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How to pick the right tires for your SUV

2023-11-02T09:15:00

(BPT) – Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are now the dominant vehicles on U.S. roads, making up more than half of new car sales for three years running, according to J.D. Power. The SUV segment has become as diverse as it is large, ranging from three-row luxury vehicles to sporty crossovers to off-roading powerhouses, and similarly, SUV drivers are far from a homogenous lot, putting their cars to a variety of uses.

So if you are among the millions of SUV drivers in the U.S., you need to ensure your vehicle is equipped with the right tires for the job. Hankook Tire’s Dynapro line-up is designed to offer SUV (and light truck) drivers a complete range of tires for all conditions and journeys. Here are five types of tires, from on-road cruising to off-road adventuring, that SUV drivers should consider based on their driving needs.

For the road warrior: A comfortable, all-season touring tire – Dynapro HPX

Drivers who rack up the miles in their SUV don’t want to compromise comfort for performance, or handling for tread life. They need an all-season touring tire that can offer smooth, comfortable driving in a variety of weather conditions, and can stand up to tens of thousands of miles on the road.

Hankook Tire just announced an all-season touring tire, the all-new Dynapro HPX, delivering great braking and handling performance in rain and light snow, while also minimizing tread pattern noise to maximize the cabin experience. It also comes with a 70,000 mile warranty and is designed to last 12% longer than competing tires.

For the daily driver: A reliable highway tire – Dynapro HT

Drivers focused on school runs, office commutes and the occasional road trip for vacation need a tire that can be relied on all year round without breaking the bank. An all-season highway tire that offers a generous mileage warranty ensures the tires will deliver good bang for their buck. And with all-season reliability, these tires can be trusted to keep drivers and their passengers safe in a variety of weather conditions that most of us will face throughout the year.

For the dirt road enthusiast: An on- and off-road all-terrain tire – Dynapro AT2 Xtreme

Some drivers love a mixture of Sports and Utility from their SUV — they enjoy taking their vehicle off the beaten track on weekends and commuting to work on a Monday morning with fresh mud stains on the fender. An all-terrain product that mixes aggressive design with on-road comfort helps drivers tackle gravel and loose surfaces without having to deal with the dreaded tire drone when they’re back in civilization.

For the off-road expert: A rugged terrain tire – Dynapro XT

More dedicated off-roaders might be looking for a tire they can fit to their SUV when it’s time to hit the trails. A rugged terrain tire can handle steep profiles, off-camber environments and even rock crawling, on a variety of surfaces from grass to dirt to sand. The ideal rugged terrain tire will offer rigid block patterns and deeper grooves to handle these conditions, whether they consider themselves overlanders or desert explorers.

For the ultimate outdoor adventure: A tough mud tire – Dynapro MT2

SUV drivers looking to tackle the toughest terrain need a tire that can handle everything from the deepest mud to the roughest rocks. This class of tires should offer extra protection from chips and tears on gravel, massive treads to deliver ultimate off-road traction, and ejectors that release mud and stones to maximize grip.

No matter what drivers are planning with their vehicles, the wide range of SUVs in the U.S. marketplace is now fully complemented by a rich portfolio of tires for everything drivers need. Hankook’s Dynapro line-up offers a broad range of performance characteristics to meet these needs, for drivers keeping their wheels squeaky clean or spending their Saturdays winching through the woods.

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Top 6 Reasons People are Moving to Mid-Size Cities in 2023

2023-11-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – Maybe you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of big city life. The sky-high rent, cramped living spaces, constant traffic and crowds are getting to you. You may even be looking for an affordable place to settle down and start a family or launch that business idea you’ve been dreaming about.

Places like Knoxville, Tennessee; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Greenville, North Carolina offer a lower cost of living, scenic surroundings, and vibrant downtowns with thriving arts and food scenes. That, understandably, makes them an appealing alternative to major metro areas.

And the numbers don’t lie. According to the 2023 Mayflower “Finding Home” study and census data, Americans are flocking to mid-size cities in record numbers — a trend that is only accelerating.

Want to learn more? Check out the top six reasons mid-size cities could be calling your name.

Lower Cost of Living

Tired of paying through the nose for basic necessities? You’re not alone — the cost of living in larger metros has skyrocketed, making homeownership seem out of reach for many. So, it’s no wonder 91% of movers cite cost of living as an important factor when choosing a new city.

With housing costs up to 50% less than in larger cities, you’ll find lower prices on everything from groceries to utilities in mid-size cities. Of course, the secret is out: According to Mayflower data, over 60% of people moved to Indianapolis and Charlotte, for example, for lower costs.

Strong Sense of Community

Mid-size cities are also characterized by having tight-knit communities. Residents report friendlier neighbors, feeling more connected to those around them and an overall warmer, welcoming vibe. Many transplants also say they like how these communities embrace newcomers, unlike the anonymity they experienced in bigger cities.

Access to Arts and Culture

Nearly half of movers cited proximity to arts and culture as an influence. Fortunately, mid-size cities — like Knoxville, Indianapolis, Fayetteville and Santa Fe — brim with museums, live music venues and craft breweries. Many boast local sports teams as well.

Outdoor Recreation and Natural Beauty

Two-thirds of survey respondents indicated weather and access to nature as top reasons for their move. Mid-size cities near natural amenities like beaches, lakes, mountains, and state and national parks are particularly popular destinations. Where outdoor recreation opportunities abound, residents enjoy hiking, biking, fishing and other readily available activities during their free time.

Thriving Job Markets

While mid-size cities may move at a slower pace, their job markets are still buzzing. It turns out, major employers are setting up shop in mid-size cities to take advantage of lower costs and taxes, too. This is creating new opportunities in industries like healthcare, finance, tech and business services, to name a few.

Remote Work

The pandemic allowed many people to work remotely, freeing them up to relocate wherever they please. As companies adopt hybrid or fully remote work models, employees no longer need to live in major cities just for their jobs. This flexibility has opened people’s eyes to the appeal of mid-size cities.

Dreaming of a move to a place where you can slow down, connect with like-minded people and enjoy life’s simple pleasures? Join the growing numbers settling in mid-size cities. The welcome mat is out, and there’s a spot waiting for you.

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5 factors to consider when building a fire pit for your outdoor space

2023-11-01T12:01:01

(BPT) – Fire pits are more popular than ever, and for good reason. Not only do they look beautiful, but they provide real warmth, and their flickering flames entice friends and family to gather for storytelling, making s’mores and having a great time together. Fire pits are also a relatively easy DIY project, even for beginners, as long as you have the right materials.

If you’re considering adding a fire pit to enhance your yard, here are some things you’ll want to think about before you begin.

1. Determine your top reasons for building a fire pit

Knowing why you want a fire pit and how you primarily plan to use it can help you make a number of other decisions, such as where to put it, the materials to use, plus what size and shape you want it to be.

For example, are you primarily interested in its decorative value? A well-constructed, attractive fire pit adds visual interest to your outdoor space as well as increasing the value of your home. Do you mostly want to create a warm place to gather, extending the use of your yard into the evening and beyond the warm-weather months? Would you like to grill or cook food on it (beyond the obligatory s’mores, of course!), and do you see it as another way to help keep pests at bay? Fire pits can provide all these benefits, and more.

2. Choose concrete blocks to create your fire pit

Square fire pits can quickly and easily modernize a space, and they are easily created using concrete blocks. Because a square shape mimics the angular lines of your home, it helps to create the visual sense of a natural continuation of your living space, drawing the indoors out.

You can use Ladera Wall Block or the versatile Rumblestone® Wall System to create your square fire pit, and make sure to get a Pavestone fire insert to create a heat barrier between the fire and the wall blocks.

3. Where should you put it?

Placement is very important. For fire safety, first of all, it’s crucial that your fire pit is not located too close to your home or any other structures, as well as trees, shrubs or other plants. You’ll also want to check with your local municipality for rules and regulations regarding the placement of fire pits, and some areas also require that you apply for a permit.

Beyond safety considerations, you’ll want to decide whether your fire pit will be a central focal point for your outdoor space, or if it will serve as a natural boundary feature. Where you place the fire pit will also help you decide on its size and shape.

4. Don’t be afraid to DIY

While you could hire a professional to build your fire pit for you, it’s actually not that hard to construct a fire pit for less cost — and in minutes — using the right products.

For example, creating a fire pit with Ladera Wall Block is a satisfying weekend project, and can easily be installed using QUIKRETE® Construction Adhesive. No cuts, special cap or corner blocks are needed to complete your fire pit. The blocks are available in seven different face patterns, allowing varying false joints to mask any pattern repetition, so you can achieve a contemporary look that blends linear lines with subtle, natural textures. Then all you’ll need is a fire pit insert and lava rock to fill the cavity base.

5. Opt for durability

Creating a fire pit using concrete blocks has definite advantages. Your new fire pit will be strong enough to withstand the elements so you’ll be able to enjoy it for a long time. However, you will also be able to pick up and move your firepit elsewhere if your design changes, as long as it is installed on the surface.

Keeping these factors in mind, you should be able to create a beautiful fire pit that will transform your backyard into a cozy spot to gather and make memories with friends and family for years to come.

Visit Pavestone.com/retaining-walls to watch a step-by-step video showing how to construct your fire pit using Ladera Wall Block.

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Stronger together: Helping a loved one diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

2023-11-01T07:01:01

(BPT) – Thirty-nine years ago, Hector and Nora met right after high school, marrying just eight months later — and have been inseparable ever since. Over the decades, the two have grown together with their family, now living in Los Angeles close to their two grown children. The strength of this family bond is now helping Hector face the biggest challenge of his life — being diagnosed with stage IV, metastatic pancreatic cancer.

For Hector, the first sign that something wasn’t right was when he started having stomach problems, which seemed to occur with each meal he ate. After several doctor and hospital visits over the course of months, Hector was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer — the cancer had spread (or metastasized) beyond his pancreas to other parts of the body.

“We both knew what it meant,” says Nora, referring to the seriousness of the diagnosis. But, the pair decided they were going to face the challenge together, “We’re going to fight it. We’re going to do everything we can.”

From that moment, Nora became Hector’s strongest advocate and caregiver.

What is pancreatic cancer?

The most common form of pancreatic cancer is Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which is also one of the most deadly forms of cancer as the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.[i],[ii] PDAC is one of the hardest to detect cancers because there are often no noticeable symptoms in its initial stages and symptoms can appear similar to other diseases. So, PDAC is difficult to diagnose early.[iii] It is also one of the most difficult to treat of all solid tumor cancers as the cancer can spread quickly and invade surrounding tissues and organs.[iii] Overall, people diagnosed with PDAC face a poor prognosis with a five-year survival rate of just 12.5%.[iv]

As much as the impact on physical health, living with PDAC can negatively impact a person’s psychological and emotional well-being.[v] The condition causes significant stress for patients and their loved ones,[v] making it so important to have a strong support system when coping with this disease.

And people living with PDAC experience sometimes serious symptoms, including significant weight loss.[vi]

Advances in treatment options for PDAC have been limited over the past few decades, but researchers continue to work toward developing new approaches with the potential to increase survival rates.[vii]

How you can help a loved one with pancreatic cancer

For the past two years, Nora has been Hector’s caregiver, learning valuable lessons about how to be supportive throughout this difficult time. “One person alone cannot handle this disease,” Nora observes. “Support is really important.”

Nora offers these tips for others to help care for a loved one:

Become an advocate for your loved one. Be present at all doctor visits, take detailed notes and ask questions. Help your loved one track symptoms and other factors recommended by your health care provider.

Educate yourself. Ask questions and do research to help your family become more informed about the disease, treatment options, and how to cope with symptoms and side effects of medications. For example, Nora learned about the importance of nutrition for people with pancreatic cancer, and spoke up to Hector’s doctor about it.

Take care of yourself. If you don’t care for your own physical and emotional health, it’s harder to be there for your loved one. Nora finds listening to music and going for hikes give her a break and helps clear her head. “It’s important to make time for yourself as a caregiver,” says Nora. “By taking care of yourself, you’ll be able to support your loved one.”

Get organized. From maintaining an appointment calendar and getting a pill organizer to track medications, staying organized can help relieve the stress of caring for someone else.

Stay positive. Although Hector and his family are coping with a very difficult diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic cancer, Nora believes in the power of positivity. She makes it a point to plan family events like concerts to give everyone something to look forward to. “Don’t give up,” Nora advises. “There’s always hope.”

You can learn more about Hector and Nora’s story by watching this video.

Sponsored by Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.

[i] What Is Pancreatic Cancer? American Cancer Society. Accessed 5 October 2023. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/pancreatic-cancer/about/what-is-pancreatic-cancer.html.

[ii] Cancer Stat Facts: Common Cancer Sites. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Accessed 20 June 2023. Available at: https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/common.html.

[iii] PDQ® Adult Treatment Editorial Board. PDQ Pancreatic Cancer Treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Updated 5 May 2023. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/pancreatic/patient/pancreatic-treatment-pdq. Accessed 20 June 2023. [PMID: 26389396]

[iv] Cancer Stat Facts: Pancreatic Cancer. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Accessed 20 June 2023. Available at: https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/pancreas.html

[v] Mazzella Ebstein AM, Joseph SJ, Hernandez M. Psychological stress and pancreatic cancer patients: a qualitative systematic review protocol. JBI Evid Synth. 2020 Mar;18(3):576-582. doi: 10.11124/JBISRIR-D-18-00006. PMID: 32197017; PMCID: PMC7513383.

[vi] Gärtner S, Krüger J, Aghdassi AA, Steveling A, Simon P, Lerch MM, Mayerle J. Nutrition in Pancreatic Cancer: A Review. Gastrointest Tumors. 2016 May;2(4):195-202. doi: 10.1159/000442873. Epub 2016 Jan 8. PMID: 27403414; PMCID: PMC4924449.

[vii] Principe DR, Underwood PW, Korc M, Trevino JG, Munshi HG and Rana A (2021) The Current Treatment Paradigm for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Barriers to Therapeutic Efficacy. Front. Oncol. 11:688377. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.688377.

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Prioritizing Care for the Caregiver

2023-11-01T07:01:01

(BPT) – Self-care means different things to different people. Its essence, though, is focused on wellbeing. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health,” adding, “even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.”

This is especially true for those who spend their days caring for loved ones, helping with everything from meals and bathing to dressing and overall care. Being a caregiver requires energy, patience and focus to perform tasks for others that most of us take for granted. It is a selfless and demanding role that can wear out even the hardiest among us.

Finding ways to be more efficient and to prioritize one’s own wellbeing can ultimately result in better care for the recipient. Fortunately, people can take advantage of their AARP member benefits that can help make self-care for the caregiver even easier.

Prioritize Your Health

When you’re taking care of others, it’s easy to overlook your own health, especially preventive care. However, it isn’t a good idea to skip wellness checkups or postpone appointments to ensure there are no underlying concerns and any ailments can be addressed before they become serious.

If you have not yet established care with a physician, AARP members can access quality care with Oak Street Health, a primary care provider specializing in older adults on Medicare with a team of doctors, nurses and other professionals dedicated to keeping you well — physically, mentally and socially — at more than 190 centers across 24 states. Benefits include personalized preventive care plans, same-day/next-day appointments where available, a 24/7 healthcare patient support line and more. AARP membership is not required to visit an Oak Street Health location.

If you are already in pain, either from providing physical support for loved ones as you help them move in and out of the car or up and down stairs, or from an older injury, physical therapy can help. Fortunately, scheduling an appointment is more convenient than ever through AARP® Physical Therapy at Home™ by Luna, and it can help ensure you continue to provide the necessary care and even avoid future injuries. Luna allows you to schedule physical therapy where and when it works for you. It provides access to highly experienced physical therapists who specialize in a wide range of disorders and ailments, and who come directly to you. AARP members and non-members alike can receive at-home physical therapy from Luna. Most insurances and Medicare are accepted by Luna and a prescription may not be needed to start.

Get Some Help of Your Own

It’s difficult to replace the primary caregiver, but there are some exceptional tools and services that enable you to step back and take a break without sacrificing care and safety. Taking time off periodically can be beneficial to your mental and physical health.

If you’re planning a trip or simply need some help around the house, the online marketplace Carelinx is there to help. AARP members have access to pre-screened, professional caregivers and receive a 3% discount on in-home caregiving services. Whether it’s for a few hours or every day, the Carelinx network of caregivers can provide personalized care to help with daily life.

If a visiting caregiver is stepping in, your loved one has periods alone, or you simply want to stay on schedule, the Hero® smart pill dispenser can help you track what you took and when. The Hero® smart pill dispenser is an all-in-one medication management platform designed to help make managing medications easier and more convenient for any health condition. You can set a medication schedule in Hero’s mobile app, load up to a 90-day supply of ten different medications, and receive alerts from Hero’s smart dispenser. AARP members receive an 8% discount and pay no initiation fee when they register for a Hero subscription.

If falls are a concern, technology can help. Lifeline offers medical alert systems with automatic fall detection, providing peace of mind that your loved one can get the help they need even if you are not present. AARP members save 15% on medical alert service and get free shipping and activation. You can choose the service option that fits your lifestyle and get fast, 24/7/365 access to help when you need it.

Plan for Your Care

As a caregiver, you have unique insight into your own potential need for care in the future. It’s a good idea to prioritize it, even while providing care for someone else.

Approximately 70% of Americans who reach age 65 will need some long-term care at some point in their life, and nearly half will need some sort of paid assistance. AARP members have access to information on options to help protect assets, maintain their lifestyles, and prepare for the future within their budget.

It’s also understandable that the demands as a caregiver may cause you to push off thinking about the future, especially when it comes to estate planning. You can make it less onerous with the help of Trust & Will, a secure and easy-to-use online estate planning platform with access to top-rated member support, free shipping, and one year of unlimited updates. As an AARP member, you receive a 20% discount on trusts, wills and estate planning documents.

You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup

To be the best caregiver possible, try to avoid thinking of self-care as indulgent or selfish and instead consider it an investment in your capacity to provide care. Remaining healthy, calm and focused requires taking proactive steps on your own behalf. When you fill your own cup first, you can better help your loved one fill theirs. To find more ways to simplify self-care, visit AARP.com/benefits.

AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

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Help protect yourself from pneumococcal pneumonia and enjoy all this festive season has to offer

2023-11-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – With warm sweaters, hot drinks and the holidays approaching — winter can be a magical season to spend quality time with family and friends. The last thing you want is to become sick with an illness like pneumococcal pneumonia and miss out on precious time with loved ones. Fortunately, there are ways to help protect yourself so you can continue enjoying all this festive season has to offer.

Here are some proactive measures you can take to protect your health this winter:

  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Wear layers in cold weather
  • Exercise regularly
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Eat a balanced diet
  • And get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia

What is pneumococcal pneumonia?

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks and can even put you in the hospital or be life-threatening.

Who is at risk?

If you’re 65 or older, or 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions, like asthma, diabetes or chronic heart disease, you’re at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and vaccination can help protect you.

What else should I know about pneumococcal pneumonia?

Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike at any time of year and vaccination is available all year round, so the winter is a great time to get vaccinated as we slow down to embrace the joys of the holiday season.

Even if you’ve already had a previous pneumonia vaccine, your healthcare provider may recommend another vaccination for additional protection.

Be there for the moments that matter this holiday season and help protect yourself today. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination and visit knowpneumonia.com to learn more.

Brought to you by Pfizer.

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Tips for staying active after age 65

2023-11-01T13:51:00

(BPT) – It’s common to hear people say they feel overwhelmed by the idea of being physically active, and that they have no idea where to start. That sense of pressure can be discouraging and cause many people to postpone making positive changes in their behavior.

The unfortunate truth is that physical inactivity takes a significant toll on older adults in America. Rates of inactivity increased 6% to more than 31% nationwide among adults age 65 and older who were in average health between 2018 and 2021. That number has continued to climb in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to America’s Health Rankings Senior Report.

Physical inactivity contributes to many chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes — all of which can reduce a person’s mobility, independence and quality of life.

The good news is getting active doesn’t have to be difficult, time-consuming or expensive. In fact, almost everyone can take steps to work more activity into their daily lives, even from the comfort of home. The benefits are clear — even as little as five minutes of activity every day can make a difference. Physical activity can help improve your brain health, manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.

Regular exercise can also help you feel better and build relationships. In fact, recent research from AARP Services Inc., UnitedHealthcare and OptumLabs showed moderate or high physical activity helps reduce severe loneliness and social isolation by 15% to 30%, and also helps increase feelings of resilience and purpose and improve people’s perception of aging.

Here are five tips to help you become more physically active and put yourself on the road to better health and quality of life:

  1. Start small. Remember the old adage, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”? That goes for starting a new exercise regimen, as well as for building strength and stamina. It’s OK to start with just a few minutes at first, and then build gradually — from five, 10 or 15 minutes of movement to eventually 30 or more.
  2. Make a plan. Most new routines require some level of preparation. Decide what activity you would like to do — whether it’s walking, following an exercise video at home or taking a fitness class — and plan a regular routine, so it’s easier to follow through.
  3. Get comfortable. Choose clothing that’s easy to move in and is appropriate for the environment. If an activity requires lots of extra gear, equipment or skills, consider choosing something you can do with what you have. The important thing is to get moving!
  4. Find a buddy. Exercising with a friend can be fun and rewarding. It’s a great way to socialize and build friendships and can also be a strong motivator or cause for celebration when you meet your shared goals.
  5. Check out resources that may be available to you. Many Medicare Advantage health plans offer benefits like free gym memberships. Talk to your health plan to see what’s available to you.

For more information about UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans, visit www.UHCMedicareHealthPlans.com.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a doctor. Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.

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Need health insurance? How to find an affordable plan

2023-11-01T07:01:01

(BPT) – For many people looking for health coverage, the Health Insurance Marketplaces, also known as Exchanges, may have the options they’re looking for. But managing health decisions is very personal, and with so many plan and benefit options available at different price points, finding affordable health care coverage that fits your needs can be overwhelming.

The open enrollment period held each year gives those looking for affordable coverage the opportunity to shop for health plan options that can help with unexpected costs due to illness or injury. In most states, open enrollment begins November 1, 2023, and ends on January 16, 2024.

Everyone’s coverage needs are different. That’s why there are options available to help choose a plan that not only safeguards your and your family’s health when you’re sick or injured, but also provides preventive care such as annual wellness visits, vaccinations, or health screenings to keep you and your family as healthy as possible and, if there are issues, address them at an early stage.

Many people may be eligible for subsidies to lower the monthly premiums, including plans as low as $0 per month, depending on their income. In fact, 90% of UnitedHealthcare Individual and Family ACA Marketplace Plan members qualified for subsidized coverage in 2023.[1] Finding out if you qualify is easy — just check as you shop for plans.

Individual and Family ACA Marketplace Plans through UnitedHealthcare

If you’re looking for coverage, UnitedHealthcare is expanding its Individual and Family ACA Marketplace Plans into four new states for 2024. Coverage is now available in these 26 states[2]:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin

UnitedHealthcare’s Individual and Family ACA Marketplace Plans feature affordable coverage, convenient access to care and offer a wide range of benefit options, including[3]:

  • $0 unlimited primary and virtual urgent care.
  • Prescriptions as low as $5 at over 40,000 in-network pharmacies.
  • Adult dental and vision offerings.
  • An opportunity to earn a $100 gift card in rewards benefits for completing health- and account-related tasks.
  • Complimentary access to digital fitness classes.
  • Membership to a network of 17,000 gym locations.
  • New Copay Focus plan options with $0 medical deductible and predictable copay for services.

How to get started

To help you find a plan, UnitedHealthcare offers educational resources and 1-on-1 support in English and Spanish at UHC.com/exchange, or seguromedicoaca.com for Spanish support. Shoppers can also call 877-649-9797 to enroll or change plans from Nov. 1, 2023, to Jan. 16, 2024, in most states. Enroll by December 15, 2023 if you want your coverage active on January 1, 2024. If you enroll between December 16, 2023 and January 16, 2024, your coverage will begin on February 1, 2024.[4]


[1] UnitedHealthcare Internal Analysis, September 2023.

[2] Subject to regulatory approval.

[3] The benefits described may not be offered in all plans or in all states. Some plans may require copayments, deductibles and/or coinsurance for these benefits. The policy has exclusions, limitations, reduction of benefits, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage, review the plan coverage documents or contact UnitedHealthcare.

[4] Open enrollment dates may vary by state.

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Against the backdrop of American Diabetes Month: A time to reframe how we think of type 1 diabetes

2023-11-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Sanofi

November is American Diabetes Month — a time to come together to bring attention to the different types of diabetes that impact millions of people’s lives. Approximately one in 10 Americans (37.3 million people total) have diabetes. While as many as 95% of these cases are classified as type 2 diabetes, the number of people living with type 1 diabetes is increasing over time. It’s for this reason that moments like American Diabetes Month are critical for raising awareness for the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes, with the goal of ensuring that people of all ages understand the importance of early detection.

To do so effectively, however, it’s important that we begin by expanding our collective understanding of type 1 diabetes, which is distinct from type 2 diabetes despite both being forms of “diabetes mellitus.” While type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder, with lifestyle factors playing a role in development, as well as genetic factors, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that can arise from environmental or genetic factors. Just consider that if anyone in your family has type 1 diabetes, you’re up to 15 times more likely to be diagnosed. Additionally, although type 1 diabetes often develops in children, teens and young adults, it can affect anyone at any age. In fact, recent data show that over 50% of new cases of type 1 diabetes occur in adults. Type 1 diabetes also cannot be prevented or cured.

But what’s perhaps most critical to know about type 1 diabetes isn’t just its prevalence, it’s the fact that it can be detected early through autoantibody screenings.

Because type 1 diabetes develops in stages over time, there are blood tests that can detect type 1 diabetes before any noticeable symptoms arise, before insulin is required and potentially before any life-threatening complications occur. One such example of this is a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a serious complication that develops when you don’t have enough insulin to let blood sugar into your cells. As a result, your liver is forced to break down fat for fuel, producing dangerous levels of acids called ketones in your body that can lead to coma or even death. Unfortunately, for individuals who have undiagnosed type 1 diabetes, DKA is far too often how they find out they have diabetes — with as many as 40% of DKA cases stemming from those who are newly diagnosed.

When it comes to type 1 diabetes, early screening may give you more time to prepare. The more you know, the more you can plan ahead. This American Diabetes Month, take control of the future by talking to your doctor about getting screened and participating in The 1 Pledge movement, which is being led by Sanofi. Take the pledge to get screened for type 1 diabetes at The1Pledge.com, where you can also find more educational information. Follow and use #ScreenForType1 to join the conversation on social media.

It’s time that we change the story around type 1 diabetes. Not knowing is simply no longer an acceptable option. Get screened today.

Sanofi does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment — information is provided for educational purposes only. Your doctor is the best source of health information. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your health or treatment.