Month: September 2023

2023-09-21T08:01:00

(BPT) – Between school, after-school activities, sports, playdates and family outings, life can get so busy that you just grab any snack to fill up the backpacks, lunchboxes and bags that are a part of everyday life on the go. It’s often hard to find the time and energy to prep better-for-you snacks for your family week after week.

Sound familiar? If you’ve struggled with how to make sure your kitchen is stocked with snacks that are portable, satisfying and not filled with high fructose corn syrup or heavily refined sugars, here are tips to help you be ready for snack time, any time.

1. Make sure meal planning includes snack planning

Although you may already have a system for meal planning in place, does that system include planning for snacks? Once a week, as you plan meals to help set your grocery list, be sure to include enough snack items to get your family through the week.

You can add any extras you might need that week when it’s your family’s turn to bring snacks to afterschool activities, for weekend outings or even family movie night. Include a variety of different items you know your family enjoys, with an eye on portability as well as ingredients you can feel good about.

2. Prep some snacks in advance

When you have time on the weekend, do a little prep to help set you up for the next few days. For veggies, wash first and dry thoroughly before cutting up pieces and storing in plastic containers. Use see-through containers and date them so you’ll know what to use first. The best veggies for advanced prep include carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and celery. Be sure to include a tasty dip your kids like when you pack veggies in a lunch or snack box to go.

It’s always a good idea to include fruit that doesn’t need to be cut up, like small tangerines, blueberries, grapes and bananas.

3. Shop for tasty, easy-to-eat, better-for-you snacks

Add items to your grocery list that are perfect for on-the-go snacking — and that your kids will love. For example, packing kids’ snacks has never been easier with already packaged Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars — organic fruit bars containing no high fructose corn syrup or heavily refined sugars. They come in three tasty flavors: Pineapple Passionfruit, Strawberry Banana and Raspberry Lemonade. Best yet, these fruit bars are made with real fruit purees, juices and concentrates while delivering instant taste bud gratification, so you don’t have to sacrifice taste for quality.

Because they don’t contain any nut ingredients, Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars are a better snack choice for lunch or afterschool activities. Their small shape also makes them perfect to store in backpacks, car seats, cupholders and everything in between. Packing for family activities is easier with a snack that follows your lifestyle — rather than one that makes you stop and read the ingredients.

Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars are available at Amazon, Instacart, Costco, BJ’s, Kroger, Meijer, Raley’s and more — so they’re easy to have on hand for home and school-related needs. Learn more at PureOrganic.com.

4. Keep non-perishable snacks in your car

Store a few different snack options in a bin in your car that are easy for kids to eat when you’re on-the-go, like Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars, bags of pretzels or crackers. If you’re headed out for a longer trip, stash an insulated bag or cooler with additional options that add protein to the mix, like small yogurt containers and cheese sticks.

5. Don’t forget hydration

No matter where your kids are headed, you’ll also want to have water bottles that are filled and ready to go to keep them hydrated. Make sure to wash all water bottles thoroughly between uses, and include ice cubes to help keep water cool longer.

With a little prep, snacks don’t have to be such a challenge. Involve older kids in planning and arranging snacks in a drawer or cupboard in the kitchen as well as making sure your bin in the car stays fully stocked. Older kids may enjoy helping, especially knowing they’ll always have snacks on hand that they enjoy when you’re out and about.

2023-09-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that only about 1 in 1,000 people in the U.S. live past age 95? For 100-year-old Madeline Paldo, becoming a centenarian was a milestone not only for herself, but for her family, too. That’s because research has increasingly revealed that exceptional aging — living to age 95 or longer — could be the gift of rare genetic variants passed down within families.

“I am thankful for having such a productive life; not too many people live to 100 and are this healthy,” said Paldo.

What are the secrets to longevity?

Are people like Madeline Paldo able to live longer due to “nature” (genetics) or “nurture” (environment, behavior and diet)? Scientists are hoping to learn the answers to this question in a groundbreaking new study called the SuperAgers Family Study. Led by the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in partnership with Boston University, the study is recruiting 10,000 people who are 95 and older, along with their adult children and their spouses (who may be on course to becoming SuperAgers themselves), to help researchers evaluate the impact of genetics as compared to lifestyle.

Data collected from the study’s participants will help researchers understand the genetic drivers that may be responsible for slower aging. Ultimately, lessons learned from these participants could impact generations, helping more people live healthier, longer.

“We want to untangle the genetic contributions to exceptional longevity, while creating a trove of information that will be available for decades to assist scientists working to prevent and treat diseases related to aging,” said principal investigator of the study Sofiya Milman, M.D., director of Human Longevity Studies Institute for Aging Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

How people can join the study

Completing a brief survey and providing an at-home saliva sample are all that is needed to join the study. By providing 1-3 hours of their time, study participants can help researchers identify inherited as well as natural factors that slow aging and protect against its related diseases.

The research study will allow participants to contribute to the scientific community alongside their family members. In addition, those who are interested will also be provided with some information about their ancestry and family origins, if they choose to receive it. The results will also inform current and future research teams working to prevent or treat age-related afflictions.

According to Madeline’s son John Paldo, participating is easy and a great way to impact others. “I was excited to participate in the SuperAgers Family Study because I knew my mom would be excited to share her story and how she made it this far,” said John. “If we can help other people, it’s definitely worth it.”

As for Madeline, she attributes her long life to hard work — and balance. “I worked from when I was a young girl until I was 98. I was raised on a farm, so I always ate fresh fruits and vegetables — but I never skip dessert!”

If you or someone you know is a SuperAger, learn more about the study and how to join at SuperAgersStudy.org.

2023-09-20T09:35:00

(BPT) – As inflation in the U.S. remains high, you may be looking to adjust your lifestyle and spending habits. But when it comes to health care, it’s important to keep your budget and well-being in mind.

This year’s open enrollment season is a good chance to review how you’re using health services and decide whether you’ll stick with the plan you’ve got or switch to another being offered. It’s also an opportunity to assess your overall care costs to help ensure you choose a plan that will work best for next year’s budget.

Enrollment timing: For people with coverage from their employer, open enrollment typically happens during a two- or three-week period between September and December. For those eligible for Medicare, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15-Dec. 7 each year. Coverage selections made during the fall will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Here are seven tips to consider when choosing a plan that may help lead you to better health and cost savings:

1. First, consider all your options. Take time to understand and compare the benefits, services and costs of each plan available to you, so you can figure out which will be the best fit. Pay attention to more than just the monthly premium. You also should understand what out-of-pocket costs, including the deductible, copays and coinsurance, you may be responsible for.

Medicare members and caregivers: As you weigh your options, ensure you’re familiar with the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. If you need a review, visit MedicareEducation.com — an online resource with answers to questions about eligibility, plan choices, cost basics, prescription coverage and more.

2. Learn the language. If you’re overwhelmed by or unsure about certain health care terms, there are resources to help. As a start, check out UnitedHealth Group’s Just Plain Clear Glossary (in English, Spanish and Portuguese) to help you make informed decisions.

Medicare members and caregivers: There’s a lot to learn about Medicare and Medicare Made Clear can help you understand the basics, the complexities and everything in between.

3. Help prevent financial surprises. Visiting doctors that are in-network is one way to help keep your costs lower. So before selecting a plan, check to see if your doctor is in your health plan’s provider network. Also, make sure your medications will be covered by the plan you choose next year – even if you don’t expect to change plans. Look into filling your prescriptions at a participating network pharmacy or with home delivery by mail — two more potentially money-saving options.

Medicare members and caregivers: You may be surprised to learn Original Medicare doesn’t generally cover prescription drugs. Consider adding Part D or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage to help keep your medication costs in check.

4. Check for mental health coverage. In addition to in-person mental health care, you may have access to a large virtual network of therapists and psychiatrists. Some health insurers also offer advocacy services to help you find the right type of behavioral health care.

Medicare members and caregivers: Look for plans that offer virtual mental health care with a $0 copay.

5. Don’t forget about specialty benefits. Additional benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing or critical illness insurance, are often available and may contribute to overall well-being.

Medicare members and caregivers: You may be surprised that Original Medicare doesn’t cover most dental, vision and hearing services, but many Medicare Advantage plans do.

6. Look into wellness programs. Many health plans offer incentives that reward you for taking healthier actions, such as completing a health survey, exercising or avoiding nicotine.

Medicare members and caregivers: Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer gym memberships and wellness programs for members at no additional cost.

7. Explore virtual care services. If you’re busy or just prefer connecting with a doctor from the convenience of your home, consider choosing a plan that includes 24/7 virtual care. You may have access to virtual wellness visits, urgent care and chronic condition management.

Medicare members and caregivers: Most Medicare Advantage plans provide access to virtual care, which can be an easier, more affordable way to talk with doctors about common health issues on a smartphone, tablet or computer.

For more helpful articles and videos about open enrollment, visit UHCOpenEnrollment.com.

2023-09-20T09:37:00

(BPT) – Most of us know that it’s important to see a doctor for an annual checkup. During your working years, that annual checkup typically means a full physical. But once you become eligible for Medicare, you’ll likely start hearing about something called an annual wellness visit.

Unlike a standard head-to-toe physical, an annual wellness visit is primarily focused on preventive care, health screenings and wellness planning. It gives you an opportunity to have a conversation with your doctor about your health status and goals – then create a long-term plan to help you meet those goals and maximize your well-being.

While Original Medicare doesn’t cover an annual physical, some Medicare Advantage plans do. However, everyone enrolled in Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage is eligible for an annual wellness visit at no additional cost. If your Medicare Advantage plan includes coverage for an annual comprehensive physical exam, ask your provider if the annual wellness visit and the physical can be scheduled during the same visit.

The misconception that the annual wellness visit is the same as a physical could be part of the reason why so few Medicare enrollees take advantage of the benefit – only about 23% of beneficiaries enrolled in Original Medicare attended a wellness visit.

Below you’ll find an overview of what to expect from your annual wellness visit – and hopefully the motivation to schedule one.

Taking stock of your medical history

Your doctor’s office may send you a form ahead of your appointment that includes a list of questions. Filling out this form in advance can help ensure your doctor has a thorough understanding of your health history and also remind you of questions you might want to raise at the appointment.

If you don’t get a form before your visit, you should still be prepared to be as detailed as possible when describing any past medical procedures and illnesses. Knowing specific diagnoses and dates will certainly help, but even giving a rough description of any major medical events in your life will help your physician understand both your past and current medical issues.

Your primary care provider will review your relevant medical history, including major illnesses, surgeries, your current medical condition and medications you’re taking.

The who’s who of your health care team

Keeping you healthy is a group effort, and the primary care provider you see for your wellness visit will want to know who’s part of your health care team. So be prepared to give the person conducting your visit a list of your current health care providers, including contact information and field of specialty.

You may have chosen a health care surrogate or a proxy who will speak on your behalf should you ever become too sick to speak for yourself. If so, bring a copy of your completed forms to your appointment. If you haven’t made your choices yet, this is a good time to get your physician’s advice on your personal advance care planning.

An Rx for a productive medication review

Getting a full rundown of all your vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements and prescription medications can help the doctor spot potential drug interactions that could be harmful to your health. They will also want to ensure you have a complete understanding of each medication, its purpose and any potential side effects.

Make a list, including how often you take each medication and the dosage. Or, bring all your pill bottles with you to your appointment and show them to the provider.

Stats and screenings

A clinician will check your height, weight and blood pressure, and then your provider will likely ask you some questions, including how you have been feeling recently. These questions are designed to test your cognitive function and screen you for depression. Answer them as honestly as possible and come to the appointment well rested so you can perform your best on the tests.

Creating a wellness plan

After completing all tests and assessments, your provider will be ready to assess your current health status and work with you to develop a plan to meet your health goals. That plan will address how to treat your current conditions and how to help prevent future health problems. If you have any risk factors for developing new conditions, your provider will give you some options for managing those risks.

You can also set up a schedule for preventive care or screening tests and discuss treatment options for any newly diagnosed conditions.

Don’t be shy to ask questions throughout the annual wellness visit; your provider may have more time than usual to listen to your concerns and answer your questions.

It’s also important to be honest about your health goals. Not everyone sets out to exercise daily or lose 10 pounds in the next year – and that’s OK. Maybe your goal is to ride a bike with your grandkids around the neighborhood or to cut back on your alcohol consumption. Whatever your health goals are, your provider can’t help you reach them if they don’t know about them. So be as open and honest as possible during your visit.

Things to keep in mind

To avoid surprises, pay attention to these details as you get your visit on the calendar:

• Make sure the appointment is scheduled specifically as an annual wellness visit, or the provider may bill it as a normal office visit, which could be subject to a copay, depending on your plan. For UnitedHealthcare members, a dedicated customer service advocate can even help schedule your appointment for you.
• If your provider orders a test during the annual wellness visit, you may be charged any applicable lab or diagnostic copay for the recommended services.

The bottom line

When you are prepared, your annual wellness visit is more than just an office visit. It is your opportunity to take charge of your health and help ensure you’re on the right path to living the life you want. If you haven’t scheduled yours yet, use this as the push you need to get it on your calendar. It could be one of the most important conversations you have all year.

To learn more about how your Medicare plan can help you access the care you need, visit uhc.com/medicare.

2023-09-18T08:37:00

(BPT) – It’s not uncommon for teens to experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety and depression during the school year as they contend with known stressors like bullying, peer pressure, and academic and extracurricular demands. However, recent research, “Family Matters: Report on the State of Family Mental Health in the U.S.,” conducted by MDLIVE, a leading virtual care provider, finds there are many more issues beyond the classroom walls that are affecting teens’ mental health.

What’s stressing teens today

According to the report, teens are just as likely as adults, if not more than, to be concerned today about the job market, family financial stability, and the impact of inflation on food and housing costs. What’s more, the report shows a disconnect between the issues teens say are affecting them, and what parents think they know about what’s impacting their teens’ mental health. More than half of teens say LGBTQ+ rights affect their mental health, while only 42% of parents think it affects their kids. Similar gaps exist for the impact on mental health of social media and news of spikes in cases of COVID and other infectious diseases.

The good news is that teens wish that there was more family discussion around many of these issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, school safety and social justice in the U.S. While it is not always a comfortable or natural situation for parents, it is important that they find opportunities to talk with their kids about the issues that are troubling them.

“Parents may be uncomfortable talking about certain current topics because they may not fully understand them themselves, fear they might disagree with their teen’s point of view or underestimate the impact of these issues on their kids,” said Dr. Shakira Espada-Campos, associate chief of behavioral health at MDLIVE. “It’s not always easy, but leaning into these tough topics shows teens that open and honest communication is important and can have a positive impact on their well-being.”

Engagement and support

While discussing mental health with your children can seem overwhelming, Espada-Campos outlines five simple and attainable ways parents can address difficult subject matters and pinpoint any other concerns they or their children may have:

1. Do your homework

Talking to teens about significant societal topics requires sensitivity, empathy and a willingness to learn. Before you initiate a conversation, familiarize yourself with the topic, but be comfortable not being an expert. Teens want openness, not necessarily expertise, and they want to know you will listen.

2. Keep your positions in check

Everyone has an opinion, but with your teens, it’s critical to keep your own views in check as the conversation unfolds. They may know your opinion already just from observing you. You don’t have to hide your views, but be sure not to downplay or dismiss their position or concerns.

3. Tune into social media

Consider social media as a window into your teen’s world. While respecting their privacy, ask them about their favorite content creators or news channels they follow and start tuning into those channels yourself. This can give you a better understanding of the themes or ideas resonating with them, and, in turn, help you determine the topics worth discussing.

4. Consider the approach

Rather than scheduling a specific time to talk, which may place undue pressure on them, consider initiating the conversation during a shared activity, such as cooking or hiking, to allow for a more natural and relaxed dialogue. Try asking specific questions like “What was the best or most difficult part of your day?” or “Which one of your friends do you feel you have the most in common with?” which prompt answers that reveal their current mindset. And be consistent with these conversations, which will let your teen know they have consistent support from you.

5. Recognize the signs

Unlike a physical ailment, mental health struggles might not always present obvious signs. It’s often the subtle shifts that may signal an issue, including changes in behavior, body language, academic performance, sleep or eating habits. If your child seems to be withdrawing from previously enjoyed activities or from friends and family, it can also be a sign they’re struggling, and time to talk to them about professional support.

Know your support options

Remember, the ultimate goal is to ensure your child feels heard, understood and supported. There are many options available for getting your child support from a mental health professional. Virtual therapy services are a convenient and flexible option for teens — the comfort of being in their own environment can facilitate open dialogue, while also accommodating the often-hectic schedules of teens and parents. Always contact your health benefits plan to check what behavioral services may be covered.

2023-09-18T09:01:00

(BPT) – If snacking helps fuel you through the workday, you’e not alone. According to a 2023 survey conducted for the Hillshire^® Snacking brand, more than two-thirds of on-the-go workers (67%)* — like teachers, first responders, hospitality personnel and nurses — say that’s the case for them, too. The study revealed that workday snacking had a positive impact on their happiness (86%), productivity (85%) and well-being/mental health (85%).*

But it’s not always easy to find or enjoy a high-quality snack while you’re on the clock.

To help find simple solutions to those workday snacking woes, Hillshire^® Snacking brand recruited three Snacktivity Directors to help undersnacked workers everywhere add moments of bliss to their week — one bite at a time.

Here are the top 5 tips from the Hillshire Snacking Snacktivity Directors:

1. Time your snacks thoughtfully

While many on-the-go jobs make it hard to take long breaks, you can still make time for quick snacks between meals. Schedule your snacking for the times your energy tends to dip. Opting for small snacks that require no preparation also makes it easier to fit them into a busy workday.

“I always try to bring something convenient and ready to eat on the go,” says Snacktivity Director Taner. “You need something that fits in the confines of the time you realistically have to eat.”

2. Include proteins to keep help energy levels up

To help with a short burst of energy that isn’t followed by a crash, the Hillshire Snacking Snacktivity Director agreed it’s best to include some form of protein, like meat, cheese or nuts.

Snacktivity Director Julia says she includes something nutritious to help her avoid an energy crash later: “I always opt for protein — something that helps keep you full for longer periods of time.” Julia also makes sure to carry snacks with her, wherever she goes, just in case she needs a pick-me-up.

3. Ingredients matter

Rather than hitting the nearest vending machine when hunger strikes, plan ahead by packing snacks with high-quality ingredients.

“I avoid temptation by keeping myself satiated with foods that are filling and nutritional,” says Snacktivity Director Phil. “Find a carry-over snack that can help you last between your bigger meals.”

4. Variety is the spice of snacks

The Hillshire Snacking Snacktivity Directors say that satisfying hunger with a variety of flavor and textures is another effective strategy.

Julia says she also satisfies her snack cravings by “including small portions of multiple items, both sweet and savory, as well as something that offers a good crunch.”

5. Elevate your snacking

All Snacktivity Directors recommended Hillshire Snacking Small Plates as an ideal way to elevate workday snacking. Each Small Plate contains high-quality ingredients, like savory salame, delicious cheese and perfectly toasted crackers for a premium and convenient experience that makes snackers everywhere want to say, “Oh, Hill Yeah!”

Visit HillshireSnacking.com to find your next favorite workday snack.

*According to a 2023 survey of 650 “on-the-go” workers, those who do not work desk jobs, conducted by Savanta on behalf of Hillshire Snacking brand.