Month: April 2023

2023-04-20T06:01:00

(BPT) – As a successful global software services consultant, Ashwin was career-driven and passionate about his job. Those feelings were derailed when, at age 45, he was diagnosed with head and neck cancer and experienced a grueling path through treatment and recovery. Knowing that he is made of more than his head and neck cancer, Ashwin did not let the disease define him. While he still loves his work today, Ashwin has a new appreciation for family, travel and the simple things in life.

Ashwin’s journey started in 2015 when he noticed a sore on his tongue that wasn’t healing properly. He visited an oral surgeon who biopsied the lesion, and was told it was nothing to be concerned about. But four years later, it still hadn’t healed. This bothered his wife, Becky, who works as a registered dental assistant and is particularly attuned to oral health.

She urged him to visit a different oral surgeon for a second opinion, and this time the prognosis was very different: cancer.

Navigating challenges associated with head and neck cancer

Ashwin and Becky visited three different oral surgeons while exploring what to do next, and were surprised to find that each had a different outlook and suggested approach to treatment. Ultimately, they went with Dr. Mark Urken, a surgeon and otolaryngologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center, who provided a positive prognosis and least invasive plan to reconstruct part of Ashwin’s jaw and tongue.

Working with Dr. Urken instilled hope in both Ashwin and Becky, but the road to Ashwin’s recovery was far more challenging than they had anticipated.

Post-op, Ashwin experienced swelling on his neck and face, affecting his ability to speak. Becky stayed by Ashwin’s side during the eight days he was in the intensive care unit and learned how to communicate with him in alternative ways.

“After surgery for many types of head and neck cancer, it’s common to experience a variety of side effects that may compromise a person’s ability to communicate,” said Dr. Urken. “Even after recovery, activities that may have been previously simple can become increasingly difficult, such as sharing meals with others or talking with friends. While each individual with head and neck cancer encounters unique challenges, they do not need to face them alone.”

Today, Ashwin and Becky are aiming to help other people impacted by head and neck cancer feel less isolated through Made of More, a new educational awareness campaign created in partnership with Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (HNCA), Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC), Thyroid, Head And Neck Cancer (THANC) Foundation, CancerCare and Eisai Inc. Made of More is designed to help individuals impacted by head and neck cancer band together as one community and show they are made of more than just their disease.

Resources and support are available

Head and neck cancer is made up of a diverse and rare group of cancers located in different areas of the head and neck, which may include the mouth, lips, tongue, nasal cavity, larynx (voice box), throat, sinuses and lymph nodes, among others. This cancer accounts for nearly 4% of all cancers in the United States, and an estimated 66,920 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2023.

People living with head and neck cancer may feel isolated due to the unique set of challenges often caused by their treatment. Made of More strives to foster connection, education and support by featuring powerful stories of people affected by head and neck cancer, information on the disease and resources for the broader patient and caregiver community. Learn more at MadeofMore.com.

“Living with the emotional impact of head and neck cancer and the effects of its treatment can be particularly difficult, but patients and their loved ones should know that they’re not in this alone,” said Erika Rauscher, Executive Director of the THANC Foundation. “There’s an entire community of survivors, caregivers and health care providers ready and willing to provide support.”

Ashwin’s life today

Today, Ashwin’s jaw and face are healed, and following intensive speech therapy, he’s able to speak and communicate comfortably again. He and Becky are spending as much time as possible traveling with their two kids. They love European road trips, researching destinations and enjoying the historical aspects unique to places abroad. They fully embrace the moments they can share together.

Ashwin urges others going through head and neck cancer to try to gain perspective and keep a positive mindset: “You’re not alone. Trust everything will be alright and trust your doctors.” Reflecting on the experience, he said: “Don’t wait for things to happen. Life is too short and things come at you at great speed, so take every opportunity you have to live your life at the fullest and do what you love to do.”

2023-04-19T23:01:00

(BPT) – Spring has sprung, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious brunch? A perfectly crafted brunch is the best way to mark any occasion like Mother’s Day, a bridal shower, a baby shower or for an excuse to spend quality time with friends and family. Set the date and start planning the menu with these delicious recipes.

1. Prep a pretty punch

A fancy, aesthetically pleasing beverage is a must at every brunch. Mimosas and Bloody Marys may be the quintessential brunch drinks, but there are alternative options that can quench your thirst without the sugar. Offer a visually appealing, unique libation like a low-carb rum punch.

Atkins Low Carb Blueberry Ginger Rum Punch recipe is a delightful and refreshing drink that guests can sip and savor upon arrival. This rum punch is a low sugar cocktail, made with fresh ingredients, easy to prep ahead of your guests’ arrival, and is sure to make a lasting impression. As an alternative for those looking for a nonalcoholic option, remove the rum to create a tasty mocktail.

2. Small bites with a big taste

Appetizers and small bites that can be prepped, served cold and hold well make hosting brunch a breeze. This cuts down on prep work needed the morning of and ensures guests will be met with food upon arrival.

Popular go-to options include fruit, vegetables, cheese, crackers, chips and dips. In addition to these snacks, elevate your brunch table with mini sandwiches, pasta or a light salad. These items can be prepped ahead of time or can be pulled together quickly in a pinch!

3. Dazzle with dessert

Brunch isn’t complete without a mouthwatering dessert. Serve slices of chocolate cake, berry scones or a fruit tart to cap off the get-together.

For a no-bake option, try making Low Carb Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars, an easy and delicious recipe that will fit perfectly on any dessert table. This treat is made with the new Atkins Endulge Almond Craze Bar — a sweet and crispy, keto-friendly bar — and a tried-and-true Atkins Peanut Butter Protein Cookie.

Hosting pro tip: Have to-go containers on hand to send your guests home with leftovers. Not only does it give your guests something they can enjoy after brunch is over, it simplifies cleanup!

Using these three tips, you’ll pull off a fantastic brunch for any occasion that will have guests asking when you’ll get together next! To find more brunch recipes to try this spring, visit Atkins.com.

2023-04-19T09:01:00

(BPT) – Have you gone on a trip and gotten sick during or after traveling? Not only does it take away from your enjoyment during your travels, but it can make it difficult to get back into your routine when you go home.

When traveling, especially in close quarters with others, like on a train or airplane, other travelers expose you to viruses and bacteria. Also, if you have seasonal allergies, you’ll be exposed to more allergens, especially if you’re traveling to new locations during spring. When you combine these two immune disruptors, travel and allergies, you’re looking at a recipe for a miserable time.

However, there are things you can do to boost your immune system and manage your allergies during travel. Here are three tips you can employ during your next trip to stay healthy and enjoy your vacation.

1. Stay hydrated

You’ve heard it a million times, but it’s true. Drinking enough water is critical to maintaining your immune system. According to the University of California, Irvine, Integrative Health Institute, staying hydrated helps your body transport nutrients to your organs, detoxify pathways, increase lymphatic drainage and clear out foreign substances and waste, all of which support a healthy immune system.

Staying hydrated is especially important during air travel. Have you ever noticed how thirsty you are during a flight? That’s because airplane cabins are typically kept at low humidity, leading to quicker dehydration. You also may notice that your nasal passages dry out, which can worsen allergies after a flight.

Make sure to carry a water bottle with you on your flight (although you’ll want to fill it after you go through TSA) and carry a saline spray to moisturize your sinuses. Your immune system and sinuses will thank you for it, and you’ll have a more enjoyable trip.

2. Support your gut health

Did you know your gut is home to more than 70% of your body’s immune cells? By supporting your gut health, through nutritious foods and dietary supplements, you’re nourishing your immune health. While supporting immunity is important year-round, as spring begins your immune health can be put to the test with allergies and travel. “One way to support your immune health is through postbiotics. You’ve probably heard about the health benefits of probiotics and prebiotics, but you may not have heard about the newest biotic on the market — postbiotics,” said Keri Gans, registered dietitian nutritionist and author of The Small Change Diet. “Postbiotics are inanimate yet effective. While each postbiotic is unique there are options available today that have been clinically studied and shown to support immune health.”

Boosting your immune system doesn’t have to be hard! A convenient option that tastes great can be found in products like Wedderspoon Manuka Honey Lozenges.

These lozenges deliver a powerful and fast-acting immune boost that is backed by science, using the beneficial nature of genuine New Zealand Manuka Honey to soothe and coat the throat and clinically proven EpiCor postbiotic to boost the immune system. Keep a bag in your carry-on to keep you happy and healthy during your travels and another at the ready for any time you need a boost of immunity. Learn more and stock up by visiting Wedderspoon.com.

3. Stress less

Stress isn’t just a drain on your mental health. It can also have very real physical effects. According to the University of Maryland Medical System, stress reduces the number of lymphocytes — white blood cells responsible for fighting off foreign viruses and bacteria. In other words, stress weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to resist the common cold and other sicknesses and infections.

Also, stress can worsen your allergies because it increases the release of histamines, which trigger allergy symptoms. This does not mean that stress causes allergies. However, an increase in histamines in the bloodstream can make existing allergies much worse. Also, according to The American Institute of Stress, studies show that stress increases inflammation, which can also make allergy symptoms worse, especially when it comes to inflamed sinuses.

A few ways you can combat stress every day and during travel include:

• Meditating
• Relaxing exercises like yoga
• Getting plenty of sleep
• Listening to soothing music
• Eating a healthy diet

While it’s impossible to remove all stressors from your life, you can employ these and other strategies to manage your stress at work, home or abroad. And remember, you are on vacation!

2023-04-19T11:01:00

(BPT) – When many buyers purchased homes during the height of the pandemic homebuying frenzy, they may have skipped adding a home inspection in an effort to win bidding wars. While this may have worked out for some, others were hit with hidden problems and expenses that would have been discovered through a proper home inspection. A thorough inspection can reveal hidden issues with a property, allowing you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the purchase or negotiate repairs.

“A home inspection is one of the most important steps in the home buying process,” said Adam Bakonis, Mercury Insurance product manager for homeowners. “It helps protect the buyer from purchasing a home with undisclosed problems and then being saddled with costly repairs.”

Licensed home inspectors can help identify potential problems. For example, a home inspector may be able to identify whether a roof requires repair or replacement. They may also find evidence of structural damage from water leaks or rain water drainage issues or evidence of land movement that could indicate a property’s foundation lacks stability.

“I’ve inspected and repaired thousands of buildings that had damages due to earthquakes, landslides, poor engineering designs, and collapse issues from construction defects,” said Kyle Tourje, Structural Assessor for Alpha Structural. “The most obvious signs of structural or foundation damage is visible cracking in walls, ceilings or floors. Any sort of gaps or cracks on the outside of the house that catches the eye should also be noted. If someone who isn’t a trained expert can spot an uneven floor or substantial sloping, that’s a bad sign.”

Researching and creating a home inspection checklist before contacting an inspector will give you a general idea of what to look for. It can help identify significant issues and areas of concern in the house, which you can then discuss with the assessor. This can prepare you for any surprises that may arise and make you more informed about the condition of the home you are considering.

• Inspect the roof: Find out how old the roof is and ask questions about any damage or discoloration you see from ground level. Check to see if any nearby trees make contact with the roof as branches can cause damage to roofing tiles and falling leaves can easily clog gutters or impede the natural flow of water down the roof.
• Look for water damage: Water can rot wood, damage foundations and cause mold to grow. Look to see if anything would cause rainwater to flow onto or under the house. Rain gutters should be clean and direct water away from the property. Water stains on ceilings, walls or floors could indicate a roof or pipe leak. Check for leaks or water stains inside sink cabinets and make sure they drain properly. Bubbling paint on a window frame could be evidence of water intrusion and a poor seal.
• Foundation: Problems with the foundation could prove costly. Watch out for big cracks in the ground, raised foundation or large cracks along the wall. Pay attention to any trees growing close to the house since roots underground can cause damage that you can’t easily see.
• Smart technology: Confirm that any smart home devices left behind by the previous owner including thermostats, security measures and voice-activated systems can be easily cleared and reset for your needs.
• Note the age of the home: Older houses can be charming, but you might need to upgrade certain features. Original plumbing may need replacement and older windows may not be energy efficient. Wiring that has not been modernized could pose a fire hazard and may not be able to accommodate the multiple appliances and systems used in many homes today.

Tips for home inspection day

Bakonis offers some tips to get the most out of your home inspection:

• Be there. You don’t have to go to the inspection, but it is highly advised that you do so you can see any potential problems for yourself.
• Be prepared. Bring an inspection checklist and jot down questions to ask the inspector.
• Check for disclosures. Review any seller disclosures you received before inspection day. Be sure to ask your inspector to look at those areas and verify repairs.
• Let the inspector work. While you may have concerns, avoid unnecessary interruptions during the inspection process.
• Make sure there’s time to ask questions. Set aside some time with your assessor after their initial inspection to go over any questions you may have.

The home inspection process is a crucial step for both buyers and sellers. It provides buyers with peace of mind, knowing that their investment is sound and free of any major issues. For sellers, it can help prevent a deal falling through by being proactive and identifying problems that may require repair.

2023-04-18T16:31:00

(BPT) – This Earth Day is the perfect time to review your recycling habits. With so many myths and misconceptions around recycling, odds are you could be doing better for yourself and the environment.

Today in the U.S., just under 30% of single-use plastic bottles and jugs are recycled, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. While this number is low, it doesn’t mean that these items can’t be recycled. The fact is that many people simply aren’t placing these items in the recycling bin. Rigid plastic containers including water bottles, milk jugs, detergent jugs and yogurt cups all are widely accepted for recycling.

“With so many misconceptions surrounding recycling, it can be hard for consumers to know what is fact and what is fiction,” said Jeremy Walters, sustainability ambassador at Republic Services, a leader in the environmental services industry. “This Earth Day, we want to clear those up.”

To mark Earth Day, the company shared the following five myths about plastic recycling to help consumers change their habits and become better recyclers.

Myth 1: Plastic doesn’t really get recycled

Fact: Plastic bottles, jugs, containers and tubs are widely accepted for recycling in communities nationwide. Also, the demand for recycled plastic is growing. Many consumer brands have pledged to use more recycled content in their packaging, so it’s important that consumers put in the effort to make sure their bottles, jugs and other rigid plastic containers make it into their recycling bin.

Myth 2: Anything plastic can go in your recycling bin

Fact: Not all plastic is created equal, so it’s important to know what to throw where. Generally, rigid plastics such as plastic bottles with necks or handles or containers and tubs are recyclable in your curbside container. Just empty them out, give them a quick rinse, let them dry and throw them in the recycling bin. If your recyclables are not empty, clean and dry before placing them in the recycling bin, residual food or liquid could ruin other more fragile recyclables.

Myth 3: Plastic grocery bags can be recycled curbside

Fact: Flexible plastics, such as plastic bags, require special handling to be recycled and cannot be placed in your curbside bin. They can wrap and tangle around sorting equipment at recycling facilities, which can cause major delays and/or damage to equipment. Instead, you should return them to the collection bins at your grocery or big-box store. Better yet, forgo the plastic bag and bring your own reusable bag to the store.

Myth 4: You should bag your recyclables

Fact: You should never bag recyclables. Materials must stay loose so they can be sorted and separated at the recycling center. Remember, plastic bags need special handling to be recycled, and they can wrap around and jam equipment at recycling facilities. While paper bags are recyclable, bagging recyclables in any material bag can disrupt the sorting process. Place items loosely in your recycling bin so your local recycling facility can sort them properly.

Myth 5: Anything with a recycling symbol is recyclable

Fact: The “chasing arrows” symbol doesn’t mean an item is recyclable. The symbol generally identifies the type of plastic or, in some cases, indicates that an item contains recycled content. To ensure you’re recycling correctly, check your local recycling provider’s guidelines on recycling plastic.

While we can’t change the state of recycling overnight, every little bit helps. “Recycling helps preserve natural resources, reduces emissions and contributes to a more sustainable world,” said Walters. “By recycling, you can reduce your environmental impact and help to keep valuable materials in the circular economy for the long-term. This is sustainability in action.”

Small changes can lead to a big impact. Keep these myths in mind this Earth Day and beyond so you can recycle properly and live a more sustainable life. For more recycling tips, visit RecyclingSimplified.com and check out the Polymer Center for more information on plastic circularity.

2023-04-18T10:01:00

(BPT) – When Hari Ravichandran’s identity was stolen, he was disappointed by the lack of an option for simple, all-in-one, proactive personal protection. A system like that could have saved him the turmoil of dealing with the complications and fallout of identity theft. This inspired him to create an intelligent safety system that proactively protects users instead of reactively addressing safety issues, unlike other online safety tools.

Based on his experience as the founder and CEO of Aura, a leader in consumer online safety, Ravichandran wrote “Intelligent Safety: How to Protect Your Family from Big Cybercrime.” This forthcoming book covers the brass tacks of cybercrime and how intelligent safety systems can help keep you and your family safe on the web.

The backbone of intelligent safety — and what makes it different from other online safety approaches — is artificial intelligence (AI). Think of AI as a guardian that shields you online and off and proactively protects you as an individual.

While the human eye can spot many things, digital solutions can be more accurate at identifying meaningful patterns and monitoring and detecting malware even as it changes. An intelligent safety system backed by machine learning allows the system to adapt to the ever-changing nature of these threats and to the user’s individual risk level.

Below are four examples of how intelligent safety systems can excel at stopping cybercriminals in their tracks.

1. Automatic password change

Password managers have become very popular, especially in the era of data breaches. Instead of worrying about making a strong, unique password for every site you visit and remembering them, a password manager can generate and store login information for you.

Password managers are even more effective when used with other digital safety features. If, for example, your user information has been breached, the intelligent safety system’s AI can review the password linked to that account to assess the risk and use the password manager to find other accounts that might use similar passwords. It can then automatically update them on the at-risk site and within the user’s password manager for future use.

2. Smart network

AI has the ability to provide a smart network that uses massive data sets to identify patterns and anomalies in website traffic. For example, most scams occur on websites created and abandoned within 48 hours. That means that a key indicator of whether a website is safe is the date the website was published.

Checking the data on every website you visit is impossible. However, an intelligent safety platform can automatically look at specific features to see when the account was registered and developed. If it sees the site was created 12 hours earlier and is now asking for your credit card information, it can block your access to the site to prevent you from walking into a trap.

3. Scam call assistant

Robocalls and spam texts are pretty high on people’s list of annoyances. That’s why many companies have created spam call assistants to filter spam phone calls and block the number. However, artificial intelligence can take spam call protection a step further.

If you receive a call from a number that isn’t in your contacts, a spam call assistant can answer those calls for you and engage with the caller automatically. The AI system can recognize speech and analyze the natural language to determine if it’s a scam. If it’s a bot or a criminal using a known scam script that call will be sent to voicemail and marked as spam.

4. Parental controls

Keeping your kids safe online is daunting, but intelligent safety can help. Harnessing the power of AI, an intelligent safety system can be designed to look for curse words or inappropriate content. It can then compile that data and perform content filtering. If a site is known for malicious content, the algorithm can weed that out, too.

Intelligent safety systems can also help protect kids from cyberbullying. According to the Anti-Defamation League, three out of five young people ages 13-17 — representing nearly 14 million young gamers — experienced harassment in online multiplayer games. Kidas’ machine learning-based software — included now for all Aura family plan subscribers — uses artificial intelligence to analyze voice and text conversations in 220 popular children’s games and automatically detects toxic situations, including sexual harassment, cyberbullying, grooming and racism. Parents receive same-day immediate threat alerts and weekly updates detailing their child’s game time.

Intelligent safety in action

Prevention, detection and response are the three levels of digital safety, all of which need to be strong. Then if something slips through at one level the threat can be eliminated before it reaches the next. An intelligent safety system like Aura can empower customers to proactively protect themselves from cybercrime.

To learn more about Aura’s all-in-one digital protection, visit Aura.com. If you’re interested in reading Ravichandran’s book to get ahead on your family’s digital safety, visit IntelligentSafetyBook.com.