Author: admin

2024-10-22T00:01:00

(BPT) – Obtaining necessary care in today’s financial and healthcare landscape can be a daunting challenge for many U.S. families. According to the 2023 Milliman Medical Index, a family of four covered by an employer-provided preferred provider organization (PPO) would spend $31,065 a year.

For folks without access to employer-provided health insurance, affording a plan can be cost-prohibitive, and many may choose to risk being uninsured. Should the worst occur, these individuals may face insurmountable healthcare debt. However, there is an accessible and affordable alternative to traditional health insurance that can help reduce healthcare costs.

Impact Health Sharing — a not-for-profit, non-insurance alternative to the high cost of health insurance — believes you should be an informed and educated advocate in your healthcare. That’s why it’s on a mission to raise awareness of healthcare sharing as another option for families.

What is healthcare sharing?

Healthcare sharing isn’t insurance. It’s a caring community of members who share their financial resources to pay for each other’s eligible medical expenses. Participating in a healthcare-sharing plan can provide peace of mind, financial protection and access to a network of individuals who understand and value the importance of maintaining a healthy living.

Healthcare-sharing plans may be a good option for some people, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. When deciding if healthcare sharing is right for you, ask yourself the following three questions.

1. What are my family’s healthcare needs?

Before you choose any healthcare plan or program, you’ll need to assess your family’s unique healthcare needs.

Do you have frequent doctor visits? Does anyone have ongoing medical conditions? Are there other healthcare services your family uses regularly? These are important considerations that can help you determine the best health plan for your family.

2. What is my financial situation?

Your budget may limit the type of healthcare plan you can comfortably afford. Without an employer- or government-provided health insurance plan, you may have to pay exorbitant premiums just to access a healthcare plan. Even if you can afford a plan, you may find the copays and deductibles to be cost-prohibitive.

Healthcare sharing is a great option if you don’t have access to insurance through an employer or government program or if you aren’t eligible for a tax subsidy. A health-share plan can reduce the financial burden of healthcare. Most members of Impact Health, for example, save 30-50% over the cost of their previous health insurance plan.

3. How does healthcare sharing align with my values?

Health-sharing plans are based on the belief that neighbors should care for each other in times of need. If you share this belief, a healthcare sharing organization may be a great option.

Traditionally, healthcare-sharing programs have been Christian-based and may require members to have a pastor or other similar church leader vouch for their membership. This has resulted in limited access to individuals from other faiths or beliefs.

By design, Impact is one of the first healthcare-sharing organizations that welcomes people of all religious faiths or creeds into their sharing community. If you believe that neighbors should take care of one another, then you are welcome to enroll in the Impact Health Sharing community.

Embracing all people isn’t the only thing that sets Impact apart from other healthcare-sharing organizations. Other benefits include:

• No provider network or doctor limitations. Members use the healthcare providers they choose.
• Preventative care and chiropractic adjustments as eligible expenses.
• A comprehensive medical experience and access to preventative care, mental healthcare, prescription discounts and urgent care telemedicine available 24/7.

Are you ready to discover an alternative to traditional health insurance? To learn more about healthcare sharing, visit ImpactHealthSharing.com.

2024-10-21T11:31:00

(BPT) – By Oh Sai-kee, Head of LG Electronics Home Appliance and Air Solution R&D Center

As smart home and electrification technologies emerge as key trends in the home appliance sector, we are seeing an industry-wide shift away from simple product sales to a more service-oriented business model.

Smart home technology simplifies the management of complex devices through a range of helpful automation features. By utilizing insights gained from home appliances and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, the latest smart home tech can better understand customers’ lifestyles and needs. This, in turn, enables the delivery of proactive, tailored services that reduce the burden of household chores. As the technology advances, we move closer to the realization of what LG calls the Zero Labor Home.

Smart home solutions have become a major focus not only for appliance manufacturers but also for IoT, telecommunications, construction and big tech companies. The introduction of smart home standards or protocols, such as Matter,¹ is enhancing connectivity between appliances, IoT devices and home systems. Moreover, generative artificial intelligence (AI) and ambient computing² technologies are making it possible for users to control devices and services through voice commands alone, saving them time and making life at home far more convenient.

One of the leaders in this space, LG recently introduced its latest AI Home solution, offering users the ability to control their home appliances and IoT devices through conversational voice commands. FURON, LG’s generative AI agent and the brain of the AI Home, is able to learn and remember users’ preferences for various devices and apply the appropriate settings in the given situation. Furthermore, LG AI Home connects seamlessly with appliances and IoT devices from a growing number of global brands and integrates flawlessly with various types of apps through ThinQ ON, LG’s AI home hub. The company is continuing to expand its AI Home ecosystem to offer users a broader range of smart home solutions and services.

The transition from fossil fuel to electricity-powered products is a significant global trend — one that is expected to accelerate due to the enforcement of international regulations aimed at mitigating global warming. Boilers are rapidly being replaced by heat pump heating systems, gas ranges by induction cooktops and gas dryers by heat pump dryers. Against this backdrop, LG is actively strengthening its research and development (R&D) programs to discover more efficient and reliable heat pump technologies. These efforts include the recent completion of the company’s “global R&D triangle” to create specialized solutions for cold climates, and the hosting of the Global Heat Pump Consortium, which was founded by LG in collaboration with international universities.

Moving forward, electrification technology will evolve into smart home energy solutions that optimize energy generation, storage and usage within the home. Ultimately, this evolution will give rise to living environments whose occupants can enjoy convenient cooking, heating and cooling — and a dependable supply of hot water — while simultaneously reducing household energy consumption and environmental impacts.

Known for its expertise in smart life solutions, LG has always emphasized the importance of innovation. LG’s core technologies, including the linear compressor (refrigerators), Direct Drive motor and TrueSteam™ technology (washing machines, Styler) and dual rotary and scroll compressors (air conditioners), have played a crucial role in the company’s rise to leadership in the global home appliance market. Looking ahead, the role of LG’s R&D division will be even more vital in discovering new electrification and smart home technologies. Through a commitment to excellence and a spirit of inquiry, LG will continue to lead the way to a better future.

¹ A smart home and IoT device connectivity standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). Matter enables seamless interoperability between smart devices and platforms from diverse ecosystems.

² Ambient computing refers to technology that is able to operate invisibly in the background, blending into the environment and working automatically without users noticing its presence. Also referred to as “invisible computing” or “disappearing computing.”

2024-10-21T12:04:28

(BPT) – With AI and cybersecurity threats regularly in the news, you may wonder how this might affect your home network and personal devices. According to the Comcast Business 2024 Cybersecurity Threat Report, phishing remains the primary method used by attackers to access networks, and over 90% of the 2.6 billion phishing interactions Comcast Business blocked were designed to direct victims to sites hosting malware — any malicious program or code designed to invade networks and devices. These attempts threaten businesses and consumers alike, because breaches ultimately expose consumer information to bad actors.

“Armed with a newfound arsenal of AI-based capabilities and a landscape littered with vulnerable systems, cybercriminals are having a moment,” said Comcast’s Chief Information Security and Product Privacy Officer, Noopur Davis.

The good news? Companies like Comcast also use AI to fight against bad actors. Last year alone, Comcast Business detected 29 billion attempted cybersecurity attacks against its customers relying on its security portfolio. To combat the technological advancements used by cybercriminals, a multi-layered approach combining advanced protection, detection, managed services and vigilant security practices helps companies protect their networks — and their customers — against increasingly sophisticated threats.

What companies are doing

Consumers should know that many businesses work 24/7 to protect their own networks, plus the private information of their customers. This behind-the-scenes work mitigates security breaches without the end user ever noticing. Here are a few tactics Comcast Business uses to protect businesses of all sizes from cyberthreats:

Phishing, a common entry point for cyberthreats, is thwarted by robust anti-phishing technologies, user education and email gateway platforms.

Lateral movement techniques, like stolen credentials, are used by cybercriminals to navigate networks once they’re inside a system. IT staff depend on Comcast Business’ cybersecurity countermeasures to identify threats by monitoring network activity for anomalies in user behavior. They use AI coupled with human expertise to detect, remove and remediate malware, phishing and ransomware attempts.

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks attempt to disrupt a company’s network, leaving it vulnerable to attack. Comcast Business blocked over 1 billion attempts to destroy data last year, including over 126 million instances of malware or botnets aimed at financial theft.

Read more about cyberthreats to businesses here.

How consumers can help

While businesses do their part to protect customer data, consumers also need to remain vigilant. Here are steps you can take to further safeguard your devices and accounts.

Embrace multi-factor authentication (MFA). It may seem annoying to have a code sent to your phone or email when you’re accessing an online account, but it’s worthwhile for the added protection it gives you. The additional steps required by multi-factor authentication make it harder for criminals to breach your accounts.

Guard against phishing. Sophisticated phishing attempts try to trick you to visit a fraudulent website, provide sensitive information or send money to someone claiming to be a business you know, or even a friend or family member. If you get an email or text you’re unsure of, doublecheck the return email address and you may notice it doesn’t look right. Go straight to the sender’s website instead of the link from an email or text.

Learn about callback phishing. Email phishing scams typically contain malicious links or attachments designed to steal sensitive information or install malware on your device. These emails are often blocked by Comcast’s security solutions. With callback phishing, criminals include a phone number to call instead, claiming an urgent issue needs your attention. When you call the number, a person or voice message tries to trick you into revealing your credit card number, Social Security number or login credentials. Cybercriminals spoof phone numbers and company logos to make emails look legitimate.

If you receive an email requesting that you call back:

• Never call phone numbers from an email. Go to the company’s official website to find their contact information or customer service number.
• Beware of “urgent” emails. Callback phishing tries to pressure you to take immediate action. Attackers may use threats or promise rewards to persuade you.
• Guard your sensitive or personal info. Never offer your passwords, Social Security numbers or financial details over the phone unless you’ve verified the identity of the person you’re speaking to. Legitimate organizations don’t usually request sensitive information over the phone without prior authentication.

Remember, Comcast teammates will:

NEVER call you from 1-800-Comcast or 1-800-Xfinity.

NEVER ask you to provide your account login, password or Multi-Factor Authentication credentials.

NEVER ask you to download and install tools or software, unless you initiated a request.

Above all, trust your instincts. If something seems off, double-check by going straight to the source to confirm whether an email, text or call is legitimate.

Boost your passwords. Frequently changing your passwords is a vital safeguard against security breaches. Choose strong passwords unique to each account that you haven’t used before. Don’t include personal info as part of your password, such as your birthdate or kids’ names. Many cybersecurity experts recommend using a password manager.

For National Cybersecurity Awareness Month this year, take extra care in how you shop and conduct financial transactions online, and pause before responding to emails to safeguard your devices, your accounts and your home network.

2024-10-21T08:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that spending extended time hunched over your phone can take a serious toll on your neck? Commonly referred to as ‘tech neck’ or ‘text neck,’ this habit can lead to the appearance of deep lines, wrinkles and even sagging skin on your neck. The delicate skin on your neck is particularly prone to showing signs of aging prematurely — and constant hunching only accelerates the process.

The skin on your neck is about four times thinner than the skin on your face, so it quickly shows signs of excess sun exposure, premature aging and ‘tech neck. It’s also highly visible skin, so unless you want to wear turtlenecks the rest of your life, you’ll want to take better care of this fragile skin.

While you may not give up your cell phone, you can take steps to protect and improve the skin on your neck so you can look and feel your best.

1. Watch your posture

How often do you find yourself looking at your phone? Have you ever tracked it? It might be time for a reality check: Most smartphones and tablets allow you to monitor your daily screen time under “settings.” You’ll be surprised by how quickly those minutes accumulate into hours.

Consider setting a timer each time you check your text messages or social media to limit the time spent in this posture — or try checking your phone only at certain times. Additionally, hold your phone higher, closer to eye level, to avoid straining your neck and hunching your shoulders. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.

2. Harness the power of Retinol

Looking for a non-invasive way to lift and firm your neck? Your best bet is Retinol, and RoC Skincare has made it even easier with their new Derm Correxion Firming Serum Stick. This innovative product combines their well-known Retinol in a convenient new stick format, firming skin and combatting lines and wrinkles with a simple swipe.

Developed with dermatologists and plastic surgeons, this Firming Serum Stick massages Retinol, antioxidants and firming THPE directly into the skin on your neck, face, chest, and back of hands for both immediate and lasting results. Clinically proven to visibly firm and correct the lines caused by tech neck, it leaves skin looking smoother and feeling refreshed.

“We all want the benefits of Retinol but with instant results too,” says Dr. Prem Tripathi, Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon. “The convenience of the stick format paired with the effectiveness of RoC’s Retinol and THPE makes it ideal for anyone looking to instantly tighten skin and maintain results long term”

Find RoC Skincare Derm Correxion Firming Serum Stick at Target.

3. Go easy on sun exposure

While it’s well known that prolonged sun exposure can be harsh on your skin, it’s easy to forget to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas. Next time you’re outdoors, remember to apply SPF 30+ not only on your face but also on your neck, chest, and hands — areas of delicate skin that tend to show signs of aging.

Incorporating these simple steps into your routine can help combat the effects of tech neck and enhance the overall appearance of your skin, boosting your confidence to look and feel your best, every day.

2024-10-21T05:01:00

(BPT) – Your teenager just got his or her driver’s license — congratulations! Having another driver in the family can be a big help to parents. You no longer have to ferry your child to activities and lessons, and your newly minted driver can help shuttle around younger kids in the family. Did you forget an ingredient for dinner? Now you can send your teen to the grocery store! But with all the excitement also comes worry. If you’re like many parents, you don’t rest easy until the car safely pulls back into your driveway.

That worry is not unfounded. According to the United States Department of Transportation, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for kids between the ages of 15 and 18 in this country — new drivers, in other words. There are a lot of dangers out there on the road, including weather, other drivers and accidents just waiting to happen. Most of it is beyond your control. That’s why it’s vital to do what you can to keep your child safe when he or she is behind the wheel, and it all starts with the car they’re driving.

How do you choose the best car for your teen driver? A flashy car may be great for a kid’s ego, but when it comes to teen driving, safety is the most important concern. And because no family budget is the same, rest assured that quality safety features can be found at a variety of price points. Here are some tips on choosing the best car for your new teen driver, from the pros at Kelley Blue Book.

Safety features are essential. Whether you’re shopping for a new or used car, look for models equipped with these recommended must-haves:

• Front, side and curtain airbags to protect the driver and passengers during collisions.
• Anti-lock brake systems (ABS) prevent wheels from locking up during braking, thereby helping your teen maintain control of the vehicle.
• Backup cameras make it safer when going in reverse.
• Blind spot alerts and monitoring systems warn drivers when vehicles are in their blind spots.
• Lane departure alerts warn drivers when they’re veering out of their lane.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) monitors the car’s steering, wheel speed and acceleration to prevent skids and loss of traction.
• Forward collision warning works with front automatic braking to monitor what’s in front of the car and your speed. If it senses an imminent crash, it sounds an alert; if the driver doesn’t respond, it automatically applies the brakes.

Avoid certain types of cars. Tiny city cars may be popular for their lower price point and great gas mileage, but they simply do not provide as much protection in a crash as a sedan or small SUV. On the opposite end of the spectrum, large SUVs or pickup trucks may provide “more car” around your teen, but they may be too big for your teen to handle and difficult to park — not to mention, the fuel economy issue. High-horsepower cars may be a thrilling idea for some teens, but usually increased horsepower translates into higher insurance premiums and more opportunities for trouble.

Consider key safety and crash-test ratings. Kelley Blue Book incorporates data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) into their picks for the best cars for teens.

Rely on Kelley Blue Book research. Let the pros guide your research and offer their expert recommendations. Every year, Kelley Blue Book announces its picks for the best new and used cars for teens from a variety of different price points. Here’s their list for 2024.

Kelley Blue Book’s Best New Cars for Teens Under $30,000

1. 2024 Toyota Prius

2. 2025 Honda Civic

3. 2024 Toyota Corolla

4. 2025 Kia Seltos

5. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

6. 2025 Hyundai Kona

7. 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer

8. 2025 Nissan Kicks

Kelley Blue Book’s Best Used Cars for Teens Under $20,000

1. 2017 Toyota RAV4

2. 2018 Mazda CX-5

3. 2017 Honda CR-V

4. 2020 Toyota Corolla

5. 2019 Mazda3

6. 2017 Honda Accord

7. 2017 Toyota Prius

8. 2018 Kia Sportage

9. 2020 Honda Civic

10. 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

Kelley Blue Book’s Best Used Cars for Teens Under $15,000

1. 2018 Kia Sportage

2. 2019 Kia Soul

3. 2017 Toyota Corolla

4. 2018 Mazda3

5. 2016 Honda CR-V

6. 2016 Mazda CX-5

7. 2015 Toyota Prius

8. 2013 Honda Accord

9. 2013 Toyota Camry

10. 2015 Honda Civic

Kelley Blue Book’s Best Used Cars for Teens Under $10,000

1. 2014 Mazda3

2. 2013 Toyota Corolla

3. 2009 Toyota RAV4

4. 2010 Honda Element

5. 2011 Toyota Avalon

With this expert research, you can choose the safest car for your new driver within your family’s budget.

2024-10-18T11:01:00

(BPT) – For Janice, health and fitness were always priorities. Growing up in Jamaica, she’d been a sprinter for her high school track team. After moving to the U.S. in her mid-20s, she built a successful career in sales while raising two young children. Although she was busy, she maintained a healthy and active lifestyle. In fact, other than having slightly elevated blood pressure, she was the picture of good health.

Yet things changed dramatically for Janice when she reached her mid-40s. Her blood pressure escalated significantly and no longer responded to medication. Her menstrual cycles became unpredictable. Most unsettling of all were the alarming changes in her appearance. Her face swelled and she gained a significant amount of weight around the center of her body. “People asked me if I was on steroids,” Janice recalls. Her legs became emaciated and weak. She developed a fatty hump between the shoulders (buffalo hump) and grew so much facial hair she had to start shaving it. She fought constant lethargy during the day, but then would be unable to sleep during the night.

Looking back, she remembers, “I was constantly stressed out. I didn’t look well, and I didn’t feel well.”

“My blood sugar would just skyrocket.”

Things came to a head one afternoon. Feeling unwell, Janice experienced a dizzy spell and fell while getting out of the shower. Unable to move or see clearly, she was rushed to the emergency room, where her blood sugar was measured at 1,000 mg/dL — a level so high it could trigger a diabetic coma. She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and discharged with a new regimen of medications and lifestyle modifications.

Despite following her doctor’s instructions, Janice’s problems persisted. “Even when eating healthy and taking all my meds, my blood sugar would just skyrocket after meals.” She soon learned her kidneys and heart were also being impacted.

“Nobody had bothered to put it all together.”

Janice was on up to 25 different medications, but her symptoms continued, and her frustration grew. “I saw so many doctors — nearly every kind of -ologist you can think of,” she recounts.

One day, a chance conversation with someone else’s healthcare provider led to a breakthrough. After mentioning her health struggles in passing, the doctor suggested she might have Cushing’s syndrome. Janice began to research Cushing’s syndrome (also known as hypercortisolism) and was struck by how similar the symptoms seemed to her own. She found a local endocrinologist, shared her suspicions about Cushing’s syndrome, and a combination of blood tests confirmed her theory: Her cortisol levels were highly elevated. Further testing revealed a growth on her pituitary gland was causing the excess cortisol.

“For so long,” she recalls, “nobody had bothered to put it all together.”

“Finally, I look and feel normal again.”

With her Cushing’s syndrome properly diagnosed, Janice underwent surgery to remove her pituitary growth. Her recovery was difficult, but since receiving treatment she has grown stronger, and her Cushing’s symptoms are better. She remembers feeling that “at last, there was light at the end of the tunnel.”

While Janice’s journey has not been easy, today she is much healthier. She has lost 50 pounds, her hypertension is under control, her blood sugar has returned to normal levels, her kidney function is stable, and she has resumed her active lifestyle.

When speaking with other patients who face similar symptoms, she urges them to be proactive in their care. “A lot of people are walking around with Cushing’s and don’t know it. It’s everyone’s responsibility to educate doctors so they can help new patients.” She cites her own experience as living proof, adding: “Finally, I look and feel normal again. And I’m so grateful.”

If you suspect you may have hypercortisolism or Cushing’s syndrome, talk to your doctor.

You can visit corcept.com to learn more about how Corcept Therapeutics is unlocking the potential of cortisol modulation to revolutionize the treatment of serious diseases.

This article is the experience of one person and is not medical advice. Consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnoses or treatment.

2024-10-18T13:47:00

(BPT) – In the fall, California’s Napa Valley transforms from lush, green vineyards and rolling hills into a stunning landscape of vibrant reds, deep oranges and rich yellows, all set against the bright, blue sky. As the leaves change color, the air becomes crisp and cool, creating a breathtaking backdrop to Napa’s quiet season.

The end of autumn’s harvest season affords Napa visitors a more intimate experience, a chance to explore the magic of the valley without the summer crowds. It is a time to take in Napa’s rich culture with harvest festivals, seasonal culinary offerings and scenic drives through the valley.

Here are the best places to stay, dine and unwind in Napa Valley this fall.

Winery tours. Vineyards are the heart and soul of Napa Valley, and a visit to the area is not complete without taking in its storied wine history. The gorgeous, welcoming vineyards of Cakebread Cellars are the perfect place to find it. From November to February, this over 50-year-old, family-owned winery provides a serene, personal experience with fewer visitors, allowing guests to connect more deeply with its rich legacy of quality, sustainability and innovation. Tours they provide:

The Cakebread Classic Tour, their signature tasting experience, guides visitors through the winery for a 45-minute tour, interspersed with tastings of Cakebread’s premium wines.

The Sustainable Wines and Vines Tour showcases Cakebread Cellars’ commitment to sustainability in their organic farming, winemaking practices and the construction of winery buildings using reclaimed materials.

The Perfect Pair Wine and Food Tasting allows you to experience the winery’s top wine varietals alongside Napa’s autumn bounty, reflecting its culinary roots and on-site garden through food-friendly pairings.

Luxury accommodations. A beautiful hotel experience is half the fun of a trip, and there are many resorts in Napa that provide luxurious and serene surroundings to enhance your visit. Stanly Ranch and Carneros Inn and Spa are located near downtown Napa, offering a peaceful and lovely retreat after your day’s adventures. When you visit during the fall, you can relish a premium stay without the premium price tag since hotel rooms can be up to 40% cheaper in the off-season.

Fine dining. Many restaurants in Napa Valley celebrate wine culture, from Mustards Grill with its 30-year tradition of “honest American fare with worldly sophistication, washed down with a glass of the valley’s finest,” to the elegant Brix Restaurant, with its focus on farm-to-table dining inspired by the traditions of Northern California. With smaller crowds, reservations are abundant, so no need to brave the long lines to visit your favorite Napa spot.

Hot air balloon rides. Called a “nature walk in the sky,” Napa’s long tradition of hot air ballooning gives guests a truly breathtaking way to see the valley’s striking landscape, bursting with vibrant fall colors. Tours begin at dawn, allowing you to float serenely through the air as you watch the sun rise.

Hiking. In Napa, you’ll find rugged mountain ranges, redwood forests, lakes and streams. Fall’s mild weather and vibrant hues create the perfect backdrop for guests looking to stretch their legs in the outdoors. From state parks to local trails with vineyard views, there is an excursion for every skill level. With the cooler temperatures in the fall, you won’t be hiking in the heat!

Hot springs. Unique to Napa Valley’s Calistoga region, underground hot springs feed geothermal mineral pools, infusing them with healing elements that soothe the body and mind. Step out of the crisp autumn air and book a day pass at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs to soak in the pools, which contain zinc, magnesium, calcium and bromine that relax sore muscles. It feels especially soothing to soak in the warm water on a cool day.

As the leaves change, Napa Valley is awash in color. Visit during this fleeting time of year and make the most of harvest season in Northern California.