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Stay secure in the digital world: 5 essential steps to safeguard your identity

2023-11-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Protecting your digital identity is more important than ever before. According to the Telesign Trust Index, 30% of consumers surveyed reported they were victims of fraud in the past three years. Given the recent spike in online activity, with e-commerce spending surging by $200 billion in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to McKinsey & Company that number will climb as new forms of digital fraud emerge. And that fraud can have long-lasting effects on your pocketbook. Of consumers who were fraud victims, 61% reported financial losses.

You’re not alone if you haven’t considered protecting your digital identity. According to the report, consumers perceive fraud as an immediate threat, but 45% don’t actively protect themselves against cybercrime.

You can generally remedy your situation if your identity has been compromised. Still, it’s better to protect your identity now and prevent future damage. In honor of International Fraud Awareness Week, Telesign offers five expert tips that can help you protect your digital identity.

1. Set up two-factor authentication on all accounts

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a more effective security measure than simply updating passwords. It adds an extra layer of security that can be the difference between being exploited or staying secure.

Whether it’s a one-time code sent to your mobile device, a fingerprint scan or a biometric verification, these secondary authentication methods are powerful tools in your digital identity protection arsenal. If your online service providers offer two-factor authentication, turn it on. If they don’t provide it, demand the service.

2. Protect your personal details

Don’t share your personal or financial information with unfamiliar sources. Even information you think is innocuous can be used to steal your identity or access critical accounts. This is especially important to remember during the holidays. According to AARP, three-quarters of Americans have experienced or been targeted for scams tied to the holidays.

Stay vigilant and take extra care in how you share your personal details when answering calls from unknown phone numbers, responding to strange emails, entering data on website forms, and even what you share on social media.

3. Monitor your bank accounts and credit scores

Be proactive in defending your digital identity by regularly monitoring your financial accounts and credit scores. Turn on notifications and keep an eye on your statements to spot any suspicious activity. You can easily set up account alerts with your bank and credit bureaus to receive notifications about unusual transactions or changes to your credit report. The quicker you act, the less damage scammers can cause to your accounts.

4. Report fraud

If you suspect or have confirmed that your digital identity has been compromised, don’t wait. Report fraud attempts and suspicious activity as soon as possible. For example, contact your bank and credit card company to report any unauthorized transactions and potential identity theft. Also, don’t forget to report fraud to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Your report could help prevent others from being similarly scammed.

5. Look for trustworthy signals

Don’t assume every email you open, document you download or website you visit is trustworthy. For example, if you receive an offer that’s too good to be true, check that the company or person it claims to be uses the actual sender address. There are even clone websites that look legitimate but have the potential to damage your digital identity. Check the website URL before entering important information, such as credit card numbers.

Another way to keep yourself safe is to look for trust signals like a TLS/SSL certificate or the Telesign Trust Certified Badge. These trustworthy signs can show that a company has been verified as a safe and secure digital environment defender. Telesign’s suite of Continuous Trust™ solutions prevents the transmission of more than 30 million fraudulent messages each month and over 1 million account takeovers every year.

Prevention is more effective — and less stressful — than dealing with the aftermath of a digital identity breach. Prioritize your digital identity security to keep your personal information and financial well-being safe in our digital age. To read the Telesign Trust Index report and learn more about online fraud, visit Telesign.com.

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10 ways to host a ‘Holly Jolly Movie Night’

2023-11-14T07:01:00

(BPT) – Tis the season for celebrating with family and friends! In addition to holiday parties, shopping, errands, wrapping presents, making last-minute online orders, and all that cooking madness, consider taking a “holiday time out” and host a “Holly Jolly Movie Night” sleepover! Whether it’s for your kids and their pals, or maybe a Moms Movie Night, a holiday movie night gathering is a great way to celebrate the happiest time of year.

Here are 10 tips for hosting a holiday movie marathon you won’t forget!

1. A special invite

This time of year, everyone’s schedules are filling up fast. Pick a date early that works for you and your guests so everyone can attend. Once that’s done, send out evites or text invites and mark the calendar. This also makes it easy to track what needs to be done before the big day. Make your invitation memorable (use a free design app to create it) and festive so everyone will vibe with the holiday spirit!

2. Lean into a fun theme

Gatherings are always better when there’s a theme! This can help steer all the other details of your special evening. You could host a Kitschy Christmas Night and also ask guests to bring a little gift to donate to a local family charity. Or throw a movie night potluck, have everyone wear outlandish holiday PJs … there are so many creative ways to make your night extra fun and photogenic. And once you’ve landed on a theme, you can use that to guide your movie selection and/or menu.

3. Make a movie schedule

Have everyone text you their favorite holiday classic — both old and new. Hold a drawing to pick 2-5 shows to watch on that special night. Or prepare a list guests can choose from, with categories for different types of movies, such as old school classics, ’90s favorites, animated, comedy and drama. Then create funny cards with the schedule and a catchy description of each film.

4. Create a cozy ambiance

Take a look at your space and find ways to maximize the coziness. In addition to finding new ideas for holiday decorations that fit your theme, think about how to make your viewing room as comfortable as possible. Move furniture around so everyone has a good view of the screen. Grab extra cushions, bean bags, blankets and pillows. You can even bring out an inflatable mattress for extra seating and lounging. Hang ornaments and string lights so you can turn off the lights and bask in their little glow while watching your movie lineup.

5. Don’t forget the snacks and drinks

No sleepover or movie marathon would be complete without the snacks! Offer a variety of holiday eats and drinks like hot cheesy snacks, popcorn, hot cocoa, gingerbread cookies and candy canes. Then lay out a fun cocktail/mocktail bar with your favorite beverages to enjoy all night long. (Be sure to include lots of water, too!)

Also, consider preparing a dinnertime/snack board with a mix of warm nibbles, veggies and proteins to fuel your movie party well into the night. A great option is a holiday snack board with fun finger foods like Farm Rich loaded potato skins, stuffed jalapeno peppers, mozzarella sticks and zucchini sticks.

These items are easy to prepare ahead of time or in between movies in your microwave, oven or air fryer. Lay them out on the board with carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, celery and dip, and some winter-time colored fruits so you can graze all night long.

6. Intermission

Even the most die-hard movie fans need an intermission. Plan time in between movies to take a quick break, snack some more, stretch your legs and even do some holiday activities. For example, you can play short card games, a quick round of charades or plan in advance for a movie trivia pop quiz!

7. Plan a simple supper

Although you’ll have a yummy appetizer spread, don’t forget to plan for a quick dinner. Make-ahead ideas like these Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs or Buffalo Ranch Meatball Subs are fast and easy. Before guests arrive, you can put meatballs in the slow cooker so they’ll be ready for the movie break. For the subs, lay out the rolls, dressing and other toppings so folks can make their own.

8. Get some Zzzzzs

While kids (and adults) may want to stay up until the wee hours of the morning, everyone needs some shut-eye, especially this time of year. Prepare sleeping arrangements in advance. Have some bedside finishing touches like eye pillows, sound machines and water. If you don’t have enough beds in the house, make sure there are plenty of wide, comfy couches, air mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows and blankets.

9. Morning matinee breakfast

Keep the fun going the next morning and enjoy a morning movie matinee with a simple breakfast. Create a coffee and juice bar with gourmet beans, creamers, tea, hot chocolate, orange-pineapple or cranberry juice and water. Make this French Toast Breakfast Casserole the day before and warm it up for your guests, along with sides of fruit and maybe some turkey sausage links.

10. Capture the magic

And finally, be sure to capture the moments of this wonderful gathering with photos that can be shared during and after. Maybe start a shared phone photo album too so everyone can add funny pics all night long

Holiday Movie Night is a great excuse to get friends and family together to celebrate the season in a sweet and special way. Follow these tips to make it easy — and be sure to add some touches of your own for a night to remember!

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Heat up safety precautions this winter

2023-11-14T12:01:00

(BPT) – Nothing says winter like cooking festive foods, getting cozy around the fireplace and spending time with loved ones during the holidays. During the cooler months of the year, when more gatherings are held indoors, it is important to take the time to help protect your family and home from the threats of fire and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. First Alert, the most trusted brand in home safety*, offers the following reminders to help keep your home safe this winter and all year round:

Schedule annual inspections. Before the temperatures drop and you turn on the heat, call a professional to clean and inspect your home’s furnace, wood-burning stove and other heat-emitting fixtures, including gas and wood-burning fireplaces, as dangerous levels of CO can result if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly. Also ensure all heat sources are free of debris, dust and particle buildup to ensure proper airflow. During annual inspections, have a professional check for rust and corrosion, malfunctions, cracks or brick separations. These conditions can prevent proper air movement and cause back-drafting or other fire hazards.

Disperse plug-in items. During colder weather, you might find yourself using more plug-in items, such as space heaters or electric blankets, to help stay warm. Be mindful of how many objects you are using for each outlet or extension cord, as well as the surfaces they are sitting on. Also, since heat-emanating objects, specifically space heaters, can be fire hazards, make sure you only have one such item plugged into each outlet at a time and that it is a safe distance away from blankets, plants, wall art or other flammable items.

Check home safety devices. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when winter temperatures plummet and home heating systems run for hours, the risk of CO poisoning increases. Be prepared and make sure to evaluate the fire and CO protection in your home. In addition to testing alarms regularly and replacing alarms that are 10 years old, make sure you have installed the proper protection. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that homes have smoke alarms installed high on walls and ceilings, inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Additionally, CO alarms should be installed on each level and in or near each sleeping area. To put this into perspective, a two-story, three-bedroom house needs a minimum of five smoke alarms and four CO alarms. For convenient protection and peace of mind, install First Alert 10-Year Sealed Battery Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms for 2-in-1 protection with a 10-year sealed battery, which eliminates the need for battery replacements and late-night battery chirps for a decade.

Cook with care. According to the NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home injuries, so it’s important to know what you can do to help keep your family and friends safe while entertaining during the holidays and winter season. Keep a fire extinguishing device, like the First Alert EZ Fire Spray, at arm’s reach while in the kitchen, to ensure you can react quickly and safely in case of an emergency. The EZ Fire Spray is compact, lightweight and easy to use, making it a convenient option to store close by.

To learn more fire safety tips, visit FirstAlert.com.

*First Alert Brand Trust Survey, March 2023 – Results are based on the responses of 1,043 adult homeowners, ages 25 and older, living in the United States who completed an online survey asking them to choose from six brands in the smoke, fire and carbon monoxide protection space.

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Skin science secrets for smooth winter skin: Insights from a chemist to break free from dry skin woes

2023-11-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – If the dropping temperatures instantly make your skin feel dry and uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Between the frigid air outside and overheated air inside, the winter months are loaded with skin stressors that can put your skin on a seemingly endless dry skin roller coaster. According to Dr. Kate Biberdorf, also known as Kate the Chemist, this roller coaster can lead to a weakened skin barrier.

“Think of your skin barrier as a leaky bucket, and you’re constantly trying to fill it with moisturizers — but things like changes in temperature and humidity levels can strip the skin of moisture and contribute to leaks,” explained Kate. “The best solution is to fix the holes in the bucket to strengthen the skin barrier.”

If you find yourself reaching for product after product to get your skin off the dry skin roller coaster, here are Kate the Chemist’s tips to keep your skin looking and feeling its best all winter long.

Protect your skin from winter stressors

Our skin barrier responds to the humidity of the air around us, absorbing and releasing moisture to maintain a balance. To help protect your skin from everything that comes with cold winter months, it’s important to consider what the skin needs when you’re inside or out.

When spending time indoors with the heat on, try to avoid bumping up the thermostat higher than is necessary for comfort. This makes the air hotter, drying out your skin. Consider adding an in-room or whole-home humidifier to moderate the moisture in the air or upgrade your thermostat to one that indicates the humidity levels in your home. Your skin and your energy bills will thank you.

When you head outside, whether enjoying winter sports or playing with the kids out in the snow, defend your skin from inclement weather by bundling up. Go for breathable layers that will keep you cozy and can be shed in case you get too warm. Grab a fashionable hat, scarf and glove set to top it off! Finally, make sure you’re wearing sunscreen on any exposed skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing sunscreen every day if you will be outside to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Don’t just use any old body wash or lotion

Key to breaking the dry skin cycle are the products you use to cleanse and moisturize your skin. “Certain body care products hydrate the skin temporarily but don’t help repair the skin barrier. That’s why your skin feels dry again within a few hours,” said Kate.

Body care products that actually help repair the skin barrier make all the difference. Kate recommends using the Olay Hyaluronic Body Wash and Olay Hyaluronic Body Lotion to help break the dry skin cycle.

Olay Hyaluronic Body Wash is formulated with moisturizing ingredients that penetrate the skin’s surface to nourish and restore dry, thirsty skin from within. The body wash is also dermatologically approved by the Skin Health Alliance (SHA), a global organization of independent dermatologists and skin scientists that assess the research and development behind various products to help consumers know what’s good for their skin.

“Olay’s Hyaluronic Body Wash and Body Lotion are packed with skin-loving ingredients, including petrolatum, hyaluronic acid, and a special Vitamin B3 Complex,” said Kate. “These products go the extra mile by diving 10 layers deep into your skin, leaving you with visibly healthier skin. Olay’s special blend of moisturizers isn’t just your average skin saver — it’s a unique formula that deeply nourishes your skin barrier, helping it become stronger and healthier looking over time.”

Shower with care

How you shower can also impact your skin. “By taking short showers with warm water rather than hot water, you can help to keep your skin’s natural oils in your skin where they belong,” Kate noted. After showering with Olay Hyaluronic Body Wash, gently towel off and apply the matching Hyaluronic lotion to your skin while it’s still a bit damp and feel the result.

“Winter can be really rough on the skin,” added Kate. “So make a great body care routine part of your daily ritual. You’ll look and feel so much better when you get off that dry skin roller coaster and break the dry skin cycle for good!”

Learn more about how to care for your skin at Olay.com.

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Feeling burnt out? Watch out for these symptoms

2023-11-14T07:01:00

(BPT) – If long workdays leave you wondering if you’re burnt out, take a closer look. While typical signs of work-related burnout can mean you’re overdue for serious PTO, other symptoms may indicate psychological, emotional and/or physical issues that need to be addressed for your well-being.

Listing your symptoms may provide a clearer picture of what you need for self-care. While some symptoms may lead you to seek a visit with your physician or consult a mental health professional, others may indicate a common source of discomfort in today’s digital environment: your eyes.

Frequently experienced eye-related issues

These symptoms and others can be due to — or worsened by — excessive screen time, including work, gaming, watching TV or interacting on social media for more than two hours consecutively each day.

Eyestrain is very common in today’s visually demanding world, especially if your workday involves extensive reading and staring at a computer. Sore, dry or watery eyes, itching or burning sensations, sensitivity to light, headaches and difficulty focusing can develop.

Headaches accompanied by visual symptoms like flashing or sparkling lights and darkening of vision could indicate you’re experiencing migraine with aura. However, it’s critical to rule out other potential causes like damage inside your eye, a retinal tear or retinal detachment, which can only be determined through an in-person comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist. Headaches can be exacerbated by both stress and excessive screen time.

Blurred vision when looking quickly from near to far could be a sign of accommodative dysfunction, a condition frequently found in anyone who works up close for long periods of time, such as those who work on screens. Blurring and inability to focus can occur without proper lighting and posture, or if you’re not taking enough breaks.

Dry eye is a medical condition in which someone doesn’t create enough of a quality tear film to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and providing clear vision. Dry eye may be caused or worsened when reading or staring at a screen for long periods of time.

Neck and shoulder pain can result from tilting your head at odd angles because your glasses aren’t designed for looking at a computer, or if you bend toward the screen to see more clearly. Poor lighting, a glare on your screen, improper viewing distances, poor seating posture or uncorrected vision problems could all contribute to neck and shoulder pain.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, visit an optometrist for a comprehensive in-person eye exam. Optometrists can test for a wide variety of conditions to understand the causes of your discomfort. Only by examining your eyes in-office can an optometrist determine how to help relieve your symptoms.

“Unfortunately, eye health is not the first thing people think of when they’re experiencing workplace discomfort, but a well-functioning visual system is crucial for everyday wellness,” said American Optometric Association (AOA) President Dr. Ronald Benner. “Eye health impacts your overall health — and also provides important early indicators of numerous diseases. An annual comprehensive eye exam with a doctor of optometry is vital to ensure everyone’s eye health, whether they wear glasses or not.”

Better work habits

In addition to seeing your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam, here are tips to help safeguard your eyes:

The 20/20/20 rule. It’s important to rest your eyes while on your computer, gaming or using any device for long periods. For every 20 minutes on a digital device, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to refocus.

Blink! Blinking keeps the front surface of the eye moist, but it’s common for people to blink less often when doing tasks on electronic devices. Blink rate can actually slow by up to 40% when you’re looking at a screen. To minimize the chances of developing dry eye, try to blink more frequently. Setting reminders on your devices can help you remember to do so.

Digital device distance. Your computer screen should be 15-20 degrees below eye level (about 4-5″) as measured from the center of the screen, and 20 inches from your eyes. Smaller devices should be a minimum of 13 inches away to give the visual system a break, and make sure to use the zoom feature to increase small print and details instead of bringing the device closer to your eyes.

The right glasses for the job. Whether your corrective lenses are worn for distance, reading or both, they may not provide the best vision for viewing computer screens. Tell your optometrist about your daily job tasks and hobbies. You may benefit from wearing glasses specifically made for computer work.

Want more eye health tips and tricks? Check out AOA’s new mobile game Blink Land to learn more about eye health through minigames and trivia. Most importantly, find an AOA optometrist near you at AOA.org.

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Anesthesiologists showcase cutting-edge research to transform patient care

2023-11-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to depression in women more often than men. Minority patients are more likely to die after surgery. Parents may benefit from using virtual reality to ease their anxiety when their children have surgery. These were among the many cutting-edge studies impacting patient care presented at the recent ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2023, the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

“Over their lifetimes, many Americans may experience TBI, endure health care disparities or experience anxiety when their child is having surgery,” said ASA President Ronald L. Harter, M.D., FASA. “This groundbreaking research has real-world implications for patients and their families and aims to improve health care for everyone. Anesthesiologists are on the forefront of advancing scientific inquiry to improve patients’ surgical experience before, during and after a procedure.”

Here are a few examples of the new findings anesthesiologists recently presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2023.

Women at much higher risk of depression after TBI

Most studies showing the link between TBI and depression have focused on men. But according to an analysis of nine studies and nearly 700,000 people, women are nearly 50% more likely than men to develop depression after suffering a concussion or other TBI. This research represents the highest-quality evidence to date that a patient’s gender influences the risk of depression after TBI, according to Isaac G. Freedman, M.D., MPH, lead author of the study and an anesthesiology resident at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston.

Every year, about 1.5 million Americans suffer a TBI, which can lead to long-term health effects such as memory loss and behavioral changes. Common causes of TBI in women include falls, intimate partner violence, trauma related to military service and sports-related concussion. Women’s soccer has the highest rate of concussions of all contact sports, a separate study recently found.

Women should be aware of the risk of developing depression after a brain injury, even if they have no prior history of mental health challenges, and should know what signs and symptoms to look for and when to seek help. Doctors may consider screening women for depression if they have had a TBI.

Black and Hispanic patients much more likely to die after surgery than white patients

Twelve thousand Black and Hispanic patients who died after surgery the past two decades may have lived if there were no racial and ethnic disparities among Americans having surgery, according to a study of more than 1.5 million inpatient procedures. This estimate draws attention to the human toll of disparities in surgical outcomes, with Black patients being 42% more likely and Hispanic patients 21% more likely to die after surgery compared to white patients.

This research represents the first effort to move beyond merely documenting the ongoing disparities in surgical outcomes in the U.S. by quantifying their total human toll, said Christian Mpody, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, lead author of the study and assistant professor of anesthesiology and pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus.

Unless efforts to narrow the racial and ethnic gap in surgical outcomes intensify, preventable deaths will continue among minority patients, the researchers said. The development of equity policies to address disparity gaps can make a difference; a 2% reduction in projected excess mortality rates among Black patients would avert roughly 3,000 post-surgery deaths in the next decade, researchers determined.

While the study didn’t assess the effectiveness of specific interventions or policies, researchers noted that addressing the problem requires an extensive approach including investment in disparity research, cultural competency training for health professionals and prioritizing patient education and health literacy.

Virtual reality reduces anxiety among caregivers of children having surgery

Virtual reality (VR) may be an effective and reliable tool to alleviate the anxiety experienced by most parents or caregivers when their child undergoes surgery, a study found. By providing family-centered care, researchers aimed to treat not just the patient, but also caregivers, 74% of whom experience quite a bit of anxiety before, during and after their child’s surgery, said Thomas J. Caruso, M.D., Ph.D., FASA, senior author of the study and clinical professor of anesthesiology, perioperative and pain medicine at Stanford University, California. The findings demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety when using VR, compared to the standard of care.

Immersive technologies, such as VR, offer new, non-pharmacologic treatment options for anxiety relief. Given the diminishing costs of VR and its commercial availability, the results of this study suggest that hospitals seeking to provide family-centered care may consider VR as an effective, anxiety-relieving option for parents or caregivers.

Learn more about the importance of physician-led anesthesia care, preparing for surgery and the latest advances in the specialty. Visit: https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/.

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4 questions to ask before going electric

2023-11-13T12:01:01

(BPT) – The “electric vehicle (EV) boom” is upon us. Americans purchased nearly 300,000 EVs in the second quarter of this year, over 48% more than in 2022. To drive the trend even further, new data from Hankook Tire’s Gauge Index survey suggests that more than 1 in 3 drivers (34%) plan to own or lease a hybrid or EV in the future.

But purchasing an EV is an entirely different ballgame compared to purchasing a traditional gas-powered or internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. The unique characteristics of EV ownership mean that first-time buyers should ask specific questions of their car dealers and of themselves before making the switch.

If you are thinking about purchasing an EV for the first time, here are some questions to consider to make a smart purchasing decision:

1. What is the long-term cost?

The initial price on the sticker doesn’t cover everything for any vehicle, and the same is true for EVs. Drivers must consider the cost of maintenance, insurance and, of course, fueling up. However, the cost difference to charge an EV is an incentive for many car shoppers. Hankook found that 24% of drivers are most likely to switch to an EV for a lower cost to charge rather than pumping gas.

2. What type of maintenance will my EV need?

The general consensus among drivers is that EVs require less maintenance than their ICE counterparts, but understanding what is needed to keep the vehicle running at peak performance is still key. While there’s no oil to change in your EV, brakes, fluids and various air filters will still need to be maintained over the course of your vehicle’s life. As a new EV owner, it is important to be aware of the maintenance needs.

3. What tires come on my EV?

Did you know that there are tires specifically made for EVs? EV tires are created with the change in road noise and increased weight of the vehicle in mind. If the tires on your vehicle are not EV-specific, consider purchasing new ones through rebates and other tire sale opportunities. And don’t forget to consider tire qualities that are important to both yourself and your driving habits. The Gauge identified performance (14%), safety (14%) and longevity (14%) as the top considerations for EV drivers when purchasing a new set of tires.

4. What does my local charging infrastructure look like?

Charging stations continue to pop up across the U.S., but is there a charging station convenient to your daily life? Hankook found that 30% of drivers are more likely to consider driving an EV if there were more charging stations near where they work or live. Knowing where the most convenient stations are will make the transition to charging even easier.

There are many questions that new EV buyers should ask before making the shift, but thinking strategically and asking questions about factors that may impact you in the long run will set you up well for an electrified future.

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3 hearing health strategies for older adults

2023-11-13T16:37:00

(BPT) – As people age, our hearing tends to decline for multiple reasons, including repetitive exposure to loud sounds and genetic factors. In fact, hearing loss ranks as the third most common chronic condition among all Americans. For older Americans, nearly a quarter of those aged 65 to 74 have hearing loss. That number increases to 50% for those 75 and older.

For people in this situation, obtaining treatment as soon as possible is crucial, as hearing is vital to staying connected with friends and family. Studies have shown that hearing loss can contribute to social isolation, cognitive decline, trouble communicating and more.

While there is no cure for certain types of hearing loss, there are options to treat it and help you maintain an active lifestyle. In fact, the recent ACHIEVE Study found that for older adults at increased risk of cognitive decline, accessing hearing invention, specifically hearing aids, slowed down loss of thinking and memory abilities by 48% over three years.

To help prevent further hearing loss, avoid potential medication-related complications, and make more informed decisions about testing and treatment, here are three tips from Dr. Claire Collord Johnson, audiologist with UnitedHealthcare Hearing:

1. Continue to focus on prevention. Even if you are already experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to avoid exposure to one-time or prolonged loud sounds. When attending events such as concerts or sporting events, use protection such as foam or custom ear plugs.

There may be other activities in your day-to-day routine causing damage, too. Prolonged exposure to noise over 70 decibels over time can damage hearing health. Sources of sound above this decibel level can include lawn mowers, power tools or listening to music at high volumes. When using earbuds or headphones, follow the 60-60 listening rule, which promotes listening to audio devices at no more than 60% of maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes a day.

2. Consider your overall health. Before starting any new medications, it is important to know that more than 600 prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs have the potential to impact hearing. These medications are known as ototoxic, which means they can contribute to hearing loss, worsen tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or contribute to balance disorders.

Make sure you check with your primary care provider to review any potential side effects of new medications that could cause further harm to your hearing, as well as make sure to follow the guidance from your prescribing physician. Importantly, hearing health is connected to overall health, with untreated hearing loss linked to higher rates of depression, dementia and increased risk of falls.

3. Seek treatment. If you or a loved one believes you may be experiencing hearing loss, it is important to access care as soon as possible. Wearing hearing aids when the condition first arises may help your ears adapt to the re-introduction of lost sounds more effectively, preserving the brain’s ability to process language.

A good place to start is by completing an online hearing test, which offers a hearing health questionnaire to assess your hearing health and learn about potential next steps for care. You can also check with your primary care physician, who may be able to provide a basic test, check for earwax and refer you to a hearing health professional for a comprehensive exam. Depending on your specific needs, an audiologist or hearing health professional may be able to fit you for a prescription hearing aid.

To help make hearing aids more affordable, check with your health plan to determine if any discounts may be available. For instance, people enrolled in most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans can purchase custom-programmed hearing aids with little to no out-of-pocket costs.i Other potential ways to save on hearing aids include through membership organizations.

Following these tips can play an important role in protecting your hearing health as part of a comprehensive approach to healthy aging.

Learn more: Go to UHCHearing.com to access a free online hearing test*, find a hearing care professional near you, and to save on prescription and OTC hearing aids.

* The online hearing test is not designed to replace a professional hearing test.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply.

i The cost of hearing aids as well as the method of paying for them varies by plan. Medicare Advantage members should refer to their Evidence of Coverage document or call the number on their health plan ID card to confirm the cost and payment method for their plan.

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Why Sodium Matters, Especially If You Have Narcolepsy

2023-11-13T12:01:01

(BPT) – People with narcolepsy may be unaware that their chronic condition may increase their odds of having a stroke*, heart disease†, hypertension†, diabetes†, and other cardiometabolic comorbidities† compared to the people without narcolepsy. As a result, many are caught by surprise when they hear about their increased risk and the steps needed to help mitigate it.

Consider Grace** for example, who has narcolepsy type 1*** and has had to navigate the realities of her diagnosis and its connection to cardiovascular disease. Shortly after finding out she had narcolepsy, Grace spoke to her doctor and sought out online resources, which led her to a statistic that may come as a shock.

A study comparing 9,312 adults with narcolepsy to 46,559 similar adults who do not live with the sleep disorder showed that people with narcolepsy were 2.5x more likely to have a stroke**** than people without narcolepsy.

“I know narcolepsy is a life-long condition, and I will likely need treatment for the rest of my life,” Grace says. “Although I am healthy and in shape, I try to do what I can every day to lower my risk for cardiovascular disease.”

Below are some important considerations that narcolepsy patients with excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy can refer to when speaking with their doctor about their sodium intake, which is a modifiable risk factor for heart health.

Many people know sodium intake is important but may be overlooking the “why.” Enter the heart health connection. “Monitoring sodium is important to me because too much sodium can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease,” Grace says. “And I know that in general, I have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease since I have narcolepsy.”

For most adults, reducing sodium intake by 1,200 mg per day can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. And while sodium typically comes from food and drinks, people may be surprised to learn it is also in certain medications.

Oxybate-containing medications are a treatment option for people with narcolepsy who have excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy. However, some of these medications can contain up to ~1640 mg of sodium at the maximum recommended 9 g nightly dose. For patients seven years and older with cataplexy and/or excessive daytime sleepiness, XYWAV® (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates), the first and only FDA approved low-sodium oxybate, is an option. XYWAV is thought to work during sleep to help with two common symptoms of narcolepsy during the day. The exact way XYWAV works for the treatment of cataplexy and EDS in patients with narcolepsy is unknown, but it contains 92% less sodium than the higher-sodium oxybate, XYREM® (sodium oxybate) oral solution. That’s as much as ~1,509 mg less sodium per night at the maximum recommended nightly dose.

It’s important for people with narcolepsy to understand certain risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including considering their sodium intake. “I would definitely recommend to others who are struggling with excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in narcolepsy to talk to their doctor about trying XYWAV to see if it may help them like it helped me,” Grace says. No matter your age, diet or fitness status, it’s important people with narcolepsy be aware of how sodium plays into their heightened cardiovascular disease risk and to speak with their doctors about Xywav, a low-sodium treatment option.

XYWAV may cause serious side effects including Central Nervous System (CNS) depression, abuse and misuse, breathing problems, mental health problems and sleepwalking. Because of the risk of CNS depression, abuse and misuse, XYWAV is available only by prescription, and filled through the central pharmacy in the XYWAV and XYREM REMS. Please see below for more information on XYWAV.

For more information, visit XYWAV.com/narcolepsy.

Sponsored by Jazz Pharmaceuticals

* Based on an analysis of 9,312 people with narcolepsy and 46,559 people without narcolepsy matched by age, sex, geographic region, and payer who had continuous insurance coverage between the years of 2006 and 2010

† Based on an interview study of 320 people with narcolepsy compared to 1464 people without narcolepsy matched for age, sex, and body mass index

** Grace is a real XYWAV patient and has been compensated by Jazz Pharmaceuticals for her time

*** Narcolepsy type 1 is characterized by the symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness, which is the uncontrollable need to sleep during the day, and cataplexy, which is a brief loss of muscle control that can happen when a person feels a strong emotion

**** Odds ratio (95% CI) 2.5 (2.3, 2.7); P-value <0.0001

Please see Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information, including BOXED Warning and Medication Guide available on XYWAV.com.

About Xywav® (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates) oral solution
Xywav is a lower-sodium oxybate approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness in patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy. FDA recognized seven years of Orphan Drug Exclusivity for Xywav in June 2021 for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness in patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy. The Office of Orphan Product Development (OOPD) at FDA found Xywav to be clinically superior to Xyrem by means of greater cardiovascular safety because Xywav provides a greatly reduced chronic sodium burden compared to Xyrem. According to FDA, these differences in sodium content will be clinically meaningful in reducing cardiovascular disease for many people with narcolepsy who suffer from EDS and/or cataplexy. There are no head-to-head data for Xywav and Xyrem. Xywav is comprised of a unique composition of cations resulting in 92% less sodium. At the recommended dosage range of 6 to 9 grams, that is a reduction of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 mg of sodium per night. While the exact mechanism of action of Xywav is unknown, it is hypothesized that the therapeutic effects of Xywav on cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness are thought to work during sleep to help with symptoms during the day. Because of the risks of CNS depression and abuse and misuse, Xywav is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the XYWAV and XYREM REMS.

Important Safety Information

WARNING: Taking XYWAV with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as medicines used to make you or your child fall asleep, including opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, sedating antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedating anti-epileptic medicines, general anesthetics, muscle relaxants, alcohol, or street drugs, may cause serious medical problems, including trouble breathing (respiratory depression), low blood pressure (hypotension), changes in alertness (drowsiness), fainting (syncope), and death.

The active ingredient of XYWAV is a form of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Abuse or misuse of illegal GHB alone or with other drugs that cause changes in alertness (or consciousness) has caused serious side effects. These effects include seizures, trouble breathing (respiratory depression), changes in alertness (drowsiness), coma, and death. Call your doctor right away if you or your child has any of these serious side effects.

Because of these risks, you have to go through the XYWAV and XYREM REMS to have your or your child’s prescription for XYWAV filled.

Do not take XYWAV if you take or your child takes other sleep medicines or sedatives (medicines that cause sleepiness), drinks alcohol, or has a rare problem called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency.

Keep XYWAV in a safe place to prevent abuse and misuse. Selling or giving away XYWAV may harm others and is against the law. Tell your doctor if you have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.

Anyone who takes XYWAV should not do anything that requires them to be fully awake or is dangerous, including driving a car, using heavy machinery, or flying an airplane, for at least 6 hours after taking XYWAV. Those activities should not be done until you know how XYWAV affects you or your child.

XYWAV can cause serious side effects, including the following:

    • Breathing problems, including slower breathing, trouble breathing, and/or short periods of not breathing while sleeping (sleep apnea). People who already have breathing or lung problems have a higher chance of having breathing problems when they use XYWAV.
    • Mental health problems, including confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations), unusual or disturbing thoughts (abnormal thinking), feeling anxious or upset, depression, thoughts of killing yourself or trying to kill yourself, increased tiredness, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, or difficulty concentrating. Tell your doctor if you or your child have or had depression or have tried to harm yourself or themselves. Call your doctor right away if you have or your child has symptoms of mental health problems or a change in weight or appetite.
    • Sleepwalking. XYWAV can cause sleepwalking, which can cause injuries. Call your doctor if this occurs.

The most common side effects of XYWAV in adults include nausea, headache, dizziness, anxiety, insomnia, decreased appetite, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, parasomnia (a sleep disorder that can include abnormal dreams, abnormal rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, sleep paralysis, sleep talking, sleep terror, sleep-related eating disorder, sleepwalking, and other abnormal sleep-related events), somnolence, fatigue, and tremor.

The most common side effects of XYREM (which also contains oxybate like XYWAV) in children include nausea, bedwetting, vomiting, headache, weight decrease, decreased appetite, dizziness, and sleepwalking.

XYWAV can cause physical dependence and craving for the medicine when it is not taken as directed. These are not all the possible side effects of XYWAV.

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

Approved Use

XYWAV® (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates) oral solution, 0.5 g/mL total salts (equivalent to 0.413 g/mL of oxybate) is a prescription medicine used to treat:

  • The following symptoms in people 7 years of age or older with narcolepsy:
    • Sudden onset of weak or paralyzed muscles (cataplexy)
    • Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)

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Nurturing Mental Health in 2024: Your Guide to Connected Conversations

2023-11-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – It’s the season for family gatherings and resolutions. Family gatherings can bring both joy and stress. Thinking ahead to our goals for the next year, we often focus on self-improvement or showing up for other people in our lives. But there is one action that accomplishes both and can improve our mental health significantly: Deepening connection. The advice here can apply to any space or time, but can create connection and lessen conflict at the holidays.

“Social connection is a fundamental human need, as essential to survival as food, water and shelter,” wrote Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, in his recent advisory Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation. He shared the sobering fact that research shows that social disconnection is as bad for our overall health as “smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day,” and emphasized that “Our individual relationships are an untapped resource — a source of healing hiding in plain sight. They can help us live healthier, more productive and more fulfilled lives.”

This year, The Jed Foundation (JED), which is focused on promoting mental health and preventing suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, is offering concrete ways to start important and vulnerable intergenerational conversations that are the foundation of strong, supportive relationships. They can also be life-changing and — sometimes — life-saving.

Suicide remains the second-leading cause of death among 10- to 34-year-olds in the U.S., but it is preventable. Everyone has three key tools they can use to support young people: showing up, being willing to have hard conversations, and listening deeply. Being able to talk openly about suicide opens the door through which people find help.

“One of the best ways to care for your emotional health, and the emotional health of those around you, is by connecting to people you care about,” said Dr. Katie Hurley, DSW, a child and adolescent psychologist and Senior Clinical Advisor at JED. “Through social connectedness, you can create a solid foundation for mental well-being.”

Dr. Hurley suggests two ways to create a supportive environment along with conversation starters — from the everyday to the philosophical — that can be building blocks for more connected, enjoyable and mentally healthy family gatherings now and in the year ahead.

Make Space for Connection IRL

Create boundaries for social media use as a family. Prioritize spending time with people in person. These face-to-face interactions help to foster authentic connections and allow you, your young people, and others in your circle to share the joys and challenges you are experiencing.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Being vulnerable with the people you trust in your life will help strengthen your bonds and support network. As a parent, caregiver or caring adult, admitting that you’re struggling mentally and emotionally can feel difficult, but there’s a pay-off. Acknowledging challenges makes them feel more manageable and encourages the same openness in the teens and young adults in your lives. This shows them the power of being open and honest. It’s equally important to share the things you do to cope with difficult moments.

Conversation Starters to Spark Family Connection

Caregivers to Teens

  • What is something you and your friends know more about than the adults in your lives?
  • If you could plan a family trip — on an unlimited budget — where would we go and what would we do?
  • If you could host a dinner for six people you admire the most, who would they be?
  • If you could fix one problem in the world right now what would it be?
  • What is something people don’t usually know about you when they first get to know you?

Teens to Caregivers

  • What’s one mistake you made that you were afraid for other people to find out about?
  • What’s one thing my generation has that you wish you had when you were my age?
  • Who was your go-to person when you were growing up?
  • What helps you relax when you are feeling stressed?
  • Name one of your most embarrassing moments when you were my age.

Teens to Teens

  • What’s something you wish your family understood about you?
  • What’s your favorite TikTok account when you want to check out for a bit?
  • Do you have a go-to thing you do when you’re feeling down?
  • How do you like people to support you when you’re having a hard time?
  • Would you rather go to a big party and meet lots of new people or gather with a small group of friends at home?

To learn more about how you can invest in your mental health and that of the young people in your life, visit JED’s Mental Health Resource Center and check out JED’s Guides to having tough — but important — conversations. For example, 10 tips to start a conversation with your teens about their mental well-being.

For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact Justin Barbo, Director of Public Relations at JED, at justin@jedfoundation.org.