Category: Brandpoint Health

2023-01-10T11:01:00

(BPT) – Is the beginning of a brand new year inspiring you to try a fresh new look? Before splurging on an entirely different wardrobe, try a tactic that will instantly elevate your style and give your confidence a boost: refreshing your hairstyle.

This year’s hair trends are all about movement, and also making the most of your own natural hair type for a great new look — and feel! Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to upgrade your look thanks to Great Clips Online Check-In, so you can embrace the new year with a trending haircut near you, in no time.

Here are some fun hair trends for women and men that may just make you smile and do a double take when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror.

For Women:

All these trending do’s have the advantage of working well with any kind of hair, from straight to curly or fine to thick. You can make any one of these styles your own for a fresh new look you’ll love.

Bangs —

Try this trending fringe to guarantee your year will start with a bang! From ’70s-inspired butterfly bangs to timeless side-swept bangs, any fringe with texture is making a comeback in the new year. Bangs frame your face and can create instant volume, making them a great accent for any hair type, length and texture.

And don’t worry about the upkeep with your bangs. With Clip Notes, Great Clips stylists keep personalized notes about each haircut and trim to make sure you get the same great haircut every time.

Not sure how to style your new fringe? Ensure that your bangs look great and stay in place all day long with American Crew’s Pomade — a match “po-made” in heaven!

Modern Shag —

This version of the shag is here to stay! Inspired by ’80s rock stars, this layered cut features face-framing bangs, texture and layers. Also known as the wolf cut, a shag haircut is a versatile style that works great with any hair type.

Lots of Layers —

2023 is the year of flowy hair. No matter what your hair’s curl pattern or texture type, layered styles that emphasize movement are sure to be a hit! Keep your hair feeling weightless by using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner for a boost of bounce.

For Men:

Take on the adventure of an amazing new style, with help from American Crew products that can help you look your best all year long.

Brushed-Up Styles —

Inspired by the looks of the 1950s, TikTok and YouTube influencers are bringing an exciting modern twist to classic brushed-up hairstyles. This new take on a retro haircut includes medium-length hair on top that is styled back, usually in a messy way. The short sides are cut in a fade, undercut or taper. Finish off the look with American Crew Grooming Spray to easily keep your hair in place, no matter the weather.

Embrace Texture —

Whether your hair is straight or curly, this year is texture’s time to shine! Try products like American Crew’s Fiber Cream to define your hair and add rough texture without making it feel crunchy or stiff.

Ready for a fresh new start? Welcome 2023 by finding your next great hairstyle at Great Clips and visit GreatClips.com to find a salon closest to you.

2023-01-10T09:01:00

(BPT) – Now that winter is officially in full swing, cold weather and shorter days are upon us, which can make it harder to stick to your wellness goals and resolutions. However, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner offers the following tips that can help you invest in your well-being and stick to your health goals this season.

1. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can boost your immune system, which helps your body avoid illnesses during the colder months. According to The New York Times, several studies have shown a strong link between regular exercise and lower risks of infection, including respiratory infections. Regardless of what exercise you partake in, 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five times a week can give your body an edge against cold and flu season this winter.

2. Winterize your hydration

Staying hydrated benefits your health in many ways, including aiding in the regulation of body temperature, preventing infections, delivering nutrients to your cells and lubricating your joints! It can also improve your sleep, cognition and mood. If you aren’t craving big glasses of ice water on cold wintery days, winterize your hydration by reaching for hot drinks like herbal teas or add a squeeze of winter fruit like oranges or grapefruit to your water to make it more flavorful.

3. Eat Vitamin D–rich foods

Eating foods rich in Vitamin D is always important, but especially in the winter. We make Vitamin D from sunshine, so when we are seeing less of the sun we have to make sure we are getting it in our diet. Vitamin D is associated with bone health, muscle function and immunity and is found in foods such as fatty fish, fortified milk, certain mushrooms and egg yolks. Eggland’s Best eggs contain six times more Vitamin D than ordinary eggs. Plus double the Omega-3s, 25% less saturated fat and more than double the Vitamin B12; they’re really a nutrient powerhouse!

4. Add seasonal produce

With each season our cravings change. The fruits and veggies we wanted in the summer like crisp, cold salads will likely be different in the winter. So lean into the season and add winter produce to your routine such as kale, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and spaghetti squash. Produce adds beneficial antioxidants and fiber to help keep cells and digestion healthy.

Check out this hearty Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl from Eggland’s Best and don’t forget to nourish your body during the coldest winter months while satisfying your taste buds!

Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 bowls

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (chopped into 1-inch cubes)

• 2 cups of baby spinach

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

• Pinch of salt

• 1/4 teaspoon of pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder

• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

• 1 large avocado (salt and pepper for taste)

• 4 Eggland’s Best eggs, large

Preparation:

1. Add sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly.

2. Put the sweet potatoes in the air fryer for 25 minutes at 375 degrees for the perfect texture. Shake the basket at about 10 minutes.

3. While the sweet potatoes are cooking, lightly coat your nonstick pan with oil over medium heat. Once the pan heats up, crack 4 eggs into the pan, season with salt and pepper and cover it.

4. Cook until the whites are set, but the yolks are still runny.

5. Divide the sweet potato and spinach between 2 bowls. Top each bowl with 2 sunny-side-up eggs and half an avocado.

6. Serve with sausage or veggie links if desired. Enjoy!

By following these four tips, you’ll be sure to set yourself up for wellness success this year! For more tasty and healthy recipes featuring Eggland’s Best eggs, visit EgglandsBest.com.

2023-01-10T05:01:00

(BPT) – Creating a spa-like bathroom that enhances your overall well-being is seriously on trend, and for good reason. Self-care can become part of your daily ritual if you make your bathroom into a calm oasis that supports your well-being — and technology can help create that sanctuary. Technology can also help you feel better knowing that you’re conserving water and protecting your home from potential problems such as freezing pipes. Knowing your systems are safe will allow you to relax and stay calmer.

If you’re ready to make improvements in your bathroom, here are some recent innovations to help you put your wellness front and center.

Personalize your bathing experience, smartly

If you’d like to have better control of your shower, the innovative Anthem Smart Showering Valves and Controls can simultaneously deliver different temperatures, pressures and spray settings for each water outlet with the touch of a button for a personalized shower experience, every time. Rinsing with warm and cool water at the same time offers hydrotherapy benefits and creates a spa-like experience right in your home. The Anthem smart showering systems control up to six water outlets, and the digital control display will also show how much water was used after each shower to help inform you about your water consumption. This is an effective way to use technology to provide smart water delivery and management in your everyday life.

Shower luxuriously — using less water

If water conservation is important to you, the Statement VES (Variable Eco-Spray) Showerhead and Handshower use up to 40% less water than a typical 2.5 gallons per minute showerhead. Statement VES’s low-flow spray is optimized to provide strong rinsing coverage while still maintaining warmth — addressing two key shower experience needs. The Statement collection includes Kohler’s Katalyst air-induction technology that infuses air into water droplets to make them feel larger while retaining heat longer, for a more luxurious soak while still using less water. Even better, Statement showerheads are compatible with existing pipes for an easy upgrade.

Protect your home for more peace of mind

If you have ever had to cope with plumbing leaks or frozen pipes, you know how devastating and costly these problems can be. Achieve a sense of serenity in the bathroom by planning ahead so you can avoid these calamities in the future. H2Wise Smart Water Monitoring Systems, powered by Phyn monitors and tracks all household water usage, alerting you to leaks and providing pre-freeze warnings. H2Wise plus features remote shutoff functionality in case of a catastrophic leak. A new frozen pipe mitigation smart feature will even detect if pipes begin to freeze and instruct your KOHLER Konnect water fixtures to briefly relieve pressure and minimize potential damage.

Improve personal cleansing, with style

For next-level hygiene and personal care, the Eir Smart Toilet exemplifies the art of innovation, offering convenient features such as a heated seat, customizable personal cleansing, a hands-free auto open and close lid, a nightlight, automatic flush and smart automatic flush capabilities that meet the EPA’s WaterSense criteria. Its sleek, tankless design and multiple finish options allow for concealed connections, making the toilet a beautiful centerpiece in your bathroom.

Bring the spa into your home

If you’re looking for easy ways to turn your daily bath or shower into a spa-like experience, look no further than Sprig, Kohler’s new lifestyle brand. You can easily install one of their shower infusion systems with natural shower infusion pods, their versatile body and linen mists or premium bath bombs to provide peaceful escape through aromatherapy. Sprig infusion systems easily retrofit to your existing shower to diffuse aromatherapy into the water, making it simple to elevate your daily routine into a moment of escape to enhance your well-being. You can also use their versatile body and linen mists for an aromatic burst of freshness — spritzed directly onto skin, into the air or onto a pillow, towel or yoga mat. Whether you love bath bombs or haven’t tried one yet, you’ll love their clean, natural, premium bath bombs featuring botanicals and skincare superstars like coconut oil, shea butter and kaolin clay.

Learn more about these products and other innovations to help transform your bathroom into your personal retreat and enhance your well-being at home by visiting Kohler.com.

2023-01-04T05:01:00

(BPT) – Making New Year’s resolutions is easy, but keeping them can be a struggle. Whether you want to spend more time meditating, increase your activity or change your eating habits, following through on your commitments can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. If you want to make better choices for your health without making it complicated, check out these four tips.

1. Set attainable goals

Setting goals for yourself is admirable, but make sure they’re attainable. Setting goals that are too big can make you feel discouraged and less likely to follow through. Meet your current self with compassion and look at small, sustainable changes.

For example, if you don’t work out consistently, resolving to work out every day in the new year is a tall order. Instead, start with a smaller goal, like working out twice a week. Once you can consistently exercise twice a week, bump it up to three times a week.

Another method is to break up your exercise into smaller chunks. If moving your body for 30 minutes a day sounds daunting, break up your workout into three 10-minute sessions you can do throughout the day.

2. Small substitutions instead of sacrifice

When it comes to your health, you may be tempted to restrict yourself from the things you like that aren’t the healthiest choices for you. Instead of sacrificing something that gives you pleasure, substitute it with something similar.

If you plan to do a “Dry January” in 2023, you don’t need to miss out on craft beverages or special indulgences. Instead, make a drink without alcohol and enjoy the taste of your favorite cocktail while staying “dry.” To make mixing mocktails at home easier, consider purchasing the Vitamix A3500 Entertainment Bundle, which combines the powerful, top-rated Ascent A3500 with the innovative Aer Disc Container.

The container blender acts like a muddler and a cocktail shaker, extracting essential oils and juice while chilling drinks without crushing the ice. You can use it to make delicious mocktails like a Blackberry Iced Tea Bramble or Mango Fresno Kombucha Mocktail. With so many delicious possibilities, Dry January can last as long as you like.

3. Find an accountability buddy

You don’t have to pursue your New Year’s goals alone. Finding a partner to keep you accountable throughout the year can help you keep and reach your resolutions.

According to a study by Culturelle, 68% of Americans need someone to hold them accountable when making healthy choices. Also, 63% credit their healthier habits and lifestyle to someone else who helped them along their wellness journey. Whether it’s your spouse, a friend or a co-worker, having someone to check in on your progress can help you feel more motivated to keep your commitment.

If you want to move more, have a buddy you can meet with a couple of times a week to walk together or do yoga. When you can’t meet up, text or call each other to check in or remind each other of your shared goal. Having an accountability buddy isn’t just helpful for you; you’re also helping them reach their goals.

4. Eat more whole foods

Whole foods — foods that haven’t been refined, processed or have added ingredients — are crucial to living a healthier life. By eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes in their natural state, you get the benefit of consuming the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are often missing in processed foods.

Eating whole foods can also help reduce your risk of certain health conditions. According to Nourish by WebMD, many studies have found that eating whole foods can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, many types of cancer and Type 2 diabetes.

“When you eat whole foods, you’re giving your body nature’s perfectly designed resources to not only fuel your body, but also to help protect yourself against many chronic diseases,” said Dr. Aimee Wrubel, physician and holistic medicine expert at Vitamix. “Foods that are unprocessed or minimally processed retain the innate fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that are essential for healthy living.”

But incorporating more whole foods doesn’t have to mean preparing multiple dishes from scratch at every meal. An easy way to incorporate more vegetables and fruits into your diet is to use a blender. Whether you use it to blend greens and fruits to make a smoothie, puree beans for soups and dips or prepare a healthy dressing for your salads, a blender is a tool that makes healthy eating simpler and easier to stick with.

When looking for a blender, make sure you buy one that will last and support your long-term wellness journey. For example, a Vitamix blender lasts up to 10 times longer than the average blender and can power through the toughest whole and frozen ingredients. That means your finished blend will have a better taste and texture, making healthy eating more enjoyable and sustainable.

It’s an investment that will keep your wellness journey on track year after year.

Using these four tips, you can invest in yourself and your wellness this coming year and beyond. For more tips on how to lead a healthier life, visit www.vitamix.com.

2023-01-03T10:34:58

(BPT) – If the new year inspires you to reassess your health and wellness routine, this is the perfect time to focus on the core of your well-being: heart health. You can take positive steps today to benefit your overall wellness by using tips recommended by a cardiologist.

“Your heart is the center of your life,” said interventional cardiologist and nutritionist Dr. Heather Shenkman, “so it’s crucial to maintain your heart health to ensure that every part of your body gets the nutrients and oxygen needed for optimal function and energy.”

Here are the top ways to create an effective heart-healthy routine.

1. Go for a walk

Walking — or other physical activity — is recommended to help improve your blood pressure and maintain a healthy weight, among other benefits cited by Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

How much should you walk? The American Heart Association recommends adults get either 2 1/2 hours of moderate exercise spread over one week, or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity throughout each week. While walking may be easy to start with as it requires no equipment and you can control your pace and distance, you can also try cycling, swimming or dancing. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise.

2. Quit tobacco

If you smoke (including e-cigarettes and vaping), now is a good time to quit. The American Heart Association reports inhaled nicotine delivery product use is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., including approximately one-third of the deaths from heart disease.

3. Get your zz’s

Not sleeping enough won’t just make you tired, but can also impact your heart health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your blood pressure goes down during normal sleep, so sleeping less means your blood pressure is staying higher longer, which can raise your risk for heart disease. How much sleep is enough? While the amount needed varies by individual, the CDC recommends aiming for 7 hours per night.

4. Reduce sodium — and increase potassium

According to Harvard Health, one way to lower cardiovascular disease risk is by reducing salty foods in your diet while increasing potassium-rich foods. Too much salt can elevate blood pressure, potentially leading to heart disease, while more potassium can help decrease blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables containing potassium include bananas, oranges, spinach and broccoli.

5. Boost fiber intake

The Mayo Clinic reports that fiber from beans, oats and flaxseed may help lower your LDL cholesterol levels, while providing other benefits like reducing blood pressure and helping you maintain a healthier weight. How much fiber do you need? The Institute of Medicine recommends women aim for 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should get 38 grams. Currently, Americans only get on average 15 grams of fiber each day.

“Getting enough fiber means upping the amount of beans and lentils you eat, as well as oats and other whole grains, plus fresh vegetables and fruits,” said Dr. David Kahana, who is triple-board certified in gastroenterology, pediatrics and medical nutrition. “Daily fiber is crucial for your digestive health as well as your heart health.”

6. Discover the benefits of nitric oxide — and beetroot

While you’ve probably heard about fiber, you may not be familiar with nitric oxide — an important neurotransmitter that supports many processes in the body and plays a key role in heart health, including supporting arterial wall and platelet function.

“Nitric oxide helps support healthy blood pressure levels and aids in maintaining normal blood glucose levels and metabolic health,” said Dr. Shenkman. “Since nitric oxide synthesis slows as you age, it’s important to maintain healthy nitric oxide levels.”

To support nitric oxide production, Shenkman recommends eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, garlic, leafy greens, pomegranate, nuts and seeds — and beetroot makes the top of her list. Beetroot powder has been gaining attention as an effective way to boost nitric oxide production, which is why Shenkman worked with 1MD Nutrition to help create CardioFitMD^®, the ultimate vegan, all-in-one daily nutrition drink packed with superfoods including highly concentrated, potent beetroot powder — plus essential fiber, probiotics and 20 key vitamins and minerals.

“I always tell patients about the importance of a balanced diet and physical fitness, but we all know that’s easier said than done,” adds Shenkman. “That’s why I helped formulate CardioFitMD, the ultimate daily superfood beverage for complete heart, circulatory, metabolism, digestive and multivitamin support. CardioFitMD is a great-tasting, nutrient-rich drink to help you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.”

7. Maintain a healthy weight

If you’re following any of these tips, you’re already taking positive steps toward reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. Moving every day, while increasing the fresh fruits and veggies, beans and legumes you eat can help you better manage your weight, which in turn supports your heart health. The National Institutes of Health reports that losing 3-5% of your weight can improve your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Learn how CardioFitMD can help support your energy levels and stamina, and promote proper heart and digestive function while helping you maintain a healthy weight, at 1md.org/product/cardiofitmd.

2023-01-03T07:01:00

(BPT) – Though winter can be a time of fun and festivities, it can be challenging for people living with plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. The symptoms of these diseases can be exacerbated by the cold — and the anticipation of the season can quickly be replaced by stress. Check out three personal tips from Kayla and Cindy, who each live with moderate plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and see how proper symptom management can help you enjoy wintery activities.

Question: When the weather outside is cold, what strategies help you feel more comfortable?

Cindy: “I have both moderate plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. With plaque psoriasis, fabric is important to me. You might think a woolly sweater is the way to go in winter, but especially when my plaque psoriasis was uncontrolled, cotton fabrics were much more comfortable. For psoriatic arthritis, my doctor recommends regular activity. But the changing weather where I live in New York can make that challenging. That’s why I started bowling! Because we play indoors, I can play all year ‘round. I would suggest talking to your doctor about activities that might work for you.”

Question: Beyond the weather, wintertime is also often filled with events, gatherings, year-end shopping and new-year planning. Stress can also be a trigger for psoriatic flares. How do you avoid getting stressed?

Kayla: “This time of year is busy for me at work. I always tell my husband when my plaque psoriasis is acting up or when I’m feeling down, and he lets me know I’m not alone. We like to plan fun outings together like driving around to look at all the festive lights.”

Question: Both plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune conditions, meaning the immune system attacks and damages healthy tissue by mistake. In addition to thinking about external wintertime factors, what other steps are you taking to address your disease from within?

Kayla: “I had tried some treatments in the past, but my plaque psoriasis was still flaring. When it got bad, my husband inspired me to go back to the doctor. My doctor recommended Otezla (apremilast), a prescription medicine used to treat adult patients with plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis. I liked that it was an effective oral option, and I didn’t need to go in for routine blood tests. My doctor even told me it helps some people with plaque psoriasis achieve up to 75% clearer skin after four months of treatment.”

Cindy: “My biggest advice is don’t hesitate! Ask questions and don’t be afraid to do your own research. That’s how I learned about Otezla, the only oral prescription medicine for all severities of adult plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis. I asked my doctor about it, and we decided to give it a try. I liked that it was an oral option that fit with my regular routines. I’m so glad I asked about it! I encourage others to have open conversations to help find the right options for them.”

Patients should not use if they are allergic to Otezla, and the following risks have been associated with Otezla: severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting; depression; weight loss. You should not take certain medicines when you are taking Otezla as they may decrease its effectiveness. The most common side effects of Otezla in clinical studies were diarrhea, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, tension headache, and headache.

For more information, and to discover how Otezla can help, visit InsideLookPsO.com.

APPROVED USES

Otezla^® (apremilast) is a prescription medicine used to treat adult patients with:

• Plaque psoriasis for whom phototherapy or systemic therapy is appropriate.
• Active psoriatic arthritis.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

You must not take Otezla if you are allergic to apremilast or to any of the ingredients in Otezla.

Otezla can cause allergic reactions, sometimes severe. Stop using Otezla and call your healthcare provider or seek emergency help right away if you develop any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing or swallowing, raised bumps (hives), rash or itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or arms.

Otezla can cause severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, especially within the first few weeks of treatment. Use in elderly patients and the use of certain medications with Otezla appears to increase the risk of complications from having severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Tell your doctor if any of these conditions occur.

Otezla is associated with an increase in depression. In clinical studies, some patients reported depression, or suicidal behavior while taking Otezla. Some patients stopped taking Otezla due to depression. Before starting Otezla, tell your doctor if you have had feelings of depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior. Be sure to tell your doctor if any of these symptoms or other mood changes develop or worsen during treatment with Otezla.

Some patients taking Otezla lost body weight. Your doctor should monitor your weight regularly. If unexplained or significant weight loss occurs, your doctor will decide if you should continue taking Otezla.

Some medicines may make Otezla less effective and should not be taken with Otezla. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines.

The most common side effects of Otezla include diarrhea, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, tension headache, and headache. These are not all the possible side effects with Otezla. Ask your doctor about other potential side effects. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or planning to breastfeed.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-332-1088.

Please click here for the Full Prescribing Information for Otezla.

2023-01-03T09:15:00

(BPT) – Whether you are looking at making a dramatic statement or adding a pop of color to a more neutral space, tile is an excellent and expressive choice for any home renovation project. Because of the range of glazes, surface patterns and materials, there are virtually limitless options to elevate and personalize your home.

Tile’s expressive nature allows you to define your spaces with pattern, color and personality. You can use tile to update your flooring, create a focal point within a room — like a coffee nook, bar area or fireplace — or as decorative borders.

If you’re considering updating your home’s design, check out these four ways you can create welcoming and unique spaces using tile.

1. Ideal for kitchens

Because of tile’s versatility and vast range, it’s a natural choice for adding color and pattern to your kitchen. For example, if you have a white kitchen, choose a colorful tile with interesting patterns or textures to draw the eye. A benefit of using tile in the kitchen is that depending upon the tile selected, it can also provide the strength and durability to address any cooking misadventures with its easy maintenance.

For a stunning kitchen backsplash that presents an artful, visually compelling pattern within a room, opt for a textured tile like the bespoke Senso by Kelly Wearstler collection. Designed by award-winning American designer Kelly Wearstler in a collaborative partnership with ANN SACKS and handcrafted in its Portland, Oregon, factory, this stoneware tile collection imparts the beauty of plaster without the upkeep and expense.

“Plaster has such a beautiful hand quality,” said Wearstler. “It is a favorite application for subtle, yet standout features in an interior … translating this subtle surface into versatile stoneware opens the potential for truly striking design moments throughout the home.”

2. Bold patterns for bathrooms

Tile is also an excellent choice for bathrooms for many of the same reasons it’s become so popular for kitchen surfaces. Its water-resistant quality makes it the perfect material to add color and pattern to showers, walls and flooring.

The ANN SACKS Liaison by Kelly Wearstler Tuxedo Check tile pattern offers the natural colorations and veining of marble. The stone tile’s durability and bold design make it a practical and visually striking choice for a bathroom renovation.

“There is an earthiness to these tiles and a rich tactile quality natural to these designs that I love,” said Wearstler. The collections of geometric patterns and symmetry of these marble tiles provide contrast, soft shading and textural nuance to any bathroom project.

3. Outdoor spaces

Tile isn’t limited to indoor design. It’s tough enough to withstand the natural elements as well as daily use. It’s a versatile option for pool surrounds, fountains, pavers, and outdoor kitchens and patios.

The Liaison Linqs collection is a great choice for outdoor projects, depending on climate and method of installation. Like the Tuxedo Check pattern, the geometric designs are imaginative and playful, with visual textures and natural colors that add depth and composition to any space.

4. Adding decorative touches

While tile is a great material for big projects, it also excels as a decorative element. Ceramic tile is a superb choice to create decorative accents throughout your home.

It can range from traditional to contemporary in approach with various colors, shapes and patterns to help you express yourself. Whether in an imaginative fireplace surround, intriguing trim, elegant border or sophisticated backdrop, there is virtually no limit to the creativity and level of customization you can achieve.

Wearstler’s Scout tile collection by ANN SACKS pushes boundaries with ornamental linear, geometric and curvaceous shapes that draw focus to accentuate spaces — large and small — from dramatic feature walls to intricate borders, and can be mixed and matched to create one-of-a-kind installations. Also handcrafted in Portland, the collection’s range of custom glazes, colors and distinct designs was designed to make a space come to life.

Are you ready to add intrigue and variety to your home? Using these four tips, you can creatively incorporate tile into your interior and exterior spaces for a simple yet striking renovation. To view ANN SACKS Kelly Wearstler Collection designs and other ANN SACKS tile and stone options, visit ANNSACKS.com.

2022-12-30T05:01:00

(BPT) – There are many ways to be proactive about staying healthy—from having a balanced diet and getting enough sleep to exercising.

Having recommended cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies is another way to take control of your health. These single-cancer screenings can find specific cancers at earlier stages, before someone experiences symptoms.

Today, there are only five recommended cancer screenings available in the U.S.—for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung (smokers or former smokers at risk) and prostate cancers. Unfortunately, no widespread screening tests are recommended for most other types of cancer. As a result, cancer is often detected too late, after it’s progressed to a more advanced stage.

Finding cancer early can improve cancer outcomes. In fact, the 5-year cancer-specific survival rate is just 21% for cancers that are detected after they have metastasized (spread). For cancers that are detected while they are still localized (haven’t yet spread), the 5-year survival rate is more than four times higher, at 89%.

Additional tools are needed, as cancers without recommended screenings represent approximately 70% of cancer deaths.

Screening More Broadly for Cancer

Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests are a new way to screen people for cancer that are used in addition to recommended cancer screenings. One MCED test, Galleri^®, detects a shared cancer signal across more than 50 types of cancer through a simple blood draw. The test analyzes DNA in the blood to detect a signal associated with cancer and predicts the location of the signal, helping to inform next steps in confirming if the person has cancer.

“MCED tests are going to be a game changer for cancer screening. As an adjunct to standard of care screening tests, MCED tests broaden our ability to detect cancers in asymptomatic people that are not covered by current screening guidelines. They give healthcare providers a powerful new tool for patient care,” said Dr. Eric M. Klein, Emeritus Chair of the Glickman Urology & Kidney Institute and professor of surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. “These tests are leading the way to the future for cancer screening—screening individuals for cancer instead of screening for individual cancers.”

Proven Benefits of MCED

A recent study of an early version of the Galleri MCED test evaluated more than 6,500 people aged 50 years or older with no symptoms of cancer. People enrolled in the study received one of two possible results: cancer signal detected or no cancer signal detected. Those with a signal detected had a diagnostic evaluation to determine if cancer was present.

The study found that adding MCED testing more than doubled the number of cancers detected by recommended screenings. Approximately half of the new cancers found by the MCED test were stage 1 or stage 2. Cancers in these stages are generally smaller and haven’t spread to surrounding tissue, lymph nodes or other organs. Cancers detected in earlier stages may have more treatment options and a higher chance of successful outcomes.

Additionally, 71% of the people with cancers detected by the MCED test had cancer types without recommended screenings.

“We learned from this study that the addition of our MCED test to regular screenings can dramatically increase the numbers of cancers found among people who have an elevated risk,” said Dr. Josh Ofman, president at GRAIL, which makes the Galleri test. “This gives us an opportunity to find more cancers at earlier stages, when they can be more effectively treated and are potentially curable.”

Talk to Your Doctor

The Galleri test is intended for people with an elevated risk for cancer, including those aged 50 or older or with risk factors that increase the chance of cancer. Individuals concerned about increased risk of cancer are encouraged to talk with their doctor about the Galleri MCED test, which can be incorporated into an annual health check or routine blood work. If the screening detects the presence of a cancer signal, a healthcare provider will help determine next steps. The Galleri test is available by prescription only.

Alongside other ways you can work to stay healthy, take control of your health by speaking to your doctor about MCED tests.

To learn more, visit galleri.com.

Important Safety Information

The Galleri test is recommended for use in adults with an elevated risk for cancer, such as those aged 50 or older. The Galleri test does not detect all cancers and should be used in addition to routine cancer screening tests recommended by a healthcare provider. Galleri is intended to detect cancer signals and predict where in the body the cancer signal is located. Use of Galleri is not recommended in individuals who are pregnant, 21 years old or younger, or undergoing active cancer treatment.

Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of medical history, clinical signs and symptoms. A test result of “No Cancer Signal Detected” does not rule out cancer. A test result of “Cancer Signal Detected” requires confirmatory diagnostic evaluation by medically established procedures (e.g., imaging) to confirm cancer.

If cancer is not confirmed with further testing, it could mean that cancer is not present or testing was insufficient to detect cancer, including due to the cancer being located in a different part of the body. False-positive (a cancer signal detected when cancer is not present) and false-negative (a cancer signal not detected when cancer is present) test results do occur. Rx only.

Laboratory/Test Information

GRAIL’s clinical laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) and accredited by the College of American Pathologists. The Galleri test was developed, and its performance characteristics were determined by GRAIL. The Galleri test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. GRAIL’s clinical laboratory is regulated under CLIA to perform high-complexity testing. The Galleri test is intended for clinical purposes.

2022-12-29T04:01:00

(BPT) – There are many ways to be proactive about staying healthy—from having a balanced diet and getting enough sleep to exercising.

Having recommended cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies is another way to take control of your health. These single-cancer screenings can find specific cancers at earlier stages, before someone experiences symptoms.

Today, there are only five recommended cancer screenings available in the U.S.—for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung (smokers or former smokers at risk) and prostate cancers. Unfortunately, no widespread screening tests are recommended for most other types of cancer. As a result, cancer is often detected too late, after it’s progressed to a more advanced stage.

Finding cancer early can improve cancer outcomes. In fact, the 5-year cancer-specific survival rate is just 21% for cancers that are detected after they have metastasized (spread). For cancers that are detected while they are still localized (haven’t yet spread), the 5-year survival rate is more than four times higher, at 89%.

Additional tools are needed, as cancers without recommended screenings represent approximately 70% of cancer deaths.

Screening More Broadly for Cancer

Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests are a new way to screen people for cancer that are used in addition to recommended cancer screenings. One MCED test, Galleri^®, detects a shared cancer signal across more than 50 types of cancer through a simple blood draw. The test analyzes DNA in the blood to detect a signal associated with cancer and predicts the location of the signal, helping to inform next steps in confirming if the person has cancer.

“MCED tests are going to be a game changer for cancer screening. As an adjunct to standard of care screening tests, MCED tests broaden our ability to detect cancers in asymptomatic people that are not covered by current screening guidelines. They give healthcare providers a powerful new tool for patient care,” said Dr. Eric M. Klein, Emeritus Chair of the Glickman Urology & Kidney Institute and professor of surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. “These tests are leading the way to the future for cancer screening—screening individuals for cancer instead of screening for individual cancers.”

Proven Benefits of MCED

A recent study of an early version of the Galleri MCED test evaluated more than 6,500 people aged 50 years or older with no symptoms of cancer. People enrolled in the study received one of two possible results: cancer signal detected or no cancer signal detected. Those with a signal detected had a diagnostic evaluation to determine if cancer was present.

The study found that adding MCED testing more than doubled the number of cancers detected by recommended screenings. Approximately half of the new cancers found by the MCED test were stage 1 or stage 2. Cancers in these stages are generally smaller and haven’t spread to surrounding tissue, lymph nodes or other organs. Cancers detected in earlier stages may have more treatment options and a higher chance of successful outcomes.

Additionally, 71% of the people with cancers detected by the MCED test had cancer types without recommended screenings.

“We learned from this study that the addition of our MCED test to regular screenings can dramatically increase the numbers of cancers found among people who have an elevated risk,” said Dr. Josh Ofman, president at GRAIL, which makes the Galleri test. “This gives us an opportunity to find more cancers at earlier stages, when they can be more effectively treated and are potentially curable.”

Talk to Your Doctor

The Galleri test is intended for people with an elevated risk for cancer, including those aged 50 or older or with risk factors that increase the chance of cancer. Individuals concerned about increased risk of cancer are encouraged to talk with their doctor about the Galleri MCED test, which can be incorporated into an annual health check or routine blood work. If the screening detects the presence of a cancer signal, a healthcare provider will help determine next steps. The Galleri test is available by prescription only.

Alongside other ways you can work to stay healthy, take control of your health by speaking to your doctor about MCED tests.

To learn more, visit galleri.com.

Important Safety Information

The Galleri test is recommended for use in adults with an elevated risk for cancer, such as those aged 50 or older. The Galleri test does not detect all cancers and should be used in addition to routine cancer screening tests recommended by a healthcare provider. Galleri is intended to detect cancer signals and predict where in the body the cancer signal is located. Use of Galleri is not recommended in individuals who are pregnant, 21 years old or younger, or undergoing active cancer treatment.

Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of medical history, clinical signs and symptoms. A test result of “No Cancer Signal Detected” does not rule out cancer. A test result of “Cancer Signal Detected” requires confirmatory diagnostic evaluation by medically established procedures (e.g., imaging) to confirm cancer.

If cancer is not confirmed with further testing, it could mean that cancer is not present or testing was insufficient to detect cancer, including due to the cancer being located in a different part of the body. False-positive (a cancer signal detected when cancer is not present) and false-negative (a cancer signal not detected when cancer is present) test results do occur. Rx only.

Laboratory/Test Information

GRAIL’s clinical laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) and accredited by the College of American Pathologists. The Galleri test was developed, and its performance characteristics were determined by GRAIL. The Galleri test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. GRAIL’s clinical laboratory is regulated under CLIA to perform high-complexity testing. The Galleri test is intended for clinical purposes.