Month: December 2023

2023-12-29T16:37:00

(BPT) – Every season comes and goes, but winter — with its cold temps and chilly breezes — can seem to drag on longer than others. Rather than loathe being stuck indoors, you’ll love staying warm and cozy as you stream favorite TV and movies with new technology that transforms your entertainment experience.

Just imagine with a touch of a button you can find that one show you are looking for without searching through multiple streaming services. Picture the joy of never having to download streaming apps again. Dream of the possibilities of watching beloved classics and curated collections based on your interests — so you’re never left out in the cold with nothing inspiring to watch.

This is entertainment reality with the Xumo Stream Box, available at no additional monthly cost to Xfinity Internet customers. This unique 4K streaming device has numerous features for the ultimate in-home entertainment in 2024. Here are three key features that are helping people cure their cabin fever and enjoy the most of the long winter months.

Personalized, instant app access

Xumo Stream Box comes preloaded with hundreds of streaming apps, so there’s no need for you to download before you watch. Just say the name of the streaming service into the voice remote to launch it. You can even build personalized viewing lists for every member of the family with “My List.” With just one click, add any show or movie available to a specific list, giving your family a quick way to find what to watch next.

Simplified search across apps

All you have to do is say a show name into the voice remote and the system will search across available apps to find it quickly for you. Xumo Stream Box uses both AI-driven personalization and an in-house editorial team to surface content recommendations, helping you find something to watch without having to jump in and out of apps.

View live channels quickly

With live TV at startup and many live channels to choose from, Xfinity Stream makes it easy to find something to watch. Plus, new features like the “currently playing” tile that shows what’s airing on the last channel you watched, and the built-in channel guide make browsing channels a seamless part of the entertainment experience.

Learn more at Xfinity.com/xumo. No matter the type of winter weather you experience, you’ll be set with endless entertainment possibilities. Snuggle into a blanket, grab your favorite treat, and you’ll be ready to cozy up and enjoy the most of this chilly season from the comfort of your own couch.

2023-12-29T09:01:00

(BPT) – Instead of setting a traditional New Year’s resolution of hitting the gym or reading books, you can be generous with your time and resources by setting a charitable resolution. If your 2024 resolution is to help those in need, you could get a head start by donating to a charitable organization or volunteering your time before the end of the year.

1. Identify a specific community or cause

Generosity doesn’t have to be an open-ended goal. Like any other objective, you can choose a specific community or cause you wish to support as part of your charitable 2024 New Year’s resolution. You may be more likely to follow through with your New Year’s goal by choosing a specific, measurable resolution. For example, instead of setting your goal as “helping others,” you could set a more specific goal of “volunteering X number of hours in 2024” or “donating X during 2024.”

For your 2024 New Year’s resolution, you can pick a community that you are a part of, a cause that is personal to you or a large-scale project you believe in. Some examples of charitable causes include poverty relief, animal welfare, world hunger projects and homelessness initiatives.

2. Choose a charity to work with

Once you’ve chosen your desired community or cause, you can further define your goals by picking one or two charities you want to work with. These could be groups that work locally, within your state or region, across the country or even throughout the world.

For each cause that you care about, there are countless charities and nonprofits to choose from. To narrow down your choices, look for an organization with the following qualities:

• High impact: The best charitable organizations have a significant, tangible impact on communities in need. For example, in 2022, World Vision — a Christian humanitarian organization — spent 89% of its total operating expenses on programs that had a real impact on children, families and communities. Partnering with high-impact organizations ensures that your time and resources can make a difference.
• Inclusive: A top-notch nonprofit impacts more than one small group of people. Inclusive charities help a wide range of people spanning ages and backgrounds.
• Trusted: When you dedicate your time and money to an organization, you want to make sure it can stand the test of time. You can trust that your money will be well-spent when you give to nonprofits like World Vision, which has over 70 years of experience helping others and making a difference.

3. Schedule volunteer hours

Once you’ve chosen which organization you want to support for 2024, you can start acting. One way to move toward your 2024 goals is to volunteer your time. Many organizations offer volunteer opportunities locally and abroad — allowing you to take a hands-on approach to making a difference.

You can get started on your volunteer work before 2024 even begins! Some nonprofits allow you to schedule your volunteer work weeks or months in advance. This means that you can start planning your 2024 volunteer plan before the year starts.

4. Make a donation

Another way to support an organization or cause is to donate money. Funds donated to nonprofit organizations support programs and initiatives that create real change. Donating is also a relatively quick and easy way to divert your resources to charitable causes when you lack the time for volunteering and other hands-on approaches.

Like with volunteering, you can get a head start on your 2024 New Year’s resolution by donating before the end of 2023. Any gifts to the World Vision Fund through the end of the year will be matched — up to $3 million! The deadline is midnight on Dec. 31 to double your impact for children and communities around the world.

2023-12-29T12:35:00

(BPT) – As a health care navigator at UnitedHealthcare, John wears many hats. Some days are spent helping members locate physicians in their area or better understand their benefits, while others are filled with questions about billing. But providing the support members need often means looking beyond claims or copays to other issues impacting health — ones that aren’t always seen as health care issues.

John recalls one member he worked with earlier this year whose largest obstacle was housing. Operating with a disability and on a single income, he struggled to navigate local programs designed to help people like him address housing challenges.

“So I did some research, calling county and local offices to get information that might best fit his needs,” John says.

He soon facilitated a conference call with the member and a neighborhood housing service in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to help him get “mortgage ready” and into stable housing. At the end of that call, the member told John, “You made my hero-of-the-day list.”

The impact of social drivers

Nearly 10% of Americans 65 years or older face food insecurity,^[1] and between 2021 and 2022 the poverty rate for older adults increased from 10.7% to 14.1%, reflecting greater overall economic insecurity for American seniors.^[2]

In response, the health care system is paying much closer attention to the overall impact of these social factors.

“For a long time, health care was focused on acute and chronic illnesses, as well as an episodic model for how we manage specific conditions,” said Dr. Alexander Billioux, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Community and State and also responsible for leading the company’s population health and social care efforts. “We’re now taking a more holistic view, where we can improve health by thinking about the context in which people live their lives.”

“That,” he said, “is really where the social care component comes in.”

Dr. Billioux adds that while traditional Medicare is not really set up for identifying social needs or addressing them, managed care — and Medicare Advantage in particular — has that flexibility.

Making meaningful connections to meet social needs

Turning data into action is where UnitedHealthcare has made great strides over the past few years. In 2022 alone, the company screened 4.7 million Medicare Advantage enrollees for social needs using an approach that included health risk assessments; phone calls; in-person visits; and analysis of surveys, claims and administrative data. Of those screened, UnitedHealthcare identified 2 million enrollees with unmet social needs that could be impacting their health.^[3]

But identifying these needs was just the first step. Using individualized outreach tactics — dictated by members’ noted preferences —UnitedHealthcare contacted 1 million people who said they wanted help, and from there made 2.3 million social-needs referrals to various national and regional social services programs.

Ultimately, UnitedHealthcare verified that 853,000 Medicare Advantage enrollees were connected to services and supports that addressed a social need. And the result wasn’t just a step toward better health, but also meaningful cost savings for these individuals. In 2023, the company is expanding its outreach efforts and expects to screen more than 5.5 million members — driving even more connections to important support services for those in need.

“We’re taking those extra steps by telling members these programs exist, as well as contacting, coordinating and advocating,” Billioux says. “People who have had long exposure to the health system might think that no one is paying attention to these social drivers. So we’re working hard to try and change that, because we really are here to help.”

Added John, “I love having the opportunity to help our members; I want to be that person.”

To learn more about how UnitedHealthcare’s holistic medical and social support model is identifying and addressing the needs of millions of people each year, access the research brief on UnitedHealthGroup.com.

2023-12-29T12:35:00

(BPT) – When you are looking for a plan to cover your health care needs, and perhaps those of your loved ones, it can be confusing to know what your options are and what you might be eligible for. And there could be a lot of factors that come into play, such as how old you are, where you live and your level of income.

Access to affordable health care coverage is more attainable than you might think. If you have questions about the different types of coverage being offered and who might be eligible, here’s a quick guide to help.

Employer-based coverage: For the 54% of Americans with employer-provided coverage, many employers set aside a 2- to 3-week period between September and December when their employees can select health benefits for the following year. A lot can change in a year, so if you have employer-based coverage, consider whether your current benefits are still meeting the needs of you and your family and see what plan changes your employer has made in the options offered. If you are unsure about your options, check with your employer.

Medicare: This is a federal program that provides health insurance for people 65 years and older, with certain exceptions for those younger than 65. There are several types, or “parts” of Medicare.

• Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance) are considered Original Medicare.
• Part C is what’s also known as Medicare Advantage and combines Parts A and B and usually includes prescription drug coverage. These plans often also offer additional benefits such as dental, vision and fitness.
• Part D plans are stand-alone plans that help pay for prescription drugs. Part D plans may be added with Original Medicare and/or a Medicare supplement insurance plan, as well as with certain Medicare Advantage plans that don’t include prescription drug coverage.
• Medicare supplement insurance plans, also known as Medigap plans, help pay some of the out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare.

For more information about Medicare, visit MedicareMadeClear.com.

Medicaid: This is a federal health insurance program that is managed by each state, so the eligibility requirements (such as income level) may differ from state to state. Medicaid plans can also provide access to care for pregnant women, children, eligible low-income adults and people with disabilities. Medicaid plans cover things like hospital stays, doctor visits, and nursing home care. Often it includes things like prescription drug coverage, dental care and more. Check with your state plan to find out if you’re eligible and what that specific plan covers. Or visit MedicaidHelper.com.

Dual Special Needs Plans: Some people are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. In this case, they are also able to have what’s called a Dual Special Needs Plan, or D-SNP. It combines features of both programs, but also can contain benefits that are exclusive to dual plans, such as credits for healthy food and help with utilities. These plans are administered by each state.

Other Special Needs Plans include:

• Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) for people living with severe or disabling chronic conditions
• Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs) for people who live in a skilled nursing facility
• Institutional-Equivalent Special Needs Plans (IE-SNPs) for people who live in a contracted assisted living facility and need the same kind of care as those who live in a skilled nursing facility

Individual & Family ACA Marketplace plans: These plans are available on the Health Insurance Marketplace, also called the Exchange. This is where Affordable Care Act (ACA) health care plans are sold, offering affordable coverage, sometimes at low- to no-cost, for you and your family. These are health plans people can buy on their own. If you do not have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or another source, an Individual and Family Plan may be a good alternative for you. To find out more about UnitedHealthcare’s Individual and Family Plans or to see if they’re available in your state, visit UHCExchange.com.

2023-12-29T12:35:00

(BPT) – Although COVID-19 is not as prevalent as it was at its peak, it’s still something to be mindful of — especially if you have chronic conditions that might leave you more vulnerable to its effects.

The good news is, there are things you can do to help prevent contracting COVID-19 — and if you are more high-risk, there are ways to help avoid severe illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), factors that increase your risk of severe COVID-19 include:

• Those with other medical conditions
• Those with weakened immune systems or who are immunocompromised
• Older adults
• Pregnant or recently pregnant individuals

Here are three things to be aware of to help you protect yourself from severe illness of COVID-19.

1. Vaccinations are a key line of defense against COVID-19

Even if you do manage to get COVID-19, vaccinations can help prevent severe illness, help limit the spread of disease, and potentially shorten your recovery time. Compared to those who are up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, if you’re unvaccinated you’re more likely to be hospitalized or have severe complications from COVID-19, including death. Boosters are also available, and can help restore protection that might have decreased since a previous vaccination.

2. COVID-19 treatment is available

Paxlovid is an oral antiviral drug, fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), that has been shown to treat adults with a mild or moderate case of COVID-19 and help protect those who are at high risk of hospitalization or severe effects. Beginning Dec. 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) made Paxlovid accessible as a $0 COVID-19 treatment through 2024 for eligible individuals without commercial insurance. With UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans, standalone Part D plans, and Medicaid plans, there is a $0 member cost-share for Paxlovid through the U.S. Government Patient Assistance Program operated by Pfizer. Remember, treatment must begin as soon as possible and within 5 days after symptoms arise in order to be effective.

3. Stay vigilant on prevention efforts

For those with elevated risk of COVID-19 complications, consider taking extra precautions to help avoid illness. This may include:

• Improving ventilation and air filtration indoors or spending more time outdoors
• Staying home if you suspect you may have COVID-19
• Avoiding others who may be sick and wearing a high-quality mask, if that’s not possible, such as an N95
• Avoiding crowded areas or increasing space and distance with others
• Washing your hands often and avoiding sharing items with others

It’s good to be prepared and know what your options are if you contract COVID-19. Contact the number on the back of your health care plan ID card or connect with your health care provider if you have specific questions about your risks.

2023-12-27T15:01:00

(BPT) – After a holiday season of parties and entertaining, it’s time to get back into our wellness routines and take on the new year ahead! It can be easier than you think to make 2024 a year of positive changes. To help you create some healthy balance, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares a few helpful tips.

1. Prioritize self-care through sleep

Self-care isn’t just a buzzword or trend. If you want to improve your well-being after the holidays and beyond, it’s time to double down on self-care, especially sleep. Just one night without enough sleep can leave you feeling drowsy, low energy, slow and irritable, according to Sleep Foundation.

This year, make your life easier and invest in your whole health by setting and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night so you can wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day. It’s helpful to create a relaxing bedtime routine, like reading a book or taking a warm bath, to let your body know it’s time to wind down.

2. Set clear, achievable goals

As we shift out of the holiday season, you may be thinking of how you can achieve your ambitions and change your habits in the new year. When setting goals, make sure they’re clear and achievable. When you set unrealistic expectations, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and abandon your resolutions.

So, this year, be realistic so you’re more likely to achieve your goals and reap the benefits. Start by breaking your goals down into small, manageable steps. For example, if you want to work out more, don’t start by hitting the gym every day. Instead, start small by aiming to get active two to three times a week. Once you meet this goal, you can build on it!

3. Add nutrient-rich foods

After the holidays, you don’t need to overhaul your entire eating routine. Simply give your health a boost by adding foods rich in essential vitamins and nutrients to each of your meals and snacks. For example, add berries into your morning oatmeal, put extra veggies on a sandwich, or grab mixed nuts and hard-boiled eggs instead of processed chips for a quick snack on the go.

Eggs are great for not only snacks, but also for meals like scrambled eggs for breakfast or shakshuka for dinner. Opting for Eggland’s Best eggs will ensure you’re getting superior nutrition in your diet, as they contain six times more Vitamin D and more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs, to help boost immunity and wellness during cold season and keep you energized throughout the day.

4. Try new flavors

With a new year comes new responsibilities, new activities and overall busy times. It can be easy to fall into the habit of the same boring meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner that neglect wholesome ingredients.

To expand your palate and try new flavors, consider unique, better-for-you recipes when meal planning. Set a goal to cook a new recipe every week, inspired by a culture or nationality that you’ve been wanting to test out, like this delicious Bacon, Jalapeno, Red Onion and Spinach Scramble with Queso Fresco from Eggland’s Best. This recipe is sure to energize your mornings and set a positive tone for the day — and year — ahead!

Bacon, Jalapeno, Red Onion and Spinach Scramble with Queso Fresco

Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 10 minutes; Serves 4

Ingredients

· 8 Eggland’s Best eggs, large

· 6 thick slices of bacon

· 4 cups baby spinach leaves

· 1/2 cup red onion, slivered

· 1 jalapeno chile, stemmed and thinly sliced, seeding optional

· 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

· 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, to taste

· 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, to taste

· 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco, farmer’s cheese or mild feta

Directions

1. Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bacon and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon and reserve it in a bowl. Remove all bacon fat from the pan and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the onion and jalapeño and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted but not browned. Incorporate the spinach, mix, and continue cooking for a couple of minutes until completely cooked and wilted.

2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper.

3. Reduce heat to medium-low, pour eggs over the spinach mixture and as they cook, scramble with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook to desired doneness. For tender eggs, cook them for 2-3 minutes. Top with the browned bacon bites and queso fresco.

To find other delicious recipes to incorporate into your meal routine in 2024, visit EgglandsBest.com.

2023-12-27T10:01:00

(BPT) – When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, there are some “classics,” such as exercising more, budgeting better, or learning a new skill. But what about when it comes to our vehicles? According to new data from Hankook Tire’s Gauge Index Survey, many Americans are considering automotive goals for the new year: 79% said they would be likely to set a resolution about vehicle ownership, and another 51% indicated they would set one about their driving habits.

Here are some revved up resolutions to consider for the new year and beyond:

Stay on top of maintenance.

For those planning to set a goal related to vehicle ownership, the top resolution is to stay on top of maintenance (26%). There are a few easy ways to help avoid speeding past routine maintenance. For example, make a note to check your tires at least once a week, ensuring that they are both properly inflated and that the tread is in good shape. Keep a penny in your glove box, and insert it into your tire once a week with Lincoln facing down; if his whole head is visible, it is time to replace the tire.

Keep it clean.

Nearly another quarter of respondents (22%) said they are likely to set a resolution to keep their vehicles cleaner. This can be as easy as making a trip to the car wash on a regular basis or keeping a trash bag in your car. And did you know that keeping your car cleaner can actually help paint and wax jobs last longer? Not to mention, your passengers will appreciate a tidy interior.

Buy a new vehicle.

This one may actually be considered a classic, but 22% of drivers are likely to set a goal to buy or lease a new vehicle next year. If that may be you, now is the time to start considering your budget and what type of vehicle will best fit your lifestyle — whether that’s off-road, electric (EV) or something else entirely.

Try a new driving experience.

Even if you may not be in the market to buy a new car anytime soon, trying out a new type of vehicle may be a fun way to spend a day — and give you ideas for when it is time to refresh your own ride. Hankook found nearly a quarter (24%) of Americans who will set a driving-related resolution said they’ll try to drive a new type of vehicle for a full day in the new year, and 20% will aim to take a new type of vehicle out on a road trip, such as a vintage car or an EV. Another 20% are interested in learning more about different types of vehicles, even if that doesn’t mean getting behind the wheel of one.

Regardless of what resolution you plan to set in 2024, it is always a good idea to use the changing of the calendar as a chance to make sure you are up-to-date on all vehicle maintenance, registrations, and insurance to ensure a smooth drive into the new year.