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One box, 10 recipes: Easy weekday meals that the whole family will enjoy

2024-01-23T08:01:00

(BPT) – Are you tired of the same old meals, day in and day out? With the versatility of Sun-Maid Raisins, transforming everyday dishes into gourmet delights has never been easier. Cherished for their naturally sweet flavor and wholesome goodness, these little bites of sunshine will quickly become your favorite go-to ingredient when cooking for the family.

Whether you’re an at-home chef or just starting your culinary journey, just one box of these California sun-dried raisins can unlock endless possibilities in the kitchen. So, if you’re in need of some inspiration for elevating weekday breakfast, lunch and dinner meals — but still want to keep the prep time to a minimum — look no further!

Check out these 10 creative recipes from Sun-Maid that you and your family can make and enjoy all week long.

BREAKFAST

Simplest Whole Grain Cream Biscuits

Warm, homemade biscuits are a great way to start your day! The biscuits only take 10 minutes to prep and while they bake for 15 minutes, you can use that time to set the table with jam or butter.

Morning Parfait

Yogurt parfaits are a quick and delicious meal you can prep ahead of time, so you can grab and go on your way to work, school or as a snack. All you need is your Greek yogurt of choice, fresh berries, maple syrup and, of course, Sun-Maid Raisins to top them off.

Banana Raisin French Toast

Enjoy this twist on classic French toast! Adding banana and raisins to the mix elevates this breakfast staple and adds more fiber to your meal, so you can feel full and energized throughout your morning.

LUNCH

Greek Style Orzo Salad

Experience a taste of the Mediterranean with this delicious orzo salad — and make sure to add Sun-Maid Raisins! A tasty combination of orzo pasta, refreshing vegetables, raisins, olive oil and vinegar provides a light yet filling mid-day meal. You’ll look forward to taking your lunch break and enjoying this Greek-style salad!

Farro & White Bean Salad

If you haven’t tried farro, it’s time to taste this nutty-flavored whole grain. This farro and white bean salad recipe uses a great mix of ingredients, including basil, parsley, dried apricots, cherries and Sun-Maid Raisins. It’s a complete meal you can easily prep and pack for lunch more than once.

Monte Cristo Sandwich

A Monte Cristo is more than just a ham and cheese sandwich, especially when you use Sun-Maid Raisin Bread. The sweetness of raisins pairs well with honey-dijon mustard, Swiss cheese and deli ham for a truly delectable meal.

DINNER

Pineapple and Raisin Shrimp Stir Fry

Stir fry is a filling, quick and easy meal to make and you can take it to the next level by adding a little Sun-Maid sweetness. Dried pineapple and sun-dried raisins provide an interesting contrast to the savory shrimp, onions, jalapenos and cilantro.

Coconut Chicken Curry

If you want a warm, comforting meal, then whip up this pot of coconut chicken curry. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have enough for four solo dinners or to enjoy with a few loved ones. Serve over a bed of rice and top with sun-dried or golden raisins and cashews for texture.

Pineapple Raisin Cauliflower Stir Fried Rice with Chicken

A stir-fried rice dish is a great one-pot meal that requires minimal prep and cleanup, so you can focus on spending more quality time around the dinner table. The brightness of the pineapple and sweetness of the Sun-Maid Raisins are intensified when sauteed and add depth and complexity to the dish. Make this meal heartier by using chicken breasts or thighs for added protein!

Fresno Valley Zucchini and Raisin Pizza

Think inside the box when it comes to pizza by adding some nontraditional toppings! Use crumbled feta or soft goat cheese on Valley Lahvosh round flatbread and add Sun-Maid Raisins for a sweet take on a crowd-pleasing veggie pie. Get your family and friends involved by making the pizzas together and enjoy the spoils of your labor at the dinner table.

Watch how to make it here!

With a commitment to nutrition and taste, Sun-Maid continues to be a staple in households worldwide. Let these recipes inspire your family to get creative in the kitchen and turn everyday meals into experiences and unforgettable memories. For more delicious recipes and product information, visit www.sunmaid.com.

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Get the facts on the latest vaccine updates

2024-01-22T12:00:00

(BPT) – You want to stay healthy so you can keep doing what you love. That’s why it’s important to stay up to date on recommended vaccines, like the updated COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu shot.

“Vaccination is a highly effective tool to help older Americans avoid the worst effects of infectious diseases,” said Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH, senior director at the National Council on Aging (NCOA). “If you have questions about getting vaccinated, now is the ideal time to contact your health care provider.”

This year, the CDC is predicting the season will last through early spring. It’s never too late to protect yourself. Learn more about the importance of vaccines, their safety, and effectiveness at ncoa.org/vaccines.

This publication was created as part of a project that is 100% funded by a grant totaling $50 million awarded to NCOA by the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), an operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It does not necessarily reflect the official views of, or endorsement by, ACL, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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Understanding type 1 diabetes: Should you get screened?

2024-01-22T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Sanofi

More than 1.4 million Americans have type 1 diabetes — thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body attacks its own cells that produce insulin. Although type 1 diabetes is relatively less common when compared to type 2 diabetes, it’s anticipated that cases of type 1 diabetes in the U.S. are expected to grow to five million by 2050, underscoring one of many reasons why increased awareness about type 1 diabetes is so important.

Type 1 diabetes can be elusive, meaning that while you may have the disease for months or years, outward symptoms can take time — sometimes even years — to show in a noticeable way, resulting in more advanced disease at initial diagnosis. What’s more, when symptoms do finally present themselves, they frequently present with life-threatening complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In fact, up to 40% of DKA cases are recorded to be from people newly diagnosed with the disease. Type 1 diabetes also cannot be prevented. With this in mind, understanding risk factors of type 1 diabetes is critical in empowering you to take charge of your health by screening early for this condition. Following are three common risk factors to keep in mind:

Family History

If you have a first-or-second-degree relative who has type 1 diabetes, your risk of developing it increases quite significantly. In fact, if just one person in your family has type 1 diabetes, the chances of you or someone else in your family developing it are up to 15x higher. In most instances, individuals inherit risk factors from their parents, and the risk of developing the condition can be as high as 30% if both biological parents have type 1 diabetes.

That said, even more surprising is that about 90% of those who develop type 1 diabetes do not have a family history of the disease. So, while having a family history of type 1 diabetes is a common risk factor for developing the disease, it is a condition that truly does not discriminate.

Age

In the U.S., type 1 diabetes is among the most common chronic diseases that impacts children. In fact, type 1 diabetes was once commonly referred to as “juvenile diabetes.” That said, we’ve gotten more knowledgeable about this disease over time — and now we know that although type 1 diabetes usually develops in children and adolescents, individuals at any age can develop it. This means that young adults and adults are still at risk, with recent data showing that more than half the people who are newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are being diagnosed as adults.

Autoimmune Disease

Notably, of individuals with type 1 diabetes, every fifth person also has an additional autoimmune disease — demonstrating the co-occurring nature of these conditions. As such, if you have certain autoimmune conditions, such as celiac or Hashimoto’s disease, you may be at a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

Get Screened Today

While this list does not encompass all potential risk factors — for example, geography and environmental factors can also increase a person’s risk for type 1 diabetes — the most important takeaway is that no one should wait for common symptoms of type 1 diabetes to get screened because it is possible to identify type 1 diabetes in its earlier stages, before common symptoms occur. That is the goal of Sanofi’s The 1 Pledge movement — to drive a national conversation about and action around the importance of early screening for type 1 diabetes.

Take risk factors seriously and talk to your doctor about getting screened today; the more information you have early, the more you and your family can do to become educated about and get prepared for type 1 diabetes. Make your pledge to get screened at The1Pledge.com, which also has more educational information.

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

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Preparation is key: See how one football legend is helping defend himself against pneumococcal pneumonia

2024-01-22T06:01:00

(BPT) – Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana knows a thing or two about preparation — both on and off the field. With the big game coming up, we asked Joe about how preparation played a role in his football days — and how it continues to help him succeed in life after football.

Q: How are you preparing for the big game?

Joe: These days, my preparation for the big game looks a little different, which means I’m usually getting food ready to share with my family and friends. I look forward to our watch party every year!

Q: Why is preparation so important?

Joe: When it comes to football, a lot of work happens before kickoff. Getting to know your opponent ahead of time is key to having a strong defense — and planning how to strike on offense.

Now that I’m retired, I’ve realized that preparation is a value I can apply to other aspects of my life, like my health. That’s why I got vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia. And why I’m partnering with Pfizer to educate others about the risk of pneumococcal pneumonia.

Q: What is pneumococcal pneumonia?

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

If you’re 65 or older, like me, or 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions, like asthma, diabetes or chronic heart disease, you’re at increased risk.

Q: How can people prepare to help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia?

Joe: Vaccination is one of the best ways to prepare and help protect yourself from getting pneumococcal pneumonia. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide information on vaccine options.

Q: When can you catch it?

Joe: Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike at any time, in any season. People typically think that pneumococcal pneumonia can only be caught in the winter or during flu season, but you can catch it any time of year. But vaccination is available all year round, so now is the time to ask your doctor or pharmacist if vaccination is right for you.

Q: What if you’ve had a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination before?

Joe: Even if you’ve already been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia previously, your healthcare provider may recommend another vaccination against it for additional protection.

You don’t want pneumococcal pneumonia standing in your way of enjoying the big game. Don’t wait — ask your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination today and visit knowpneumonia.com to learn more.

Brought to you by Pfizer.

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It’s tax time — don’t procrastinate, learn why it’s important to file early

2024-01-22T13:19:00

(BPT) – Whether this year will be your first time filing or you’ve been doing your taxes for years, it’s never too early to prepare for tax season. By knowing ahead of time what documents you’ll need, you’ll be more likely to make tax prep easier and more efficient — helping reduce the stress that can come from waiting until the last minute.

Advance preparation can also help you file early to get your refund earlier if you’re entitled to one. With an average of 3 out of 4 taxpayers receiving a tax refund, don’t wait till tax day.

Here are important tips to help when preparing to file:

Make a checklist

To get started, create a checklist so you’ll know what documents to watch for and collect. Most tax documents like W-2s are made available by employers and other institutions online, although they may also be mailed. You can check with your employer’s HR department to find out how and when tax documents are likely to be delivered.

If you’ve been a gig worker — even part time — or are entirely self-employed, you’ll need to gather documents like 1099-Ks, plus all the receipts and records of your self-employment income and expenses throughout the year, including quarterly estimated tax payments you may have already made.

For anyone who has filed before, take out last year’s taxes for an idea of what you’ll likely need this year. Information and documents you’ll need depend on your unique situation, and they include but are not limited to:

  • Your Social Security number (as well as your spouse’s and children’s, if applicable)
  • Records of income received, including interest income
  • Mortgage interest statements (1098)
  • Payments for tuition (1098-T) or student loan interest (1098-E)
  • Health care and childcare expenses
  • Vehicle or home purchase documents
  • Charitable contribution receipts

“By preparing early, you’ll have more time to gather documents, review your tax return and speak with your Tax Pro, helping you feel more confident and less stressed,” said Mark Steber, chief tax information officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Services. “By waiting until the April deadline, you could make a mistake, requiring the filing of an amended tax return or subjecting yourself to avoidable penalties and interest.”

Decide how you’ll file

Taxes can be confusing, no matter your circumstances, so it’s a good idea to consider how you’d like to file this year. It can help to have someone on your side who understands recent changes in tax laws, how to file accurately — and how to make the most of applicable deductions.

You can get expert help filing your taxes at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services. Choosing a professional tax service can take the worry out of figuring out your taxes, no matter your circumstances.

Make sure you and your tax professional electronically file your tax return. It’s not only the fastest way to make sure the IRS receives your return, but it’s the safest way. This keeps paper from getting stolen out of your mailbox or getting lost in the mail.

Also, electronically deposit your tax refund. Having your refund directly deposit into your bank account or on a prepaid bank card is the safest option. This avoids the possibility of your check getting stolen or getting marked as “undeliverable” if sent to the wrong mailbox.

“These two bonus tips alone can cut days and weeks off your tax return refund timing and better safeguard your information and money,” said Steber.

The chance to double your refund

With Jackson Hewitt’s second annual Double Your Refund Sweepstakes, you could win a prize equal to your federal tax refund. The 15-week sweepstakes starts the first week of January and goes through April 15. Each week there will be two grand prize winners who will win a prize equal to their federal tax refund (a maximum match of $10,000 and minimum of $1,500), plus 20 runner-up winners each week who will win $200. In addition, there will be a season-long drawing where there will be two additional grand prize winners and 20 runner-up winners randomly drawn.

“As we launch the 2024 tax season, the second annual Double Your Refund sweepstakes will allow hundreds of clients the chance to win extra money during tax time — with the chance to potentially double the size of their tax refund — which we know will be financially beneficial,” said Kim Hudson, SVP and chief marketing officer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services.

How to enter: File your 2023 federal tax return at any Jackson Hewitt location within the 15-week period or mail an entry form by the Monday following the week you file your tax return. For the season-long drawing, enter at JacksonHewitt.com.

To find a Jackson Hewitt office near you, visit JacksonHewitt.com.

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It’s tax time — don’t procrastinate, learn why it’s important to file early

2024-01-22T13:19:00

(BPT) – Whether this year will be your first time filing or you’ve been doing your taxes for years, it’s never too early to prepare for tax season. By knowing ahead of time what documents you’ll need, you’ll be more likely to make tax prep easier and more efficient — helping reduce the stress that can come from waiting until the last minute.

Advance preparation can also help you file early to get your refund earlier if you’re entitled to one. With an average of 3 out of 4 taxpayers receiving a tax refund, don’t wait till tax day.

Here are important tips to help when preparing to file:

Make a checklist

To get started, create a checklist so you’ll know what documents to watch for and collect. Most tax documents like W-2s are made available by employers and other institutions online, although they may also be mailed. You can check with your employer’s HR department to find out how and when tax documents are likely to be delivered.

If you’ve been a gig worker — even part time — or are entirely self-employed, you’ll need to gather documents like 1099-Ks, plus all the receipts and records of your self-employment income and expenses throughout the year, including quarterly estimated tax payments you may have already made.

For anyone who has filed before, take out last year’s taxes for an idea of what you’ll likely need this year. Information and documents you’ll need depend on your unique situation, and they include but are not limited to:

  • Your Social Security number (as well as your spouse’s and children’s, if applicable)
  • Records of income received, including interest income
  • Mortgage interest statements (1098)
  • Payments for tuition (1098-T) or student loan interest (1098-E)
  • Health care and childcare expenses
  • Vehicle or home purchase documents
  • Charitable contribution receipts

“By preparing early, you’ll have more time to gather documents, review your tax return and speak with your Tax Pro, helping you feel more confident and less stressed,” said Mark Steber, chief tax information officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Services. “By waiting until the April deadline, you could make a mistake, requiring the filing of an amended tax return or subjecting yourself to avoidable penalties and interest.”

Decide how you’ll file

Taxes can be confusing, no matter your circumstances, so it’s a good idea to consider how you’d like to file this year. It can help to have someone on your side who understands recent changes in tax laws, how to file accurately — and how to make the most of applicable deductions.

You can get expert help filing your taxes at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services. Choosing a professional tax service can take the worry out of figuring out your taxes, no matter your circumstances.

Make sure you and your tax professional electronically file your tax return. It’s not only the fastest way to make sure the IRS receives your return, but it’s the safest way. This keeps paper from getting stolen out of your mailbox or getting lost in the mail.

Also, electronically deposit your tax refund. Having your refund directly deposit into your bank account or on a prepaid bank card is the safest option. This avoids the possibility of your check getting stolen or getting marked as “undeliverable” if sent to the wrong mailbox.

“These two bonus tips alone can cut days and weeks off your tax return refund timing and better safeguard your information and money,” said Steber.

The chance to double your refund

With Jackson Hewitt’s second annual Double Your Refund Sweepstakes, you could win a prize equal to your federal tax refund. The 15-week sweepstakes starts the first week of January and goes through April 15. Each week there will be two grand prize winners who will win a prize equal to their federal tax refund (a maximum match of $10,000 and minimum of $1,500), plus 20 runner-up winners each week who will win $200. In addition, there will be a season-long drawing where there will be two additional grand prize winners and 20 runner-up winners randomly drawn.

“As we launch the 2024 tax season, the second annual Double Your Refund sweepstakes will allow hundreds of clients the chance to win extra money during tax time — with the chance to potentially double the size of their tax refund — which we know will be financially beneficial,” said Kim Hudson, SVP and chief marketing officer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services.

How to enter: File your 2023 federal tax return at any Jackson Hewitt location within the 15-week period or mail an entry form by the Monday following the week you file your tax return. For the season-long drawing, enter at JacksonHewitt.com.

To find a Jackson Hewitt office near you, visit JacksonHewitt.com.

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Do you have high cholesterol? You may be able to join a clinical research study.

2024-01-22T07:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Merck

Many people struggle to lower their cholesterol, even though there are medicines available that can help lower LDL-C (the “bad” cholesterol).

High cholesterol, if not treated, can lead to a type of heart disease called atherosclerosis.[1] This disease can raise your chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

“Currently available treatments are effective tools to treat high cholesterol, but some must be provided by a doctor by injection and can be hard for people to access,” said Dr. Christie M. Ballantyne, Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.

PCSK9 inhibitors are medications to help treat high cholesterol. Researchers are studying an investigational PCSK9 inhibitor that people can take as a pill once a day by mouth instead of as a shot. Currently, there are clinical studies looking at the safety of this investigational medicine and whether it works. These studies will help researchers better understand whether this medicine can lower LDL-C and the chance of cardiovascular adverse events.

Researchers are looking for people to join these studies. To qualify, you must be aged 18 years or older and you either:

  • Take a statin medicine to lower cholesterol but still need to lower your LDL-C
  • Have a high chance of having a heart attack or stroke and have high cholesterol even after taking a statin for at least a month

If you join one of these clinical studies, you’ll get the study medicine and study-related medical exams for no cost. You’ll also be paid back for travel-related study costs, such as bus fare or gas for driving to and from the study site. You don’t need health insurance to join.

“These ongoing clinical studies will help us understand whether our investigational once-daily oral PCSK9 inhibitor will be an effective treatment for certain people with high cholesterol,” said Dr. Robert Blaustein, Associate Vice President for Clinical Research, Merck Research Laboratories. “I encourage anyone who meets the eligibility criteria to speak with your health care provider to see if one of the clinical studies may be suitable for you.”

Ask your doctor if joining one of these clinical studies may be right for you. For more information on the clinical studies, visit coralreefstudies.com.

Copyright © 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ USA, and its affiliates. All rights reserved.


[1] Johns Hopkins Medicine. Atherosclerosis. 2021. Accessed December 12, 2023. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/atherosclerosis

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How to Cope During Shorter, Colder Days: Winter Blues versus Clinical Depression

2024-01-19T13:41:00

(BPT) – The winter season can be a challenging time of year for many – one that can bring post-holiday financial stress and exhaustion. Amid darker, colder days, how do you know if you are experiencing the “winter blues” or if it is something more serious?

Hear from three mental health experts on the differences between the “winter blues” and clinical depression: Board-Certified Psychiatrist Chet Robachinski, MD, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Tina Matthews Hayes, DNP(c), FMP-C, PHMNP-BC, and Board-Certified Physician Assistant Kami Harris, PA-C.

How do people know if the winter months have them feeling down or if it’s something more serious?

Tina Matthews Hayes, DNP: Someone experiencing the “winter blues” has many of the same symptoms of clinical depression or major depressive disorder (MDD). They may lose interest in their hobbies and things that once brought them joy, experience changes in their sleep, appetite or weight, feel an inability to get things done like they normally could, have a constant feeling of fatigue or a lack of energy.1

While this can be mistaken for clinical depression, “winter blues” symptoms are usually triggered at the onset of the winter season and potentially resolved once spring arrives. Another key difference between “winter blues” and clinical depression is the severity of the symptoms.

What I tell my patients is that if they are noticing any of these signs and symptoms, it is crucial to seek help from their healthcare provider to determine if what they are experiencing is more serious, like clinical depression.

Can someone living with clinical depression also experience the “winter blues”?

Kami Harris, PA-C: The quick and simple answer is yes. “Winter blues” and MDD can be worsened by one another. That is why it is imperative for people to take note of when their symptoms began and to consult with their healthcare providers to determine if what they are experiencing is more than just “feeling down” or the “winter blues.” The good news is, if it is something more serious like MDD or some form of depression that is more challenging to treat, there are a variety of available treatment options to help those who are struggling.

What is treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and what treatment options are available?

Chet Robachinski, MD: Like Kami shared, there are different forms of clinical depression, some of which can be more challenging to treat compared to others. We call a form of clinical depression that occurs when someone has not responded adequately to two or more antidepressant medications during the same depressive episode treatment-resistant depression (TRD).2 With each medication taking weeks and sometimes months to provide potential relief, this pattern of starting over with a new medication only to find that the treatment does not work for them can be extremely frustrating.

For people living with TRD, one treatment option I’ve seen success with in my clinical practice is SPRAVATO® (esketamine) CIII nasal spray taken in combination with an oral antidepressant.

Of course, as with any medication, SPRAVATO® has risks and benefits with some of the most serious side effects of this treatment including sleepiness (sedation), fainting, dizziness, spinning sensation, anxiety, or feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, feelings, space and time (dissociation), breathing problems (respiratory depression and respiratory arrest), the risk of abuse and misuse, and increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. Additionally, each patient must be enrolled in the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program to track any serious side effects they may experience, and follow the necessary administration and dosing requirements under the observation of their healthcare provider, which include going into a certified treatment center for each treatment session.

Please see the Important Safety Information, including BOXED WARNINGS, and a list of side effects below. Click here to access the full prescribing information and medication guide.

What advice do you have for people looking to help manage their mental health during the winter?

Tina Matthews Hayes, NP: During the winter months, have a safe space where you can feel vulnerable and honest about what you are going through – not everyone continues to feel “holly jolly” once the holiday season has come to a close. You should seek help if you need it. I would recommend you keep a journal with you and make note of how you’re feeling before your appointment, and be open and transparent with your healthcare team, whether that’s your psychiatrist, therapist, physician assistant or nurse practitioner.

Chet Robachinski, MD: There are many resources available for those who may be struggling. In particular, advocacy organizations such as National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Mental Health America (MHA) have information on their websites, including tools for mental health screening and finding a treatment center or therapist. But it’s important to note that if you’re in crisis, please call, text or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to connect with a mental health counselor.

Kami Harris, PA-C: With shorter and colder days, winter can be a difficult time to say the least. So, keep a pulse on how you’re feeling and be honest with yourself. Give yourself the freedom and grace to take needed breaks and reach out to loved ones for help.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is SPRAVATO® (esketamine) CIII nasal spray?

SPRAVATO® is a prescription medicine, used along with an antidepressant taken by mouth to treat:

  • Adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
  • Depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions

SPRAVATO® is not for use as a medicine to prevent or relieve pain (anesthetic). It is not known if SPRAVATO® is safe or effective as an anesthetic medicine.

It is not known if SPRAVATO® is safe and effective for use in preventing suicide or in reducing suicidal thoughts or actions. SPRAVATO® is not for use in place of hospitalization if your healthcare provider determines that hospitalization is needed, even if improvement is experienced after the first dose of SPRAVATO®.

It is not known if SPRAVATO® is safe and effective in children.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about SPRAVATO®?

SPRAVATO® can cause serious side effects, including:

  • Sedation and dissociation. SPRAVATO® may cause sleepiness (sedation), fainting, dizziness, spinning sensation, anxiety, or feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, feelings, space and time (dissociation).
    • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel like you cannot stay awake or if you feel like you are going to pass out.
    • Your healthcare provider must monitor you for serious side effects for at least 2 hours after taking SPRAVATO®. Your healthcare provider will decide when you are ready to leave the healthcare setting.
  • Respiratory depression was observed with the use of SPRAVATO®; additionally, there were rare reports of respiratory arrest.
    • Your healthcare provider must monitor you for serious side effects for at least 2 hours (including pulse oximetry) after taking SPRAVATO®. Your healthcare provider will decide when you are ready to leave the healthcare setting.
  • Abuse and misuse. There is a risk for abuse and physical and psychological dependence with SPRAVATO® treatment. Your healthcare provider should check you for signs of abuse and dependence before and during treatment with SPRAVATO®.
    • Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.
    • Your healthcare provider can tell you more about the differences between physical and psychological dependence and drug addiction.
  • SPRAVATO® Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Because of the risks for sedation, dissociation, respiratory depression, and abuse and misuse, SPRAVATO® is only available through a restricted program called the SPRAVATO® Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program. SPRAVATO® can only be administered at healthcare settings certified in the SPRAVATO® REMS Program. Patients treated in outpatient healthcare settings (e.g., medical offices and clinics) must be enrolled in the program.
  • Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. Antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts and actions in some people 24 years of age and younger, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed.
    SPRAVATO® is not for use in children.
    • Depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. Some people may have a higher risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions. These include people who have (or have a family history of) depression or a history of suicidal thoughts or actions.
  • How can I watch for and try to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions in myself or a family member?
    • Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings, or if you develop suicidal thoughts or actions.
    • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings.
    • Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider as scheduled. Call your healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms.
  • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you or your family member have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:
  • suicide attempts
  • worsening depression
  • thoughts about suicide or dying
  • other unusual changes in behavior or mood

Do not take SPRAVATO® if you:

  • have blood vessel (aneurysmal vascular) disease (including in the brain, chest, abdominal aorta, arms and legs)
  • have an abnormal connection between your veins and arteries (arteriovenous malformation)
  • have a history of bleeding in the brain
  • are allergic to esketamine, ketamine, or any of the other ingredients in SPRAVATO®.

If you are not sure if you have any of the above conditions, talk to your healthcare provider before taking SPRAVATO®.

Before you take SPRAVATO®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have heart or brain problems, including:
    • high blood pressure (hypertension)
    • slow or fast heartbeats that cause shortness of breath, chest pain, lightheadedness, or fainting
    • history of heart attack
    • history of stroke
    • heart valve disease or heart failure
    • history of brain injury or any condition where there is increased pressure in the brain
  • have liver problems
  • have ever had a condition called “psychosis” (see, feel, or hear things that are not there, or believe in things that are not true).
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. SPRAVATO® may harm your baby. You should not take SPRAVATO® if you are pregnant.
    • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment with SPRAVATO®.
    • If you are able to become pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about methods to prevent pregnancy during treatment with SPRAVATO®.
    • There is a pregnancy registry for women who are exposed to SPRAVATO® during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of women exposed to SPRAVATO® and their baby. If you become pregnant during treatment with SPRAVATO®, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed during treatment with SPRAVATO®.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines that you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Taking SPRAVATO® with certain medicine may cause side effects.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take central nervous system (CNS) depressants, psychostimulants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) medicines. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How will I take SPRAVATO®?

  • You will take SPRAVATO® nasal spray yourself, under the supervision of a healthcare provider in a healthcare setting. Your healthcare provider will show you how to use the SPRAVATO® nasal spray device.
  • Your healthcare provider will tell you how much SPRAVATO® you will take and when you will take it.
  • Follow your SPRAVATO® treatment schedule exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to.
  • During and after each use of the SPRAVATO® nasal spray device, you will be checked by a healthcare provider who will decide when you are ready to leave the healthcare setting.
  • You will need to plan for a caregiver or family member to drive you home after taking SPRAVATO®.
  • If you miss a SPRAVATO® treatment, your healthcare provider may change your dose and treatment schedule.
  • Some people taking SPRAVATO® get nausea and vomiting. You should not eat for at least 2 hours before taking SPRAVATO® and not drink liquids at least 30 minutes before taking SPRAVATO®.
  • If you take a nasal corticosteroid or nasal decongestant medicine take these medicines at least 1 hour before taking SPRAVATO®.

What should I avoid while taking SPRAVATO®?

Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything where you need to be completely alert after taking SPRAVATO®. Do not take part in these activities until the next day following a restful sleep. See “What is the most important information I should know about SPRAVATO®?”

What are the possible side effects of SPRAVATO®?

SPRAVATO® may cause serious side effects including:

  • See “What is the most important information I should know about SPRAVATO®?”
  • Increased blood pressure. SPRAVATO® can cause a temporary increase in your blood pressure that may last for about 4 hours after taking a dose. Your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure before taking SPRAVATO® and for at least 2 hours after you take SPRAVATO®. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden severe headache, change in vision, or seizures after taking SPRAVATO®.
  • Problems with thinking clearly. Tell your healthcare provider if you have problems thinking or remembering.
  • Bladder problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop trouble urinating, such as a frequent or urgent need to urinate, pain when urinating, or urinating frequently at night.

The most common side effects of SPRAVATO® when used along with an antidepressant taken by mouth include:

  • feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, feelings and things around you
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • feeling sleepy
  • spinning sensation
  • decreased feeling of sensitivity (numbness)
  • feeling anxious
  • lack of energy
  • increased blood pressure
  • vomiting
  • feeling drunk
  • feeling very happy or excited

If these common side effects occur, they usually happen right after taking SPRAVATO® and go away the same day.

These are not all the possible side effects of SPRAVATO®.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide for SPRAVATO® and discuss any questions you may have with your healthcare provider.

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This information is intended for the use of patients and caregivers in the United States and its territories only. Laws, regulatory requirements and medical practices in pharmaceutical products vary from country to country. The Prescribing Information included here may not be appropriate for use outside the United States and its territories.

References

  1. National Institute of Mental Health. Major depression. Accessed November 21, 2023. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
  2. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Definition of treatment-resistant depression in the Medicare population. Accessed November 21, 2023. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coverage/DeterminationProcess/downlo ads/id105TA.pdf. Published February 9, 2018

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The Waiting Game: How to Help Your College Applicant Cope Until Decision Day

2024-01-18T07:31:00

(BPT) – By Whitney Soule, Vice Provost, Dean of Admissions, University of Pennsylvania

This time of year is a parade of college application deadlines (generally between October and February) depending on the application round. It’s also the time of year when college-hopeful teens have polished off their application details, refined their essays, proofread (we hope!), and submitted their applications. By this point, they’re worn out and waiting. They’re balancing the relief of “submit” and managing some anxiety about the subsequent “what if?”

I get it. As a mom who has parented through the college process with multiple children and as a dean of admissions, I have insight into both the anxiety and the strategies to short-circuit some of the escalating stress.

On the college side, we have a responsibility to minimize unnecessary stress for students — looking for ways to make our instructions clear, our processes simple, and our questions aligned with what it is we need to know. For Penn, that means making application fee waivers more accessible than ever, eliminating the enrollment deposit, and expanding the role of who can write recommendations. And (one of my favorites), we added an essay prompt framed as a thank-you note because our faculty’s research shows how expressing “thanks” ignites good feelings. (Bonus — it also shows admissions evaluators how applicants appreciate others!)

Here are three things parents can do at home to minimize the teen stress while waiting for decisions:

1. Listen more, talk less. Kids are processing the full range of emotions. Their eyes are on social media which is not an accurate source of information about chances or how decisions get made. Focus on making home a place where your teen can manage their emotions without judgment — perhaps by listening during a needed vent or giving them a quiet space without explanation. You know your teen — follow their lead on what helps them feel secure. Perhaps suggest saying “thanks” to those who have had influence — like a friend or teacher. It’s a mood lifter and builds their sense of community.

2. Don’t make college topic #1 (or even #10). Everything that can be done up to this point has been done, so where possible, encourage letting go. Your student needs a break from all things college. Focus family conversations on just about anything that doesn’t circle back to the “what if” of college admissions outcomes. What songs have you added to your playlist? What’s the nicest thing that someone did for you that day? Or even, “Can you even believe what is happening on this show?”

3. Promote the importance of flexibility. The ability to overcome stress or simply to adjust to changes quickly is one of the first superpowers college students need when they hit campus. Now is a great time for your student to practice flexing this muscle. Sharing stories from your own life is invaluable, especially from when you were their age. As a leader and a mom, I talk openly about the circumstances that challenged me, how I feel when things don’t work out the way I planned, and how I decide what to do. My undergraduate alma mater is not where I was focused when I first started my college pursuit. And yet, I’m confident that I was in exactly the right place and am so grateful for every experience embedded there, including an unexpected launch to the career I have now.

Your student is about to embark on a big and exciting journey. They will look to you to set the tone during this period, which can be hard since you are also experiencing a range of heightened emotions! But you can reframe this wait so it is focused on excitement rather than stress.

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4 ways small businesses can innovate without a big budget

2024-01-18T16:01:01

(BPT) – By Irana Wasti, Chief Product Officer at BILL

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, it’s important for small business owners to adopt a mindset for innovation. However, the misconception that innovation requires vast resources and significant time investment can often deter entrepreneurs and business builders from pursuing new ideas and strategies. But with the right approach and perspective, small businesses can foster a culture within the company to make innovation more of an ongoing tenet of a successful business.

As small businesses look at their goals for the new year, with some businesses also thinking about how to do more with the same, consider these four practical tips to innovate without breaking the bank or spinning too many resources.

1. Nurture an innovation mindset with your team

Innovation starts with your team. Cultivating an innovation mindset among your team members is the first step toward achieving small wins that lead to breakthroughs. As someone who has led product development teams for over 20 years, I know that the ability and willingness to analyze the environment, listen to feedback, and adapt to change are key disciplines to delivering products that delight customers. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Embrace diverse perspectives: Different backgrounds and experiences bring unique viewpoints that can spark creativity and improve collaboration within your organization. Where you can, build diversity into your hiring strategy.

Foster a culture of openness: Create an atmosphere where employees feel safe to share their ideas and insights freely. Make them feel that their opinions matter and that they have a stake in the company’s success. You can do this with monthly brainstorm sessions to get the whole team thinking about different challenges faced by the business.

Promote continuous learning: Encourage ongoing learning and skills development. There are lots of free online training resources that help employees stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies.

By nurturing an innovation mindset within your team, you can tap into their collective creativity, which can lead to cost-effective innovations that drive your business forward.

2. Listen to your customers and innovate for them

Research from McKinsey & Company has shown that improving the client experience can increase sales revenues by 2%–7%. However, one common pitfall in innovation is over-engineering solutions that don’t align with your customers’ needs. Prioritize innovation that is rooted in customer feedback, provides value, and aligns with business goals, and is measurable. Here are a few ways you can build trust with your customers and serve as a pipeline to fuel innovation:

Provide multi-channel support: For customers who still need help after navigating your educational resources, offer support across the platforms that matter to them — such as email, social media, SMS, in-app support and more. Leverage tech-enabled tools, such as finance software that offers free phone and chat support with live agents. This meets your customers where they are, letting them reach you in a way they find comfortable and convenient.

Deliver a personalized customer experience with AI tools: Chatbots make a particularly helpful AI-powered customer support tool. A chatbot can respond to customers in real time, offering additional information about your products or services or even fielding customer service questions. AI-powered marketing tools can be used for content creation, social media management, and more. Chatbots and other AI tools can do more than just answer customer inquiries about your products. The best AI tools can adapt and learn from customer behavior.

Cascade the outside, inside: Often customer feedback does not go beyond the customer support team. To help drive more organic innovation, enable regular touch points between team members who face customers and team members who are on the front lines of innovation.

By keeping your customers’ needs at the forefront of your innovation efforts, you can ensure your new ideas are well-targeted.

3. Ensure your tech tools help you move the business forward

Efficiency is a cornerstone of cost-effective innovation. Leveraging technology to automate manual tasks lets you accomplish more in less time, freeing up valuable staff time to focus on strategic and creative thinking. You want to work with technology partners that can help you customize tools to meet the needs of your business and facilitate integration. Remember that innovation can come from anywhere in your business so keep your automation goals broad. Here’s how some small businesses have found solutions that make an impact:

Automate financial operations: Using technology to eliminate manual activities, such as invoicing, bill payments and financial reporting, helps you streamline operations and reduce human error. It also helps you get back to focusing on what matters to you, your business. Finding a solution that pre-populates invoice information can save business owners, on average, 50% of time on bill pay alone. One of BILL’s customers, Ascent Respiratory Care, a home health care provider that helps patients with respiratory issues, eliminated writing paper checks entirely. “We do not write checks anymore. I would say about 95% of what we do is all paid out via BILL, whether it’s a hard copy check or an electronic payment,” said Ascent Respiratory Care Senior Business Development Associate Heather Thompson.

Use data analysis to uncover business insights more easily: Solutions that bring efficiency and optimization to your business can provide valuable analytics that can uncover insights to fuel innovation, inform your decision-making and identify areas for improvement. Golf Genius has seen firsthand how financial analytics has provided better control, visibility and efficiency. “I believe we’re saving thousands of dollars a quarter as a result of real-time budget tracking. Before [BILL], people would ask where they were against their budgets, and now we know,” says Golf Genius CFO, Lou Lombardo.

By harnessing technology to optimize key foundational parts of your business operations, you can achieve cost savings and efficiency gains that contribute to your overall business innovation. For example, BILL’s Financial Operations Platform for SMBs allows businesses to manage and optimize their cash flow all on one platform, delivering the most comprehensive suite of capabilities for SMBs.

4. Don’t be afraid to fail forward

Innovation is inherently risky, and not every idea will yield immediate success. However, the more efficient and automated some functions or processes are, the more a small business can embrace a culture of “failing forward,” where failure is viewed as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. It will help employees have the space and time to be more creative or innovative. Here’s how to do it:

Encourage experimentation: As product leaders, oftentimes we tell our peers: “If experiments aren’t failing often, then you are not experimenting enough”. Encourage your team to experiment with new ideas and approaches, even if they come with a degree of uncertainty. Build in time to test-run the idea, with an evaluation checkpoint, before implementing it system-wide.

Iterate and refine: After an experiment, assess what worked and what didn’t. Use these insights to refine your approach and try again.

Acknowledge lessons learned from failures: Celebrate the lessons learned from failures. This will encourage a culture where innovation is valued regardless of the outcome, giving business owners a competitive edge and supporting employee retention.

Remember that many groundbreaking innovations have emerged from a series of trial and error. By embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, your small business can take actionable steps toward building a culture that promotes creative thinking, and develop innovative solutions without a big investment.

In conclusion, innovation isn’t solely reserved for large corporations with deep pockets. Small businesses can thrive in today’s competitive landscape by adopting an innovation mindset, listening to customers, harnessing technology to optimize and adapt to market shifts, and being unafraid to experiment and learn from failures. With the right strategies and a commitment to cost-effective innovation, your small business can stay ahead of the curve.

At BILL, we’re 100% focused on helping SMBs to get more control, visibility, and efficiency in their business. Automating financial operations can be a game changer for your business, saving valuable team time on inefficient manual processes and focusing on high-value strategic tasks instead. BILL helps businesses thrive with technology that is powerful, secure, and easy to integrate and use. To learn more, visit Bill.com/Resources.