easy-to-read Child & Adolescent Immunization Schedule to see the vaccines recommended for each age and the diseases they prevent. If your child missed a vaccine, use CDC’s Catch-up Immunization Schedule to help catch them up as soon as possible.

Are routine childhood vaccines safe?

Vaccines are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended age at the recommended doses.

Did you know your child may be eligible for free vaccines?

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program can help. VFC provides free vaccines to children who qualify. About half of American children younger than 19 years old receive VFC vaccines. Ask your doctor if your child qualifies.

Now is the chance to play catch-up on the things we’ve been missing out on. Help protect your child’s health as they get back to their routines by ensuring they are caught up on their well-child checkups and routine vaccinations.

Learn more about routine childhood vaccination and other ways to keep your child healthy by visiting www.cdc.gov/vaccines/routine.

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The value of culturally competent care: How centering health equity can improve quality and lower costs

2022-04-29T08:01:00

(BPT) – By Daniel Sanchez, Director Diversity, Inclusion & Health Equity, UpHealth

As our healthcare system emerges from the COVID pandemic, the price of medical care is continuing to skyrocket. Care remains the number one driver of overall healthcare costs.

Efforts to maintain quality while reducing costs abound.

Yet, one of the most straightforward solutions is often overlooked: ensuring patients and providers communicate effectively and efficiently through qualified medical interpreters.

Language access for those with limited English proficiency is not only the right thing to do, it is a significant cost saver. When the patient and providers overcome language barriers in a timely and efficient manner, quality improves, and costs decrease.

The data tells the story: a study by The National Center for Biotechnology Information found that patients with limited English proficiency are four times more likely to misunderstand prescription labels and/or have a bad reaction to medication, and nine times more likely to misunderstand a medical encounter. These safety issues may contribute to the nearly 9% of the U.S. population at risk for an adverse event because of language barriers, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Patients that don’t receive culturally and linguistically appropriate care also have a significantly higher rate of hospital readmissions. These communication gaps directly translate to higher cost for the U.S. healthcare system, to the tune of more than $8 billion.

It’s a widespread problem. More than 25 million people in the U.S. are limited English proficient, yet language disparities continue to be common in healthcare. Although this accounts for about 9% of patients in the U.S., according to Migration Policy Institute National Center, that would benefit from receiving care in a language other than English, needless communication gaps are costing the entire healthcare system on a daily basis, and over the long-term.

The health care system is in need of change, but successful transformation doesn’t just happen. It requires purposeful intention like providing equitable care. And that starts with understanding who is moving through health systems. UpHealth’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity is helping health systems make that connection. And we know that while there are many factors associated with medical costs that are complex and difficult to solve, language access is not one of them.

For example, UpHealth’s Martti remote interpretation service is a telehealth solution to put patients and care teams in touch 24/7 with certified and qualified medical interpreters. Martti’s platform is now serving almost 200,000 patients a month across the United States, in 250 languages. All with the click of a button.

That said, language interpretation is simply our starting point. We partner with more than 2,100 healthcare venues nationwide using a holistic approach to language access which includes conducting comprehensive gap analyses, supporting the capture of REaL (Race, Ethnicity, and Language) data, embedding language interpretation into integrated care platforms, providing regulatory and compliance trainings, sharing best practices and more.

Our team of subject-matter experts serve as trusted advisors promoting health equity within and beyond the walls of every hospital we work with. And the return on investment is undeniable. Enabling Martti on any device within a hospital or clinic ensures language access from admission to discharge, and throughout the care continuum — cutting costs by more than 60%, and saving participating healthcare systems over $5.3 billion annually.

Health systems using Martti interpretation services have also seen remarkable growth in their relationships with patients and systemwide increases of focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Enabling language access and being able to reach limited English proficient and deaf or hard of hearing populations with telehealth is the future of healthcare and helps continue to keep communities safe, healthy and well informed.

It turns out investing in solutions that promote health equity makes good business sense. Culturally competent care translates directly to improved health and significant cost savings at the point of care, and throughout the care continuum.

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Job hunting tips: The importance of upskilling in a jobseekers’ market

2022-04-29T11:31:00

(BPT) – Are you looking for a job, but want more than a paycheck? You want to be able to learn, grow and thrive at your new position, but you’re not sure where to start?

The top factor that makes for an exceptional work environment is access to opportunities to learn and grow, according to the LinkedIn Learning’s 2022 Skills Advantage Report. That’s a shift from just two years ago, when employees ranked access to growth opportunities as the ninth most important factor to a fulfilling workplace. Both the workplace and job market have changed, and employers are taking notice.

While there is no shortage of open positions in this jobseekers’ market, not all positions provide an opportunity to grow. To set yourself up for success in your new job now and into the future, keep these tips in mind when job hunting.

1. Look for companies with career roadmaps

If you’re looking for a job to help accelerate your professional growth, ask about opportunities to grow your career at your next interview. An example of how companies help their associates grow is by providing opportunities for upskilling. Upskilling programs teach employees new skills and can help open doors for a future career shift, making sure work stays interesting.

“In today’s climate, jobseekers are shopping for the best opportunity,” said Eric Schelling, vice president of global talent acquisition at The Home Depot, a Forbes’ World’s Best Employer. “At The Home Depot, they’ll find a company that offers much more than a job and a paycheck. Jobseekers will find upskilling programs that can teach and expose them to new skills in other functions like software development, cyber security, data science, marketing, supply chain and finance.”

Through its Career Mobility Program, The Home Depot aims to provide hourly associates a path to corporate experience. The 8-week program provides associates with development sessions, training courses and networking circles to further diversify skill sets and learn more about corporate careers. The goal is for associates to exit the program with a roadmap and clearly outlined next steps to help them grow.

2. Use the interview as a learning opportunity

While many companies have introduced speed hiring initiatives to appeal to job seekers ready to jump on an opportunity, it’s important to ask questions during an interview to make the right decision for you.

If career growth is a priority, here are some questions to ask:

  • What skills are needed to succeed in this position?
  • What opportunities are there to learn new skills?
  • Is there an upskilling program for employees?
  • What are some examples of skills that can be learned through upskilling at this job?
  • Are there advancement opportunities for employees who upskill?

In addition to upskilling, take the opportunity to ask questions about company benefits. Ask about health and personal benefits including tuition reimbursement, a company performance–based cash bonus program, discounts on cell phones, paid parental leave, 401(k) savings plan with company match, and a discount company stock purchase program.

3. Seek employers that invest in your development

Think about the future and where you’d like to be in one, five or even 10 years. Then make a plan to reach your goals. One career area that is booming is technology, so if you get the opportunity to learn new skills, embrace them. For example, even if you don’t have a background in technology, you can have access to on-the-job training with The Home Depot.

As a value-based company, the associate-first approach has allowed them to help their employees build and advance careers internally. The company has a growing need for software engineers, security experts, user experience (UX) pros, and merchandising and data scientists, and are rapidly investing in skills development.

To create a talent pipeline of skilled associates to fill technology roles, the company rolled out an immersive skills boot camp dubbed OrangeMethod that educates associates on a variety of programming languages and other technology skills. The goal of the program is to provide a pathway for in-store associates to grow into salaried technologists, helping to meet the needs of the company while investing in employees.

The job you choose today might be the opportunity you want to transform your future. Make sure to ask the right questions and gather all the information needed so you can make the right choice for you.

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How to strengthen your business venture with electronic payments

2022-04-28T08:35:00

(BPT) – Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital payments have become an essential tool for many entrepreneurs. New data from the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council’s latest business survey highlights the value that new entrepreneurs place on the importance of electronic payments. Among new business owners who started a business during the pandemic, 87% said that access to electronic payment options was important. Additionally, access to electronic payments tied for first (68%) as the most important tool or technology in starting a new business.

Combine SBEC’s data with the fact that over the past two years the U.S. saw the fastest growth in entrepreneurship in our nation’s history and it’s easy to understand why so many businesses have made the switch to accepting digital payments: it’s what their customers demand.

Many of these new small businesses had to come up with a completely new playbook for delivering their products or services and managing payments amid a global pandemic. The good news for these new entrepreneurs is that the payment technologies they adopted to get through the pandemic will prove to be beneficial long after COVID-19 has subsided.

Here are the top five ways that small businesses are improving their bottom line by switching to digital payments:

1. Improves customer experience

In addition to convenience, digital payments offer contactless transactions — a safety feature many consumers demanded during the pandemic. The use of contactless payments has surged in recent years with approximately 84% of consumers owning contactless cards leveraging those enhanced safety features in the first half of 2021 — an increase of 24 percentage points in six months. This technology speeds up the checkout process considerably because a simple tap is needed to complete a transaction. These convenient payment mechanisms provide an opportunity for small businesses to address the needs of consumers by removing the need to carry a wallet or remember numerous passwords required to make a payment.

2. Enhances fraud protections

As consumer shopping habits continue to shift to mobile and online platforms, advancements in tokenization provide seamless and secure transactions without exposing customers’ sensitive account information. These features also protect small businesses by making tokenized payment data useless if compromised.

3. Saves time and money

While cash payments may not require extra processing fees, accepting cash payments comes with a lot of unexpected costs. Research shows that the average cost of cash for a business is about 9.1% of the average transaction value. These costs include the time spent manually counting cash, the cost of theft protection and the cost of longer lines at checkout, which scares away repeat customers. Even the National Park Service is jumping on the digital payments bandwagon. Beginning April 1, 2022, Devils Tower National Monument will only be accepting entrance fee payments via digital payments. According to NPS, this action will reduce their administrative burden managing cash and allow them to reinvest the savings into visitor services.

4. Increases customer sales

Consumer spending, which has long been the most important factor in U.S. economic growth, continues to be fueled by the innovation of digital payments. Even during the COVID-19 outbreak, digital payments have allowed small businesses to pivot to online sales, curbside pick-up, and in-store self-checkout. Additionally, studies have shown that card users account for 61% of total transactions and spending, on average, $42 more per purchase than cash users.

5. Allows for instant payments

Digital payments are much faster than traditional payment methods such as cash and checks. With online payment options, customers are not tied to a limited time or place to make a transaction. Customers can easily pay anytime, anywhere in the world. The electronic payment system eliminates the need to go to the bank to make payments. Now your customers don’t have to waste time waiting in long lines at the bank. They can easily pay with their mobile device.

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Small businesses are thriving amid COVID by embracing this one simple tool

2022-04-28T08:37:00

(BPT) – When it comes to running a business, it’s safe to say that COVID-19 changed just about everything. Where people shop, how they make purchases and even what they use to pay — the pandemic overhauled consumer preferences nationwide. And while this certainly presents a challenge, some small businesses have thrived despite it. What’s their secret to success?

The answer is simple: These savvy small businesses owners have embraced the use of electronic payments. But just how do these payment methods make such a difference? Let’s find out.

Electronic payments facilitate e-commerce.

Electronic payments have empowered small businesses across the country, allowing them to better meet the needs of their communities — particularly amid COVID-19. When the pandemic first struck, many local companies were forced to cease in-person operations and close their physical locations. But by accepting digital payment options, local businesses had a solution: online orders.

Online deliveries and e-commerce skyrocketed amid COVID, increasing consumers’ digital adoption rate in eight weeks what otherwise would’ve taken a decade. By adopting electronic payments, though, local shops could pivot with this purchasing trend and stay ahead of the curve. Proactive small businesses were able to move their operations online, allowing them to compete with retail giants like Amazon and Walmart. And now, with the shift toward e-commerce likely here to stay, electronic payments have positioned these small businesses for continued success.

Electronic payments make transactions safer.

Not all transactions take place online, however. And for those that do occur in-person, customers increasingly want to feel like their health is being protected. Luckily, small business owners who embrace electronic payments have a variety of tools at their disposal to make that happen.

Contactless payments — whether through a credit card, debit card or mobile wallet — are quickly becoming a staple of in-person checkouts. It’s no wonder why: They allow users to pay without the hassle or risks associated with touching germy surfaces. In this way, small businesses accepting contactless payments have a major advantage over those relying on often-unsanitary cash transactions.

That’s not the only advantage of contactless payments, either. In fact, an infographic from the Electronic Payments Coalition (electronicpaymentscoalition.org) breaks down the precise benefits electronic payments provide consumers and merchants alike, illustrating they have a keen advantage over cash.

Electronic payments allow for social distancing.

Electronic payments also enable business owners to implement curbside pickup and contact-free delivery — safe and convenient purchasing options that fit individuals’ needs. These transactions allow consumers to pay without ever stepping foot inside a store. As such, they reduce unnecessary physical interactions and limit the spread of illnesses like COVID-19.

In the post-COVID world, businesses that offer socially distanced pickup options have a leg-up over their competition. Not only do these methods help protect shoppers and their employees, but they also improve their customers’ overall experience. Simply put, contactless pickup is what people want­ — and electronic payments allow small businesses to capitalize on that trend.

Now more than ever, electronic payments are vital to running a thriving company. They provide the flexibility and capabilities necessary to navigate the business landscape amid COVID-19.

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The sports fans’ guide to enjoying sporting events at home

2022-04-28T02:27:00

(BPT) – People who love sports often fall into one of two categories: those who play sports themselves, and those who prefer to watch the best athletes in the world compete for glory from the comfort of their couch.

For all the “living room warriors” out there who enjoy nothing more than cheering on their favorite players, clubs or national squad, here are some helpful tips for taking the at-home sports-viewing experience to the next level in 2022 and beyond.

1. Premium picture quality for the win

The best TVs can make you feel like you’re at the game, face-to-face with the sporting world’s biggest names, or soaking up the atmosphere in the stands with all of the fans lucky enough to have tickets.

With over 100 million self-lit sub-pixels on an ultra-large screen, 8K ultra HD TV such as the LG SIGNATURE OLED delivers the most realistic images, complete with the deepest blacks, richest, most vibrant colors, and a wide viewing angle that’s great for when you have friends over. And thanks to its intelligent processor and deep learning algorithms, the TV can upscale 2K and 4K content for the 8K screen, while its OLED Motion feature eliminates blurring to reveal every tackle, kick, shot or hit in absolute clarity.

What’s more, this 8K has something truly special for sport fans: the indispensable Sports Alert feature. Sports Alert helps you keep up to date with your favorite clubs and leagues, sending you notifications when a game is about to begin, providing scoring updates during the game, and letting you know the final score as soon as the game is done — even if the TV is tuned to another station, or running a content streaming app. The combination of premium picture quality and Sports Alert makes watching the action from home better, and easier, than ever before.

2. Great food + great sport = memorable moments

Delicious food and sports have always been a great combo. And while it’s nice to enjoy all the great treats on offer at your team’s home ground, you can easily recreate most stadium-favorites at home — provided you have the right tools for the job.

Food undoubtedly tastes best when it’s made from fresh, high-quality ingredients, and to keep those at their best, consider a fridge equipped with “linear cooling.” This feature of LG SIGNATURE refrigerators maintains a perfectly even temperature to help preserve that crisp, garden-freshness for longer. Another feature to look for is called “fresh shield.” It’s a thermal barrier of cold air that drops down when the door is opened to keep the warmth of the kitchen out, and the freshness locked in. There’s no worry if friends and families are coming over for the big game either, as the fridge’s wide and deep custom chill pantry has plenty of room for extra snacks, and customizable settings for storing any item in the optimal conditions.

And check out the LG SIGNATURE auto open door feature that offers a useful assist when you’ve got your hands full of post-game leftovers to put away, opening automatically when its built-in sensor detects you standing before the door. While it may not be the same as setting the world record in the 100 meters, beating your previous best cleanup time can be immensely satisfying!

3. Find your best position

With the TV and food all set, there’s only one more thing needed for a sublime sports-viewing experience — finding the perfect spot from which to watch. As we usually stay put in the same place for an extended period of time when watching sports, it’s also important to work out which position is the most comfortable for you.

According to some, the so-called “Sphinx position” is the best way to watch TV. Resembling the immense, mysterious figure the position is named for, the viewer lies on their stomach with head raised to face the screen while their forearms rest on a pillow for support. For those who prefer sitting upright on the couch, a pillow placed behind the lower back can be a good way to keep comfortable until the final whistle blows.

Or, if you want to get fully horizontal on the couch, perhaps you could invest in some “lazy” or “horizontal” glasses, which turn what you’re looking at 90 degrees so you can watch without even having to lift your head — just don’t fall asleep while the game’s still on! And if you’re the excited type who often spills their drink when jumping up to celebrate a score or key defensive play, we highly recommend couch coasters. Like a car cup-holder, but for the arm of your couch, these coasters can help keep your clothes — and the couch — safe from stains, so you won’t be sidelined with the dreaded in-game emergency clean.

Whichever position you ultimately choose, and no matter how good your beverage-handling skills are, just keep in mind that the sporting action is always better when viewed on the peerless LG SIGNATURE OLED 8K.

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Smile! How to invest in your confidence by elevating your oral health

2022-04-28T09:01:00

(BPT) – When you get dressed in the morning, do you smile in the mirror and like what you see? Your teeth are part of your overall well-being and have the power to change how you look and feel. Having a solid oral health routine enables you to look and feel your best with a brighter, whiter smile. It can go a long way in improving your health, mood and help you carry yourself more confidently.

Just like putting on a nice outfit makes you feel put together and capable, a great smile can improve your appearance and impact your self-esteem. According to a survey by Premier Dental, 78% of respondents feel more confident when their teeth are clean and white.

Your teeth also affect how others perceive you. Of those consumers surveyed, respondents noted that when they meet someone who has a bright, white smile, they believe that person is confident (41%), happy (32%) and friendly (29%). If you want to make a great first impression, having a bright, clean smile can help.

People care about teeth, and for some, proper oral hygiene is non-negotiable in romantic relationships. About 50% of U.S. consumers would break up with someone over their neglected dental hygiene. Investing in your oral hygiene may very well improve your current or prospective dating life!

Elevate your oral health

If you already have an excellent oral hygiene routine, you likely brush your teeth twice a day with a regular or electric toothbrush. If you want to step up your game further, consider improving your oral health with the advanced izzo® 4-in-1 oral care system.

Inspired and designed by dental professionals, izzo® is technology for your mouth that can give you a healthy, confident smile.

The izzo® 4-in-1 oral care kit includes an advanced oscillating toothbrush, polishing system with interchangeable polishing cup head and enamel polishing paste, scaler and UVC sanitizer. The stylish components are stored on a convenient charging base. The kit even includes a sample packet of eco-friendly floss picks. izzo® has everything you need for a simple four-step dental routine, with a turnkey subscribe and save model to ensure you’re always replenished.

1. Start by attaching the advanced oscillating brush head to the power handle and set your brush speed to gentle, daily or ultra. The built-in timer will ensure you’re brushing for two minutes, giving you the perfect clean every time.

2. Eat or drink something that’s likely to discolor your enamel like coffee, red wine or blueberries? Switch the brush head for the polishing cup once per week and apply the enamel polishing paste to really make your teeth shine. This polishing system removes surface stains and soft plaque 73% better than advanced whitening toothpastes with 45% less abrasion on teeth.

3. Get into those tight nooks and crannies with the at-home scaler. Made from medical-grade polymers, the scaler is strong enough to remove soft plaque and food particles in between teeth and around your gum line yet flexible enough that it won’t scratch or hurt your gums when used as directed.

4. Ensure that you’re ready for the next time you brush by putting the brush head and polishing cup head in the UVC sanitizer. In just three minutes, the ultraviolet light kills 99.9% of germs like bacteria and viruses that may be lurking in the brush and polishing heads. No more kidding yourself that rinsing your brush for three seconds under the faucet makes it clean … because it doesn’t! The UVC case takes two hours to fully charge and holds its charge up to a month.

Bonus Step: Grab an izzo® eco-friendly, plant-based floss pick to finish off your routine.

Smile On!

“We are passionate about elevating oral care. It’s at the heart of our business. We believe oral health is a function of regular visits to your dentist and a great oral care routine in the home,” said Julie Charlestein, CEO and founder of izzo®, and CEO of Premier Dental. “Our revolutionary izzo® oral care system makes it possible for consumers to elevate their at-home dental routine to bring a healthy confidence and a bright smile for the other 360+ days they’re not at the dentist.”

Invest in your teeth, your health and your confidence. To learn more about the izzo® oral care system and other ways to improve your dental hygiene, visit izzosmile.com.

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New tools to detect cancer recurrence: What cancer patients need to know

2022-04-28T12:31:00

(BPT) – Without a doubt, cancer is one of the scariest diagnoses anyone may face, typically triggering a roller coaster of emotions — from fear and anxiety to anger and sadness — and sending families into turmoil. But thanks to major advances in cancer treatment, survival rates are increasing, and more people than ever are seeing their cancer go into remission.

Still, life is never the same after a battle with cancer. Even after tests show they are cancer free and life returns to normal, many live with the fear that their cancer may return, constantly dreading that the proverbial other shoe will drop and worrying about the next scan.

When cancer returns after treatment, this is known as cancer recurrence. Rates of recurrence vary widely. For instance, breast cancer patients may have a recurrence rate of 5% to 9% if treated early, whereas colorectal cancer patients could have a 17% risk after surgery. The odds depend on many factors, but research continues to show that identifying recurrence early on can help improve recovery rates or make it easier to manage the disease.

Tools for monitoring recurrence

The good news is that now there are new ways to monitor cancer recurrence with just a simple blood test. Natera’s Signatera test is a personalized blood test capable of detecting tiny amounts of cancer left in the body — right down to a single molecule of tumor DNA present in a test tube of blood. Regular monitoring using the Signatera test can provide greater peace of mind that if their cancer does return, they can catch it earlier and at a more treatable stage.

Many cancer survivors are turning to Signatera as a valuable screening tool, including Taryn Hillin, a screenwriter living in Los Angeles, who at the age of 33 years old, faced a life-changing diagnosis with a rare type of neuroendocrine cancer in the uterine cervix that has a low survival rate.

In her desperate battle against the disease, she underwent aggressive treatment that included surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She also changed her entire lifestyle, improving her diet, working with an oncologist to determine a supplement regimen and adding more exercise to her day.

“I’m so traumatized from cancer that every time I get even a little sick, I descend into a pit of desperation,” Hillin writes in her blog, which she uses to chronicle her ongoing battle against the disease. “Never again, I tell myself. But I am only human and cannot control everything.”

Yet today, almost three years later, there is still no evidence of her cancer recurring. Hillin’s routine surveillance program includes scans every 90 days, as well as regular blood tests with Signatera, which she says is giving her peace of mind and a sense of taking back control.

What makes this test different?

The Signatera test is custom built for each patient’s tumor mutation signature, tracking this unique fingerprint over time. For this reason, it’s a highly sensitive disease detection method that in some cases can detect recurrence months to years before imaging and scans.

Signatera can even be used during treatment to help evaluate the need for additional chemotherapy. While many of today’s tools for detecting cancer recurrence are inadequate, Signatera offers a fast, accurate and less invasive monitoring and surveillance strategy — and vital peace of mind for patients like Hillin.

Thanks to regular Signatera testing, Hillin’s UCLA doctors are planning to space out her PET scans, a type of imaging test that uses a radioactive drug to detect the abnormal metabolic rates typical of tumors. Instead, they plan to alternate between scans and Signatera testing.

“When you’re fighting the battle against cancer, you can’t be afraid to ask questions and seek out information on new tools like Signatera,” Hillin says. “I encourage everyone to get out there and use everything at their disposal, especially tests like these — it can greatly help with scan anxiety and the fear of recurrence.”

For more information, visit Natera.com or ask your doctor about Signatera.

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What’s for dinner? 5 tips for maximizing leftovers

2022-04-28T11:01:00

(BPT) – Leftovers are an easy solution to the common question, “What’s for dinner?” and are a simple step toward more sustainable living. A recent survey found that 72% of Americans identify as pro-leftovers — but how can we cook and store these foods for maximum mealtime “yum” and less food waste? Whether you’re pro-leftovers all the way or need some convincing, follow the tips below for a more sustainable approach to mealtime joy.

1. Keep an organized fridge.

An organized fridge is key to making the most of your leftovers and limiting food waste. Give your fridge interior a refresh so you can best find food items and develop a system that works for your family.

A recent Bosch survey found that 61% of people believe they would waste less food if their fridge had more useful storage capacity. Utilize flexible storage and shelving solutions like the FlexBar from Bosch to make space for taller items, like large cakes or bottles, so every inch of your fridge interior is maximized.

Label your leftovers with the date they were made, and store them in airtight, glass containers. It’s easy to forget what’s in your fridge until it’s too late — glass storage containers are not only reusable and sustainable, but also allow you to see what’s inside.

2. Cook meals that you already know will make great leftovers.

Many Americans choose their meals based on whether or not they will make good leftovers for future meals. In the survey, Americans noted that eggs and sushi are by far the worst things to keep as leftovers (42% and 33%), whereas soups (79%), meat (62%) and pasta (60%) are among some of the best leftovers. Rather than making that egg frittata for your at-home brunch, consider sweet potato hash browns or cheesy pasta bake so you can enjoy them for days to come.

3. Treat “extras” as a foundation for new meals.

We all have that one recipe that calls for only a small amount of one ingredient, but you don’t need it for anything else. Think about what extra ingredients can become to save time and money. For example, repurpose vegetable scraps to make a soup or stock. Toss extra carrots, onions and the like in a gallon zip-top bag in the freezer. If you prepare twice the vegetables you’ll need for a meal, you’ll have a starting point for a soup or pasta salad later in the week, such as Leftovers Veggie Soup.

4. Maximize freshness with the right products and appliances.

Choose a refrigerator that features freshness technology specifically designed to extend the shelf life of your food, so you can have peace of mind knowing your leftovers will be good to eat in days after you first eat the meal. The Bosch French door bottom mount refrigerator with VitaFreshPro drawer optimizes both temperature and humidity to keep meat, fish and produce fresher, longer.

You can also freeze leftovers if you want to extend their life for a longer period of time. An easy storage hack for leftover soup or sauce is to freeze them in muffin tins or ice cube trays for small portions to easily use for other meals.

5. Reheat your leftovers like a pro.

There are a number of ways to best reheat leftovers, and 41% of survey respondents said reheating ability is a key factor that would incentivize them to eat more leftovers.

Your cooktop is a key method to making your leftovers feel like a brand-new meal. While microwaves are handy when you’re on a time crunch, they might give your leftovers an undesirable consistency, whereas cooking on the stovetop on low heat maintains its original taste and texture. You can also reheat leftovers on an induction cooktop for fast and precise reheating to ensure your leftovers don’t have any cold spots, and for easy cleanup.

Steam cooking is another great way to reheat leftovers, as it retains nutrients, moisture and the original integrity of your food. Try reheating foods like fish and veggies in a steam oven — your leftovers will always come out fresh and flavorful!