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Simplifying the Process of Renewing Medicaid and Enrolling in Health Coverage

2023-12-20T08:55:00

(BPT) – Access to healthcare services, doctors, medications, therapies, and vaccines can have life-changing impacts. That is why healthcare coverage is essential. However, staying covered takes action, especially since the restart of annual eligibility reviews for millions of individuals and families who get their coverage through Medicaid.

What has changed?

During the pandemic, the federal government enacted a Public Health Emergency (PHE), which meant that individuals covered by Medicaid were allowed to stay covered regardless of whether their eligibility had changed. This helped prevent coverage gaps during the health crisis; however, the annual renewal process restarted in early 2023, to ensure Medicaid program enrollees were still eligible to receive benefits.

“This process, called ‘the unwinding,’ impacts approximately 92 million people, who must act to keep coverage, or explore coverage options if they no longer qualify to continue receiving Medicaid, so it can be an anxious time for a lot of individuals and families,” said Kurt Small, Elevance Health Medicaid President.

Reports show that more than 11 million people have been disenrolled from Medicaid since renewals resumed, and approximately 2 million of them are children. Many more could also be at risk if they do not confirm their eligibility.

“I have seen firsthand how health insurance coverage can be complex to navigate,” said Small. “Sometimes people may go without insurance, simply because they weren’t aware of resources that could help them stay covered. But going without health insurance is a risk that no one should have to take, and that is why so many resources have been made available to help.”

Medicaid renewal next steps:

Every state Medicaid program has been actively reaching out to enrollees and directing them to resources for renewing their coverage. If you or a loved one are impacted, and need to review and renew your Medicaid coverage, consider these resources:

  • MyHealthBenefitFinder.com — This self-service tool helps people explore available health coverage options. It asks a few, simple questions and provides guidance on how to access coverage. It can also provide information about various low-cost or free resources and programs that can help with other needs, including transportation, housing and childcare.
  • Medicaid.gov — This website has several guides to help people understand what they need to do to renew their Medicaid or CHIP coverage, and it helps them find their state’s Medicaid contact information.
  • Healthcare.gov — This resource is useful for people who have lost Medicaid eligibility, but may now qualify for a subsidized Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plan on the Marketplace Exchange. For those who qualify, some plans cost as little as $0 a month. Open enrollment periods vary by circumstances and states, but are available to most through January 15, 2024.

In addition to these online resources, Elevance Health’s affiliated health plans provide personalized assistance through dedicated representatives, who are available 12 hours a day, Monday to Friday. These representatives can provide personalized assistance through dedicated representatives who can answer unique questions and offer support in multiple languages. To reach these representatives, health plan members should call the customer service number on their health plan ID card.

“This is an unprecedented time for Medicaid, a program that provides access to critical health care services. I lead Medicaid programs at Elevance Health, which serve more than 11 million people across the nation, and we stand committed to serving as a trusted healthcare partner to provide expert assistance, online tools and other resources that can simplify the renewal and enrollment process, so people can stay covered,” said Small.

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Kick off the new year with a healthy smile! Your 2024 guide to proactive oral health

2023-12-21T09:31:00

(BPT) – Are you ready to take on the new year with healthier habits and a boost of confidence? Then, it’s time to make your oral health a top priority! Not only does investing in your oral care create a healthy smile, but it can also improve your overall well-being. According to the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry, good oral health is a leading health indicator and is important for communication, human relationships and even financial prosperity.

If you want to be dentist-ready and feel your best in 2024, check out these five simple oral hygiene tips.

1. Consistency is key

The first step to a yearlong healthy smile is consistency. As your 2024 New Year’s resolution, promise yourself to make and maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for a full two minutes, and pay attention to how you’re brushing. Gently brush over your teeth and gums in a soft, circular motion.

2. Upgrade your oral health routine and toothpaste

Invest in your smile by upgrading your toothpaste and going to the dentist at least two times a year. Staying on top of your oral health routine and finding the right toothpaste can make a huge difference. Choose a toothpaste like Colgate Total Plaque Pro-Release, which offers long-lasting 24-hour antibacterial protection after two weeks of daily brushing.

The unique breakthrough formula penetrates hard-to-reach places to fight plaque bacteria along the gum line. It’s clinically proven to significantly reduce harmful plaque bacteria associated with gingivitis and help you get ahead of oral health problems before they start.

3. Watch what you eat and drink

You’re probably aware that sugary drinks and snacks can damage your smile, but acidic foods and drinks also pose a threat. According to the American Dental Association, products high in acids can wear away the enamel protecting teeth, making them vulnerable to cavity- and infection-causing bacteria. However, you don’t have to say goodbye to acidic foods and drinks entirely. Instead, limit them in your diet and opt for alternatives to save your teeth from excessive wear and tear.

4. Hydrate to be great

Staying hydrated has so many positive health effects, including supporting a healthy smile. For example, drinking plenty of water helps maintain saliva production. Why is saliva important? Because it rinses away bacteria and neutralizes acids in your mouth. Saliva is your body’s natural defense, so make sure you maintain a steady supply by hydrating.

5. Keep learning, keep smiling

When it comes to oral health, knowledge is power. Make sure to read the latest oral health tips so you can take an active role in your smile’s health. For example, follow dental associations on social media so you can stay up to date on dental care recommendations. As recommendations change, you can adjust your oral care routine to better care for your smile.

Let 2024 be the year you double down on your oral health using these five tips. With a little time and care, you can be dentist-ready this year and beyond.

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Make Wish Kids’ hope bloom with a festive bouquet

2023-12-21T15:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but this year may be less cheery for some families. This holiday season, more than 4,000 children will receive a devastating diagnosis. To help raise their spirits, Make-A-Wish and Teleflora — the world’s leading floral delivery service — have banded together to make these children’s dreams come true.

Teleflora hosted a Wish Tree activation at Westfield Century City to raise funds for Make-A-Wish, supporting the nonprofit’s mission of creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. During the event, participants wrote their holiday wish on a Make-A-Wish star ornament and placed it on the Teleflora Wish Tree. Each wish shared contributed $5 toward Teleflora’s total campaign donation and was doubled to $10 when shared on social media using #WishOutLoud.

A holiday of wishes

The Wish Tree event isn’t the only way Teleflora is helping Wish Kids this holiday season. The floral delivery service has also launched “A Holiday Wish,” an ad that follows a little girl gloomily spending the holidays in the hospital.

The ad explores her interaction with a kind nurse who brings joy to her and all her fellow children in the hospital. The nurse is later surprised by the girl’s parents, who leave a Teleflora holiday bouquet on his desk with a note that reads, “Thank you for being there for our daughter.”

“At Teleflora, we believe in the power of humanity and its potential to deliver hope and drive change,” said Danielle Mason, vice president of marketing, Teleflora. “With this campaign, wishes are the currency to help deliver life-changing holiday moments. Through a simple gesture, everyone can join us in delivering hope and healing to wish children and their families in an engaging and accessible way.”

Help spread holiday cheer

In the spirit of granting wishes, Teleflora is encouraging America to #WishOutLoud now through Dec. 31. You can get involved by shopping for Teleflora Bouquets. The company will donate 15% of the purchase price from all sales of its Send a Hug® North Pole Penguin Bouquet and Teleflora’s Send a Hug® Warm Wisher Tree to Make-A-Wish.

Teleflora bouquets are beautifully curated arrangements always made by hand and delivered to your doorstep by a local florist. Each bouquet comes complete with a festive keepsake container that can be incorporated into home décor for years to come.

In addition to buying a beautiful bouquet for your home or as a last-minute gift for a loved one, you can support Wish Kids by joining Teleflora’s social media movement. Share your holiday wish on Instagram or Facebook on a @Teleflora #WishOutLoud post. For each comment, Teleflora will donate $5. For each new post created sharing a wish with #WishOutLoud, Teleflora will donate $10, up to $250,000.

“A child’s joy is a light of hope for all of us, especially during the holiday season,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “For children with critical illnesses, a wish can create a turning point in their treatment and recovery, making a meaningful impact in their lives and the lives of their families. We’re grateful to Teleflora for helping us deliver more hope to communities nationwide.”

To learn about Teleflora and how you can participate in making children’s wishes come true this holiday season, visit Teleflora.com/Wish.

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74% of Americans say inflation is influencing their holiday spending: 3 money tips that can help

2023-12-21T12:01:00

(BPT) – ‘Tis the season, but U.S. consumers say high prices are impacting their spending habits and making them feel stressed (61%).

Citing inflation concerns (74%), recent research from financial services company Empower shows over a third (34%) of Americans are trimming their holiday budgets in favor of saving during the most wonderful time of year.

How much spend is just right? Let your budget be your guide. Here are three tips for embracing the spirit of giving.

1. Start budgeting for the holidays early

It’s always best to plan ahead. With rising prices, it may be harder to buy last-minute impulse gifts or squeeze in a few extra presents. That’s why it’s helpful to create a list of all your holiday expenses first.

Most people think of gifts when it comes to outlining holiday expenses. And while presents may comprise the bulk of your expenses, there are additional costs to consider like holiday decorations, travel, parties, entertainment, cards, wrapping paper, food and shipping charges for sending gifts to friends and family members who live far away.

Empower data shows that more than half of shoppers (55%) plan to focus on a significant or “big gift” item for those on their list, while 45% prefer to give an array of smaller presents. Budget-wise, more than a third of Americans (37%) have allocated less than $250 in total for gifts this year.

Keith Jones, senior financial professional at Empower, says, “Determine the total amount of money you want to spend on your holiday purchases. Write this figure down and put it in a prominent place where you will see it often. This way you’ll be reminded of your spending limit every day during the holidays, when it can be tempting to want to overspend.”

2. Prioritize what brings you the most holiday joy

According to the findings, half of Americans are cutting back on buying gifts for friends (50%). Deciding who you will — and won’t — buy gifts for this year can be the hardest part of creating a holiday spending budget.

“How you allocate your holiday budget will depend on what’s most important to you — this year, you may prioritize travel to visit family that you typically only see during the holidays over decorations or cut back on social commitments in order to give yourself a larger budget for holiday gifts,” says Jones.

Americans are embracing the gift of time, choosing low-cost activities like seeing holiday lights (56%) and watching movies at home (47%). These precious moments can build new holiday traditions and create priceless memories for your friends and family members to enjoy.

3. Start thinking about next year

Planning for the new year can help keep your eye on the prize. Americans’ top goals for next year include: Saving more money each month (54%), handling their debt (37%) and lowering any non-essential spending (34%). Budgeting is on the wish list, with 20% planning to set or stay on a budget next year.

It’s important to be realistic when setting a spending limit. This starts with understanding your overall financial situation. Working with a financial professional can help you identify your money goals and create a road map to help get you there.

Methodology:

This survey of 1,003 Americans ages 18+ was commissioned by Empower: 20% were baby boomers, 26% were Gen X, 26% were millennials, and 28% were Gen Z.

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Smart holiday shopping tips to prevent big bills in January

2023-12-21T09:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is all about celebrating with family and friends. But unfortunately, making the most of this festive time of year can also come at a cost. That becomes clear in January when the credit card bills show up — including bills for higher phone plan usage.

To help avoid the pain of post-holiday sticker shock, finance expert and author of New York Times bestseller “Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom” Lynnette Khalfani-Cox — also known as The Money Coach — offers her money-saving tips for enjoying the holidays without breaking the bank.

“Shopping smart now makes all the difference when January rolls around,” says Khalfani-Cox. “So make the most of the deals and offers that might only be available around the holidays, and your bank account will thank you!”

Here are her tips for making sure your holiday mood doesn’t come to a halt when the January bills come due.

1. Make your list — and check it twice

Setting a budget for holiday shopping and making a list of who you’re shopping for — then sticking to it — is the smartest way to be sure you don’t end up with unexpectedly high bills next month. Where possible, consider going in for group gifts, or choose gift cards for picky gift recipients so you can control exactly what you’re spending — and that they’ll love what they get.

“Keep a running list of what you’re spending, whether you shop online or in person, to stay on track,” advises Khalfani-Cox. “It’s all too easy to overspend when you’re not writing down every purchase.”

2. Dive into deals to make the holidays bright

Comparison shopping is the name of the game when it comes to finding the best deals for everything from gifts to holiday hosting must-haves. And that doesn’t stop at items to check off your holiday list. While you’re comparison gift shopping, check out the latest discounted deals from phone providers like Straight Talk Wireless, a no-contract carrier from Verizon. In fact, Straight Talk is now offering 6 months of free service with the purchase of the Samsung Galaxy A13 and one month of the Straight Talk Silver. This deal can help you stay connected with far-flung family and friends throughout the holiday season and beyond, for a lot less. Plus, it’s available exclusively through Walmart, so you can get all your other holiday shopping done, too.

3. Maximize rewards and loyalty programs — smartly

If you frequently shop from one store or brand, or if your credit cards offer cash back rewards for purchases, first make sure it’s something you really want to buy before signing on. Loyalty programs are great and can save you money, as long as it’s something you know will make a great gift for someone on your list.

“Choose programs and memberships that don’t cost anything up front,” Khalfani-Cox advises, “so you’ll be a lot merrier when you take advantage of the savings!”

4. Always read the fine print

No matter what you’re purchasing — but especially for high-priced or tech products — look out for hidden fees or costs. Read carefully to know what you’re signing up for, whether that’s a protection plan or autopay you may not need or want, and what the store’s policies are.

“When you’re spending your hard-earned money, you’ll want to be sure you know the store’s policies for returning items, or if they offer a price-match guarantee if you see the same item for less somewhere else,” says Khalfani-Cox.

5. Gift experiences or home-made items

If you’re looking to save money, consider gifting some people on your list a special homemade lunch at your home, a visit to a favorite local attraction together or home-baked goodies. For some gift recipients who are tough to shop for — or who don’t really want more “things” — a shared experience or heart-felt homemade present can be much more meaningful.

“The joy of the holiday season shouldn’t come with mounting bills,” Khalfani-Cox says. “With these tips, you can celebrate the spirit of the season with your loved ones — with less financial stress.”

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Gift-giving platform makes wishes come true with a little help from you

2023-12-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – Young adventurer Yuval has always dreamt of exploring the world. In fact, travel is the #1 way he and his mother, Avital, bonded. However, he had to put his adventures on hold when he became sick.

When he was 7 years old, Yuval’s mom found a lump on his neck that turned out to be lymphoma.

“I was heartbroken and lost,” said Avital. “I couldn’t take one breath of air without pain all over my body.”

However, the brave little adventurer faced aggressive cancer treatment with determination. Today, there’s no evidence of his disease. And he got to celebrate his travel wish with the help of Make-A-Wish and its donors.

Yuval’s greatest wish was to ski and explore Alaska. He got to do that and more! During his adventure in the Alaskan wilderness, he not only skied but also snowmobiled, snowshoed and even had the opportunity to go dog sledding. Best of all, he got to do it all with his best friend, Chase. With this adventure under his belt, Yuval is ready to continue to explore more of the world around him and reclaim the time he lost when fighting illness.

Donors make dreams possible

Turning Yuval and other children’s dreams into reality wouldn’t be possible without the help of Make-A-Wish sponsors like Snappy. This year, Snappy — the leading gifting company — hit a huge milestone, donating $2 million to Make-A-Wish.

Snappy is an all-in-one gifting company that spreads joy, shares gratitude and takes the guesswork out of gifting. The company connects people and cultivates meaningful relationships through the power of gratitude and gifting. Its “recipient-picks” experience ensures gift-givers send the perfect gift every time, for everyone, on every occasion. It even allows recipients to donate the value of their gift to a charity of their choice.

Businesses can use the online platform to purchase gifts for employees, business partners, clients. It’s these gift recipients who opted to donate the value of their gift to help support the transformative wishes of children with critical illnesses that have made Snappy’s significant achievement possible.

“At Snappy, we are so grateful to witness the profound impact of individual generosity,” said Hani Goldstein, Snappy co-founder and CEO. “When members of our community choose to donate their gift’s value to Make-A-Wish, they create a cascade of positivity. The philanthropic potential of our platform has made us deeply thankful for the kindness of our gift recipients and the wishes they’ve made possible for these children and their families.”

Wishes aren’t just fun activities. When a child’s wish is granted, it can create hope even in the most challenging situations.

“A wish creates an immediate turning point in a child’s treatment and recovery, and partnerships like Snappy’s make more of these life-changing wishes possible,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “There’s a gap between the number of wishes we’re granting and the number of wishes waiting, and we’re thrilled for Snappy’s support to help us close that gap.”

This holiday season and beyond, help Make-A-Wish and Snappy fulfill more wishes while also finding meaningful gifts for those in your life. To learn more about how you can help make a child’s wish come true, visit Wish.org.

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New year, new home: 5 inspiring trends for 2024

2023-12-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – The new year brings an air of excitement and inspiration that many people channel into new projects. This year, use that energy to refresh your home! Your home should be a space that you can’t wait to return to after work, school and errands.

With a few updates, you can easily transform your living room, kitchen and bathrooms, infusing these spaces with both style and function. So, get ready to start 2024 with a home update using these five inspiring trends.

1. Embracing organic and natural tones and materials

In 2024, consider integrating soothing neutrals and rich earth tones in your home for a beautiful and clean aesthetic. Also, embrace organic and natural materials. They’re timeless and long-lasting, bringing airiness and texture to any room. You can achieve this by incorporating natural stone, wood and rattan materials in furniture, flooring and decor. Together, these natural elements and colors will create an inviting space that brings a touch of nature indoors.

2. Indulging in a spa-like bathroom

You don’t have to leave your home to have a spa experience. In 2024, transform your bathroom into a serene oasis with spa-inspired features.

For example, consider switching your current showerhead with a newer model like the Delta® ProClean™ 6-Setting Hand Shower. This powerful and practical addition to your shower features two massage spray settings so you can relax to the fullest. You can easily restart the water with the same temperature as when you left it off, providing a seamless showering experience while helping conserve water and, most importantly, your hot water supply!

Once you’re done with your shower, use the ProClean™ spray setting to clean shower surfaces at least two times faster than standard sprays, powering off soap scum and shower messes. Delta® bath products make it easy to maintain a clean bathroom.

3. Making statements with accent walls

An accent wall can completely shift the design of a room. For example, a floral wall in the bathroom or a tropical print behind the sink can bring personality to the space. So, this year, embrace your creativity and choose a color or pattern that makes a statement.

4. Investing in functional spaces

Function should be at the forefront of your mind when upgrading your home. Whether you rearrange furniture to improve flow or add technology to simplify tasks, you’ll enhance your daily life at home.

For example, opt for a faucet in the kitchen that has features that make cleaning up easier, like Delta®’s Touch2O® Technology. A simple touch anywhere on the spout or handle with your wrist or forearm activates the water flow at the temperature where your faucet handle is set. The Delta® TempSense® LED light changes color to alert you to the water’s temperature and eliminate any possible surprises or discomfort. Perfect for little ones who might not realize the water is too hot to touch!

In your bathroom, add a practical and visually appealing sink faucet that enhances aesthetic appeal but also improves functionality. Opt for a model like the Stryke® Single Handle Pull-Down Bathroom Faucet, which quickly cleans toothpaste, dirt and small debris from your sink with a nimble pull-down spray wand.

The Lumicoat® Finish marries function and fashion, offering several options, including Champagne Bronze, Chrome and Matte Black. Best of all, the finish resists water spots and mineral buildup. It easily wipes clean without needing cleaners or chemicals, helping to keep your bathroom spotless.

5. Mixing styles

Why settle for one style? Mixing styles is a popular design trend, allowing you to choose styles that resonate with your multifaceted aesthetics. Combine traditional and modern elements or vintage and contemporary pieces. Experience a journey with your home renovation, find intentional inconsistencies between rooms and spaces and add more colors, textures and finishes.

This year, resolve to update your home to suit your style and everyday needs. Let these five trends inspire you in your home renovation and decoration endeavors in 2024!

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4 Tips to Gift Safely and Avoid Gift Card Scams This Holiday Season

2023-12-20T15:19:00

(BPT) – Holiday spending is expected to reach record levels this year. While many families got an early start in October to land hot deals and avoid crowds, gift cards remain one of the hottest items toward the end of the season, landing in the top three gifting items heading into Super Saturday, according to the National Retail Federation.

In fact, U.S. consumers will spend about $300 on gift cards this year — up from $217 last year — according to the 2023 Deloitte holiday retail survey. But, as popular as gift cards are, experts warn that gift card scammers are getting more and more creative each year.

That’s why Walmart has compiled tips from experts across the industry on how to stay vigilant this holiday season. These include:

No legitimate business or government agency will ask you to buy a gift card as a form of payment

Gift card scammers often start with a call, text, email or social media message directing consumers to buy one or more pre-paid gift cards as a quick form of payment. They often play into emotions, telling victims there’s a problem with their Social Security, an emergency, a loved one is in trouble or they’ve won the lottery, for example.

Requests that claim to be from the government, tech support or a utility company are a red flag. No matter what they say, no legitimate business or government agency will ever ask consumers to buy a gift card as a form of payment, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Buy direct and keep receipts

Planning to buy a gift card? Purchase it directly from a trusted retailer or the business issuing them. If purchased in-store, ensure packaging hasn’t been tampered with. Still unsure? Check with a store associate. Many major retailers like Walmart train associates to identify gift card scams.

Report suspicious gift card requests

Report suspicious requests to gift card issuers right away. There should be instructions for how to do so on the back of the card. Always keep receipts, as they can come in handy when reporting gift card scams to the issuing company.

Many organizations like the FTC and AARP have fraud prevention helplines. Informing these organizations of suspicious experiences can help make a difference.

Stay informed and be vigilant

Being vigilant and keeping these tips in mind can keep customers from falling victim to costly gift card scams.

Such was the case recently when a local Minnesota police chief’s own family member almost fell prey to a scam but was thankfully thwarted by vigilant Walmart associates at two different stores when they refused to sell the would-be victim $4,000 in gift cards after identifying signs that she might be a victim of fraud.

As part of Walmart’s ongoing effort to help protect our customers, Walmart is donating $5 million in media to consumer groups that educate consumers on how to avoid becoming a victim of gift card fraud.

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Vaccination Rates Aren’t Keeping Up: Harnessing the Power of Community to Combat COVID-19 & Misinformation

2023-12-20T13:21:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Novavax, Inc.

It’s been more than three years since the beginning of the pandemic, yet COVID-19 is far from over and hospitalizations continue to be reported, as of October 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).[1]

Unfortunately, the impact and burden of disease has disproportionately affected Hispanic/Latino communities[2] — including Hispanic communities being disproportionately represented in COVID-19 infection and death rates.[3] Despite this higher risk of COVID-19, Hispanic Americans reported greater hesitancy and resistance toward the COVID-19 vaccine especially in the early pandemic.[4]

“Vaccine mistrust and misinformation[5],[6] has hit our communities much more significantly than previously understood, affecting vaccine uptake[4] and risking a devastating impact on individuals’ and their families’ health,” explained Jose Torradas, MD, Emergency Medicine Physician and Co-Founder of Medicos Unidos, Inc. and paid spokesperson for Novavax.

Added Dr. Torradas, “We must stay vigilant against COVID-19 by encouraging everyone who is eligible to consider receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine as well as stopping the spread of misinformation by helping connect individuals with trusted healthcare information and providers if they have vaccine questions or concerns.”

Understanding the Risks of COVID-19 & Protecting Yourself

Everyone can take action to put their best foot forward heading into this fall and winter season by getting vaccinated to help protect themselves and their loved ones — yet a recent poll conducted in September 2023 found that only 54% of Hispanic adults currently plan to get the new COVID-19 vaccine.[7]

It’s important that all individuals stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination[8] — and the time to consider vaccination is now, with updated vaccines arriving in pharmacies and doctors’ offices. These updated COVID-19 vaccine options have been developed to help protect against subvariants of the COVID-19 virus.[9]

According to the CDC, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for severe COVID-19 illness, as well as individuals who are immunocompromised and those with underlying medical conditions.[9],[10]

“Collaboration and engagement at the community level are critical to empowering individuals and families with the necessary information to take control of their health, and the greatest need is often most concentrated in communities of color[11] and requires tailored, culturally relevant efforts to reach out and encourage vaccination,” said Silvia Taylor, EVP, Chief Corporate Affairs and Advocacy Officer at Novavax, a global leader in vaccine development and research that is working to make safe and effective vaccines available to help protect those who need them around the world.

Taking Action: Equitable Access to Vaccines & Trusted Information

Perhaps one of the most inescapable learnings of the past three years is the reality that everyone is in this together.

“As the nation continues to battle the pandemic, we advocate for all in the Hispanic and Latino communities to have easy and effective access to the COVID-19 vaccines and the facts,” explained Dr. Torradas.

What You Can Do

“It’s important to get the facts and know your risks,” emphasized Taylor. “If you have questions, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about your options, because protecting one of us can help protect all of us.”

For more information about the science making these vaccines possible, visit Novavax’s ChoosetoProtect.com.

To learn more about the latest authorized COVID-19 vaccine options and find a vaccination site near you, visit vaccines.gov.


[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID Data Tracker. Available at: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home. Accessed September 22, 2023.

[2] KFF. COVID-19 Cases and Deaths, Vaccinations, and Treatments by Race/Ethnicity as of Fall 2022. Available at: https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-brief/covid-19-cases-and-deaths-vaccinations-and-treatments-by-race-ethnicity-as-of-fall-2022/. Accessed September 25, 2023.

[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reaching the Hispanic Community About COVID-19 Through Existing Chronic Disease Prevention Programs. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/20_0165.htm#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20CDC%27s%20weighted%20population,total%20US%20population%20(7). Accessed November 1, 2023.

[4] Na L, Banks S, Wang PP. Racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake: A mediation framework. Vaccine. 2023;41(14):2404-2411. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.02.079.

[5] Brookings Institute. Skepticism and mistrust challenge COVID vaccine uptake for Latinos. Available at: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/skepticism-and-mistrust-challenge-covid-vaccine-uptake-for-latinos/. Accessed October 5, 2023.

[6] KFF. Addressing Misinformation Among Hispanic Adults: Snapshot from the KFF Health Misinformation Tracking Poll Pilot. Available at: https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/poll-finding/addressing-misinformation-among-hispanic-adults-snapshot-from-the-kff-health-misinformation-tracking-poll-pilot/. Accessed October 11, 2023.

[8] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed September 18, 2023.

[9] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations are Now Available. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/covid-vaccine-recommendations-9-12-2023.html. Accessed September 21, 2023.

[10] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People Who Are Immunocompromised. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-who-are-immunocompromised.html. Accessed October 11, 2023.

[11] Jason K., Wilson M., Catoe J., et al. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Black and Hispanic Americans’ Work Outcomes: a Scoping Review. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2023 Apr 28 : 1–16. doi: 10.1007/s40615-023-01594-6.

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Outpace PSVT in 2024 by investing in heart health

2023-12-20T13:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season can be a stressful time for many people. Travel, family gatherings, reminders of personal loss and much more can lead to high stress and anxiety levels, excessive eating and excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine. Over time, these stressors can lead to health issues such as heart arrhythmias, which impact millions of people in the U.S. today.

One of the most common types of heart arrhythmias is paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), commonly referred to as SVT. About 2 million Americans are living with SVT or PSVT, with approximately 300,000 new patients diagnosed each year. While anyone can develop SVT, it’s more common among women than men, accounting for 65% of SVT diagnoses.

Symptoms and diagnosis

A normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. However, people with SVT have debilitating and sudden episodes of extremely rapid heart rate, often exceeding 150 to 200 beats per minute. These attacks can start and stop without warning and last from seconds to hours.

Symptoms of SVT can be scary for patients and those who care about them. Rapid heart rate associated with SVT often causes severe palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, lightheadedness and distress. SVT symptoms often force patients to limit their daily activities, impacting their quality of life.

Diagnosing SVT can be frustrating. For some patients, it can take years to be diagnosed, which can breed doubt of the health care system and no treatment plan. Also, there is a significant unmet need for patients experiencing the physical, emotional and psychological burden of highly symptomatic episodic attacks associated with SVT.

Taking care of your heart health

While there’s no way to completely prevent symptomatic SVT episodes, you can take steps to manage your heart condition. During the holiday season and to kick off the new year in good heart health, it is important to consider the following tips from Dr. James Ip, cardiologist at a premier medical institution in NYC, to help manage potential heart arrhythmias, including SVT.

  1. If you experience any severe chest pain, shortness of breath, light-headedness or fainting, call 911 and/or seek emergency assistance.
  2. If you are not in distress, lay down and try to stop the arrhythmia yourself by performing a breathing exercise or vagal maneuver such as the Valsalva maneuver (bearing down like forcing a bowel movement) or splashing cold water on your face. If this does not work, seek medical care if your symptoms persist.
  3. Consider obtaining a device that can generate an electrocardiogram (ECG) (such as a KardiaMobile, Apple Watch, Fitbit, Samsung Galaxy Watch, etc.) to record your rhythm during your tachycardia episodes and share this information with your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about treatment options

Medical providers are displeased by the lack of effective treatment options for SVT. Today, treatment often requires a prolonged, unpleasant and costly trip to the emergency room. For some patients, an invasive catheter ablation procedure may be required that may not alleviate all episodes. Therefore, the medical community understands there is a need to identify a potential novel treatment approach.

Take proactive steps to protect your heart health during the holidays and beyond. If you believe you’re experiencing SVT or similar cardiovascular symptoms, talk to your doctor about your concerns and potential treatment options. To learn more about SVT, visit OutsmartPSVT.com.