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Tips for Wrapping up 2022 and Preparing for the New Year

2022-12-20T06:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Office Depot

With just a short time left before the end of this year and the start of 2023, business owners, remote workers, teachers and more are working hard to find a balance between celebrating the holidays with family, friends, and colleagues, and taking actionable steps to finish this year strong while also preparing for success in the new year.

Whether shopping for last-minute gifts, setting up workspaces, or restocking classrooms for the new year, Office Depot offers products, time-saving services, and instant savings on top brands to help shoppers wrap up 2022 and prepare for the new year ahead.

Consider the tips below when checking off professional and personal to-do lists:

1. Stock up on must-have supplies and find last-minute gifts

Don’t wait to restock your office or classroom until you’re out of paper, sticky notes, pencils, pens, or ink cartridges. Take advantage of Office Depot’s sales and stock up on must-have supplies now, so you’re not running on empty come 2023.

And while you’re there, consider picking up any last-minute gifts. Office Depot created a thoughtful assortment of gift guides with suggestions designed to delight everyone from teachers, techies, and teens to home office workers, co-workers, and more, online at officedepot.com/giftguides. And for those hard-to-buy-for family members, friends, teachers, and co-workers, Office Depot offers a variety of gift cards from hundreds of brands, including Office Depot OfficeMax eGift cards, that can be delivered within minutes.

2. Use time-saving services

Need those supplies or gifts fast? Office Depot offers an industry-leading in-store and curbside pickup service with the company’s 20-minute pickup promise. Qualifying orders placed online at officedepot.com or via the Office Depot mobile app can be picked up in-store or curbside in just 20 minutes! And if a qualifying pickup order is not ready in 20 minutes, customers will receive an email with a coupon for $20 off their next qualifying purchase. Visit officedepot.com/pickup for additional details. Same-day delivery is also available for qualifying orders placed before 5 p.m. local time for just $4.99. Learn more about same-day delivery at officedepot.com/samedaydelivery.

And with the holidays being the peak season for shipping, Office Depot offers products and services to help clients with their packing and shipping needs, so customers can shop, pack, and ship all in one trip at Office Depot and OfficeMax stores. Click here to learn more.

3. Stay organized

The lines between work, family, and life in general can feel even more blurred than normal this time of year. To help stay productive without sacrificing your personal life, it’s important to stay organized. You don’t want to accidentally schedule a work event at the same time as a festive get-together, holiday meal, or movie night. Start using a calendar or planner to help prevent work obligations from interfering with well-deserved downtime.

There are many choices for digital and physical planners, and ideally you should use both. While a digital calendar is easy to access on the go and share with others, a physical planner is also convenient to have around. With a physical planner, you can easily pencil in and refer to your schedule while on the phone or during face-to-face meetings with clients and employees.

If you’re looking for a stylish solution to stay organized and plan ahead, check out selections from russell+hazel® or customizable disc-bound planners from Happy Planner®.

4. Sit comfortably with a chair upgrade

Think about the chair that you use every day to get work done. Is it a dining room chair, maybe a kitchen stool, or is it a worn-out office chair from years ago? Is it no longer comfortable? Or maybe it’s losing its function? Invest in your comfort this holiday season and beyond with a new chair for your office or home office. And with so many options to choose from, check out Office Depot’s Chair Buying Guide to learn what might be the best option for you. Plus, thousands of chairs are on sale during Office Depot’s holiday chair event, happening now through the end of the year.

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8 tips to prevent frozen pipes and ice dams this winter

2022-12-19T23:01:00

(BPT) – Before winter sets in, you should prepare your home for winter to avoid expensive repairs down the road. Frozen pipes and ice dams are the most common problems that can lead to costly repairs. According to State Farm, this year alone, burst pipes and ice dams cost $181 million in claims, averaging $20,000 per claim.

Even if you live in a warmer state, don’t skimp on preparing your home for the cooler months. It may be hard to believe, but in 2021 and 2022, Texas was the No. 1 state with losses because of pipes and dams. This year, total claims in Texas cost $64 million.

If you want to protect your home from winter damage, check out these eight tips to help prevent frozen or burst pipes and ice dams.

1. Secure outdoor hoses, valves and faucets

Before winter hits, take a walk around your front and back yard and disconnect your garden hose. If possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. These simple measures can reduce the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

2. Let water drip and open cabinet doors

Most of the time, frozen pipes are preventable by simply leaving cabinet doors open and letting your faucets drip. Keeping cabinet doors open keeps the pipes warm by allowing airflow from the room, while letting the faucet drip keeps warmer water flowing through the pipes, making it more difficult to freeze. Also, an open faucet acts as a release that can help prevent pressure from building up inside the pipe and bursting.

3. Watch your thermostat

During the winter, keep your thermostat set at the same temperature day and night to reduce the risk of frozen pipes. This can also help reduce the strain on your furnace during extremely cold weather.

If you have a vacation home, set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Also, make sure before you leave for a while that you replace the battery in your thermostat.

4. Insulate pipes and keep them warm

Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon, you’re best off insulating the pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic. You can also use heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables that wrap around your pipes and keeps them warm even in freezing conditions.

5. Insulate your attic

While you’re insulating your pipes, check your attic’s insulation. Ask a contractor to check the space to ensure the insulation in your attic space is adequate for the climate.

If you don’t have insulation, consider installing some before winter sets in. Adding insulation to your attic can help prevent your home’s warm air from escaping into unheated attic spaces, keep your pipes warm, and prevent ice dams from forming.

6. Seal leaks

Leaks in your home can make it easier for pipes to freeze and ice dams to form. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. Verify all penetrations, access panels and electrical fixtures are properly sealed and insulated to prevent heat and moisture from entering the attic space.

7. Clean gutters

Before winter weather hits your area, clean your gutters of leaves and other debris. While this may not prevent ice dams, clean gutters can drain ice melt during a thaw.

8. Check the soffits

Verify that soffits (the exposed siding underneath your roof’s overhang) and roof or ridge venting exist along your home’s roof planes. Also, make sure that soffit vents aren’t blocked by attic insulation or covered by newly installed maintenance-free finishes outside the home.

What to do if your pipes freeze and dams are damaged?

If you turn your faucet on and nothing comes out, it’s probably because your pipes are frozen. The first step is to turn off the water to the home. If your pipes have burst, you won’t know until it thaws. A 1/8-inch crack can spray more than 250 gallons of water a day, ruining floors, carpets, furniture and irreplaceable personal belongings. Next, open all your faucets and call a plumber. Look for cracks in your pipes and if one is identified, place a bucket below to reduce damage once the pipe thaws.

There are some short-term remedies for ice dams, but it’s best to determine and fix the cause. Make sure to consult a trusted and competent professional who can get to the root of the problem, fix it and hopefully prevent it from happening again.

Using these tips, you can prepare your home for the winter and reduce your risk of burst pipes and ice dams. If your home suffers damage this winter, contact your local State Farm agent to see if it’s covered under your homeowners policy. You can also check out more winter home maintenance at StateFarm.com/Simple-Insights.

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Looking for career opportunities? Consider joining the next generation of elite technicians

2022-12-19T02:01:00

(BPT) – There’s good news for those entering the job market, people wanting a career change or military veterans searching for a new path forward: Landing a rewarding lifelong career as a truck and trailer technician has never been easier. You don’t need years of expensive education or training to enter this field, which is currently in high demand. With just a short period of training, you can learn to service America’s fleet of trucks and trailers that are the backbone of the country’s economy.

Technicians are in high demand

With the persistent need for delivery services and a responsive supply chain due to today’s on-demand lifestyle — in addition to the fast-changing technological developments occurring in the trucking industry — companies nationwide are actively recruiting technicians who can learn how to service both diesel-powered and today’s more sustainable electric vehicles (EV), from medium to heavy trucks to tractor-trailers.

Paid training and no experience required

Fortunately, if you’re interested in joining this evolving, in-demand field, you can find a training program that will set you up not just for a great job, but for a lifelong career. FleeTec Academy, powered by Cox Automotive Mobility Fleet Services, offers an unmatched paid training program that provides competitive wages, all your living expenses and travel to one of the academy’s two locations: Phoenix and Indianapolis. The four-week program offers intensive, hands-on training from professional instructors to ensure each student will learn the advanced skills required to be a successful technician.

Here’s what the training program provides:

  • Four-week accelerated academic environment alongside equally ambitious candidates.
  • Paid living expenses and travel to the training location.
  • Competitive pay throughout the four-week training program.
  • Practical application in a mechanical shop environment, not just classroom learning, plus interpersonal skills required to set yourself apart from the rest and drive your career to the next level.
  • Guaranteed job placement with Cox Automotive.
  • Best-in-class employee benefits on Day 1.
  • $20,000 worth of tools to equip you on your essential mission to keep America’s trucks up and running after two years of service with Cox Automotive.

“From hands-on training and instructors who go above and beyond to guaranteed career opportunities and great pay, FleeTec and Cox Automotive Mobility Fleet Services have taken really good care of me,” said FleeTec graduate Tramone Sims. “After FleeTec, I feel like I can go out and work on any type of truck and really grow my career.”

Upon completion of the training program, you’ll be qualified to perform preventive maintenance and light repairs. You’ll learn the ins and outs of Cox Automotive’s industry-leading tools and techniques from the ground up, including unmatched safety procedures.

The program requires a two-year commitment to the company upon completion, with a guaranteed technician position where you’ll continue to receive mentorship and learn even more valuable industry skills at one of their many service centers or field service locations nationwide. To date, over 240 technicians have completed the program.

“Technician training, recruitment and retention are critical to the growth of our business and the industry as a whole,” said Ted Coltrain, executive officer, Cox Automotive Mobility Fleet Services. “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime for someone who has what it takes to remain focused and dedicated to both work and education full-time as they complete this exceptional training program.”

Interested? Visit CoxAutoInc.com/mobility/fleetec to watch videos of FleeTec students, learn more about the training program and to apply.

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Did you know comfort foods help soothe a broken heart?

2022-12-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – When you think of all the things that happen in the busy month of December, breakups are probably the last thing that come to mind. However, research shows the holidays are a prime time for ending relationships.

Whether it’s a romantic partnership that’s come to an end or a friendship that no longer serves you well, breakups are unfortunately common this time of year. Are you or is someone you know experiencing a breakup?

For many Americans, the winter holidays are a time to pull the plug on romantic relationships. In fact, a vast majority (83%) would consider breaking up with someone ahead of the holidays, according to a Wakefield Research survey for Pacific Foods.

A milestone month

A vast majority of younger adults confirm December is a make-or-break milestone for relationships. Nearly 3 in 5 say they or a couple they know have broken up in the month of December, including 40% who experienced it themselves.

No matter the reason or circumstances, breaking up is difficult. While there are numerous ways to help mend a broken heart, seeking comfort foods is one of the most popular breakup solutions among Gen Z and Millennials.

Savory over sweet

When it comes to what cuisine can help mend a broken heart during the holiday season, the majority say comfort food such as soup, pasta and pizza are the way to go, compared to more indulgent choices such as chocolate, ice cream or baked goods. So ditch the sweets this season and grab a bowl of warm and comforting soup.

In fact, younger adults’ taste in breakup soup skews toward the traditional. An overwhelming 88% identified soup as a breakup comfort with nearly 3 in 5 Gen Z and Millennials citing chicken noodle as the most comforting soup to eat after a breakup, followed by tomato soup and vegetable soup.

Whether you’ve experienced a breakup or you want to support a friend or family member, you can count on your favorite soup and broth brand, Pacific Foods, to provide you with nourishing products that feel like a warm hug. So stock up on the classics including Hearty Vegetable Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup and Tomato Bisque to help get you through both the good times and the bad.

Prioritize yourself

Everyone experiences breakups differently. Whether you’re getting over your work crush, starting a new solo chapter or have just parted ways with a friend, it’s important to make time for yourself and do things that bring you comfort. This season, no matter your situation, head to PacificFoods.com for delicious recipes, new soup and broth options and more.

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Five tips for new EV drivers

2022-12-16T10:01:00

(BPT) – The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) has begun: That’s according to the latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index, a survey of Americans’ driving habits and attitudes, which found that nearly half (46%) expect to acquire an EV within the next 5 years. Whether they’re driven by environmental motives, high gas prices or new automotive technology, drivers are increasingly shifting to EVs – so what do they need to know before they get behind the wheel of their first plug-in vehicle?

Gas savings are in the future – but be mindful of the power bill

The price of gas is undoubtedly the biggest pain point for drivers of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles today: 76% of drivers say fuel prices have a major to moderate impact on their daily driving habits. Switching to electric is the obvious solution – and for most drivers (58%), saving on gas is the biggest motivation behind the move.

To maximize those savings, new EV drivers should turn their attention to their power bill: look for opportunities to save money by charging during off-peak hours or by signing up for community electric programs.

Reconsider driving habits

For many, their first EV may not be their primary vehicle. Many drivers may still use an ICE vehicle for longer journeys or while waiting for the charging infrastructure in their community to improve. As drivers get to grips with their first EV, their habits may change – including choosing a different grocery store because it offers charging stations, or combining errands in a single outing instead of making multiple trips.

They wouldn’t be alone! While 66% of drivers surveyed in the Gauge Index said they would use an EV, only 45% said it would be the vehicle they drive every day.

Adjust your driving style

EVs are known for their instantaneous power delivery, thanks to the absence of gear rations and torque values that eclipse their ICE counterparts. They’re also quieter, thanks to the absence of an ICE powertrain, which means road noise increases – especially on highways. And range is everything: the more dynamic they’re driven, the sooner they’ll need to be plugged in.

As a result, new EV drivers may find themselves adjusting how they handle the vehicle, perhaps with a lighter right foot and a greater appreciation for smoother driving.

Learn about different maintenance needs

Nearly half of Americans (48%) said they would conduct their own vehicle maintenance at home to save money. But EVs may not offer that option, as they often require specialist mechanical care from the dealers’ own service locations.

EVs require different kinds of maintenance and at different intervals than traditional ICE vehicles. To adjust, new EV owners should stay up to speed on when and where they should take their vehicle for regular maintenance to keep the vehicle in top shape.

Understand why specific EV tires are preferred

Another difference between gas-powered vehicles and EVs is the demand on the tires. EVs perform best when equipped with tires that are specially developed to withstand added weight from battery packs, provide traction for faster power delivery, reduce rolling resistance for maximum range, and minimize road noise for a more enjoyable driving experience.

Yet a Gauge Index survey earlier in 2022 found only a quarter of Americans (26%) believed that EVs require custom-made tires, and more than three quarters (78%) believed that EVs could use the same tires as ICE vehicles.

With so much of an EV’s performance and comfort relying on specially designed tires, it’s crucial that new EV drivers look for tires designed from the ground up to meet the demands of their new vehicle. After all, that’s where the rubber meets the road!

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Adapting to life with FOP, a rare disease that turns soft tissue to bone

2022-12-16T08:21:00

(BPT) – As a 24-year-old, Erin Danzer enjoys expressing herself through art, such as painting, designing resin jewelry and making scarves to gift to her friends and family. She received her associate degree in communications and is currently pursuing her passion to create adaptive fashion by taking courses in clothing design. Her dream is to design clothes for a company or launch her own fashion line focused on inclusivity and accessibility of fashion for people living with disabilities.

Her inspiration arises from something deeply personal: Danzer is living with a rare disease, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), which causes permanent and continuous bone growth in soft and connective tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments.1

Growing up, Danzer’s parents noticed she had turned-in big toes and a reoccurring bump on her head. After visiting several pediatricians and specialists in a search for an answer, Danzer’s parents brought her to a geneticist, who eventually diagnosed FOP.

FOP impacts up to 400 people in the U.S. and can cause unpredictable episodes of rapid bone growth, which includes soft tissue swelling, pain, reduced movement and stiffness, also known as flare-ups.1,2 Ultimately, continuous bone growth and flare-ups severely restrict mobility and function — even leading to joints being locked for life.3

“Usually if I’m going through a flare up, I start to lose range of motion,” explains Danzer, “and because FOP is so unpredictable, sometimes I regain that range of motion, but other times it’s permanent and I lose function or mobility of that joint completely.”

Over the years, Danzer has met others in the FOP community and she’s struggled with how the disease can impact people differently by progressing at a different rate for each individual. “Compared to someone not living with FOP, obviously my mobility and function were really affected. But, when compared to someone living with FOP, I didn’t feel as affected as some others — sometimes those feelings were difficult for me,” reflects Danzer.

Changing expectations on independence

As a teen, FOP mainly impacted Danzer’s ability to reach above her head limiting her ability to dress herself, reach for items and even participate in conversations at school. “I always had the issue of the teacher not calling on me because they couldn’t see my arm raised. I adapted by using a finger pointer to raise my hand,” Danzer explains.

Slowly, FOP has impacted Danzer’s independence and challenged her ability to adapt. Several years ago, her car was modified to allow her to drive independently and now she can no longer operate it on her own. At the suggestion of her care team, Pine was brought into her life. Pine is a service dog who provides her support, companionship and helps her maintain her independence by opening doors, turning lights on and off, picking up items and even helping her pay at a store.

As FOP continues to impact Danzer’s life, Pine is also trained to adapt with her by learning new commands and executing more personalized tasks. The companionship is certainly another helpful aspect to support Danzer’s social and emotional wellness.

“Once I was in a wheelchair, I became very closed off. I didn’t want to talk about living with a rare disease since I felt as though others saw me only as living with a disability,” Danzer shares. “I didn’t really know how to talk about it and Pine really helped me open up as a person and be comfortable talking to people. I felt as though people were able to see Pine first, before the wheelchair, and that gave me confidence.”

For Danzer, life is about living every day to the fullest extent possible.

“I appreciate all the experiences, opportunities and the people that I’ve met so far in my life, as they make me who I am. While it can be difficult processing changes in my level of independence as my function and mobility become more restricted, what has helped me cope is knowing that I can still try new things, challenge myself and meet new people.” she said. “Life is about adapting, so surround yourself with people — or furry companions — who support you as you evolve.”

To learn more about FOP, including resources, visit FocusOnFOP.com.

Content sponsored by Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals.

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1. Pignolo RJ, Hsiao EC, Baujat G, Lapidus D, Sherman A, Kaplan FS. Prevalence of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) in the United States: estimate from three treatment centers and a patient organization. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2021;16(1):350. Published 2021 Aug 5. doi:10.1186/s13023-021-01983-2

2. Pignolo RJ, Shore EM, Kaplan FS. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: diagnosis, management, and therapeutic horizons. Pediatr Endocrinol Rev. 2013;10(0 2):437–48.

3. Pignolo RJ, Bedford Gay C, Liljesthröm M, et al. The natural history of flare-ups in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP): A comprehensive global assessment. J Bone Miner Res 2016: 31(3) 650–6.

12/2022 NON-US-003340

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5 eye health mistakes you may not know you’re making

2022-12-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – As digital device use has increased significantly in recent years, so has the risk that our daily habits may have an impact on our vision. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), more than 16 million Americans struggle with undiagnosed or untreated vision impairments, many of which could have been detected during a comprehensive eye exam.

Every day, doctors of optometry examine patients with no symptoms and find serious eye and other health issues. While some vision impairments are related to diseases like diabetes and sexually transmitted infections, some are caused by habits that make your eyes work harder, causing eyestrain, headaches, dry eyes and blurred vision.

Check out these five common eye health mistakes and how to implement better vision habits into your daily routine.

1. Improper desk setup and lighting

Your workspace can have a big impact on your eye health. Whether you work from home or go into the office, you’ll want to evaluate your desk setup and lighting.

Your desk and chair should be set up so the top of your computer screen is no higher than eye level, with the screen angled away about 15 to 20 degrees. If you have a standing desk, make sure to appropriately adjust it similarly to how you would look at your screen when seated.

Also, differences in lighting can cause undue stress on your eyes. Keep room lighting to about the same as the brightness of your computer screen, not significantly brighter or dimmer.

2. Not blinking enough during the day

Chances are you probably don’t think about how often you blink. However, people tend to blink less frequently when viewing a computer screen or handheld digital device. In fact, blink rate slows by up to 40% when you’re looking at a screen.

Blinking is the eye’s way of getting the moisture it needs on its surface. Keeping a note on your desk is a good way of reminding you to blink as a natural way to help prevent dryness and irritation. Practicing the 20-20-20 rule can help prevent vision issues such as digital eye strain as well: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

3. Holding your phone too close to your face

While you might be tempted to hold your phone close to your face to read small text or view images and videos, bringing the device closer to your eyes taxes the visual system. Keep in mind that small screens should be held at least 13 inches away from your face. If you need to read small print or see details, use the zoom feature or increase the text size in your device’s settings.

4. Wearing improper eyeglasses

If you find yourself squinting when driving, reading or watching TV, it may be time to get glasses or change your eyewear. Speak to your doctor of optometry to ensure you’re wearing the correct prescription and type of glasses for your intended viewing distance. They may also ask about your habits and recommend different pairs of glasses for certain activities, such as driving glasses or a pair with anti-glare coating for screen time.

5. Skipping your annual comprehensive eye exam

Annual comprehensive eye exams by a doctor of optometry are essential to ensure not only healthy eyes, but that your whole-body health is in check.

These exams can help identify the signs and symptoms associated with 270+ diseases that span the whole body. The earlier a vision or health problem is detected and treated, the more likely treatment will be successful.

“For many people, vision is their most important sense,” said Dr. Robert C. Layman, AOA President. “It connects us to our surroundings and the people in our lives. However, people are often unaware of habits that can strain their vision. The best way to assess and protect your vision and eye health is to receive a comprehensive eye exam annually, because the in-person care that AOA doctors of optometry deliver is irreplaceable.”

By avoiding these five common eye health mistakes, you can take better care of your vision and overall health. To learn more about eye health in this digital world and find an AOA doctor near you, visit AOA.org.

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3 product labels help you do good while shopping

2022-12-15T11:47:00

(BPT) – Did you know your dollars have the power to support positive change? Spending your money in ways that align with your values makes a difference for yourself and the causes close to your heart, while staying within your budget.

The new year is the ideal time to think about how you can make a difference, and one way is to look for little labels on products you buy that stand for the changes you want to see in the world. This is particularly important in 2023 as more people look at their budgets and make thoughtful choices about food and other products they purchase.

In fact, research shows about half of American seafood consumers (49% in the U.S.) say ecolabels on products raise their trust and confidence in the brand. However, product claims can be confusing, which is why 65% demand that retailers’ and brands’ claims about sustainability and the environment be clearly labeled and third-party verified.

To demystify product labels so you can shop smart and support people, the planet and prosperity, here are three labels to look for at the store:

The blue fish label: The MSC blue fish label makes it easy for you to identify seafood that meets the world’s leading standard for sustainable fishing. With this label, you have the power to help end overfishing and protect our ocean so it can feed generations to come.

Where to look: One of the most common places to look for this label is canned fish, like tuna. From the seafood counter, to canned or pouched fish, to frozen seafood, and even pet food and supplements, look for the blue fish label from Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

The orange butterfly label: Many people have become more aware of the impacts of genetically modified organisms, commonly called GMOs. In buying products with the butterfly label, sustainability-minded shoppers will know they’re truly avoiding GMOs.

Where to look: Processed foods — especially those containing corn, soy and sugar derivatives — dairy, meat and eggs, fruit and vegetables, snack foods, vitamins and supplements, vegetable oils, body care products and more can carry the butterfly label from the Non-GMO Project.

The blue and green farmer label: Farming is the world’s largest industry, employing more than one billion people around the world. Purchasing goods with the Fairtrade America logo is an easy way to know that the ingredients were grown following Fairtrade’s rigorous environmental, social and economic Standards that prioritize a fairer deal for farmers and workers.

Where to look: This logo can be found on items like coffee, tea, chocolate, bananas and other produce, cotton and more. By buying Fairtrade products, you are also helping to create a future where farmers get paid a fair price for their goods, workers’ rights are protected, women thrive and the environment is prioritized.

Fairtrade America, the MSC and Non-GMO Project are all nonprofit organizations driven by their collective mission to change how food is harvested or made in order to better serve people and the planet. Fairtrade has been operating internationally since 1989, MSC’s sustainable fishing standard has been in effect since 1998, and Non-GMO Project has been verifying products since 2010.

How do products get these labels?

Labels like Fairtrade, MSC Certified and Non-GMO Project Verified represent rigorous standards with requirements that need to be followed in order to use the label. This may require regular audits, laboratory testing and supply chain accountability that allows for “identity preservation.” That typically requires the strict separation of ingredients or products that are compliant with the standards from ingredients that are not.

You can make a difference simply in how you spend your hard-earned money. By looking for little labels like these, you can make a big impact and feel good about how you shop.

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Former news anchor becomes an advocate for the epilepsy community

2022-12-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – By Sarah Carlson

Imagine working, doing your job as usual, and suddenly losing control of your voice and body and eventually falling unconscious. That’s what happened to me. I can barely remember the ride in the ambulance, and it was only once I was at the ER that I realized I had a seizure.

In 2008, I was working as a news anchor in Madison, WI, when I started to feel something wasn’t right. I felt off both on air and throughout my day and desperately searched for answers from my doctors. I was finally diagnosed with simple partial seizures. My initial seizures were mild, making me feel confused or dizzy when reading the teleprompter, but I assumed we’d find an answer or adequate medication treatment. I was already fighting hard to find answers and the right treatment option for my seizures when I experienced a more severe seizure causing me to speak nonsense on air during a live news segment. This public seizure, and the online reactions it received, coupled with my multiple seizures a day, led me to double down on my efforts to find the right treatment option to control my epilepsy.

Because my seizure symptoms were not severe, it took a long time for doctors to find the medicine that would work with my epilepsy. I quickly learned that people who don’t find medicine that works for their epilepsy are categorized as the one-third or more of patients who never find one. My doctors eventually discovered that I had been living with a brain tumor and I was told that it was one factor causing my seizures. They were luckily able to remove it, but my journey with epilepsy didn’t end there. Just like many other people living with epilepsy, my seizures continued and changed the course of my career and the rest of my life.

Living with epilepsy

I’ve learned that not all seizures are the same. With some, I experienced minor symptoms, like confusion. However, others were more severe, causing me to seize on-air during a live broadcast where I spoke “gibberish”. Afterward, I found out a clip of my seizure had gone viral, a constant reminder of a shocking and horrible experience in which I had no control over my body. It was shortly after this that my doctors recognized my seizures had worsened and I had to give up my career in TV news.

For those living with epilepsy like I do, symptoms can vary from person to person and seizure to seizure. When I used to think of someone having a seizure, I pictured someone on the floor convulsing wildly and eventually losing consciousness. I’ve learned since my diagnosis, and from others with epilepsy, that some people may experience a seizure and sometimes the only signs are confusion, staring and stiff muscles.

To me, the scariest part of living with epilepsy is the lack of control I have on my health and the unknown moment when my invisible disease will strike. When will I have another seizure? What’s causing them? How can I live my life in this condition? It’s the uncertainty of this disease and unknowns of treatment that can put a pause on living your life.

Even after diagnosis, my journey to getting my seizures under control was long and frustrating. While doctors prescribed several medications, they weren’t working well enough to control my symptoms. My condition, and the seizures I experienced, were so unmanageable that I was forced to cut my career short and retire as a news anchor – something I had worked my entire life to pursue. My diagnosis with epilepsy and my seizures stole my career and prevented me from doing everyday activities like driving and running alone, one of my favorite things to do.

A path to treatment

In the U.S. alone, there are 3.4 million people, just like me, living with epilepsy and 60-70% have no known cause. Despite the number of people living with this neurological condition and more than 30 available epilepsy treatments, many epilepsy patients have issues managing their seizures.

It wasn’t until I met Dr. Michael Smith that I regained hope. He was determined to help me manage my seizures. He recommended that I begin taking Xcopri (cenobamate tablets) CV in 2020, a newer medication at the time, that he hoped would help to better manage the frequency of my seizures with the ultimate goal of stopping my seizures.

As of today, I am seizure-free. Fortunately, as a result of being seizure-free, I’m now able to drive again, and I’m back to running. While I could go back to TV journalism, that part of my life is over. Instead, I’ve started using my talents for writing and telling others’ stories to advocate for those with epilepsy, in addition to working full-time again in a new career and industry. By sharing the hope and inspiration that I have learned from my journey, I’ve discovered that having epilepsy does not mean you cannot live your life. My doctor helped me regain my independence and he listened to the things I love to do and helped me find the right treatments to get there. It is my hope that those with epilepsy will work with their doctors to have the same experience.

If you are an adult with partial-onset seizures, know you are not alone in your fight for zero seizures. Speak with your healthcare provider to learn if XCOPRI® is the right treatment for you.

Sarah is a real patient and is acting on behalf of SK Life Science, Inc.

For more information about XCOPRI®, please visit https://www.xcopri.com/.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION FOR XCOPRI (cenobamate tablets) CV

DO NOT TAKE XCOPRI IF YOU:

  • Are allergic to cenobamate or any of the other ingredients in XCOPRI.
  • Have a genetic problem (called Familial Short QT syndrome) that affects the electrical system of the heart.

XCOPRI CAN CAUSE SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, INCLUDING:

Allergic reactions: XCOPRI can cause serious skin rash or other serious allergic reactions which may affect organs and other parts of your body like the liver or blood cells. You may or may not have a rash with these types of reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away and go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following: swelling of your face, eyes, lips, or tongue, trouble swallowing or breathing, a skin rash, hives, fever, swollen glands, or sore throat that does not go away or comes and goes, painful sores in the mouth or around your eyes, yellowing of your skin or eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding, severe fatigue or weakness, severe muscle pain, frequent infections, or infections that do not go away. Take XCOPRI exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. It is very important to increase your dose of XCOPRI slowly, as instructed by your healthcare provider.

QT shortening: XCOPRI may cause problems with the electrical system of the heart (QT shortening). Call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of QT shortening including fast heartbeat (heart palpitations) that last a long time or fainting.

Suicidal behavior and ideation: Antiepileptic drugs, including XCOPRI, may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you: thoughts about suicide or dying; attempting to commit suicide; new or worse depression, anxiety, or irritability; feeling agitated or restless; panic attacks; trouble sleeping (insomnia); acting aggressive; being angry or violent; acting on dangerous impulses; an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania); or other unusual changes in behavior or mood.

Nervous system problems: XCOPRI may cause problems that affect your nervous system. Symptoms of nervous system problems include: dizziness, trouble walking or with coordination, feeling sleepy and tired, trouble concentrating, remembering, and thinking clearly, and vision problems. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how XCOPRI affects you.

Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines that can make you sleepy or dizzy while taking XCOPRI without first talking to your healthcare provider.

DISCONTINUATION:

Do not stop taking XCOPRI without first talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping XCOPRI suddenly can cause serious problems. Stopping seizure medicine suddenly in a patient who has epilepsy can cause seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus).

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

XCOPRI may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how XCOPRI works. Do not start or stop other medicines without talking to your healthcare provider. Tell healthcare providers about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:

XCOPRI may cause your birth control medicine to be less effective. Talk to your health care provider about the best birth control method to use.

Talk to your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if XCOPRI will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant while taking XCOPRI. You and your healthcare provider will decide if you should take XCOPRI while you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking XCOPRI, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the safety of antiepileptic medicine during pregnancy. You can enroll in this registry by calling 1-888-233-2334 or go to www.aedpregnancyregistry.org.

Talk to your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if XCOPRI passes into breastmilk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while taking XCOPRI.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS:

The most common side effects in patients taking XCOPRI include dizziness, sleepiness, headache, double vision, and feeling tired.

These are not all the possible side effects of XCOPRI. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

DRUG ABUSE:

XCOPRI is a federally controlled substance (CV) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep XCOPRI in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away XCOPRI may harm others and is against the law.

INDICATION:

XCOPRI is a prescription medicine used to treat partial-onset seizures in adults 18 years of age and older.

It is not known if XCOPRI is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

Please see additional patient information in the Medication Guide. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your condition or your treatment.

Please see full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

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Diabetes technology helps former Disney Channel actress manage her type 1 diabetes

2022-12-15T10:01:00

(BPT) – Jennifer Stone Shares How the Medtronic InPen™ System Helps Her Balance Demands of Dual Career

Jennifer Stone, best known for her role as Selena Gomez’s best friend Harper Finkle on the Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place,” grew up in the limelight. She explains her high school experience taking place on set and having to grow up at a very young age. Just months after the show ended, Jennifer’s life changed, and she was forced to grow up even faster by focusing on her health.

At the age of 19, Jennifer was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes — a 24/7 condition that requires constant self-management. Her diagnosis was not straightforward or easy. There was a lot of trial and error before she found a solution that worked for her. Through that experience Jennifer made the decision to start a career in nursing and now she works as an emergency room nurse in Los Angeles. Jennifer shares that while not every day is perfect, she has found balance in her life between nursing, acting, and managing her diabetes.

“It can be daunting to be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes because it’s something you have to live with for the rest of your life and manage every single day,” Jennifer said. “I remember feeling like no one truly understood what I was going through.”

Approximately 1.6 million Americans are living with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which the body can’t make insulin, the hormone needed for glucose (sugar) to enter cells and produce energy. When it can’t enter the cells, sugar stays in the bloodstream and builds up which can cause serious illness if not treated.[1]

To manage type 1 diabetes, insulin is taken throughout the day manually from an insulin pen, or through an insulin pump, and glucose levels need to be monitored on a constant basis to see how the body is reacting to the balance of carbohydrates and insulin.1 This can involve a lot of ‘work’ and many individuals turn to advanced medical technologies to help reduce some of the burden of the disease.

Jennifer has been using the Medtronic InPen smart insulin pen for a few years to help simplify her diabetes management routine and decrease many of the daily decisions and calculations that were previously required before using this technology.

“I struggled for a while to learn what solutions worked best for my diabetes management. I didn’t want to give up the things I loved or dramatically change my routine. I’m thrilled I found the Medtronic InPen system — it fits seamlessly into my life and makes living with diabetes easier.”

The InPen is the only smart insulin pen cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that pairs with Bluetooth® technology* through an easy-to-use smartphone app. The InPen makes the lives of people with diabetes easier by helping individuals calculate and administer meal-time and correction insulin doses. The InPen also provides reports to help users visualize how insulin and meals affect glucose so that they can make informed adjustments when discussing their insulin therapy with healthcare providers.

“There is a lot of math required with diabetes. For example, every time I would sit down for a meal, I needed to try to think through how many carbs I was eating, and then how many units of insulin that translated into. It was exhausting, and I hated doing all that math,” Jennifer shares. “The InPen helps remove the guesswork of dosing insulin, so I can focus on the things I truly enjoy.”

If you use manual daily injections to manage your diabetes, talk to your doctor to learn more about the InPen™ smart insulin pen. Product details are available at www.TheInPen.com.

Jennifer has been compensated by Medtronic for her time. Thoughts and opinions are her own. Individual results may vary.

Important Safety Information: InPen™

The InPen™ is a home-use reusable pen injector for single-patient use by people with diabetes under the supervision of an adult caregiver, or by a patient age 7 and older for the self-injection of a desired dose of insulin and for calculating an insulin dose or carbohydrate intake based on user-entered data. A healthcare professional must assist in dosage programming of the device prior to use, based on various patient-specific criteria and targets. The InPen™ requires a prescription. For additional product and safety information, please consult the Instructions for Use and bit.ly/InPenRisks.


[1] Type 1 diabetes. Mayo Clinic. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353011. Accessed August 1, 2021.

* The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Medtronic is under license.