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Double the Comfort and Joy this Holiday with Gifts that Also Give Back

2022-11-14T11:01:00

(BPT) – From Giving Tuesday through Christmas Day — and every gifting occasion in between — this shortlist of wine and spirits is for people who live to give more than they receive. It is for the do-gooders and do-greaters, those who like to get a little toasty with a drink in hand and cause in mind.

For Those Who Are Thankful

Renowned singer, actor and philanthropist Josh Groban and Josh Cellars’ Founder, Joseph Carr

This year, Josh Cellars’ founder, Joseph Carr, launched the #Joshgiving movement — a grassroots initiative aimed to inspire people across the country, including renowned singer, actor and philanthropist Josh Groban, to give back to their communities by conducting acts of thanks. Together they recently donated $100,000 to Sing for Hope, an organization that harnesses the power of the arts to create a better world. Additionally, throughout the month of November, Josh Cellars has pledged to donate $1 for every bottle purchased on JoshCellars.com (up to $25,000) to American Humane’s Pups4Patriots, a program that trains service dogs to help assist veterans in need. Overall, Josh Cellars donated more than $220,000 to support six different giveback programs, charities and organizations as part of this year’s Joshgiving fundraising efforts. Raise a glass of gratitude with Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, which has flavors of blackberry, toasted hazelnut and cinnamon, complemented by hints of vanilla and toasted oak. Click here to purchase.

For the Lovers and the Fighters

Layer Cake Malbec

Think pink this holiday season with a gift of Layer Cake Malbec. Layer Cake donated $75,000 in 2022 to the Young Survival Coalition, which helps young adults affected by breast cancer. Layer Cake produces richly layered wines from the best wine-making regions like this medium-bodied Malbec from Mendoza in western Argentina. It has rich flavors of blackberry, cherry and cocoa, which pair beautifully with favorite holiday dishes like pot roast and brisket. Click here to purchase.

For Those Who Serve Us

The Calling Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

The Calling has contributed to the SommFoundation, which provides scholarships, mentorships and enrichment opportunities for people working in the wine and spirits industry. The Calling is a dream collection of California wines that offers a range of varietals, styles and best-in-class AVA’s. The Calling Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is medium bodied with bright notes of Bing cherry, spice and orange rind. In creating this wine, the founders sought to recognize those who help others follow their dreams and pursue their own callings in life. Click here to purchase.


For Those Who Walk on Water

Gray Whale Gin

Gray Whale Gin is consciously crafted and inspired by the Pacific Coast. Every bottle of Gray Whale Gin supports ocean conservation through the brand’s ongoing commitment to 1% for the Planet and Oceana, an organization working to protect and restore the world’s oceans. Gray Whale Gin is made with six wild-foraged or sustainably-sourced botanicals found along the migratory path of the California Gray Whale. These include juniper from Big Sur, kombu sea kelp from the Mendocino Coast, almonds from the Capay Valley, limes from Temecula, fir from Sonoma and mint from Santa Cruz. Click here to learn more.

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Tis the season…for fraud: How to protect your digital identity while holiday shopping online

2022-11-14T11:01:00

(BPT) – While you’re getting ready for the holiday season, so are fraudsters. Nearly one-quarter (24%) of Americans have reported they’ve been a victim of fraud or identity theft during the holidays, according to Experian, and online shoppers everywhere should be looking for helpful ways to protect their digital identities.

In honor of International Fraud Awareness Week (Nov. 13-19), there’s no better time than now to prepare. Here is a list of the holiday scams expected to be prevalent this season — and measures you can take to defend yourself against fraud and identity theft when shopping online.

Social engineering attacks

Social engineering is a longstanding method of fraud where a hacker may pose as your relative, friend or coworker and ask for your help with a username, password or other login data. Cyberthieves continue to use these methods because they continue to work, year after year. It’s effective because it exploits human emotion, both positive and negative, as a tool to steal personal information. Fraudsters may play on your sympathy to trick you into supplying important personal information via text message or email by pretending they are someone else that you know and care about. If a number or email address claiming to be from someone you know reaches out to you that you’ve never seen before, be on alert and make sure to confirm it’s actually them before sharing any personal information.

Shipping scams

The holiday flurry of online shopping brings an increase in email updates from product shippers. Many of these emails include a link that takes you to a website where you’re asked to log in to learn more about “your recent purchase.” Always verify that the email’s sender and the website links are legitimate before you log in or provide any personal information. Many people who have fallen prey to shipping scams say they trusted a fake email because they received it immediately upon making a purchase.

Gift card grifts

Another widespread holiday fraud tactic is the fake gift card scam, a ruse used by hackers to steal your personal information. For example, you may receive an email that asks you to provide your personal information in exchange for a gift card. Scammers then use that personal information to steal your identity and commit fraud while posing as you. Always be wary of sharing your personal information online with anyone you don’t know or trust.

Here are four steps you can take to protect your digital identity from fraud this holiday season.

Use MFA or mobile phone verification

You’ve probably heard all the basics for protecting your passwords. Use strong passwords, change them often, don’t use the same password at every site, etc. But even these steps don’t provide ironclad protection.

You can significantly boost your security by adding multifactor authentication (MFA) to your logins, which many businesses now offer as an opt-in security feature. Adding MFA with your email or phone number reduces the risk of identity compromise by as much as 99.9%, according to Microsoft. It’s a simple process that adds a strong extra layer of protection, and it’s a good way to help businesses keep the bad guys out of your accounts.

Don’t overshare

Never share your personal information freely online. It can be stolen and used to impersonate you or take over your accounts — especially at this time of year, when you’re often distracted and the fraudsters are out in full force. Be careful about replying to unfamiliar emails, answering phone calls and texts from numbers you don’t recognize, and sharing your personal information with websites you don’t already know you can trust.

Set up credit alerts

There are a lot of websites that track your credit score for free and many of them will also send you an alert whenever a new account is opened in your name. Take advantage of this feature and opt in. Turn on notifications — they’re usually offered by phone or email — and you’ll know immediately when an account is opened in your name or when details of your existing accounts are changed.

Stick to familiar sites

Buy only from online sellers you know and trust — or those that you’ve researched. The internet is full of websites with offers that are too good to be true.

From all of us at Telesign, have a happy, safe and secure holiday season.

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It’s not too late to maximize your FAFSA eligibility, apply now

2022-11-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – ‘Tis the season when families across the country start discussing how they plan to finance their children’s college education for the next academic school year.

For parents and college and graduate students (both prospective and current), the idea of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) might seem daunting. But don’t fret: filling out the application — which is paramount if you want to qualify for any kind of financial aid — is easier and faster than ever. Plus, the sooner you have this taken care of, the better suited you’ll be if you decide that you need to supplement your federal assistance with a private loan — in this case, SoFi has your back, too.

Need a FAFSA refresher? We got you covered!

Let’s start with the basics — the FAFSA application must be submitted every year a student hopes to receive any form of financial aid, including federal student loans, grants and Work-Study jobs. Many states, schools and scholarship programs also require FAFSA information for their award decisions. One of the common misconceptions out there is, “I don’t qualify because my family earns too much.” Don’t let this deter you from considering your financing options — apply regardless of how much your family earns, as there is no income cut-off for federal student aid.

The online application is available on the Office of Federal Student Aid’s (FSA) website. In the past couple years, the FAFSA has changed to accept the prior-prior year’s taxes, so no need to wait until your 2022 taxes are complete; you can use your 2021 taxes to complete the FAFSA for the 2023-2024 school year.

Filling out the FAFSA form doesn’t take long, typically less than an hour, and you’re able to use an IRS data tool that allows you to prefill much of your information. The application asks questions about the income and finances of the student (and spouse if married) and the student’s parents, plus questions about the student’s education plans.

For the upcoming academic year, you can submit the form now. Generally, the federal deadline is June 30 for the current application cycle. However, states and schools may have earlier deadlines for awarding state-specific grants. To find out the deadline for your state, check the official FAFSA website and reach out to your financial aid office for school-specific deadlines.

Also, you should keep in mind that funding is limited and is often first come, first served. So be sure to submit your application as soon as possible!

And if you’re curious about how FAFSA applications are doing in your state, be sure to check out this #FormYourFuture FAFSA Tracker, an interactive dashboard that tracks and ranks states’ progress toward 100% of their high school seniors completing the FAFSA application.

Now, you may be asking yourself, “Is this year’s application any easier or faster?” Good question. The simple answer is yes: there is no glitchy app to download or deal with!

This fall, the Department of Education retired the myStudent Aid app. Instead, all you have to do is go to the Federal Student Aid site — and the smart technology helps you skip the questions that don’t apply to you.

Additionally, the 2023-24 form does not ask about Selective Service registration status or drug convictions.

Come next year, when you receive your financial aid letters, you may be looking for an additional source of funding, aka private student loans. These loans, typically from banks, credit unions and online lenders, do not require a FAFSA application and are often used as a supplement to federal aid.

SoFi’s private student loans are available for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as parents. In just a few minutes, you can apply online for student loans and be well on your way to financing your education.

It’s important to note that private student loans don’t offer the same protections as federal student loans, like income-driven repayment plans or deferment options. For this reason, private student loans are generally considered only after other sources of funding, typically from the government, have been considered.

It can sometimes be difficult to determine which loan option will work best for you, so always thoroughly review your options.

Want a deeper dive into FAFSA? SoFi’s head financial planner Brian Walsh, CFP®, breaks down the process for you in a video available here.

Filling out the FAFSA is a great first step to pay for your dream school. This is one of the best ways of getting scholarships and grants you won’t have to pay back or government-backed loans to help you pay for college-related costs. By learning how to properly fill out the FAFSA (and then actually doing so!), you can increase your odds of getting a bigger financial aid package.

Disclaimer

Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student’s at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and must meet SoFi’s other eligibility and underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Interest rates are subject to change. This information is current as of 11/9/2022 and is subject to change.

SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Terms and conditions apply. © 2022 SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. All rights reserved.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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Data’s important role in creating a sustainable agricultural supply chain

2022-11-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Farmers have always been dedicated stewards of the land and invested in the sustainability of their operations. However, they haven’t always successfully shared these stories with the public. With the advancement of technology — and the demand for transparency — this narrative is changing. More tools have become available for farmers at the tips of their fingers to discover and share their sustainability story.

In an increasingly digital world, consumers expect increased company access and transparency. It’s no different when it comes to the food they purchase. People are more eager than ever to understand the ingredients in their food, how those ingredients were cultivated, and the environmental impact of it all. These questions can be answered by those at the forefront of food production.

The consumer’s quest for knowledge seeps through the agriculture supply chain, trickling down to growers whose crops are processed into grocery store offerings. How can the agriculture industry understand and share its sustainability story? Data, both quantitative and qualitative, plays an important role.

All about the data

Agricultural sustainability encompasses environmental, financial and social sustainability. No matter which facets you examine, understanding sustainability at the farm level begins with gathering data points to set a baseline.

“Data tracking on a farm is similar to maintaining a household budget,” said Jeff Lail, senior data analyst at Syngenta. “It’s easier to save money when you’re keeping track of what you’re spending. Similarly, having a good understanding of where your farm resources go will help you manage those resources better.”

Daniel Olson, a sugarbeet, pinto bean and wheat farmer from North Dakota, agrees.

“You have to take inventory of where you’re at to establish if you’re headed in a positive or negative direction,” Olson says. “This baseline will also help you determine down the road if the practices you think are helping you actually are.”

While setting a baseline is a crucial first step in calculating sustainability, farmers will benefit from the change that comes from that measurement. To help growers achieve both measurement and change, Syngenta created the Cropwise™ Sustainability app.

One size doesn’t fit all

The Cropwise Sustainability app begins with a quick self-assessment called the Sustainable Outcomes in Agriculture (SOA) standard. It gathers qualitative and quantitative information in six key areas: crop production, water impact, soil health, biodiversity and habitat, human and animal well-being and community leadership.

After completing the assessment, a digital dashboard populates with sustainability scores in each area, recommendations for improvement and the opportunity to see how scores compare to other app users in a specified geography.

It can be challenging for growers to measure and track sustainability, let alone figure out what to do with the data. The app’s ultimate goal is to make it easier for a grower to identify where they can improve and offer suggestions that won’t require a farm operations overhaul.

Olson completed the SOA standard and appreciated that the assessment considered various sustainability practices and offered geographical insights.

“There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to sustainability,” said Olsen. “How I manage sustainability in North Dakota will be very different from someone in another geography.”

As helpful as this app is at the farm level, its impact extends deep into the agriculture supply chain.

Building bridges between growers and consumers

Beyond learning how they can measure and improve sustainability on their farms, the data collected by the app will allow growers to tell a unique sustainability story to their customers.

Take United Sugars, for example. Syngenta partnered with the sugar supplier to help bridge the gap between growers and consumer packaged goods companies. Olson and a group of sugarbeet farmers in Minnesota’s Red River Valley took the self-assessment and were given sustainability insights and actionable recommendations. In return, United Sugars provided the anonymized data to their customers to help complete the sustainability picture for the foods they produce.

In the end, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement that allowed Syngenta to collect meaningful data from growers and, in turn, provide them with valuable sustainability insights.

“We are a grower-centric company that is also committed to regenerative agriculture,” said Trent Wimmer, key account sustainable solutions lead at Syngenta. “Helping growers understand and share their sustainability story is a way that we add value to growers beyond just yield.”

Donna Isakson, sales and marketing manager at United Sugars, values the partnership with Syngenta.

“The goal of our partnership is to be more transparent with our customers and show them what we are doing from a sustainability perspective,” Isakson said. “I value what they’ve provided in calculating sustainability efforts.”

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Someone to Lean On: Caring for a Partner with Psoriasis

2022-11-14T06:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Lilly USA, LLC

Friends and family in our lives play a significant role in shaping who we are. They are the people we trust, love most and find comfort in when times grow challenging. With a chronic disease, a reliable support network becomes more important than ever. Many lean on their partners for support throughout their diagnosis and treatment journey.

Psoriasis, a common chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, impacts more than 125 million people globally. The most common form of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis, presents as red and inflamed patches covered by white scales.

Eddie, a born-and-raised New Yorker, is one of many people impacted by moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, and he understands the impact his disease has on his partner, Nick. Having a support system plays an integral part in staying positive. “Nick heard me talk about how the plaques looked and felt, but he could never really know what it was like to go through what I was going through.”

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, having a chronic disease such as psoriasis can make it challenging for both care partners and the person who has the disease. It may be difficult to talk to your partner, friends and family about your psoriasis and how it affects your life, but the organization recommends not avoiding these conversations.

Eddie has a long history of physical symptoms from his psoriasis. His partner, Nick, recounts days when Eddie’s plaques were flaky, which made Eddie feel embarrassed enough to want to cover his skin.

After trying many over-the-counter creams and steroids, Eddie found a dermatologist who recommended Taltz® (ixekizumab) injection 80 mg/mL, which resulted in rapid relief from his bothersome symptoms and total clearance of the plaques on his skin.* Thanks to Taltz, Eddie’s skin is clearer and he’s focusing on what matters: friends, family and Nick.

Taltz is a prescription medicine for people six years of age and older with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who may benefit from taking injections or pills (systemic therapy) or treatment using ultraviolet or UV light (phototherapy). Taltz affects the immune system. It may increase your risk of infections, which can be serious. Do not use Taltz if you have any symptoms of infection, unless your doctor tells you to. If you have a symptom after starting Taltz, call your doctor right away. Learn more about patients like Eddie and their experiences with Taltz.

*This article represents Eddie’s personal experiences. While Eddie saw complete clearance with Taltz, individual results may vary. In clinical trials, at 12 weeks, up to 90 percent of people saw a significant improvement of their psoriasis plaques, and four out of ten people achieved completely clear skin.

Do’s and Don’ts For Psoriasis Caretakers From Eddie and Nick’s Perspective

From the perspective of a partner and caretaker, here are some suggestions to consider when caring for someone with a chronic disease:

  • DO have an understanding of the disease

Having a strong understanding of your partner’s chronic condition is invaluable to support your loved one. For helpful resources and to learn more about psoriasis, visit The National Psoriasis Foundation and Taltz.com.

  • DON’T push too hard for information or give unwanted advice

It’s important to respect your partner’s feelings and decisions regarding their disease journey. Eddie shares, “Until you deal with it, you don’t know what it’s like.” Be sure to honor boundaries and keep your distance when asked.

  • DO listen to what they are telling you

As a caretaker, Nick notes, “It’s important to understand why your loved one is feeling the way they are and to comfort them as much as you can, even knowing that there’s nothing you can do physically to remedy the disease.” However, listening entails more than hearing their words. It also involves picking up on their behavioral changes and paying attention to their actions so you can best support them.

  • DO check in to see if you are giving the support they need

Being a caretaker is not one-size-fits-all. Communicate with your partner to ensure you are providing the type of support they desire.

  • DON’T forget to take care of yourself

Taking care of your own mental and physical wellbeing is just as important as caring for your partner. Focusing on yourself on a consistent basis puts you in the best position to be a helpful and productive caretaker for your loved one.

Ask your doctor about treatment options like Taltz

Eddie recommends talking to your doctor about available treatment options, including Taltz, if you are living with psoriasis and hoping for complete skin clearance.

If you have moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, talk to your doctor about Taltz to see if it could be the right treatment for you.

Eddie and Nick were compensated for their time to provide insights on this topic.

INDICATIONS AND SAFETY SUMMARY

Taltz® (tol-ts) is an injectable medicine used to treat:

  • People 6 years of age and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who may benefit from taking injections or pills (systemic therapy) or treatment using ultraviolet or UV light (phototherapy).
  • Adults with active psoriatic arthritis.
  • Adults with active ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with objective signs of inflammation.

It is not known if Taltz is safe and effective in children for conditions other than plaque psoriasis or in children under 6 years of age.

Warnings – Taltz affects the immune system. It may increase your risk of infections, which can be serious. Do not use Taltz if you have any symptoms of infection, unless your doctor tells you to. If you have a symptom after starting Taltz, call your doctor right away.

Your doctor should check you for tuberculosis (TB) before you start Taltz, and watch you closely for signs of TB during and after treatment with Taltz. If you have TB, or had it in the past, your doctor may treat you for it before you start Taltz.

Do not use Taltz if you have had a serious allergic reaction to ixekizumab or any other ingredient in Taltz, such as: swelling of your eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, feeling faint, throat or chest tightness, or skin rash. Get emergency help right away if you have any of these reactions. See the Medication Guide that comes with Taltz for a list of ingredients.

Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease) can start or get worse with Taltz use. Tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms or if they get worse: stomach pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

You should not get live vaccines while taking Taltz. You should get the vaccines you need before you start Taltz.

Common side effects

The most common side effects of Taltz include:

  • Injection site reactions
  • Nausea
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Fungal skin infections

Tell your doctor if you have any side effects. You can report side effects at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before using

Before you use Taltz, review these questions with your doctor:

  • Are you being treated for an infection?
  • Do you have an infection that does not go away or keeps coming back?
  • Do you have TB or have you been in close contact with someone with TB?
  • Do you have possible symptoms of an infection such as fever, cough, sores, diarrhea, or other symptoms? Ask your doctor about other possible symptoms.
  • Do you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis?

Tell your doctor if:

  • You need any vaccines or have had one recently.
  • You take prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
  • You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Taltz can harm an unborn baby. Pregnancy Exposure Registry: There is a pregnancy registry to collect information about women who are exposed to Taltz during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. If you become pregnant while taking Taltz, you are encouraged to enroll in the pregnancy registry by calling 1-800-284-1695 or by visiting online at https://www.taltz.com.
  • You are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is not known if Taltz passes into breastmilk.

How to take

See the instructions for use that come with Taltz. There you will find information about how to store, prepare, and inject Taltz. Adults may self-inject after receiving training from a healthcare provider.

For people under 18 years of age:

  • Weighing less than 50 kg (i.e., 110 lb): Taltz must be given by a healthcare provider.
  • Weighing more than 50 kg (i.e., 110 lb): If your healthcare provider decides that your caregiver may give your injections of Taltz at home, your caregiver should ask and receive training from a healthcare provider on the right way to prepare and inject Taltz.

Learn more

Taltz is a prescription medicine. For more information, call 1-800-545-5979 or go to taltz.com.

This summary provides basic information about Taltz but does not include all information known about this medicine. Read the information that comes with your prescription each time your prescription is filled. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor. Be sure to talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider about Taltz and how to take it. Your doctor is the best person to help you decide if Taltz is right for you.

IX CON BS 05OCT2022

Taltz® and its delivery device base are trademarks owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.

PP-IX-US-5716 10/2022 ©Lilly USA, LLC 2022. All rights reserved.

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5 things you should check your HVAC system for, before it gets cold

2022-11-12T05:15:00

(BPT) – As temperatures start dropping, now is the perfect time to make sure your home will be comfy and cozy all winter. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make sure your heating system is in good working condition to get you through those chilly winter months — and potentially save on energy bills, too. The best time to do this is early in the season, before everyone else is in a rush to repair or upgrade their HVAC systems.

Even if it’s not cold yet, turn up your thermostat to see how your system is working. Does the heat turn on quickly, and are you feeling warm air coming through the vents? If your furnace has trouble getting started or the air flow seems weak, you could be behind on maintenance — or you may need to upgrade your system.

Here are tips for maintaining your HVAC system, along with action steps to keep everything in good running order.

1. Schedule a tune-up

Having a professional HVAC technician visit at least once a year for a furnace cleaning and tune-up is important for proper maintenance. Scheduling this appointment early in the season is a good idea, as techs get very busy after the first deep freeze happens. An experienced technician will clean all the components and make sure everything is working as it should and can alert you to potential problems before they grow into safety hazards.

2. Change the furnace filter

A dirty furnace filter interferes with how efficiently your heating works — increasing energy costs, while also making your home’s air less clean and comfortable. How often you should change your furnace filter depends on its size, so check the manufacturer recommendations. You can also change a furnace filter more frequently than recommended for maximum comfort, especially when your furnace is under heavy use, you have pets or if you have a family member prone to allergies.

Pro tip: Set calendar reminders on your phone for changing your filter regularly so you won’t forget.

3. Upgrade your thermostat

If your thermostat is older, it may be a good idea to upgrade to a more energy-efficient or smart thermostat. Besides allowing for control when away from home, newer thermostats are better at regulating your HVAC system, keeping your entire system running more smoothly, which can make your home more comfortable and save on energy costs.

4. Consider a replacement

If your HVAC system is old or not functioning well, replacing it with a newer model can offer many benefits, including a much warmer home in the winter as well as savings on energy bills. Ask your HVAC technician what shape your furnace is in, and whether there are any signs that it needs to be repaired or replaced.

5. Check the concrete pad

Both to work more efficiently and to be safer from potential minor flooding, your outdoor condensing unit should be placed on a level concrete pad. If you have a level, you can easily check the slab that your condensing unit currently sits on. If it’s an old concrete pad that’s in rough shape or it’s not level, this is something that should be corrected, whether or not you are replacing your HVAC system.

When you’re ready to replace your condenser, one simple way to save money is to install the concrete pad yourself. This can be easily accomplished by using four 24″x24″ square concrete stones from Pavestone, along with paver sand, to do the job. Pavestone concrete stones provide a quick and easy solution to creating a solid, level foundation for your HVAC system, and does not require expertise to install. You can find easy-to-follow instructions on the product itself, and the process is similar to the video for how to install patio stones on the Pavestone website.

Following these steps, your home can be prepared now, before winter gets well underway. Starting early means you’ll have less time to wait for service, and you can also find better prices on system maintenance or the purchase of a new HVAC system before the winter rush.

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How you can elevate your outdoor entertaining space this fall

2022-11-12T04:01:00

(BPT) – Autumn is a magical time of year, with cooler temperatures and colorful, changing leaves. Depending on where you live, it may still be warm enough to enjoy entertaining friends and family outside throughout much of the season. However, if it’s not so warm where you live, there are other solutions that create easy and affordable ways to elevate your outdoor space.

Here are some ways you can optimize and enhance your outdoor space this fall, even if you’re new to DIY.

Consider how you want to use the space

Are you looking to create an intimate setting for small gatherings, or do you want a larger area to host big get-togethers? Or would you just like to section off a specific spot for relaxing outdoors or playing games on family night? If you don’t yet have a patio or you want to expand your existing patio space, first map out how large of an area you’d like to designate for entertaining, to help add square footage to your home and to make more room for amenities such as outdoor furniture, games, a fire feature or a grill.

To build your patio, consider easy-to-use, stylish and attractive paving stone options such as 16”x16” Avant Patio Stones, which have the look of those ever popular large format linear pavers, and are available in the sleek and modern blended gray color. One big advantage is that these patio stones are far easier and much less expensive to install than individual large format pavers. They also come in six different face textures that are strategically packaged on the pallet, so that installing your outdoor surface in an eye-catching modern design is easy to do. Avant Patio Stones are made of durable concrete that does not attract pests, and they are also resistant to decay and fading. You can find videos and detailed instruction guides showing just how easy it is to install Avant Patio Stones as well as to complete similar outdoor projects at Pavestone.com/resources.

Once you’ve created your space for outdoor entertaining, you’re ready to further enhance your design with a visual focal point.

Create a stunning focal point

Whether you want to host large or small gatherings, it’s always ideal to have an obvious gathering point for conversation, and to add visual interest or even warmth to the area. Focal points are also the perfect way to draw in natural elements to enhance the space and can include anything from a fire pit or water feature to a large planter or living wall full of greenery.

Fire pits are tried and true, staying highly popular because of the variety of options available to build them as well as the sheer beauty, enjoyment and warmth they create. And fortunately for those who are newer to DIY, they can be very easy projects to tackle in as little as a single weekend.

The RumbleStone® system includes a set of rustic “building blocks” that can be assembled for a variety of outdoor hardscape projects, including fire pits or fireplaces. Their weathered appearance creates a natural look and feel, adding pleasing texture and depth. You can easily construct a fire pit using a RumbleStone fire pit kit, packaged with detailed instructions allowing for very easy assembly — making it possible to complete your fire pit in as little as one day. RumbleStone building blocks are available in tan and gray options that you can order online from your favorite home improvement store website, to be conveniently delivered curbside. Review this webpage to explore some of the possibilities using RumbleStone kits.

Even if you’re a novice DIYer, you could take on one or both of these satisfying home improvement projects over a weekend or two, depending on the size of the area you’re transforming, to create a truly magical outdoor space.

Looking for more design inspiration for your patio, yard or garden? Visit Pavestone.com.

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Find a routine: Working with your doctor to create an Ulcerative Colitis management plan

2022-11-11T09:29:00

(BPT) – Content sponsored and provided by Pfizer. Samantha partnered with Pfizer to share her experience living with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC).

Samantha, an e-commerce marketer from California, was excited to celebrate a new chapter in her life as a mother. But soon after giving birth to her son she noticed blood in her stool. At the time, she thought it may have been a result of childbirth recovery. However, as Samantha began to use the bathroom more frequently and see blood in her stool each time, she realized something was not right.

She discussed these recurring symptoms with her doctor, who then referred her to a gastroenterologist for further testing and a colonoscopy. Her gastroenterologist diagnosed Samantha with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine (also called the colon) that affects the lining and causes sores or ulcers to form. Medicines can help manage UC symptoms, but do not cure UC.[i]

Samantha had never heard of the disease before her diagnosis and had no family history with the condition. It took her a while to fully come to terms with the fact that she would be living with UC for the rest of her life. “There were moments when I was very overwhelmed,” she says. “I wasn’t sure if things were going to get better or if I was doing everything I needed to do to help improve my symptoms.”

Samantha worked with her gastroenterologist on a treatment plan and was prescribed several different medications over the years to help manage her symptoms of moderate to severe UC, including a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker that eventually did not work well enough to manage her UC symptoms. Continuing to experience UC symptoms, Samantha often felt she needed to be close to a bathroom, and the thought of driving to work or attending her son’s sporting events worried her.

“I was a single mom at the time, and I didn’t want to disappoint my son,” she says. “It was really difficult for me to feel like I couldn’t take him to the park or play outside without looking for the closest bathroom.”

One day, Samantha was researching UC treatment options online and read about XELJANZ® (tofacitinib), an oral medication for adults with moderate to severe UC who have used 1 or more medicines called TNF blockers that did not work well or cannot be tolerated. She was interested in learning more about XELJANZ since it was an option available as a pill and asked her gastroenterologist about it as a potential treatment option.

Samantha’s gastroenterologist reviewed the possible serious side effects of XELJANZ with her and explained that it has a BOXED WARNING. They also discussed the type of monitoring and lab work that would be needed before and during treatment.

XELJANZ or XELJANZ XR can cause serious side effects and can lower your ability to fight infections; don’t start Xeljanz if you have an infection. Before and during treatment, your doctor should check for infections like tuberculosis, and do blood tests. Serious, sometimes fatal infections, cancers including lymphoma, and lung cancer, blood clots and serious heart-related events have happened. People 50 or older with heart disease risk factors had an increased risk of death. Tell your doctor if you had a heart attack, other heart problems, stroke or a history of blood clots.

Read more Important Safety Information and Indication below.

After Samantha was prescribed XELJANZ, she went online to learn more about XELSOURCE and potential savings options for which she may qualify. “I like how easy the information is to navigate online,” she said.

Samantha began seeing improvements in her symptoms about a month after starting treatment on XELJANZ for her moderate to severe UC. She was going to the bathroom less frequently and had less blood in her stool. Samantha discussed her symptom improvement with her gastroenterologist at a follow-up appointment, expressing how happy she was to be feeling better.

“I look forward to cheering on my son at his sporting events, taking him to our favorite botanical garden, and going on walks with my dog and family,” she says.

With a busy life as a working mother, Samantha finds it helpful to create a predictable routine so she remembers to take XELJANZ every day as prescribed. She appreciates that XELJANZ is a pill and finds that keeping it next to her bed with a glass of water is a helpful reminder to take it first thing every morning before helping her son get ready for school.

By working with her gastroenterologist, Samantha was able to find a treatment option that works for her. She hopes that sharing her story will inspire others with moderate to severe UC to discuss their disease management plan with their doctors if they feel it is not working well enough for them.

“It’s important to listen to your body, write down questions you may have to ask your doctor, and advocate for yourself.”

To learn more about XELJANZ, visit XELJANZ.com/UC.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION

The safety information below applies to all marketed formulations of XELJANZ. Specific risks associated with certain dosing are noted.

Serious infections. XELJANZ can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Do not start taking XELJANZ if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. Serious infections have happened in people taking XELJANZ. These serious infections include tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before starting and during treatment with XELJANZ. You should not start taking XELJANZ if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare professional tells you it is okay.

Before and after starting XELJANZ, tell your doctor if you are being treated for an infection, have infections that keep coming back, or have symptoms of an infection, including:

  • fever, sweating, or chills
  • cough
  • blood in phlegm
  • warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
  • burning when you urinate
  • urinating more often than normal
  • muscle aches
  • shortness of breath
  • weight loss
  • diarrhea or stomach pain
  • feeling very tired

Increased risk of death in people 50 years of age and older who have at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and are taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily.

Cancer. XELJANZ may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers, can happen. People taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily have a higher risk of certain cancers including lymphoma and lung cancer, especially if you are a current or past smoker. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.

Higher dose. People with ulcerative colitis taking the higher dose of XELJANZ (10 mg twice daily) or XELJANZ XR (22 mg one time each day) have a higher risk of serious infections, shingles, or skin cancers.

Immune system problem. Some people who have taken XELJANZ with certain other medicines to prevent kidney transplant rejection have had a problem with certain white blood cells growing out of control (Epstein Barr Virus–associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder).

Increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death in people 50 years of age and older who have at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and are taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily, especially if you are a current or past smoker.

Get emergency help right away if you have any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke while taking XELJANZ, including:

  • discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back
  • severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw
  • pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
  • shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
  • breaking out in a cold sweat
  • nausea or vomiting
  • feeling lightheaded
  • weakness in one part or on one side of your body
  • slurred speech

Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE), veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT), and arteries (arterial thrombosis) have happened more often in people who are 50 years of age and older and with at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily. Blood clots in the lungs have also happened in people with ulcerative colitis. Some people have died from these blood clots.

  • Stop taking XELJANZ and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any signs and symptoms of blood clots such as sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, swelling of a leg or arm, leg pain or tenderness, or red or discolored skin in the leg or arm.

Tears (perforation) in the stomach or intestines. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines. Some people taking XELJANZ can get tears in their stomach or intestine. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have fever, stomach-area pain that does not go away, and a change in your bowel habits.

Serious allergic reactions can occur. Stop using XELJANZ and call your healthcare provider right away if you have swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or get hives.

Changes in certain lab test results. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your white and red blood cells before starting and while you are taking XELJANZ. Your doctor should also check certain liver tests. You should not take XELJANZ if your lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, or red blood cell count is too low or your liver function test levels are too high. Changes in lab test results may cause your healthcare provider to stop your XELJANZ treatment for a time. Your cholesterol levels should be checked 4 to 8 weeks after you start receiving XELJANZ.

Before you use XELJANZ, tell your healthcare provider if you:

  • Are being treated for an infection, have an infection that won’t go away or keeps coming back, or think you have symptoms of an infection
  • Have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB, or were born in, lived in, or traveled where there is more risk for getting TB
  • Have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weak immune system. People with these conditions have a higher chance for infections
  • Live or have lived in certain areas (such as Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections
  • Have or have had Hepatitis B or C
  • Are a current or past smoker
  • Have had any type of cancer
  • Have had a heart attack, other heart problems or stroke
  • Have had blood clots
  • Have liver or kidney problems
  • Have any stomach area (abdominal) pain or been diagnosed with diverticulitis or ulcers in your stomach or intestines
  • Have recently received or plan to receive a vaccine. People taking XELJANZ should not receive live vaccines but can receive non-live vaccines
  • Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed. You should not take XELJANZ and breastfeed
  • Have had a reaction to tofacitinib or any of the ingredients
  • Are taking other medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following medicines while taking XELJANZ since this may increase your risk of infection:
    • tocilizumab (Actemra®)
    • etanercept (Enbrel®)
    • adalimumab (Humira®)
    • infliximab (Remicade®)
    • rituximab (Rituxan®)
    • abatacept (Orencia®)
    • anakinra (Kineret®)
    • certolizumab (Cimzia®)
    • golimumab (Simponi®)
    • ustekinumab (Stelara®)
    • secukinumab (Cosentyx®)
    • vedolizumab (Entyvio®)
    • ixekizumab (Taltz®)
    • sarilumab (Kevzara®)
    • azathioprine, cyclosporine, or other immunosuppressive drugs
  • Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.

What are other possible side effects of XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR?

If you are a carrier of the Hepatitis B or C virus (viruses that affect the liver), the virus may become active while you use XELJANZ. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests before starting and while using treatment with XELJANZ. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any signs of these symptoms: feel very tired, little or no appetite, clay-colored bowel movements, chills, muscle aches, skin rash, skin or eyes look yellow, vomiting, fevers, stomach discomfort, or dark urine.

Common side effects in people with ulcerative colitis include nasal congestion, sore throat, runny nose (nasopharyngitis), increased cholesterol levels, headache, upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), increased muscle enzyme levels, rash, diarrhea, and shingles (herpes zoster).

XELJANZ & Pregnancy

XELJANZ may affect the ability of females to get pregnant. It is not known if this will change after stopping XELJANZ. It is not known if XELJANZ will harm an unborn baby.

  • Pregnancy Registry: Pfizer has a registry for pregnant women who take XELJANZ. The purpose of this registry is to check the health of the pregnant mother and her baby. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking XELJANZ, talk to your healthcare provider about how you can join this pregnancy registry or you may contact the registry at 1-877-311-8972 to enroll.

You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take XELJANZ or breastfeed. You should not do both. After you stop your treatment with XELJANZ do not start breastfeeding again until 18 hours after your last dose of XELJANZ or 36 hours after your last dose of XELJANZ XR.

What is XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR?

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib) is used to treat adults with:

  • Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis when 1 or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker medicines have been used, and did not work well or cannot be tolerated

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in people with Hepatitis B or C.

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR/XELJANZ Oral Solution is not recommended for people with severe liver problems.

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ Oral Solution is safe and effective in children for treatment other than active polyarticular course juvenile arthritis.

It is not known if XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in children.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

[i] Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. What is Ulcerative Colitis? https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/overview

PP-XUC-USA-2030 August 2022

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How helping rice growers reduce methane emissions is critical to sustainability

2022-11-11T08:01:00

(BPT) – Rice is one of the most popular grains in the U.S. According to Statista, Americans consumed 4.6 million metric tons of rice in the 2021/2022 fiscal year, and that trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down. In addition to eating rice on its own, the grain is used in other products like rice-based cereals, cakes, noodles, milk, cheese and vinegar. While rice is a useful and popular grain, it is also a source of greenhouse gases.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, rice makes up 12% of global methane emissions, representing 1.5% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. GHGs warm the earth and act like an insulating blanket, exacerbating the problems of climate change. You’re probably familiar with the GHG carbon dioxide, but according to the Environmental Protection Agency, methane is 20 times more powerful. While carbon dioxide is more abundant than methane, this GHG power is just as destructive, creating a problem for rice growers.

Because rice is the primary staple food for more than half the world’s population, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, decreasing rice consumption isn’t a viable solution. That’s why Kellogg’s and Syngenta have collaborated on a sustainable solution that will assist rice growers in reducing their methane emissions.

Stakeholders take note of methane production

Some rice growers are already implementing many methane-reduction practices. However, adoption has been slow. Changing farming practices is a risk that can dissuade rice farmers from adopting more sustainable practices, even if they benefit from it in the long term.

Syngenta and Kellogg’s have banded together to create Kellogg’s InGrained. This program will invest $2 million over five years to provide farmers in Louisiana and the Lower Mississippi River basin with training in irrigation management, nutrient management and soil health for GHG reduction. The companies hope that by partnering with growers and providing financial incentives, it will make it easier for rice producers to adopt new practices for GHG reduction, especially methane.

Rice is an important grain for Kellogg’s because many of its products, including iconic brands like Rice Krispies and Special K cereals, rely on rice. When the company reviewed ways to make a big difference in rice production, methane reduction came out as the front runner.

Syngenta is committed to reducing GHG and understands the struggle of implementing new practices on an operation. Through this partnership with Kellogg’s, they hope to support growers through the sustainability transition in order to reduce methane emissions.

A more sustainable rice production practice

The Ingrained program aims to help educate and train farmers on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Before spreading the program, Kellogg’s needed to test and see if it worked as intended. That’s why the program was first piloted at Kennedy Rice Mill, a trusted Kellogg’s supplier and very large and prominent grower in Mer Rouge, Louisiana.

During the 2022 pilot year, the company offered growers $20 per ton of GHG reduction. The program also offered agronomic support, GHG quantification, and other resources at no additional cost to farmers. So far, the program has seen a successful reduction in methane emissions on rice farms.

Kellogg’s is working to scale the program across more of their rice draw area to show rice farmers the value of adopting methane reduction practices. Ideally, it will help create a greener supply chain from seed to package.

“The impacts of climate change affect us all, but these impacts are of particular concern to farmers, like me, who grow crops to produce the food we eat,” said Meryl Kennedy, CEO of 4Sisters Rice and Kennedy Rice Mill. “As rice farmers and stewards of the land, it’s our responsibility to address the concerns.”

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5 Tips on How to Engineer Your Home for Living

2022-11-10T09:01:00

(BPT) – Showcasing your personal style doesn’t have to be limited to the clothes you wear. Now more than ever, people are using their homes as a blank canvas to make a style statement. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice function for fashion. Here are five tips for unleashing your design personality while still ensuring your home is engineered for everyday living.

1. Make an Entry Statement

Whether you’re greeting guests or coming home after a long day at work, your entryway establishes the welcoming tone of your home. As our homes have become more multi-functional than ever, consider incorporating stylish storage solutions like coat racks, cubbies or benches that allow you to add touches of personal style while creating a space that’s also useful.

2. Put Your Kitchen Countertop to Work

From cooking and entertaining to schoolwork and crafting, the kitchen island or countertop is the center of many activities in the home. As the focal point of any kitchen, selecting a countertop that is both on trend and able to withstand everyday rigors is of the utmost importance. Wilsonart® helps homeowners make a style statement with a variety of engineered surfaces in today’s most sought-after natural marble and stone looks. From Quartz and Solid Surface to High Pressure Laminate (HPL), these surfaces are also engineered to meet a variety of lifestyle and budget needs while also withstanding daily wear and tear. They are high-performance, non-porous, meaning it will hold up against stains and look better, longer, and are as sustainable and sanitary as they are stylish. As each of these is a hard surface, they are inherently protected and inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew to keep the surfaces looking and smelling better, lasting longer, and mimic the best of Mother Nature, without impacting the environment.

3. Don’t Let High-Touch Surfaces Cramp Your Style

Homeowners are always looking for ways to mask the unsightly fingerprints that happen to surfaces of the home. Wilsonart® Traceless™ Laminate is ideal for use on high-touch areas with its nature-inspired tones and ultra-matte finish that provide an organic and sophisticated, luxurious look and feel for cabinets, doors and countertops. This innovative surface option features fingerprint-resistant technology engineered to repel prints, smudges, smears, and streaks in high-traffic areas. It’s stain-resistant, remarkably durable, repairable if light scratches occur, and easy to clean, making it the perfect upgrade from traditional paint.

4. Let the Inside Shine

Opening a cabinet door to find a stark white interior, or a dark abyss that makes it difficult to see what’s inside, adds nothing to a kitchen’s personality. Wouldn’t you rather open the door to spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional? Bring sophisticated style to the inside of cabinets, drawers, and open storage areas with Wilsonart® Interiors, a collection of Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL) designs and finishes. Inspired by natural woven textures, the collection adds a sense of refinement to both open and closed cabinet storage, dressing spaces from the inside-out with a new level of detail.

5. Accessorize!

Deciding on décor is a balancing act. Overloading a space can create an unwanted cluttered feeling. Instead, mindfully choose decorative accessories that will let your personality shine. Then create a perfect blend between practical storage and pleasing aesthetics with shelving. Whether decorated with books, family photos or plants, shelving lets your personal items become décor, instead of distractions.

For more stylish yet functional design inspiration, visit www.wilsonart.com.