2023-09-07T07:01:01
(BPT) – Navy Federal Credit Union and Feeding America® launched No Plate Left Behind to raise awareness about food insecurity in the military community and help servicemembers, veterans, and their families put food on their tables. Here’s how you can get involved and help make a difference.
2023-09-07T08:01:01
(BPT) – With fall back in full swing, everyone’s schedules are busier than ever. Between school, work, after-school activities, errands and more, it’s all too easy for quality time like family meals to take a back seat.
This autumn, make a point to commit to making family meals a regular part of your schedule! Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner wants to help families continue to build strong bonds this fall and beyond, with five tips that will help you prioritize quality family time and your nutrition.
1. Create a meal plan
Each week, sit down with your family and create a meal plan. This will help keep you organized and streamline grocery shopping even during the most hectic weeks, while also ensuring everyone is excited to share a meal together. More importantly, planning a meal schedule as a family encourages communication and strengthens familial bonds.
2. Involve the whole family in cooking and prep
Involving the whole family in cooking and preparing meals provides a valuable opportunity to gain culinary skills and learn about nutrition. It also presents a time to bond with one another and create lasting memories together as a family. Meal times become even more special knowing that everyone had a part in putting the meal together.
3. Establish a mealtime
Keeping mealtimes around the same time every day helps to establish a routine. By doing so, mealtimes will act as an anchor for your family in their daily schedule. No matter how busy you get, your mealtimes will create a sense of stability and togetherness. Also, regular mealtimes can encourage everyone to improve their time management skills and curb unhealthy snack choices.
4. Introduce table talk
Introducing table talk will give your family something to look forward to at mealtimes since it allows everyone to talk about the ups and downs of their day. Table talk is incredibly important for children as they mature because it gives them a daily safe space to talk with their parents about the wins and challenges they face in and out of school.
5. Cook with more nutritious ingredients
Blatner also recommends making recipes with nutritious ingredients to keep your family feeling their best during meals, like this tasty Pad Thai from Eggland’s Best that uses Eggland’s Best eggs. Eggland’s Best eggs contain 25% less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs, which helps support a balanced diet. They’re also an excellent source of Vitamin B5, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system and assists the body in using other vitamins, especially Vitamin B2, which helps manage stress.
Prep time: 45 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Serves: 4
Ingredients
Preparations
1. Soak tamarind paste in 3/4 cup boiling water for about 10 minutes, then push it through mesh strainer to remove seeds and fibers and extract as much pulp as possible. Stir fish sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cayenne and 2 tablespoons oil into tamarind liquid and set aside.
2. Cover rice sticks with hot tap water in large bowl. Soak until softened, pliable and limp but not fully tender, about 20 minutes. Drain noodles and set aside. Beat eggs and 1/8 teaspoon salt in small bowl and set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke, about 2 minutes. Add shrimp and sprinkle with remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt. Cook, tossing occasionally, until shrimp are opaque and browned about the edges, about 3 minutes. Transfer shrimp to plate and set aside.
4. Off heat, add remaining tablespoon of oil to skillet and swirl to coat. Add garlic and shallot, set skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until light golden brown, about 1 1/2 minutes. Add eggs to skillet and stir vigorously with wooden spoon until scrambled and barely moist, about 20 seconds. Add noodles, dried shrimp and salted radish (if using) to eggs. Toss with 2 wooden spoons to combine. Pour fish sauce mixture over noodles, increase heat to high and cook, tossing constantly, until noodles are evenly coated. Scatter 1/4 cup peanuts, bean sprouts, all but 1/4 cup scallions and cooked shrimp over noodles. Continue to cook, tossing constantly, until noodles are tender, about 2 1/2 minutes. If not yet tender, add 2 tablespoons water to skillet and continue to cook until tender.
5. Transfer noodles to serving platter, sprinkle with remaining scallions, 2 tablespoons peanuts and cilantro. Serve immediately, passing lime wedges separately.
Don’t let the fall season keep you from eating well and spending time together as a family. Using these five tips, you can make sure your family is fed and stays connected during a busy fall season.
Upgrade family mealtime
In honor of National Family Meals Month, Eggland’s Best has teamed up with America’s Test Kitchen and GoNoodle to inspire and “eggucate” the next generation of empowered cooks, engaged eaters and curious experimenters. From now until Oct. 3, fans can enter the “Eggstraordinary Family Kitchen” sweepstakes daily for a chance to win the Grand Prize of $5,000 to upgrade the family kitchen, a $250 gift card for groceries, swag and cooking equipment from Eggland’s Best, America’s Test Kitchen and GoNoodle and a three-month supply of Eggland’s Best eggs! Visit EBFamilySweeps.com to enter.
2023-09-06T15:31:01
(BPT) – Sponsored and developed by Pfizer
Vaccines have been an important tool in the fight against COVID-19. But it wasn’t just the traditional sort of vaccine that came to help — it was a different kind of vaccine made from messenger ribonucleic acid, or mRNA. While the vaccines for COVID-19 were the first to successfully use this technology, mRNA is not new. Scientists have been studying mRNA in medicine for decades, and this technology may serve as a valuable tool in the treatment toolbox in the coming years.
How Vaccines Work
To best appreciate how helpful mRNA technology can be in the fight against infection, it’s important to first understand how vaccines work. Ultimately, the goal is to build immunity — an immune response that helps protect us against disease. Vaccines build immunity by teaching our bodies how to fight off invading bacteria or viruses. Traditional vaccines do this by introducing a weakened form of the potential invader into the body, while mRNA vaccines make pieces of bacteria or viruses internally by taking advantage of how our cells work naturally. mRNA vaccines themselves do not contain any of the actual virus or bacteria.
Our cells are like a microscopic kitchen that cooks up an elaborate menu of thousands of different proteins, which form our entire bodies and help keep us alive. An mRNA vaccine delivers instructions that act like a special recipe, directing the kitchen to temporarily add your meal — or in this case, a small protein from part of the virus or bacteria — to the menu. The immune system then reacts to that new protein by creating a defense if and when the real invader comes along. mRNA vaccines do not alter a person’s DNA.
The Potential of mRNA
The instructions found in the mRNA vaccine’s recipe can be edited, meaning mRNA can be changed to help defend against different diseases. When creating a vaccine, the mRNA platform may offer advantages over traditional methods, including flexibility, speed, and timing.
Ultimately, mRNA vaccine technology may help us better respond to future epidemics and pandemics as well as now-widespread diseases that may require regular strain updates, like the seasonal flu and COVID-19. Scientists and doctors around the world are excited about the potential future applications of mRNA.
1 Pardi et al. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2018 April ; 17(4): 261–279. doi:10.1038/nrd.2017.243
2 Kis Z, Kontoravdi C, Dey AK, Shattock R, Shah N. Rapid development and deployment of high-volume vaccines for pandemic response. Journal Of Advanced Manufacturing and Processing. 2020;2(3):e10060.
3 Pecetta S, Rappuoli R. mRNA, the beginning of a new influenza vaccine game. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2022;119(50):e2217533119.
4 Khoury DS, Docken SS, Subbarao K, Kent SJ, Davenport MP, Cromer D. Predicting the efficacy of variant-modified COVID-19 vaccine boosters. Nature Medicine. 2023 Mar;29(3):574-8.
2023-09-06T16:13:00
(BPT) – We’ve all been there. The workday is finally finished, the math homework is solved and dinner and the dishes are done, when suddenly it hits you: You don’t have a gift for tomorrow’s party, or cookies for the school fundraiser. And the clock won’t quit ticking.
At Walmart, we know (and live) the busy lifestyles and last-minute curveballs of our customers, and we’re continuously innovating and expanding our omni shopping experience to help customers save time and money and live better. Over the past decade, we’ve evolved our Online Pickup and Delivery services to meet customers’ changing needs and deliver a frictionless shopping experience.
Today, we proudly offer Online Pickup and Delivery in more than 4,000 stores nationwide, helping more customers than ever benefit from our fast, easy and convenient services. And, we’re excited to share new and recently expanded Online Pickup and Delivery options.
Let’s talk about it:
Live Shopper feature makes substitutions a breeze
Our newest feature is called Live Shopper. It enables real-time text communication with the personal shopper, allowing customers to discuss substitutions or add items last minute. The whole thing feels less like a grocery order and more like texting a friend to grab you something while they’re at the store, helping to further personalize our online shopping service.
Late-Night Express Delivery
We’re keeping our engines running a little later so those last-minute needs don’t keep you up at night. Walmart is now offering Express Delivery until 10 p.m. on orders placed by 9:30 p.m. so those birthday gifts, cookies or any other last-minute items are delivered to your doorstep, just in time.
Same Day On-Demand Delivery: Get what you need, choose when you want it
At the heart of the innovation in our Pickup and Delivery business is the customer. Each thing we do aims to put the power in their hands — providing a way to get what you need, right when you need it.
Our On-Demand delivery slots allow Same Day delivery, so customers can choose a time that suits their schedule best. Or they can select Express Delivery — perfect for those who need something in a hurry — for delivery as fast as 90 minutes.
Walmart+ and InHome: A chauffeur for your groceries
Walmart+ members have the option to add InHome to their membership. This service allows customers to have groceries delivered straight to their fridges, while other items are placed on the countertop. InHome even offers pickup for customer returns, taking the item straight back to the store for you. It’s sort of the pinnacle of convenience.
Want to choose your delivery style?
To get started, all customers need to do is open the Walmart app or website. They can choose between pickup or delivery and select their preferred time slot for either option. With more than 200,000 items available in-store, customers can easily browse and choose everything from fashion and furniture to food and beyond.
At Walmart, we’re more than just a store — we understand our customers’ daily challenges and the want for simplicity and speed. And while we can’t help with the kids homework, Walmart is here for the many other curveballs life can throw your way.
2023-09-06T06:01:00
(BPT) – Most men living with prostate cancer are familiar with their PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, level. Often, they have been getting PSA tests as part of regular health screenings since even before their diagnosis.1
Now, there is another important biomarker to know about: PSMA, meaning prostate-specific membrane antigen. PSMA is a biomarker that is located on the outside of prostate cancer cells and found in more than 80% of men with prostate cancer. Both PSA and PSMA can help doctors diagnose and track the progression of prostate cancer.2,3
Unlike PSA tests, doctors use PET (positron emission tomography) scans to test for PSMA. The PET scan works by using a tracer that attaches to PSMA and enables your doctor to detect precisely where PSMA-positive tumors reside in the body. Importantly, a PSMA scan can also provide valuable information for evaluating available treatment options with your doctor.2,4
When prostate cancer advances and spreads to other parts of the body, and remains unresponsive to hormone treatment, it is called metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).5 PLUVICTO® (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is a type of precision medicine that targets PSMA-positive cancer cells. PLUVICTO attaches to PSMA and releases radiation treatment that can damage and kill PSMA-positive tumor cells.6
PLUVICTO is a radioligand therapy (RLT) and the first and only RLT approved for the treatment of adult patients with PSMA-positive mCRPC who have already been treated with other anticancer treatments (ie, androgen receptor pathway inhibition and taxane-based chemotherapy).6
To learn more about PLUVICTO, go to www.Pluvicto.com and see below for Important Safety Information.
What is PLUVICTO® (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan)?
PLUVICTO is a radiopharmaceutical used to treat adults with an advanced cancer called prostate-specific membrane antigen–positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (PSMA-positive mCRPC) that:
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about PLUVICTO?
Use of PLUVICTO involves exposure to radioactivity. Long-term, accruing radiation exposure is associated with an increased risk for cancer.
To minimize radiation exposure to others following administration of PLUVICTO, limit close contact (less than 3 feet) with household contacts for 2 days or with children and pregnant women for 7 days, refrain from sexual activity for 7 days, and sleep in a separate bedroom from household contacts for 3 days, from children for 7 days, or from pregnant women for 15 days.
PLUVICTO may cause serious side effects, including:
Before you receive PLUVICTO, tell your doctor if any of these apply to you:
Before administration of PLUVICTO, you should drink plenty of water in order to urinate as often as possible during the first hours after administration.
The most common side effects of PLUVICTO include:
These are not all of the possible side effects of PLUVICTO. Call your doctor for advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see full Prescribing Information.
References:
2023-09-06T08:01:00
(BPT) – This content is sponsored by Sanofi
My name is David and I am a retiree living in Minneapolis after working 30+ years in sales.
Retirement has left me with what feels like a lot of time for my hobbies, like golf and traveling, and spending time with my wife, daughter, and our golden retriever.
I know this time is valuable, because I have a history of serious heart conditions among men in my family. Because of my family history, taking an active role in my health, including exercise and fitness, and eating healthy have always been a part of my life.
I’ve always done what I could to keep Mother Nature at bay, but about 14 years ago, my family history caught up with me.
It began with feeling winded and fatigued while on the golf course. I finished the front nine (in retrospect, not a good decision) and when I went home my wife took my pulse and it was absolutely racing.
Shortly after that I found myself in the ER, and an electrocardiogram (EKG) and other tests showed that I was in atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib. It’s estimated more than 5 million people in the U.S. have AFib, and I was formally diagnosed with paroxysmal AFib since my heart rhythm returned to normal on its own within a few hours.
AFib happens when there is a disruption in your heart’s normal rhythm and the symptoms of AFib itself can be highly debilitating, and if left untreated, can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications.
For me, when my heart came out of normal rhythm during an AFib episode, I felt discomfort and tightness in my chest, accompanied by extreme fatigue and weakness. I would find myself huffing and puffing and totally worn out. In some instances, my AFib episodes left me so weak I didn’t think I could get myself off the couch and to the hospital.
It can be difficult to predict when an AFib episode may occur
Unfortunately, I experienced additional AFib episodes after that first ER visit. Given my AFib episodes were becoming more frequent and lasting longer, I finally committed to finding a cardiologist who could help me manage my condition.
I went to my cardiologist ready to listen, but also brought questions that I wanted answers to as well.
After listening to my concerns and discussing potential side effects, my doctor suggested an antiarrhythmic medicine to help control the rhythm of my heart, called MULTAQ (dronedarone), a prescription medicine used to lower the chance that you will need to go into the hospital for an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (AFib). It is meant for people with certain types of AFib (paroxysmal or persistent AFib) who have had AFib in the past but are now in normal rhythm. To learn more about MULTAQ, including the risk of serious side effects, visit Multaq.com.
Ever since then I’ve committed to managing my paroxysmal Afib with MULTAQ.
For people diagnosed with paroxysmal or persistent AFib – please understand that it is a serious condition that can progress over time if left untreated. Taking an active role in managing your AFib may reduce your risk of future AFib episodes. It is important to take action – and for me – the easiest step was scheduling an appointment with a cardiologist and listening to my options.
It’s also important to have a support system in place. My wife in particular is helpful with keeping me on track with doctor’s appointments and reminding me to take my MULTAQ as prescribed – if she still wants me to stick around then I guess I’ve done something right!
Every patient’s experience is unique and results may vary. Remember, your doctor is your best source of information and be sure to ask your doctor any questions you may have.
Important Safety Information
What is the most important safety information I should know about MULTAQ?
Do not take MULTAQ if you have symptoms of heart failure that recently worsened and you were hospitalized, or if you have severe heart failure. MULTAQ doubles your risk of dying if you have these conditions.
Do not take MULTAQ if you have a type of atrial fibrillation (AFIB) called permanent AFIB. You should not take MULTAQ if you are in AFIB and your doctor is not planning to change you back into normal rhythm. People with permanent AFIB who take MULTAQ have a higher risk of death, stroke, and needing to be treated in a hospital for heart failure.
MULTAQ may cause liver problems, including life-threatening liver failure. Call your doctor right away if you are taking MULTAQ and develop any of these signs and symptoms of liver problems: loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting; fever; feeling unwell; unusual tiredness; itching; yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes; unusual darkening of the urine; right upper stomach area pain or discomfort.
When should I call the doctor?
Call your doctor right away if you’re taking MULTAQ and have any signs and symptoms of heart failure. These may include shortness of breath or wheezing at rest; wheezing, chest tightness, or coughing up frothy sputum at rest, nighttime, or after minor exercise; trouble sleeping or waking up at night or using more pillows to prop yourself at night because of breathing problems; weight gain; or foot or leg swelling.
Call your doctor right away if you notice that your heartbeat or pulse is irregular. This is a sign that you are in AFIB.
Call your doctor if you develop shortness of breath or a dry cough during treatment with MULTAQ.
Call your doctor if you experience an allergic reaction, such as itchy rash, low blood pressure, or rapid swelling of the throat or skin, especially around the lips or eyes.
Who else shouldn’t take MULTAQ?
You should not take MULTAQ if you are allergic to dronedarone or any of the other ingredients in MULTAQ.
You should not take MULTAQ if you have severe liver problems or if you had liver or lung problems after using amiodarone.
You should not take MULTAQ if you have a certain type of heart problem called heart block, and you do not have an implanted pacemaker.
You should not take MULTAQ if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant as it is not known if it may pass to or harm your baby. Women who may become pregnant should use effective birth control while taking MULTAQ. Talk to your doctor about the best birth control methods for you.
Are there any medications I should avoid while taking MULTAQ?
MULTAQ can interact with certain medications. Do not use the following medications with MULTAQ:
Are there other medicines that would be harmful when taken with MULTAQ?
The following medicines can lead to a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm if taken with MULTAQ:
What are possible serious side effects from taking MULTAQ?
MULTAQ may cause serious side effects including slowed heartbeat, inflammation of the lungs (including scarring and thickening), low potassium and magnesium levels in your blood, and changes in kidney function blood tests.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects when taking MULTAQ include stomach problems such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach area pain, and indigestion; feeling tired and weak; skin problems such as redness, rash, and itching. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Are there other things I should avoid while taking MULTAQ?
Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking MULTAQ, as this can increase the likelihood that you will have a side effect of MULTAQ.
What else should I tell my doctor?
Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies (including St. John’s Wort) you take to help avoid serious drug interactions.
Is it OK to take a diuretic (“water pill”) while on MULTAQ?
Your potassium levels should be within the normal range prior to and while taking MULTAQ. Tell your doctor about any diuretic medications (“water pills”) you are taking as some can lower the level of potassium or magnesium in your blood.
Will I need any tests while I’m on MULTAQ?
Your doctor will monitor your heart rhythm regularly to make sure your heartbeat keeps a normal rhythm. Your doctor may perform certain tests, such as heart exams and blood tests, while you’re taking MULTAQ.
Click here for full Prescribing Information, including SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS.
Click here for the MULTAQ Medication Guide (English).
Click here to learn more about Sanofi’s commitment to fighting counterfeit drugs.
Remember, your doctor is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health or your medicine.
If you are a patient experiencing problems with a Sanofi U.S. product, please contact Sanofi U.S. at 1-800-633-1610.
The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health or treatment.
2023-09-06T14:19:00
(BPT) – By Irana Wasti, Chief Product Officer at BILL
From the news to social media to your favorite podcast — artificial intelligence (AI) is capturing headlines. You’ve probably heard about generative AI tools that can write articles, create plans and manipulate images, and as a business owner, you might be curious how this could save you time and benefit your bottom line.
You’re not alone. As technology advances, AI’s potential to revolutionize business grows more significant every day. I’ve served SMBs my whole career, and now in my current role at BILL, I spend time speaking to our SMB customers. I’m consistently hearing the same message: SMBs want to understand how automation and AI can help them get more control of their business and be more efficient.
For these businesses, the key is to find the right technology partner that can help you integrate AI tools in a way that works for you and your business.
Here are some tips for how you can find the right technology and tools to help your business make the most of AI.
How AI can help your business thrive
First, let’s take a look at what we mean when we talk about AI. An AI tool is a software application that relies on artificial intelligence and machine learning to complete a specific task. These tools are used in all kinds of industries and sectors, including health care, education, finance, marketing and business. Like all technology, AI is changing and evolving, and you may have read about, or tried, the latest in AI technology — Generative AI.
AI tools can be really helpful for small businesses — you just need to find the right tool or solution for the jobs you need done. Here are some of the capabilities that AI can deliver for your business:
1. AI can automate your repetitive tasks: Administrative tasks like recording sales data, reconciling accounts, reporting spends and expenses, creating invoices, and issuing payments can take hours. It’s also susceptible to human error. One incorrect calculation or wrong number could have a big financial impact for your business. The good news is, you can save time by using AI tools to automate these tasks.
2. AI can improve customer engagement: We know that SMBs are focused on serving your customers. Which is why tools to help you listen to, and understand, your customers’ needs, questions and concerns are so valuable. AI-powered chat on your website or social media platform can interact with customers in real time, and enable you to respond promptly.
3. AI can help you promote your business: Great marketing can be a catalyst for growth, but it also takes time and money. AI can help speed up the creation of content for you that amplifies your brand and business, speaks to your customer base, and reaches new customers. For example, it can help write blogs, social media, product descriptions and more.
4. AI can analyze your customer data: When it comes to making strategic business decisions, data is one of the most important assets you have. AI-powered tools can analyze large amounts of data quickly and efficiently, and deliver actionable information so you can capitalize on key trends. This can help you make informed decisions about all aspects of your business from products, to pricing, operations and more.
5. AI can help you deliver a better customer journey: The way customers experience your product or service is key to customer retention and brand loyalty. As AI tools develop, they are becoming better adapted and trained. This means they can learn from customer behavior and deliver a more personalized customer journey. This is good for your customers, and good for your business.
Things to consider
Before making any investment or change in technology, it’s important to consider a few factors related to the AI capabilities that you integrate, as well as your own business needs. These factors can help determine what kind of AI is — and isn’t — right for you.
1. Optimizing what you already have: Integrating AI doesn’t necessarily mean making a new investment in a different software or tool. There are lots of situations where you can optimize your existing tools with embedded AI. For example, if you’re using a financial operations platform like BILL, there’s a good chance that you are already using AI capabilities within the platform that you weren’t aware of. BILL has integrated AI into different parts of our solutions, some examples include auto-reading invoices, auto-matching customers and suppliers, detecting and managing risks, and accelerating payments for our customers.
2. Security: Keeping your data, and the data of your customers, safe is at the top of every business owner’s priorities. The potential for hacking and data breaches is one of the risks associated with some AI tools, particularly free or low-cost options that don’t keep your information secure. It’s important to partner with a trusted company or organization that is committed to keeping your business information safe and is transparent about the risk landscape.
3. Supporting your team with this transition: AI can change an employee’s responsibilities and team dynamics. For example, they may have questions about whether their position will no longer be needed, or how this can help their workload. Take the time to talk with your team early in the process about changes, including opportunities to use the efficiencies gained for their benefit.
4. Don’t rush!: Before investing in any technology, take the time to assess whether it is right for you and your business. Talk to fellow business owners and ask for recommendations. Take advantage of free trials and experiments before you integrate. And if you’re wondering whether a product is right for you, reach out to a company and ask them for a demo. Third-party review sites might also be a helpful gauge of the pros and cons of a product.
Partnering for AI success
One of the most important considerations is which company you choose to partner with to deliver these AI capabilities for your business. You want to work with technology partners that can work with you to help customize AI tools to your needs and facilitate integration.
While the technology is still developing and will continue to evolve, there are great technology partners that can help your business harness AI. I always encourage SMBs to partner with innovation-forward companies that build AI technology with the unique needs and interests of SMBs front of mind.
At BILL, we’re 100% focused on helping SMBs to get more control, visibility and efficiency in their business. We do this by taking sophisticated and complex AI, and making it simple, accessible and impactful for SMBs. Our advanced software eliminates human error caused by manual data entry and lets you accomplish more tasks in less time. Customers report saving, on average, 50% of time on bill pay thanks to our artificial intelligence simplifying the payments process.
One of our customers, Repurpose, a plant-based materials company, has seen firsthand the benefits of harnessing AI for their business. “Our AP manager is very impressed by the AI technology that BILL employs,” says Senior Controller Sarah Sanders. “The pre-populated invoice information makes the bill recording very painless.”
By cutting time spent on bill creation and reducing costly human errors, SMBs like Repurpose are able to maximize productivity.
Incorporating AI into your workflows successfully can be a gamechanger for your business. BILL can help you save time and focus on your business, thanks to our AI-powered business payment technology that is powerful, secure, and easy to integrate and use.
To learn more, visit bill.com/product/ai to read how BILL is putting AI to work to help businesses thrive.
2023-09-06T08:01:00
(BPT) – Medicare fraud is a serious problem. Each year, Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion due to fraud, errors and abuse. Every day, these issues affect individuals and families across the country.
The good news? Some simple tips can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.
Common scams
Be aware of common scams, especially during Medicare Open Enrollment in the fall. Examples include:
Warning signs
Watch out for these red flags:
Protect yourself
Take steps to reduce your risk of becoming a victim:
Need help?
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is a federal program that provides free, unbiased information and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their family members and caregivers on how to protect themselves and Medicare from fraud. Local SMPs also provide one-on-one case assistance to those who think they may have been a victim of Medicare fraud, which ensures that suspected fraud is reported quickly and efficiently. Funded by the Administration for Community Living, local SMP programs have offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
If you have questions about how to protect yourself, need to report fraud, or need help determining whether you’ve been a victim of fraud, SMP can help.
Find a local SMP at www.smpresource.org or call 877-808-2468.
2023-09-06T12:01:00
(BPT) – If you enjoy candles, you probably love the way their flames illuminate a darkened room, set a certain mood or bring a sense of fun, romance or wonder to your life. Candles are a vital element in many festivals, religious events, birthdays and other major celebrations. Scented candles at a spa or near a bubble bath can also help you to relax and unwind.
As daylight shortens during the autumn months, this is the perfect time to “Candle with Confidence.” Here are tips to help everyone use candles safely:
1. Follow basic candle safety practices. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and make sure candles are not lit on or near anything that might catch fire. Always keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
2. Prevent candle smoking. Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to 1/4 inch before every use, and be sure to place candles away from drafts, vents or air currents. If a candle continually flickers or smokes, it is not burning properly and should be extinguished. Allow the candle to cool, trim the wick, make sure the area is draft free, then re-light.
3. Beware of “make-your-own” candleholders. Not all glass is the same, so it’s best to avoid burning candles in glass containers that are not specifically designed for candles. Glass candleholders are specifically manufactured to withstand the temperature changes that occur when burning a candle. Everyday glassware is not designed for burning candles.
4. Make votive cleaning easier. Add a few drops of water to the glass of votive holders before inserting the candle to make them easier to clean. Caution: Don’t add more than a few drops of water, and don’t add water unless you intend to burn the candle immediately afterward. Over time, a candle wick could absorb the water and won’t burn properly. Also, never use water to extinguish a candle.
5. Prevent candle fading. Avoid placing candles where they will be directly exposed to sunlight or harsh indoor lighting, as candles may fade if they are left in bright light for an extended period of time.
6. Store candles carefully. Keep your candles in a cool, dark and dry place. Tapers or dinner candles should be stored flat to preventing warping.
7. Keep candles clean. You can remove dust and fingerprints from a candle by gently rubbing the surface with a piece of nylon or a soft cloth that is dry or slightly dampened with water.
8. Care for your candleholders. Remove wax drippings from candleholders by running hot water over them. Alternatively, some home care experts prefer removing wax by first placing the candleholder in the freezer for an hour or so. This allows the wax to shrink and easily pop out when the candleholder is removed from the freezer.
By following these tips from the National Candle Association, you’ll be able to light your candle, burn it safely and be confident you are getting the most out of each burn and every candle. Find more expert tips and information at Candles.org.
2023-09-06T01:01:00
(BPT) – Are you looking for eye-catching and practical ways to upgrade your home? Consider investing in an outdoor renovation project! From installing or remodeling a patio to adding an outdoor fireplace, these outdoor projects can make your home an inviting space in which you and others will want to spend time.
To inspire and help you along your outdoor design journey, Belgard® — a leading provider of outdoor home products like pavers, retaining walls and other landscape features — offers five outdoor design inspirations you can implement in your next home improvement project.
1. Upgrade your patio
A patio or deck can be a wonderful addition to your home. It acts as an extension of your home and provides another livable space to relax and socialize with family and friends. You can even incorporate an outdoor dining area and workspace to create a multi-purpose patio.
Whether you want to add a patio or upgrade your existing one, doing so also adds value to your home. According to the National Association of Realtors Research Group (NAR) 2023 Remodeling Impact Report, a new patio typically costs $10,000-$10,500. However, homeowners that installed a patio recovered 95% of the value from the project.
When designing your patio, consider using concrete pavers to incorporate textures and colors. Concrete pavers are a great way to complete the feel of your outdoor space and seamlessly blend the hardscapes in with the existing layout because they complement various design styles. They’re also a great investment and have a life span of 30 to 100 years to withstand extreme weather and bear heavy weight.
2. Invest in landscaping
If you want to improve the appearance of your home and get an instant return on investment, upgrade your landscape. Not only does investing in landscaping enhance your home’s curb appeal, but it also extends a warm invitation into your home for visitors.
The NAR report found that lining your walkway of pavers with plants, or adding in raised beds and shrubs, allowed homeowners to recover 104% of the project’s cost. However, if you want to start small, adding flowering shrubs, shading trees or mulching are easy, cost-effective ways to revive your yard.
3. Add shade structures
During the warmer months, you’ll want shade structures so you can get the most out of your outdoor space, no matter the temperature. Escape the heat by installing a pergola on your patio.
Pergolas are a popular option because homeowners can choose various materials, styles and colors to fit their layout. A well-designed pergola can boost property values and increase the usability of the backyard.
Decorate your pergola with sun-blocking curtains and hanging plants to create the perfect private getaway in your backyard. For a more cost-effective option, a trellis with plants or greenery can provide both privacy and shade.
4. Install an outdoor kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners and potential buyers. They allow people to spend as much time outdoors as possible while entertaining and feeding guests. It also means that you don’t heat up your house during the summer months.
Compared to other outdoor home improvement projects, outdoor kitchens offer a substantial return on investment. NARS found that homeowners recovered 100% of the cost of building an outdoor kitchen. The report also found that 99% of homeowners who added an outdoor kitchen felt a greater desire to be home and 71% felt an increased sense of enjoyment with their home.
Note: Ensure the kitchen is functional within your space and has shelter from rain or intense sun, so you have optimal time to utilize it throughout the year.
5. Incorporate a fire feature
Whether you choose a fireplace or pit, an outdoor fire feature will add value to your home and allow you to make memories with friends and family in a cozy environment huddled around whichever feature you choose.
Fire features also add 32% better functionality, livability and personality to your home and make your outdoor space more usable, so you can enjoy your outdoor space during a brisk summer evening or in colder climates.
Consider your budget, space layout and function for fire features to ensure you choose the right one for your backyard and family. A DIY fire pit is a great inexpensive option with versatile use and style. Opt for an outdoor fireplace if you’re looking for a more premium option. It can double as a privacy wall and takes up less space than a typical fireplace.
Let these five outdoor renovation projects inspire you to upgrade your home, add value to your property and make your home a place you and others want to spend their time. For more outdoor design inspiration, visit Belgard.com.
