Category: Brandpoint

2024-08-21T23:01:00

(BPT) – Back-to-school season is in full swing, which means it’s time to make sure your kids have the essentials they need for a successful school year. Health coverage should be at the top of that list — and being insured is important for students all year long. Academic success, long-term health outcomes, and health coverage all go hand-in-hand: Studies show that when children have health coverage, they are better equipped to participate in the classroom and during extracurricular activities, miss fewer days of school, and are more likely to complete high school and graduate college.

Finding free or low-cost health coverage for your family can be as easy as ABC. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide coverage for a broad range of health services for kids up to age 19. When enrolled, kids have access to preventive care, emergency services, dental visits, behavioral health care, immunizations, vision care, and more. For the millions of families who are currently covered, now is also a good time to ensure kids are caught up on routine vaccines and well-child visits needed to participate in school activities.

Get Insured with Medicaid and CHIP

The Connecting Kids to Coverage National Campaign wants families to experience the peace of mind and security that comes with knowing their child is covered no matter what the school year brings. Medicaid and CHIP cover more than 37 million children in the United States and have helped ensure that more than 94% of the nation’s children have health coverage. Enrollment is open year-round, meaning your family doesn’t have to wait for an open-enrollment period to see if you qualify. Coverage must be renewed each year, and it’s important to make sure your address, email, and phone number stay up to date with your state Medicaid office so your family can receive communications about important renewal information.

Medicaid and CHIP eligibility varies by state and depends on family income and how many people are in your household. In most states, children up to age 19 with family income up to $80,000 per year (for a family of four) may qualify. Families can apply online, over the phone, by mail, or in-person with their state’s Medicaid office or visit the “Find Coverage for Your Family” section on InsureKidsNow.gov. For more information, call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669).

With health coverage, children can get the services they need to make the grade this school year by staying healthy and thrive academically.

Provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

2024-08-21T11:31:00

(BPT) – Close your eyes and imagine a world where pets are as healthy and happy as possible. Now open them and look at your own pet who gives you so much love and companionship. Big dreams for pets inspire big innovations, and that’s exactly what one company does every day.

“Most people think of Purina as a pet food company. I think of Purina as a pet science company,” said Sheri Smithey, senior vice president of Global Pet Care Research & Development at Nestlé Purina PetCare. “We have nearly 500 pet experts globally, ranging from veterinarians, engineers and animal nutritionists to pet behavior scientists, food scientists and immunologists, all working to understand the science of pets to create products and technology that will make their lives better.”

Smithey’s team is responsible for all aspects of R&D for Purina including nutrition, digital solutions, engineering, product development and packaging. She knows that by asking the big questions, you find the big solutions. The key to innovation is to start with the imagination.

Here are several examples of what Smithey’s team imagined and the resulting innovations that now benefit pets worldwide:

Imagine: The daughter of a Purina scientist begged for a cat that she couldn’t get because of her allergies. So, what if there was a way to reduce the major allergen in cat hair and dander so more people can have a cat in their home?

Innovation: The world’s first allergen-reducing cat food, Pro Plan LiveClear, is an award-winning option that is a gamechanger for people with allergies to cats.

Imagine: What if senior dogs could think and act like younger dogs again, and instead of slowing down, rediscover energy and playtime?

Innovation: Pro Plan Bright Mind makes a difference for dogs ages 7 and older, featuring enhanced botanical oils that provide an additional energy source for senior dogs’ brains, helping them to think and act more like when they were younger.

Imagine: What if we could know more about feline health simply by better understanding their litter box habits?

Innovation: The Petivity smart litter box monitor connects to a smart device to share crucial behavioral data that could show signs of potential health problems like kidney disease.

Imagine: What if there was an easy way to help keep dogs’ and cats’ teeth clean and healthy that doesn’t involve the recommended daily brushing by their human friends?

Innovation: Dentalife is a treat that tastes good and supports the oral health of cats and dogs, giving confidence to pet owners everywhere.

Imagine: What if there were savory options to help entice the appetite that notoriously picky feline friends couldn’t resist?

Innovation: By studying the taste and texture preferences of different cats, a new product form was created as supplemental feeding enhancements for those with selective palates: Fancy Feast broths and Friskies lil’ soups.

“Our imaginations are the springboard to ask big questions and find big solutions, and all our work starts by observing how pets live today, identifying the challenges that lessen the length or quality of their lives, and imagining a future where those challenges no longer exist. Each project we create began with a simple word: Imagine,” said Smithey.

2024-08-20T23:01:00

(BPT) – The promise of AI has raised many questions about how it will impact the workforce. Should the speed of AI development be considered a threat to workers, or a source of opportunity to them in this rapidly changing environment?

Fundamentally, generative AI will help workers, according to Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S. His optimism is fueled by a deep understanding of the best ways this technology can be used. How and where AI is adopted is what Cognizant focuses on — advising companies on the best deployment of these tools, tailored to the needs of each enterprise.

“One of the main effects of generative AI is that it will change how we assess expertise in various disciplines,” said Kumar. “It will also transform how different disciplines can communicate and collaborate, such as a software engineer and medical specialist using AI to translate their professional vocabularies into language the other can understand.”

Kumar answers commonly asked questions about AI, drawing on research Cognizant has conducted to better understand how it will impact the workforce today and into the future.

Why won’t AI replace humans in the workforce?

AI can automate many tasks, from generating emails to coding and more, potentially freeing up workers to spend more time creating and innovating. But most jobs at a variety of levels still need a human.

AI will never create a like-for-like replacement for a human position. For example, AI is never going to replace surgeons, but generative AI can perform administrative tasks that help doctors have more time to see and care for patients. Generative AI can also aid diagnostics, since there is too much data for any one doctor to know. AI opens access to more data and can identify patterns in that data most humans wouldn’t have the capacity to see.

Can you assess the potential impact of AI industry-by-industry or job-by-job?

We quantify the impact of AI through what we call an “exposure score” and a “friction score.” The exposure score estimates how likely a task is to be taken over by AI, while the friction score refers to how easily that employee can be retrained.

Consider a developer versus a fisherman. There are 21 million developers worldwide, but programming work can largely be taken over by AI — a high exposure score. However, developers are highly retrainable, giving them a low friction score. On the other hand, fishermen are unlikely to be replaced with AI, but if robots were created that could fish, what transferable skills do they have? That’s an example of a low exposure score and high friction score.

Cognizant and Oxford Economics partnered to develop what we’ve called our “New Work, New World” study, which analyzes how AI will affect the workforce. The study applied these scores to 18,000 tasks in 1,000 jobs, discovering that 90% of jobs could experience some degree of disruption by AI over the next 10 years.

Cognizant currently works with companies to assess exposure and friction scores of all their positions, among other crucial information, to help companies better understand how and when to retrain employees. Understanding what each company and their employees need now and into the future is key to helping them optimize AI for growth and development.

How will AI impact business profitability?

We’re now in an era of hyper-productivity as enterprises fundamentally rewire their businesses for new levels of agility, productivity and innovation. In a recent analysis we did as part of our “New Work, New World” study, we found that more than three-fourths of businesses (76%) are looking to use generative AI to create new revenue streams. Companies also plan to invest an average of $47.5 million in generative AI this year.

With our data showing generative AI tools potentially injecting nearly $1 trillion into the U.S. economy and even more globally over the next 10 years, it’s not surprising the survey identified generative AI as a core source of potential productivity and growth for most companies.

But to fully harness this hyper-productivity, we must expand the pace of training and upskilling around the world so that workers are prepared to participate in the digital economy. This is why we launched our Synapse initiative last year, which is aimed at training one million individuals and creating employment opportunities in the future digital economy.

What do companies need to help them optimize AI?

Rolling out any new technology enterprise-wide is complex and challenging. So far, only 26% of the companies surveyed have been able to implement AI company-wide, and many express concern these delays could give competitors an advantage.

Our data also points to a need for outside expertise to help them with AI adoption, with 43% of companies planning to work with external consultants to strategize using AI.

To provide this much-needed support, we’re finding more and more companies are tapping us to help them traverse the AI productivity-to-growth journey. We’re working with enterprises across industries to modernize their technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead, including maximizing AI to their advantage.

I’m optimistic about the future and how companies can use generative AI for critical tasks while developing a future-ready workforce through reskilling. Used thoughtfully, we can ensure generative AI is a positive force not just for economic productivity, but also for workers and society.

Learn what generative AI can do for your business at Cognizant.com.

2024-08-20T11:01:00

(BPT) – Julio, a 49-year-old engineer and avid runner, discovered an alarming sign of trouble right after completing a half-marathon: blood in his urine. He promptly consulted a doctor, which led to a bladder cancer diagnosis. Specifically, Julio had low-grade intermediate-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (LG-IR-NMIBC), a type known for its tendency to recur.

Although his diagnosis in March 2020 was complicated by the pandemic, Julio was still able to get started on treatment right away, which involved a surgery called transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) to remove a tumor of around three centimeters from his bladder, followed by a round of chemotherapy to try and prevent further tumors from developing.

“People with LG-IR-NMIBC usually undergo repeated surgical procedures called TURBTs, due to the highly recurrent nature of the disease. This can have a significant impact on a patient’s physical health and quality of life,” explained Sandip Prasad, M.D., MPhil, Director of Genitourinary Surgical Oncology, Morristown Medical Center/Atlantic Health System, New Jersey. “These patients need more options to help them better manage their disease.”

“Surgery was difficult for me,” said Julio. “It took me a long time to recover. It was very painful. It took two to three weeks to start walking and moving like my normal self, then two to three months to start running again.”

Within a year of having surgery, Julio faced the recurrence of small tumors, a common issue with LG-IR-NMIBC. Up to 50% of LG-IR-NMIBC cases recur within one year.^[1]

What is bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer can develop when cells in the urinary lining begin growing out of control, and as more cancer cells develop, they can form a tumor that might spread to other parts of the body over time.^[2] Bladder cancer can be categorized as either low-grade, which grows slower but has a tendency to recur, or high-grade, which tends to spread more aggressively.^[3] About 730,000 people in the U.S. live with bladder cancer, with an estimated 83,190 new cases expected in 2024.^[4]

Although bladder cancer is the second most common urologic cancer among men in the U.S., with men around three times more likely than women to be diagnosed with bladder cancer, the treatments have remained the same for decades.^[2],[5]

The burden of recurring tumors

While Julio understood that his LG-IR-NMIBC diagnosis meant he had a lower risk of losing his bladder, he also learned that it meant potentially facing recurring tumors and undergoing multiple surgeries. This prospect weighed heavily on him, knowing the surgeries would increasingly disrupt his life and bring more pain. Statistics show that nearly 70% of recurrent patients undergo two or more TURBT surgeries.^[1],[6]

Having to face surgery again and again to remove recurring tumors was not something Julio looked forward to. With a wife, three kids, and a career to manage, Julio needs to stay on top of his game. “Life is hectic, and I want to avoid anything that slows me down and keeps me from doing the things that bring me joy,” said Julio.

Investigational approaches in development

Fortunately, Julio’s doctor informed him that there were chemoablative, investigational treatment approaches in development for patients like him, so he enrolled in a clinical trial.

“Offering patients more options is always beneficial,” said Prasad, “and the potential for alternative bladder cancer therapies may provide significant advantages, particularly in cases with frequent recurrence.”

Looking ahead

Today, Julio is physically active and still enjoys running.

“I think it’s important to know that this cancer can happen to anyone, just as it happened to me,” Julio said. “If it happens to you, it’s important to get educated and ask your doctors about all your treatment options, including any investigational treatments in clinical development.”

To learn more about LG-IR-NMIBC, visit UroGen.com.

^[1] Babjuk M, Burger M, Comperat EM, et al. European Association of Urology Guidelines on Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (TaT1 and Carcinoma In Situ) – 2019 Update. Eur Urol. 2019 Nov;76(5):639-657.

^[2] About Bladder Cancer. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/bladder-cancer/about/what-is-bladder-cancer.html. Accessed June 19, 2024.

^[3] Bladder Cancer Stages. American Cancer Society. National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, https://www.cancer.gov/types/bladder/stages. Accessed June 19, 2024.

^[4] SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Bladder Cancer. National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/urinb.html. Accessed June 19, 2024.

^[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Male Urologic Cancers. USCS Data Brief, no 21. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2020.

^[6] Simon M, Bosset PO, Rouanne M, et al. Multiple recurrences and risk of disease progression in patients with primary low-grade (TaG1) non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and with low and intermediate EORTC-risk score. PLoS One. 2019 Feb 27;14(2):e0211721.

US-UGN-00298 07/24

2024-08-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – What are you doing to nourish your brain on a daily basis? Many people eat a balanced diet and work out to nourish and support their bodies and their overall health, but it’s just as important to support the brain. It can lead to greater mental focus, a longer attention span, sharper memory, greater mental energy, and can even enhance your mood and mental health. And it couldn’t be more important.

Why? It’s because the brain is the epicenter of, well, everything. It’s about experiences, memories, attention span and so much more. Nurturing the brain isn’t just about delaying cognitive decline or aging — it’s about embracing life to the fullest. A healthy brain means meaningful activities, deep relationships, engrossing passion. There is a profound impact of brain health in every aspect of the human journey. Cognitive vitality and unlocking the potential of each moment resonates with everyone. When the brain thrives, so does daily life.

Whether you’re a young professional looking to optimize your cognitive performance, an older adult focused on maintaining mental clarity and memory, or a kid just trying to get through final exams, it’s wise to boost your brain. The good news? It’s easy to do. Here are some ways to give your brain some love.

Eat right. There are many reasons to eat a balanced diet of fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean meats, and brain health is high on that list. Eating foods packed with antioxidants and other nutrients is great for your brain. Omega-3 fatty acids also play a crucial role, and can be found in fatty fish, nuts and seeds.

Get your Cognizin Citicoline on. What’s that? Citicoline is a naturally occurring brain chemical that has neuroprotective properties. In other words, it helps protect and repair brain cells and supports focus and memory. Cognizin^® Citicoline is one of the most comprehensive brain ingredients on the market. An innovative form of Citicoline, which has been clinically researched for its role in cognitive function, Cognizin^® is a clinically studied nootropic to support mental energy, memory, focus and attention. Many other cognitive health ingredients only enhance brain performance, but Cognizin^® provides brain performance as well as brain health support over time. This brain health nutrient has demonstrated through multiple clinical trials that it provides essential brain health benefits to people of all ages.

Exercise. When you exercise, you’re not just burning calories. You’re increasing blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive function. How much exercise does the trick? Thirty minutes of moderate exercise on most days is a good guideline. And hey, all of that good food and exercise will help your body, too.

Focus on sleep. A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine revealed what many of us already knew — sleep is vital to brain health. If you’ve ever slogged through the day after a bad night’s sleep, you know how groggy and “off” you feel. But this study showed that sleep is an integral part of “brain plasticity,” or the brain’s ability to adapt to input. After a bad night’s sleep, we actually have trouble processing anything we learned the next day and have trouble remembering it in the future. Can’t remember what you had for lunch yesterday? A bad night’s sleep could be the culprit.

Challenge your brain daily. Love Wordle? How about a crossword puzzle or other type of brain teaser? Doing them is like a workout for your brain, and helps keep you sharp.

It’s easy to check off a good diet, sleep, exercise and puzzles each day. What about Cognizin? It’s actually in more products than you might realize, from beverages you see regularly at the grocery store to supplements to protein bars, even lollipops! There are currently 200+ products out there right now that contain Cognizin. Visit Cognizin.com/en/buy-cognizin to get started.

A few easy lifestyle changes can show the love to your brain every day. It’ll love you back, guaranteed.

2024-08-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – For 110 years, Lance has fueled hardworking people — from kids on the field to parents in the stands. The official snack of Little League^® is honoring dedicated coaches with the Lance Coach of the Year Award.

The Coach of the Year award honors leaders in their community who emulate the spirit of the Lance brand, powering hardworking heroes on and off the field. These inspirational coaches create an environment of belonging, teach life skills through sports, focus on positive reinforcement, and promote sportsmanship and respectful behavior, encouraging kids to be their best selves through their coaching and mentorship.

After a record-breaking number of submissions, a panel of judges from Lance, Positive Coaching Alliance, and Little League has identified three remarkable individuals as the 2024 Little League Coaches of the Year. These coaches selflessly volunteer their time to make a difference in the lives of their players and communities and embody what Lance stands for.

“Lance has been fueling families across America for over 100 years. Whether on-the-go or at the game, Lance Sandwich Crackers help keep you going. Little League coaches demonstrate the very best of what it means to be a hard worker,” said Victoria Strang, Lance Marketing Director. “We’re honored to recognize these coaches through our annual Coach of the Year award. This year’s honorees demonstrate exceptional passion for encouraging sportsmanship and fostering a sense of community.”

It’s time to meet our 2024 Little League Coaches of the Year:

2024-08-19T13:01:00

(BPT) – From international bucket list trips to road trips to vacations with multi-generations to solo travel, there are so many travel trends worth exploring. If you’re eager to plan a trip that indulges in these popular travel trends, it’s important to plan early and research the best travel deals.

“Traveling can be costly, but there are ways to save while still having a fun on-trend trip with family, friends, or all by yourself,” said Steven Guilday, Director of Travel at AARP Services, Inc. “Whether you’re itching for an overseas adventure or a long vacation closer to home, AARP member benefits give you access to products and services that will help you spend your time, not your money, planning your exciting getaway.”

Guilday says that AARP members have access to a wide range of travel discounts and benefits that can help make their long-awaited travel plans a reality while staying on a budget. “Don’t let the stress of travel costs deter you from making lasting memories, especially when there are plenty of cost-saving opportunities to help you enjoy your bucket list vacation without having to pay bucket list prices.”

Here are just a few ways you can make the most of your trip planning while also being budget conscious.

Going the Distance

More and more consumers aren’t holding back when it comes to their vacations and are finally planning that once-in-a-lifetime trip. According to a 2024 AARP travel trends report, a quarter of international travelers are planning bucket list trips, choosing Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America as their top destinations. Big trips equal big planning, and whether it’s a fun-in-the-sun beach vacation or European getaway that’s on the itinerary, using the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia is a one-stop shop with savings where AARP members can find exclusive deals, handpicked curated trips, seasonal offers, and special savings on hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more. For a limited time, AARP members can take advantage of handpicked wellness vacations and get a $50 gift card when booking any flight package.

Exploring the Open Seas

Another popular way to maximize your travels is on a cruise vacation. Value-driven and with a wide range of activities and amenities, you’re sure to find something that everyone in your travel party can enjoy. Holland America Line’s fleet of 11 ships offers more than 500 sailings each year across all seven continents, including cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. AARP members receive up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom, based on the length of the cruise and the stateroom chosen. If Antarctica, Greenland and the Galapagos Islands are on your wander list, AARP members (and non-AARP member companions) who book and travel with HX: Hurtigruten Expeditions will receive a 5% discount on all cruise fares plus a €100 per person onboard credit. This offer is stackable with all in-market HX offers. Terms and conditions apply.

Road Rules

It’s not always about the destination or how far you travel but the relief of breaking your everyday routine, exploring new landscapes and enjoying the freedom of driving, windows down, blasting your favorite tunes. As domestic road trips are becoming a go-to way to embark on an adventure and with nearly 7,500 Choice Hotels^® properties around the world, like Comfort Inn & Suites and Cambria, travelers can count on Choice for a safe and clean place to stay along their road trip holiday route. AARP members save 10% on bookings with Choice Hotels. Through September 2nd, AARP members receive 15% off stays at participating hotels. That’s an extra 5% off!

Get Travel Ready

Well ahead of your trip, check in on your physical health to ensure you’ll be ready come departure day. Your physical health is directly correlated with your mobility. From running your daily errands to maneuvering around the airport, much of your quality of life depends on your levels of mobility but it can decrease as you age. Exercise, diet, preventive care, and lifestyle choices can keep you stronger and steadier for a more enjoyable vacation. AARP^® Physical Therapy at Home™ by Luna provides access to highly experienced physical therapists who come directly to you. Luna employs physical therapists who specialize in preventing falls and treating balance disorders as well as a multitude of other conditions. Both AARP members and non-members can receive at-home physical therapy from Luna. Most insurances and Medicare are accepted by Luna.

As you create your packing list, make sure you have enough prescription medications for your travels. It’s a good idea to have a full supply, plus extra, just in case you experience unexpected delays. AARP members and non-members alike can get a free prescription discount card from AARP^® Prescription Discounts Provided by Optum Rx^®, which can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. AARP members also receive additional benefits, like deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for dependents, and more.

Taking a vacation is the perfect excuse to pick up a new pair of prescription glasses — whether you’re hoping for a new look or simply want a back-up pair before you jet off, when you’re making your packing list don’t forget to check this off your to-do. By using AARP^® Vision Discounts provided by EyeMed, AARP members can save 50% on prescription lenses with the purchase of a frame at LensCrafters, 30% on a complete pair of glasses (frames and lenses) at Glasses.com, and an additional $10 on a complete pair at Target Optical.

Whether planning a trip for this year, over the holidays or into 2025, making memories that can last a lifetime will always be the ultimate travel trend. Use your AARP member benefits to stay on trend — and on budget — when planning your upcoming trips.

To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you plan and save for your bucket-list vacation, please visit aarp.org/save.

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties. AARP receives a royalty fee for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.

2024-08-19T11:01:00

(BPT) – Many of us have a group of professionals we depend on, including our doctor, plumber or our insurance agent. These experts can quickly become an integral part of our lives, saving us time and money, teaching us about complex purchase decisions, and being available in times of crisis.

Establishing a team of trusted experts in our lives can help guide us through some of life’s most important decisions. Establishing trust in an expert’s knowledge can create a bond, but also a sense of confidence and reliance on someone’s counsel. This is especially true when it comes to choosing an insurance agent.

“Many consumers tend to start their insurance journey by shopping online, however, most will eventually go through an agent when it comes time to buy,” said Brandt Minnich, Mercury Insurance VP & Chief Sales Development Officer. “It is beneficial to turn to a professional, such as an insurance agent, to ensure you have adequate protection without overpaying.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 50% of the current insurance workforce will retire in the next 15 years, leaving more than 400,000 open positions unfilled. This will make having a seasoned professional insurance agent working for you even more valuable.

Here are just a few insurance stats from world financial experts Forbes and credit rating and research company Fitch:

• Car insurance costs are on the rise. The cost of auto insurance increased by 63.8% between 2014 and 2023 and now averages $2,150 annually for full coverage.
• Fitch reports that insurers continue to face loss cost uncertainty specific to home insurance because of cost volatility and lack of availability of key building materials, components and skilled labor, as well as higher reinsurance costs.
• Nationally, insured catastrophe losses for 2023 remained substantial despite a reduction in major hurricane losses, according to leading global reinsurance broker Gallagher Re’s recent Natural Catastrophe and Climate Report: 2023. Instead, industry losses were largely attributable to severe convective storms (generally referred to as thunderstorms) losses totaling $59.7 billion, including 24 events that generated $1 billion or higher in combined loss.

“An independent insurance agent is a licensed professional who represents multiple insurance companies, and they offer a variety of insurance products to their clients,” said Weili Lu, Director of the School of Risk Management and Insurance at California State University, Fullerton. “Their services deliver tailored risk solutions, ensuring that every client’s unique needs are met with expertise and care.”

Here are some best practices for building a strong relationship with your insurance agent:

Communicate: Regular communication with your insurance agent helps to ensure that you stay up to date on your insurance needs and receive ongoing support and guidance.

Provide feedback: If you have feedback or concerns about your policy or service, share them with your insurance agent to keep the lines of communication open.

More personalized customer service: Most agents are easily accessible and offer personalized service as opposed to “online chats” from an app.

Make sure you get regular insurance reviews: Regularly reviewing your insurance coverage and deductibles will help make sure you are adequately covered and avoid surprises.

Going directly to the carrier or agent speeds up the process and lets you determine the price you are willing to pay.

“Going through a trusted insurance agent can be very beneficial,” added Minnich. “An agent can help make sure you are never underinsured, and you are getting all of the discounts to which you are entitled, such as good driver and multi-policy or bundling discounts.”

If you think of your insurance agent as part of your “team of experts,” like your mechanic or your electrician, you can establish a long-term relationship that can save you time and more importantly, money in the long run.

2024-08-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re like many people, you’ve more than likely soaked in a bath infused with Epsom salt to calm your sore muscles and relax your mind and nerves. But what is Epsom salt exactly? How should you use it and is it always safe? Here are some of the facts you may not have known about this remarkable natural substance. You will find it may be better enjoying the benefits of Epsom salt without making the time and effort for soaking in a tub!

You can visit a place named Epsom

Epsom salt is actually magnesium sulfate, a natural mineral compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. So why don’t we call it by its chemical name? It goes back 400 years to a town in England called — you guessed it — Epsom. Not knowing yet what it was the citizens of Epsom, England named the substance for the site of its discovery in a rural stream. Epsom became England’s first spa town as people started arriving from long distances to absorb the healthful benefits from the magnesium sulfate infused water. Epsom-It topical lotion takes this experience to the next level by virtue of its portability.

It is a salt good for your body but not your food

Epsom salt isn’t the same as table salt, despite their names and similar appearances. Table salt is sodium chloride, a naturally occurring compound just like magnesium sulfate. And while we all need magnesium in our diet, no one recommends sprinkling magnesium sulfate on your food. Though safe to ingest, it actually has a bitter taste and is only medically indicated for ingestion to relieve constipation.

Magnesium is a key element for your health

Your body can’t exist without magnesium, which is the second-most plentiful mineral in your body, calcium being most abundant. It’s a key factor in over 300 biochemical reactions that help your heart and nervous systems like synthesizing protein, controlling blood glucose, regulating blood pressure, maintaining bone structure and more. It’s a good idea to make sure you’re getting enough in your diet. The Recommended Dietary Allowance or RDA varies from about 310 milligrams (mg) to 410 mg depending on several factors. Topical application, however, has no limits for safe use. Topical application of Epsom salt absorbs slowly into the subdermal skin area, where Epsom-It delivers its best results.

Wellness benefits may be had without the bath

Epsom salt can help provide relief from muscle and nerve aches in as little as 10 minutes. That’s why people soak in warm baths having dissolved Epsom salt. But you don’t need to take a bath to get the same benefits. About 10 years ago, a 90-year-old exercise enthusiast named Paul Greenfield needed to apply Epsom salt to his sore muscles but didn’t have time for soaking. He approached a team of veteran chemists to find a solution and they then created a “bath in a bottle” called Epsom-It: an elegant, novel lotion application of Epsom salt for achieving similar outcomes of human wellness.

“We developed Epsom-It to deliver a magnesium sulfate concentration higher than 20%,” said Epsom-IT chief scientist Matthew Zoeller. “That’s more than 30 times greater than a typical Epsom salt bath would have, plus it can be directly targeted to areas experiencing acute discomfort.”

Epsom salt is not a drug, it offers only natural relief

Other products are indicated to soothe aches and pains, but virtually all other topical pain relief products contain active drugs, some of which may be harmful in high doses. Epsom-It applies magnesium sulfate safely with no side effects. The product has been tested and approved for safety by certified laboratories using approved methods. You can easily massage Epsom-It into your skin directly from the bottle, or you can use our roll-on package to keep your hands dry. And for extra convenience, we also offer it in a small tube.

Last but not least, while to date there have been no major clinical studies to document the effectiveness of Epsom salt, magnesium sulfate continues to be recommended by physicians and wellness professionals.

“Several theories have been raised over the years regarding the physiological mechanism by which magnesium sulfate exerts its calming, soothing effects; and which remain inconclusive from a clinical study standpoint. However, the benefits of magnesium and magnesium sulfate are well known and universally recognized,” said Zoeller. “Four centuries of experience with topical application of magnesium sulfate has proven to be safe and amazingly effective for hundreds of millions of people around the world. Epsom-It enhances that tradition in an elegant manner for the 21st century.”

Learn more about Epsom-It products by visiting www.epsomit.com and look to purchase them at designated retail outlets, such as Walgreens, Walmart, GIANT, Stop & Shop, Weis, Raley’s, and Meijers.