Month: December 2022

2022-12-04T12:35:00

(BPT) – Shopping online during the holidays can simplify gift-giving but also leaves you vulnerable to potential fraud. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, thousands of people become victims of holiday scams, robbing them of their personal information, money and holiday spirit.

While you know that online scams happen, you may think it’s unlikely to happen to you. You’re not alone. According to a recent fraud research report, nearly half of those surveyed were confident they could recognize a scam. However, nearly 3 in 4 people typically responded to common terms and phrases fraudsters use in scam emails and texts.

Make sure you’re shopping safely this holiday season by using the following online shopping security tips.

1. Pay securely online

As you shop online, take a moment to look at the website’s URL to ensure that it begins with “https.” The “s” at the end confirms a secure connection. You can also look at the corner of the address bar for a padlock symbol, which shows there is a secure connection between your browser and the website’s server.

For Visa card members, you can use click to pay with Visa for an extra layer of protection. This feature allows online shoppers to quickly, easily and safely finish their holiday purchases. You can rest easy knowing there are multiple layers of security that help protect you from payment fraud.

2. Pay securely in-app

While using the same passwords for your shopping apps may be easier, it is not the safest way to shop this holiday season. If a data break occurs on just one of the apps you use, all your other accounts may also be compromised because they use the same password.

Create a strong, unique password for each account that is hard to guess. Better yet, switch to fingerprint or facial recognition for account login and payments when possible.

3. Look out for phishing scams

Be careful of unsolicited and suspicious emails, texts or phone calls. They may try to steal personal information like your account number, username and password.

Phishing messages tend to use phrases like “act now,” “exclusive deal” and “free gift” to create a sense of urgency and reward, according to the fraud report.

If you receive something that looks and sounds like a phishing scam, don’t click on any links unless you can verify they’ll take you where they say they will.

4. Update system and application software

Has it been a while since you’ve updated your technologies’ software? If so, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to fraudsters while shopping for your friends and family.

Before you begin your online holiday shopping, update the software on your computers, tablets and phones. Installing the latest software helps patch any known vulnerabilities that allow cybercriminals to access your important financial and identity information.

5. Turn on purchase alerts

Purchase alerts are a simple but important security tool. By turning on this feature during your holiday shopping, you’ll receive near real-time notifications of transactions on your account. This can help you confirm legitimate purchases and alert you to potential fraud while you check the last few items off your shopping list.

Using these five simple tips, you can shop safely while making the season jolly and bright for the ones you love. Make this holiday shopping season even safer with Visa. To learn more about how you can shop and pay for gifts safely, visit Visa.com/Security.

2022-12-02T15:04:36

(BPT) – By: Danielle Hambrick, PharmD

As colder weather drives us to spend more time indoors, it’s critical to plan for the spread of respiratory infections and get vaccinated, especially for those who are the most vulnerable — adults over the age of 65 and those with chronic conditions. The Department of Health and Human Services estimated that among seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries, receiving COVID-19 primary vaccinations and booster doses resulted in 650,000 fewer hospitalizations for COVID-19 last month and had saved 300,000 lives in 2021.^[1]

Despite the benefits of vaccination, most older adults have not received the updated bivalent booster,^[2] which provides added protection against more recent circulating viral variants.

Keeping older adults safe this winter season should still be a top priority. Here are 5 things seniors should know:

• COVID-19 is still a public health concern
  • Public health officials are expecting another COVID-19 surge this winter as people gather indoors where the virus spreads easier. The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases for people over 60, as older people may have weaker immune systems. They also may be more likely to have conditions or diseases which weaken their body’s ability to fight infections, making them more vulnerable to infectious disease^[3] and hospitalizations.
• Vaccines provide the best protection against COVID-19
  • The updated bivalent COVID-19 booster provides protection against both the original virus that causes COVID-19, as well as the more recent omicron variants that are circulating. Fortunately, the immunity people have built up from vaccinations continues to help protect most from serious illness and death.^[4] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the bivalent booster vaccine for anyone age five years and older as vaccination provides protection even if an individual has already had an infection.^[4]
• The CDC reports that the flu is spreading quickly across the U.S.
  • Public health officials say that flu activity in the U.S. is being recorded higher than it has in the last decade.^[5] It’s more important than ever to protect yourself and those around you by getting a flu shot. Yet so far, people are slow to get their flu vaccines compared to the last few years. Flu shots are widely available, and the flu vaccine has been shown to help prevent illness, medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. Flu shots are available at Walgreens for anyone age 3 and up.
• Eligible individuals can get two vaccines for two different viruses in one single visit
  • Individuals can get the flu shot and an updated COVID-19 booster dose or other CDC-recommended routine immunizations during a single visit to save a trip and help reduce community spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses. Annual flu vaccines are advised as flu causes illness in tens of millions of people every year in the U.S. alone. The flu vaccine also protects people from other serious illnesses and complications, like flu-related pneumonia and flu-related heart attacks or stroke, which are especially dangerous for people with diabetes or chronic heart or lung conditions.^[6]
• Vaccines are easy to get at the local pharmacy and can even be scheduled online
  • Pharmacists can serve as a trusted resource to discuss vaccine options for both COVID-19 and flu, as well as other routine immunizations, and answer any questions. Walgreens offers convenient, neighborhood locations and appointments that fit family schedules, including evenings and weekends. Appointments are highly encouraged for the best experience and are easy to schedule online by visiting Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, by downloading the Walgreens app or by calling 1-800-WALGREENS, available in both Spanish and English.

2022-12-02T10:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re a fan of all things canine, you probably look forward to watching The National Dog Show Presented by Purina each year even more than the Thanksgiving meal. First airing in 2001 on NBC to celebrate all dogs, the show has turned rooting for your favorite pups into a Thanksgiving tradition for millions of families nationwide over the past 20 years.

More than 1,700 dogs representing nearly 200 breeds competed for Best in Show honors, including three breeds that are newly recognized by the American Kennel Club for this year’s competition: the Mudi, Russian Toy and Bracco Italiano. How do all these dogs stay in great shape for this level of competition? Not only do they participate in years of training with their handlers, but many of the dogs who compete and win at The National Dog Show are fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Here are some of the highlights of this year’s National Dog Show:

1. Cheer on the best in show. This year’s greatest honor, “Best in Show,” went to Winston, the three-year-old French Bulldog from Bixby, Oklahoma. Winston was the Reserve Best in Show winner at the 2022 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. While his handler is Perry Payson, his owners include Sandy Fox, Sandy’s grandson, Morgan Fox, a professional football player, along with Alexandra Vorbeck, Alex Geremia, and Felicia Cashin. Winston is the 12^th of the last 12 Best in Show champions to be fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

2. Meet the finalists. After the breed and group competitions, seven group winners moved forward to compete in Best in Show. This year’s group included Sloane, American Water Spaniel (Sporting Group), Nate, the Treeing Walker Coonhound (Hound Group), Reus, Alaskan Malamute (Working Group), Trouble the American Staffordshire Terrier (Terrier Group), Cooper, the English Toy Spaniel (Toy Group), Winston the French Bulldog (Non-Sporting Group) and River, the German Shepherd (Herding Group). All seven of these winners are Purina Pro Plan-fed dogs.

3. Make room for the new breeds. This year’s competition included three exciting new dog breeds. The Mudi (pronounced like “moody”) is known as the “driver dog,” which is an extremely versatile, intelligent, alert and agile all-purpose Hungarian farm dog. The Russian Toy is a small, elegant, lively dog with long legs, fine bones and lean muscles. They are active and cheerful, possessing keen intelligence and a desire to please. The very first dog to be entered into the stud books of the Kennel Club Italiano was the Bracco Italiano, or “Italian Pointing Dog.” It has a powerful appearance, with lean limbs, well-developed muscles, short coat level and a sculpted head.

4. Celebrate the bond between dogs and handlers. The bond between Best in Show winner Winston and his handler Perry Payson is easy to see as they prepare to enter the ring together. It’s important that every handler has a strong bond with the dog they work with to ensure that the dog feels confident and comfortable in the ring. Learning to observe and appreciate the finely tuned interactions between these elite canines and their experienced handlers is part of the fascination of viewing The National Dog Show every year.

5. Admire the preparation. Genetics, years of careful training and high-quality nutrition are the three most important factors that go into dog show preparation, especially when competing at this elite level. Many of The National Dog Show champions are fueled by Purina Pro Plan, including all of the Best in Show finalists. Purina Pro Plan provides the essential nutrients these dogs need to perform their best, and helps give each dog a healthy, shiny coat and bright eyes.

Learn more about your favorite canines in The National Dog Show at Purina.com.

2022-12-02T09:00:00

(BPT) – Imagine you’re a college student performing with your musical theater troupe. It’s summertime and swampy-hot at the outdoor venue, and it doesn’t help that you’re wearing a pioneer dress that weighs about 10 pounds. But you’re singing and dancing under the spotlights, and your partner is picking you up to do a dance move.

Exactly then, you begin to go limp. It starts with your hands, which form into a claw-like position. Then your head dangles to the side. All of this happened to Kirsten — a young, healthy and active student who chalked it up to dehydration until she had more episodes in the week and years that followed.

It took three years for Kirsten to discover she had a form of “primary periodic paralysis,” or PPP, a genetic disorder so rare it affects only 5,000 to 6,000 individuals in the United States.

These temporary episodes of severe weakness or paralysis, most often in the arms or legs, can last minutes, hours or even days. Episodes of weakness or paralysis usually start happening in childhood, before age 20. Some people begin having attacks as early as age 2 or even younger. In its most common forms, the episodes are triggered by changes of potassium level in the blood.

Because its symptoms can mimic those of more common conditions, incorrect diagnoses and delays in diagnosis are common. After thinking her first severe episode was an isolated occurrence due to heat and dehydration, Kirsten had two more episodes that same week, and many more after that. She vividly remembers when she was finally diagnosed correctly.

“I vividly remember getting in my car following the appointment and breaking down in tears,” Kirsten recalled. “Everything finally made sense. I felt vindicated, and I finally had proof that I wasn’t making my symptoms up. I had gone through what a lot of other PPP patients go through: a time-consuming, demoralizing and oftentimes frustrating diagnosis process.”

Now, Kirsten wants to raise awareness both about PPP and about helpful resources for people diagnosed with it. At PavingMyPath.com, people with PPP and their loved ones can learn more about the disease, including how it’s managed and how it’s diagnosed. They can find a doctor who diagnoses and treats PPP, learn more about a treatment option, and hear real-life PPP experiences.

They can also learn about PPP Mentor Connect, a phone-based program that lets patients and their caregivers talk on the phone with knowledgeable patients such as Kirsten. The people she speaks with can relate to the impact PPP has had on her life, but they can also find hope in the full life she’s living now as a married attorney who enjoys hiking and skiing. With treatment, Kirsten is having fewer episodes, and when she does, they are shorter and usually limited to one part of her body.

“I didn’t reach out to the PPP community until a few years after my diagnosis, and now I see that that was a mistake on my part,” she said. “I learned so much and felt so validated after eventually reaching out and connecting with others who live with PPP.”

2022-12-02T10:01:00

(BPT) – The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can get the best of even the most organized of people, leaving you frazzled and distracted. During the rush of the holiday season, another thing that can be neglected or overlooked is the risk for injuries.

Accidents can happen throughout the season, because of everything from the bad weather to a cooking faux pas to holiday crowds. This season, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers tips to avoid bone and joint injuries:

Deck the halls

Lifting injuries can happen quickly and painfully to anyone, at any age. Lifting properly can save you a world of hurt. Bend at the knees to use the large leg and glute muscles instead of your back to pick up heavy items. Don’t twist or rotate while lifting, especially when shoveling snow. Bend your knees and pivot your whole body, not just the torso. Shoveling is a good activity for kids and teens, but teach them correct shoveling techniques. Remind them, too, that shovels are tools, not toys. Many head injuries to kids are caused by inappropriate shovel use.

Rockin’ around the clock

Holiday decorations appeal to people of all ages but also pose the risk for injury if you aren’t careful. Climbing a ladder indoors or outdoors to decorate when no one else is around is a major risk for injury from falls. Always work with a partner, and remember to use ladders on firm, level surfaces. You can let children help decorate, under supervision, giving them age-appropriate tasks.

Babes in toy land

Children love toys they can ride. Did you know, however, that nonmotorized scooters account for 21% of all toy-related emergency department visits? In 2021, 41,700 injuries were reported by emergency room departments. The key to preventing injuries? Give age-appropriate toys and teach children important safety tips when trying new toys, such as scooters.

A winter wonderland

Not everyone has to be concerned about walking on ice, but if you live in a wintry climate, icy surfaces can lurk anywhere. In fact, approximately 1 million Americans are injured annually because of falling on ice and snow. Make sure you and your children wear shoes that have good traction to prevent slipping and falling. You can even purchase slip-on shoe gear that adds traction when walking on ice. And remember, if you hop on the party train, imbibe responsibly so you’re always surefooted, regardless of surface conditions.

Let it snow

Ski and snowboarding season is approaching, and anterior cruciate ligament tears in the knee joint are common. Research has shown that keeping your arms forward and hips over the knees can reduce the risk of injury. Many injuries occur from falling backward, twisting the knee. Adjust your bindings to meet your ability. When you’re careful, outdoor winter sports can be one of the safest and most enjoyable ways to socially distance and work out at the same time.

The fire is so delightful

Prevent burns by knowing the risks. Lighted candles and fireplaces are obvious sources of burn potential, but the kitchen is another hot spot when it comes to burns. Practice good safety habits and keep children away from open fires, candles, appliances and cooking utensils that are hot. Know what to do in case of a burn. Treat minor burns with cool running water, a sterile bandage and over-the-counter pain reliever. More serious burns require immediate medical attention.

To help you and your family enjoy this festive season worry-free, visit OrthoInfo.org for in-depth holiday safety measures.

2022-12-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – Baking during the holidays is a great way to bring family and friends together. Whether you’re trying out a new recipe or following old traditions, there are plenty of ways to elevate your holiday baking! Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dalina Soto shares some better baking tips below that every host needs to know this holiday season.

1. Keep Your Workspace Clean and Organized

Before you begin baking your holiday creations, make sure to clean your workspace to avoid any cross-contamination. Having an organized workspace can also shorten your time spent baking, from prep to plating. By arranging all ingredients before you begin baking, everything will be within reach right when you need it.

2. Test Baking Soda and Baking Powder

Believe it or not, your baking powder and baking soda do have a shelf life! If they are expired, you won’t get the typical rise and lift on your baked goods. To test for freshness, pour a teaspoon of baking powder into a cup of hot water and a quarter teaspoon of baking soda into two tablespoons of vinegar. If both mixtures bubble, let the baking commence!

3. Reduce Oil Measurements

Oil is a common ingredient in baking as it ensures your baked goods will be moist, soft and delicious! However, there are ways to reduce the fat content without taking away from the integrity of your recipe. Soto recommends using plain yogurt or fruit purees such as applesauce and mashed bananas as a replacement. Making this simple change can lessen the amount of saturated fat in your recipes and will be just as delicious!

4. Practice a Healthy Balance

During the holidays, there’s an abundance of sweet treats and delicious foods. While you should enjoy these foods with friends and family, try to maintain balance by drinking enough water to stay hydrated and incorporate fiber and nutrition with fruits, vegetables and healthy fats.

5. Use High-Quality Ingredients

To elevate your holiday baking creations even more, Soto stresses the importance of using high-quality ingredients, like Eggland’s Best eggs, to ensure your meals are delicious and nutritious. Eggland’s Best eggs contain 25% less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs, which helps to support a balanced diet even during the holidays. They also contain more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs, to keep you feeling energized and satisfied throughout all your seasonal activities.

Try these Festive Vanilla Holiday Cupcakes if you’re looking for a new recipe that will wow your guests during your holiday festivities. They’re easy, delicious and even double as holiday décor!

Festive Vanilla Holiday Cupcakes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yields: 24 cupcakes

Ingredients

Cupcakes:

· 3 Eggland’s Best eggs, large

· 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

· 1 teaspoon baking powder

· 1 1/2 cups sugar

· 1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature)

· 3/4 cup milk

· 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Frosting:

· 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

· 16 ounces regular cream cheese, softened

· 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

· 8 cups powdered sugar

· 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Decorating:

• Snow globe:
  • Ornament
  • Gingerbread Cookie
• Snowman:
  • Marshmallows
  • Pretzel Sticks
  • Peanut Butter Cup
• Trees:
  • Pretzel Sticks
  • Green Frosting

PREPARATION
Cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour and baking powder and set aside. In a mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy while adding eggs one at a time, add in vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add flour mixture and milk to mixer until well incorporated.
4. Divide batter evenly on cupcake liners. Bake for about 18-20 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack before decorating.

Decorating/Frosting:
1. In a bowl, add the butter and cream cheese and whisk well until lump-free. Add the vanilla extract and salt and mix some more. Mix in the powdered sugar until combined.
2. Using a regular icing tip, pipe the frosting onto the cupcake.
3. Decorate with optional toppings as pictured in image.

Recipe Tips:
For the frosting, make sure to remove the butter and cream cheese from the fridge so that it will be easier to mix and make the frosting.

If making the snowman, use icing to hold the pieces together.

You can find more holiday recipes to take your celebrations to the next level by visiting EgglandsBest.com.