Posted on

3 Tips for Building your Financial Goals in 2025

2025-02-24T10:01:00

(BPT) – Assessing your financial goals can feel like a daunting task, but there’s no time like the present to start evaluating where you’d like to go. Start by performing a financial goals check and explore the different strategies and services that can help set you up for success this year and beyond. You have a range of options at your disposal to revitalize your finances and build a solid foundation for your future. Consider adding these three tips to your checklist as you explore your financial goals:

Set new savings goals

As life circumstances change — whether it’s a career shift, a major life event such as a big move, or personal priorities like growing your family — your financial goals may need adjustments to ensure they’re both realistic and achievable. It’s important to regularly take inventory to categorize where you’re already spending or saving your money and reflect if it’s still aligned with what’s important to you. This year, consider creating a new savings goal to contribute a certain amount of money by June and a second goal for the end of 2025. Evaluate if you need to adjust your spending to achieve these in the months ahead.

Explore your money management and account options

How are you tracking your financial success? It may be time to leave behind options that no longer serve your needs. For example, are you still paying overdraft fees or monthly maintenance fees for a checking account? If so, one thing to consider is upgrading your checking account to one that doesn’t charge those fees. Many financial institutions like Capital One offer products like the Capital One 360 Checking account, a fee-free account designed to make money management simpler for you. With no monthly maintenance fees, no minimums, early paycheck access with direct deposit, and a top-rated mobile app, it simplifies managing your finances, allowing you to feel confident about your money. A second option, especially if you’re looking to grow your savings, is to open a Certificate of Deposit (CD), which allows you to deposit your money and in exchange, pays you a fixed interest rate over a set period. Capital One’s 360 CD account offers competitive rates and no minimum balance requirement, making it easy to maximize your earnings.

Commit to finding new financial resources

Some financial institutions, such as Capital One, are stepping up to offer more opportunities for financial education and resources. Capital One Cafés, for example, are community spaces designed to reimagine the banking experience, providing personalized support and tools to help you build financial confidence — whether you bank with Capital One or not. Plus, the Money & Life Program, open to all, provides one-on-one mentoring, self-guided exercises and online workshops. Think about leveraging these types of resources that are available at your fingertips, which can help you alleviate financial stress, spot scams and fraud, and feel more assured with your money and overall financial goals.

Start your financial journey today with products, tools and resources from Capital One that are designed to help you feel empowered and ready to achieve your goals in the new year. To learn more about Capital One, visit CapitalOne.com.

Posted on

5 Unique Nutritional Needs of Tiny but Mighty Pups

2025-02-24T10:31:00

(BPT) – National Small Dog Day is fast approaching, a day dedicated to the small dogs of the pack. These pups may come in a small package (generally weighing 20 pounds or less), but they have big personalities and can make a huge impact on the lives of their owners.

“Despite their stature, small dogs are anything but pint-sized when it comes to their energy, personalities and distinct traits,” said Purina veterinarian, Dr. RuthAnn Lobos. “They tend to live longer than larger dogs and love activity, play and adventure just as much as any other dog. However, they have a unique set of needs, and it’s important for pet owners to recognize and support these through proper nutrition.”

Curious about how to support your compact canine companion’s nutrition? Check out these expert tips that can help you properly support your tiny dog’s mighty needs.

1. Nutrient-dense food

According to the Independent & Neighborhood Pet Retail Association, because their organs process food more quickly than those of larger dogs, smaller dogs need more calories per pound and food with high-quality ingredients.

To support your small dog’s fast metabolism throughout their long life, feed them high-quality, calorie- and nutrient-dense food while ensuring they keep an ideal body condition. Dog food specially formulated for small dogs can provide all the protein, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients they need to fuel their play.

2. Food with high antioxidant levels

You’ve probably seen many products at your grocery store boasting their antioxidant properties. Well, they’re not just for humans! You can support your petite pup’s immune system by purchasing dog food that is rich in antioxidants.

According to PetMD, there are numerous health benefits provided by antioxidants. These major molecules can protect cells from damage and strengthen the immune system, which can help to prevent serious health issues from developing.

3. Protein-rich meals

If you regularly hit the gym, you know how important protein is to support your gains. According to Dr. Lobos, small dogs also need protein to help them repair, grow and maintain strong muscles.

“When searching for dog foods to strengthen your pet, make sure to pick formulations that have essential amino acids from key protein sources to support their activity and growth,” says Dr. Lobos.

4. Smaller kibble

Small dogs have small jaws and teeth, which can make it challenging for them to eat large pieces of kibble.

When choosing food for your pups, Dr. Lobos recommends going for dry dog food made with small dogs in mind. The smaller pieces of kibble not only help them chew more easily but also support their digestive and dental health.

5. Wet food

If you only feed your small dog dry food, consider adding wet food to their diet. According to Dr. Lobos, even if you’re feeding them high-quality, nutritious kibble, wet food can encourage selective eaters to engage with their bowls. Bonus: Wet food can also help your hound hydrate by adding moisture to their diet!

One product made for the tiny but mighty

There are many brands of dog food to choose from, but not all of them address a small dog’s nutritional needs. However, you can rest easy knowing your small pup is getting the specialized nutrition they need when they eat Beneful IncrediBites.

The line of wet and dry products is made to support small dogs. It delivers big taste, fuels their larger-than-life personalities and supports their unique nutritional needs.

Beneful IncrediBites formulas are nutrient-rich recipes to help support faster metabolisms. They’re also made with real meat, fish or poultry, have accents of natural fruits or vegetables, and are made without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

To learn more about these flavorful and fabulous foods for your Fido, visit Purina.com/Beneful.

Posted on

How to find your inspiration in Western Massachusetts

2025-02-23T23:01:00

(BPT) – Do you enjoy losing yourself in a book, daydreaming about the lives of famous poets or following the creative journeys of beloved authors? If so, you may want to jump aboard the surging literary travel trend — also known as bibliotourism. Whether you’re planning a trip with your book club besties or a solo literature-inspired adventure, you can find all the inspiration you’ll want in Western Massachusetts.

Home to renowned colleges and universities, and birthplace of numerous writers and artists, Western Mass is a historic hub of creativity, inspiration and invention, with a scenic backdrop worthy of any poem or novel, making it the perfect destination to send you on a journey of discovery.

Here are some highlights to add to your literary travel itinerary.

Hope is the thing with feathers

Have Emily Dickinson’s famous poems ever inspired you? Then make a pilgrimage to the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts, when it reopens in March. You can walk in Emily’s footsteps as you visit her restored historic home and witness her creative space. It may be just the encouragement you need to create your own sanctuary or put pen to paper when you return home.

Emily Dickinson's bedroom interior.

In search of the white whale

If seafaring tales of mystery and metaphor are more your speed, don’t miss the chance to visit Herman Melville’s Arrowhead, where the author sought peace and tranquility in the Berkshires for thirteen years. There he found inspiration to write acclaimed works like Moby-Dick and Bartleby the Scrivener. If you have literary aspirations yourself, you’ll want to check out their writer’s series, which includes workshops with esteemed authors and poets.

Herman Melville's Home as a boy

While you’re in the Berkshires, sneak a peek at homes where Nathaniel Hawthorne (of “The Scarlet Letter” fame) lived, though they are not open to visitors. On the Tanglewood Campus you can find the replica cottage called the “Little Red House” where he wrote “The House of the Seven Gables,” and Highwood Manor, where “Tanglewood Tales” was penned.

Spreading light

Acclaimed novelist Edith Wharton once said, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that receives it.” The Pulitzer-prize winning author of “The Age of Innocence” is memorialized at The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home in Lenox. Her historic home includes not only exhibits about her life and work, but also hosts special events, performances, an author series and more. The museum opens again in May, so plan your trip accordingly.

Worth a thousand words

Where would many books and publications be without their illustrations? The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge celebrates not only the iconic work of illustrator and painter Norman Rockwell, but also offers exhibits, events and activities exploring the illustrations, art and cartoons of a diverse range of artists who helped tell — and continue to tell — the American story. Make sure to check the website for upcoming events.

Quintessential college towns

Towns surrounding the campuses of the famed 5 Colleges Consortium (Mount Holyoke, Smith, Hampshire, Amherst and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst) abound with independent bookstores to thrill any bibliophile, plus coffee shops, cafes, literary festivals, performances, theaters and art galleries galore.

Walk the paths of notable writers who attended or taught at schools from the consortium including Emily Dickinson, Margaret Mitchell, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Sylvia Plath, Robert Frost, Betty Friedan, James Baldwin, Ken Burns, David Foster Wallace, Paul Theroux, Lauren Groff and many more.

Additional highlights include:

  • Amherst: The acclaimed Mead Art Museum and fascinating Yiddish Book Center.
  • South Hadley: The Joseph A. Skinner Museum, hosting myriad collections including fossils, maritime objects, historic artifacts and more — including the door to the 18th-century childhood home of Mary Lyon, founder of Mount Holyoke College.
  • Northampton: Admire the renowned collection at the Smith College Museum of Art, which is free to the public.

Revisit your childhood

Love children’s literature or dream of writing storybooks? You’ll want to put both Springfield and Amherst on your list. Home to the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, Springfield is the town where Dr. Seuss — also known as Theodor Geisel — was born in 1904, and the museum offers a lively glimpse into his imaginary world. If you love the beauty of a well-crafted picture book, stop at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art to see how modern classics like “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” were created.

Ready to find your literary inspiration? Learn more about where you can read — or write — your next chapter at ExploreWesternMass.com.

Posted on

Living with narcolepsy: Lindsay and Matt’s journey with a life-changing diagnosis

2025-02-21T08:31:00

(BPT) – Imagine you haven’t slept in 72 hours and every step you take feels like you’re walking through wet cement. Then imagine you experience this feeling every day. This is how excessive daytime sleepiness can feel for people living with narcolepsy, a rare neurological disorder that can affect all aspects of a person’s daily life. Approximately 170,000 people in the United States are thought to be living with narcolepsy.

All people living with narcolepsy experience excessive daytime sleepiness, which means they struggle to stay awake and alert during the day, or they constantly feel sleepy. This can impact their daily lives at work or at home in many ways. They may have trouble staying awake while being sedentary or inactive, such as during meetings or while reading. Some may also experience difficulty with memory, concentration, and attention due to excessive daytime sleepiness. Their sleepiness may affect interactions and relationships with family and friends. Excessive daytime sleepiness can be mistaken for symptoms of other disorders, making a narcolepsy diagnosis challenging.

Many people living with narcolepsy struggle with symptoms for years before getting the right diagnosis, often taking 8 to 15 years. For Lindsay and Matt, it was no different.

Lindsay wearing a life jacket, hat, and sunglasses while on a sailboat with friends.

The road to a diagnosis

Lindsay was just 16 years old when she began experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness. “When I go back through my memory, some days are perfectly clear. Then there are other days, months, seasons, and even years that feel like looking through a diary with blank pages. That reflects how sleepy I was at that time,” Lindsay described. “I was going through life feeling like I was moving underneath a weighted blanket.”

For nearly two decades, Lindsay pursued an explanation for her excessive daytime sleepiness with different healthcare providers, but to no avail. It wasn’t until she was 35 years old that she found a sleep specialist and was ultimately diagnosed with narcolepsy.

Matt’s excessive daytime sleepiness became very disruptive when he was 12 years old, long before his diagnosis of narcolepsy. He tried to sneak in what he called “mini-sleeps,” or 15-minute naps, whenever possible to make it through the different activities in his day, often taking two such naps between waking up in the morning and arriving at school. “I would find myself waking up, taking a shower, eating breakfast, taking a nap on the couch. Going to school, while my mom drove, I would be taking a nap,” Matt recalled. His sleepiness led to feelings of depression, which impacted his life and may have delayed his eventual diagnosis of narcolepsy.

By the time he was in his mid-twenties, Matt had seen various healthcare providers but still had no answers. Then he found a sleep specialist. “I went into his office, and he gave me a very exhaustive questionnaire. It asked questions about clumsiness and about slumping over — things that I thought were actually normal,” he said. After hearing Matt’s history, how he was feeling, and evaluating his sleep study results, the sleep specialist diagnosed Matt with narcolepsy with cataplexy. Cataplexy is the sudden and brief loss of muscle strength often brought on by strong emotions or certain situations.

“When assessing someone for narcolepsy, healthcare providers often use questionnaires such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (commonly called ESS) along with a diagnostic test such as the MSLT (Multiple Sleep Latency Test) to aid in their diagnosis,” explained, Dr. Alcibiades Rodriguez, MD, a board-certified neurologist and sleep specialist at New York University Langone Medical Center. “While sleep tests are an important part of confirming a diagnosis, it is important for me to ask how sleepiness impacts someone’s daily life. Questions like, what are some things you would like to be doing that you can’t do because of your excessive daytime sleepiness?”

Smiling Matt in a blue t-shirt outside.

The impact of a narcolepsy diagnosis

Receiving an official diagnosis can bring a sense of relief since it provides validation and an official name for what people are experiencing, but it’s just the first step to living with narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a lifelong disorder and is often portrayed inaccurately in the media. This can add to the burden and stigma people living with narcolepsy often feel because others often aren’t familiar with the disorder or only know what they’ve seen portrayed in the media.

Matt found comfort in his diagnosis and was open about his disorder with others, but he struggled to find information about what he was experiencing. When he was diagnosed in 2007 at age 25, there wasn’t a lot of support and resources available, so he did his own research through university websites and textbooks. Matt had trouble understanding his diagnosis because the excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy he’d experienced differed from the way narcolepsy was shown in the media. “I was trying to project my own experiences onto what I was seeing, and that wasn’t what the reality was,” he shared.

For Lindsay, receiving a narcolepsy diagnosis made her feel grief for who she once was. “When I first got diagnosed, I really did not want anybody to know,” Lindsay recounted. “I did not talk about it, which is very counter to who I am. The idea of people knowing that I had narcolepsy felt really scary to me.”

The importance of sharing lived experiences and community support

Connecting with the narcolepsy community helped give Lindsay a new perspective on living with her disorder. “Getting involved was an opportunity to not just be surrounded by other people living with narcolepsy, but to be surrounded by people with narcolepsy who were using their voices to make positive change,” Lindsay said. Now, Lindsay regularly writes and speaks publicly about her diagnosis and sleep health to help others on their journey.

Matt also found inspiration within the community. Recalling the lack of resources available to him after diagnosis, he wanted to share his story, his lived experience to help raise awareness for others. On social media and other online platforms, he was able to support others in the narcolepsy community and feel more supported himself.

“Getting the right diagnosis is just the first step in a person living with narcolepsy’s journey. Even though life after diagnosis can be challenging, the right resources, support system, and the narcolepsy community are there to help,” shared Dr. Rodriguez. “Organizations like Narcolepsy Network, Project Sleep, and Wake Up Narcolepsy host events, offer programs and have different ways for people living with narcolepsy to connect with each other, share experiences, and help to drive broader awareness,” he said. “Access to resources can help people with narcolepsy stay informed and feel supported in their journey.”

In addition to these organizations, Know Narcolepsy is another resource. Visit KnowNarcolepsy.com to learn more.

Harmony Biosciences and logo are trademarks of Harmony Biosciences Management, Inc. and are used herein by permission.
© 2025 Harmony Biosciences. All rights reserved.
US-NAR-2400154/Feb 2025

Posted on

How Addiction Recovery Was My First Step Toward Hepatitis C Cure

2025-02-21T08:01:00

(BPT) – After overcoming multiple health challenges, Kasey was eager to embrace a new chapter in her life with her husband and young children, filled with hope and excitement. Having celebrated four years of sobriety from injection drug use at the time, she was passionate about working with other women in her community to help them achieve the same. When her own health-related concerns led her to a doctor’s visit, her doctor asked Kasey about other areas of her health, including her hepatitis C (HCV) status.

HCV is a viral infection that attacks the liver and is spread through blood-to-blood contact, which is why people who inject drugs are more likely to acquire the condition.1 “My doctor explained to me that HCV testing is not part of a routine check-up and needs to be requested, and I realized that I was never tested for the condition in previous wellness check-ups or during my pregnancies,” Kasey recounts.

After testing, Kasey’s doctor delivered the news that she was living with HCV. “The result was not surprising to me, but it brought a lot of shame and guilt around wishing I had known to get tested for HCV earlier. I was nervous, sad and scared, not only for myself, but for my partner and kids who would need to be tested as well,” Kasey explains.

HCV is often spread through injection drug use, and as such, the opioid epidemic has exacerbated transmission rates over the past decade.2 Data show that this has led to a resurgence of new cases as injection drug use accounts for a majority (approximately 70%) of new HCV cases.3

Kasey’s experience is more common than you’d think. Coined the ‘silent disease,’ HCV symptoms can go unnoticed, and if left untreated, can progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and/or liver cancer.1,4 Of the nearly 4 million people living with HCV in the U.S., an estimated 40% are unaware they have it.5

Getting tested is the only way to know if someone is living with HCV and is the first step toward curing their disease.6 In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults are tested at least once in their life and encourages more regular testing for individuals who meet additional criteria, such as a history of injection drug use.7

The good news is that curative options are available. With guidance from her doctor, Kasey started treatment with the direct acting antiviral (DAA), EPCLUSA® (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir) 400mg/100mg, a prescription medicine to treat adults with chronic HCV genotype 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis (compensated). She was also happy to learn that there was an average cure rate of 98% in clinical studies*, and that her treatment only required one pill a day for 12 weeks. EPCLUSA can also be taken during addiction recovery and with other common medications.8

“As a mother, I was worried treatment would interrupt my daily life, but the once-daily pill was easy for me,” Kasey says. “I developed my own, unique system to track my pills, so I didn’t forget to take my medication.” Throughout Kasey’s HCV treatment, she experienced side effects like nausea and fatigue.9 Three months after completing treatment, she received the news that the virus was undetectable in her latest blood test and that she was cured of HCV.

A lack of knowledge of the disease, fear of side effects from medication and the potential of stigma for seeking treatment may further prevent people from getting tested.10 Additionally, advances in medicine are further undermined by complex factors like the opioid epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic, which have limited access to care for many.11, 12 To date, acute HCV cases in the U.S. have doubled in the past ten years, with 70% of those acute cases becoming chronic HCV.1

Vulnerable populations, like people who inject drugs, often experience gaps in care or may not be prioritized for treatment.13 However, there is strong evidence to support that treating these individuals may be critical in achieving HCV elimination efforts, emphasizing the importance of expanding screening and treatment public health initiatives.14 On average, each person who injects drugs and is living with HCV is likely to transmit the disease to about 20 others.15 As such, curing HCV in one individual who injects drugs may therefore help reduce further transmission. “I knew that seeking a cure was the best choice for me and my family. There will always be good and bad days, but it is important to focus on the positives as a way to move forward,” Kasey states.

An illustration of the continental United States and outline shapes of people to represent a percentage of population.

Following her own HCV and addiction recovery story, Kasey understands firsthand how stigma can often make it harder to seek out help and support. “While everyone’s experience is unique, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to face this journey by yourself,” Kasey remarks. Approaching HCV treatment holistically with the help of doctors, community organizers and public health officials can help people get on the path to cure. “At a minimum, I hope sharing my personal experience helps people feel empowered to get tested.”

Today, Kasey is nearly seven years sober, working with women in the addiction recovery community, and applying to masters programs to expand her substance use counseling credentials. “I’m now back living in the town [where] I was in active addiction, so it’s motivation to continue being the healthiest version of myself and encouraging others in the community to do the same,” she says proudly.

“Going through my own recovery and liver health journey, I want to inspire others who may be experiencing something similar,” Kasey adds. Her advice for others who are undergoing HCV treatment or think they should get tested? “No one has to ever feel alone in HCV. There is a supportive community of safety and love for people across the spectrum of care, including those who may be at risk for HCV, are undergoing treatment, or are in recovery, offering a space of understanding and empowerment for everyone in their journey.”

Learn more at www.epclusa.com or talk to your healthcare provider to see if EPCLUSA may be right for you or a loved one.

*98% cure rate is an average from studies of genotype 1-6 patients without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis

Please see Important Facts about EPCLUSA including Important Warnings for hepatitis B reactivation.

What is EPCLUSA?

EPCLUSA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with chronic (lasting a long time) hepatitis C (Hep C) genotype 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis (compensated).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about EPCLUSA?

EPCLUSA can cause serious side effects, including:

  • Hepatitis B virus reactivation: Before starting EPCLUSA treatment, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for hepatitis B infection. If you have ever had hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus could become active again during and after treatment with EPCLUSA. This may cause serious liver problems including liver failure and death. If you are at risk, your healthcare provider will monitor you during and after taking EPCLUSA.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking EPCLUSA?

  • Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you have ever had hepatitis B infection, liver problems other than hepatitis C infection, or a liver transplant; if you have kidney problems or are on dialysis; if you have HIV; or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. It is not known if EPCLUSA will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk.
  • Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. EPCLUSA and certain other medicines may affect each other, or may cause side effects.

What are the possible side effects of EPCLUSA?

Serious side effects may also include:

  • Slow heart rate (bradycardia): EPCLUSA, when taken with amiodarone (Cordarone®, Nexterone®, Pacerone®), a medicine used to treat certain heart problems, may cause slow heart rate. In some cases slow heart rate has led to death or the need for a pacemaker when amiodarone is taken with medicines containing sofosbuvir. Get medical help right away if you take amiodarone with EPCLUSA and get any of the following symptoms: fainting or near-fainting, dizziness or lightheadedness, not feeling well, weakness, extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, chest pains, confusion, or memory problems.
  • The most common side effects of EPCLUSA in adults include headache and tiredness.

These are not all the possible side effects of EPCLUSA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

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

Please see Important Facts about EPCLUSA including Important Warnings.

A message from Gilead Sciences, Inc.

EPCLUSA and GILEAD are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. or its related companies. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

©2025 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-EPCC-0271 02/25

References

  1. CDC. Hepatitis C Surveillance 2022. April 2024. (2022 Hepatitis C | Viral Hepatitis Surveillance Report | CDC)
  2. Mateu-Gelabert P, Sabounchi NS, Guarino H, et al. Hepatitis C virus risk among young people who inject drugs. Front Public Health. 2022;10:835836. Published 2022 Jul 29. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2022.835836
  3. Key Populations: Identification and management of HCV in people who inject drugs | HCV Guidance (n.d.). (https://www.hcvguidelines.org/unique-populations/pwid)
  4. CDC. Transcript: Hepatitis C Briefing. Jun 2023. (https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/t0629-hepc-briefing.html)
  5. CDC. New CDC Data Reveal Less Than a Third of People Diagnosed with Hepatitis C Receive Timely Treatment for the Deadly, yet Curable, Infection. Aug 2022. (https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/releases/2022/2022-Hep-C-Vital-Signs.html)
  6. CDC. Viral Hepatitis Basics. Jul 2024 (https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/about/index.html)
  7. CDC. Clinical Screening and Diagnosis for Hepatitis C. Dec 2023. (https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-c/hcp/diagnosis-testing/index.html)
  8. EPCLUSA [prescribing information]. Foster City, CA: Gilead Sciences, Inc; April 2022
  9. Hayes KN, Burkard T, Weiler S, Tadrous M, Burden AM. Global adverse events reported for direct-acting antiviral therapies for the treatment of hepatitis C: an analysis of the World Health Organization VigiBase. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;33(1S Suppl 1):e1017-e1021. doi:10.1097/MEG.0000000000002173
  10. McGowan CE, Fried MW. Barriers to hepatitis C treatment. Liver Int. 2012;32 Suppl 1(0 1):151-156. doi:10.1111/j.1478-3231.2011.02706.x
  11. Perlman DC, Jordan AE. The Syndemic of Opioid Misuse, Overdose, HCV, and HIV: Structural-Level Causes and Interventions. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2018;15(2):96-112. doi:10.1007/s11904-018-0390-3
  12. CDC. National Profile of Viral Hepatitis. Aug 2022. (https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/statistics/2020surveillance/introduction/national-profile.htm)
  13. Arain A, Robaeys G. Eligibility of persons who inject drugs for treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20(36):12722-12733. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i36.12722
  14. Day E, Hellard M, Treloar C, et al. Hepatitis C elimination among people who inject drugs: Challenges and recommendations for action within a health systems framework. Liver Int. 2019;39(1):20-30. doi:10.1111/liv.13949
  15. NIH. Viral Hepatitis. (https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/viral-hepatitis)

Posted on

5 Ways to Bring a More Holistic Approach to Your Daily Fitness Routine

2025-02-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – The start of the new year typically comes with fitness goals at the top of resolution lists. Starting a daily fitness routine is a great way to keep your body active and healthy but planning your workouts is just the beginning. There are many important steps to help you get the results you desire, including meal preparation for a healthier diet and recovery after intense workouts.

“Embarking on a fitness routine is a powerful way to nurture both your body and mind, but true health goes beyond just exercise — it’s about embracing a lifestyle that supports mental well-being, nourishing food, and proper recovery,” said Elvira Christiansen, Director of Retail and Loyalty for AARP Services. “With an AARP membership, you’ll have the tools and motivation you need to stay committed to your holistic health journey, while enjoying the added benefit of saving along the way.”

From ensuring you take care of your mental health through nutrition and sleep, to an easier approach to a healthy meal plan and forming an effective recovery plan, taking a holistic approach to your fitness routine can help you achieve the results you want while saving with an AARP membership.

1. Take a Healthier Approach to Nutrition

A well-balanced diet is an important step to achieve your fitness goals, but for dining out, sometimes it can be challenging to find healthy choices on the menu. Thankfully, Bonefish Grill offers healthier options to choose from, from fresh seafood off their wood-fired grill and delicious starters such as the Tempura Crunch Sashimi Tuna. Members can save 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages with dine-in service at all locations or curbside carryout, available at participating locations.

After your workout is the best time to fuel your body with protein. Jamba offers a variety of protein smoothies and bowls, and AARP members can save 10% every day in-store, in-app and online at all participating Jamba locations when you link your Jamba Rewards account and AARP membership.

2. Worldwide Mental Cool Down

Taking care of your sleep is just as important as your physical health. You can manage sleep through relaxing music, sleep stories and even meditation with the Calm app. AARP members save $21 off every year of their Calm annual subscription for up to three years. Calm’s library features hundreds of meditations, relaxing music, sleep stories and interactive features designed to help manage stress, curb anxiety, improve focus and sleep better.

If you need a change of scenery, consider taking your wellness journey on the road and book a trip through the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia. With a curated selection of health and wellness trips, members can choose their own adventures from high-octane adventure fitness getaways like hiking and biking in the Rocky Mountains to a pampering wellness retreat in Budapest, known as the City of Spas. AARP members get a $50 gift card of their choice when they book any flight package, exclusively through the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia.

3. Stretch Your Muscles, Not Your Wallet

An important step for physical health is to develop a post-workout recovery plan. Stretching, compression, physical therapy and even massages are all ways to care for your muscles after a workout.

Members and non-members can receive at-home physical therapy from AARP® Physical Therapy At Home™ by Luna. Most insurances and Medicare are accepted by Luna. A prescription may not be needed to start.

4. Add Hearing Solutions to Your Playlist + Gym Routine

Having trouble hearing your workout playlist or the instructor’s directions? Consider getting your hearing checked so you can enjoy your favorite songs while working out, and make sure you don’t miss any cues in a guided class.

AARP members save up to 20% on hearing aids and 15% on accessories with AARP® Hearing Solutions™ provided by UnitedHealthcare® Hearing, plus receive a hearing exam and consultation at no cost and personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers.

5. Focus on Yourself

It’s important to check in with your doctor before starting a new fitness routine. Oak Street Health provides primary care for older adults on Medicare. They focus on prevention, with personalized care designed to help keep you healthy.

Oak Street Health also offers a variety of events to help you stay active and connected, like Zumba classes, line dancing lessons and game nights.

AARP members and non-members get same-day/next-day appointments where available, a dedicated care team and a 24/7 patient support line.

There are many steps for you to take when adding a holistic approach to your fitness routine; however, it is important to take this approach to maintain your physical and mental health throughout your routine and you can use your AARP member benefits to save every step of the way.

To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you prepare for your relaunch, visit aarp.org/save.

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

Posted on

Strength Training Benefits and The 3 Important Exercises to Enhance Your Fitness Routine

2025-02-19T09:01:00

(BPT) – Is strength training a regular part of your gym workout? If not, it’s time to add a few sets in to your fitness routine.

Cardio is great, but it’s better when paired with strength training. Each type of exercise has its own role to play. Cardio — as the name implies — supports your cardiovascular health and can improve your endurance and lung capacity. Strength training helps you build muscle mass, which plays a significant part in maintaining your overall health and wellness.

Why is building muscle important?

As you age, you naturally lose lean muscle mass. Regular strength training can help you gain and maintain lean muscle mass, which can also help improve your balance.

According to the Mayo Clinic, strength training is a key component of overall health and fitness and can help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage weight
  • Improve your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Enhance your thinking skills

Strength training can also help you meet your fitness goals more efficiently than cardio alone.

If you’re new to strength training, it can be intimidating to start. A good goal is to aim for 2-3 days of strength training workouts per week in a comfortable environment. Below, you’ll find three strength machine exercises that can help you get started on your journey of getting stronger.

1. Supine bench press

A supine bench press can be used to work your chest, shoulders and triceps using a natural, strength-building motion.

To perform this exercise on a machine, lie on your back on the bench with your feet flat on the ground. Add your choice of weighted plates, starting small, and grip the handles to raise the weight over your chest. Keep your arms slightly wider than your shoulders. Lower the machine to your chest, elbows out, pause for a moment, and then press them back up.

2. Hack squats

Squats help strengthen your body’s base and improve your stability and posture. When you do squats, you’re targeting your quads and glutes, providing a complete lower body workout.

A variation on the traditional squat is a hack squat. A hack squat is performed on a special piece of equipment that may remind you of a reverse leg press machine.

Performing a hack squat is fairly simple. Stand in the hack squat machine with your feet on the platform, about shoulder width apart, and rest your shoulders and hips on the back rest. Grab the handlebars, inhale, and bend your knees until you’re parallel to the ground. Then, exhale and press through your feet to straighten your legs and stand.

Woman using a piece of work out equipment at Plant Fitness.

3. Seated calf raises

How often do you think about your calf strength? Every day, your calves help you walk, run, jump and perform other daily activities. Strong calves also support your ankles, improving stability. The perfect exercise to target your calves (and also work out your hamstrings!) is a seated calf raise.

Using a plate-loaded seated calf machine, make sure you’re seated with your feet positioned slightly narrower than your hips. With a comfortable amount of weighted plates, press through your toes and lift your heels. You should feel your calf muscles squeeze. Hold for a moment, then slowly relax down. Remember to keep your knees aligned.

One place with all the equipment you need

One surefire way to safely and easily perform these three strength training exercises and more is to join a gym that has all the right equipment in a supporting community.

For example, Planet Fitness is dedicated to providing its members with best-in-class strength (and cardio) equipment. Industry trends have continued to show consumers looking for more strength equipment. To meet these demands, Planet Fitness is offering new plate-loaded equipment including Magnum Supine Bench Presses, Magnum Hack Squats and Seated Calf machines. The equipment is now in 1,700 clubs and expected to be available in nearly all clubs by the end of 2025.

New members can sign up for a high value membership with thousands of convenient locations (many open 24 hours) starting at $15 a month. To learn more and find a gym near you, visit PlanetFitness.com.

Posted on

4 Reasons Municipalities Are Choosing PVC Pipe Systems

2025-02-19T10:01:00

(BPT) – By Ned Monroe

PVC pipe has played a key role in water conveyance around the world for more than 70 years. As U.S. municipalities face aging infrastructures and ensuing, costly water loss, PVC is providing a reliable choice to supply their communities with clean, safe drinking water.

Competing pipe materials may try to make you believe PVC isn’t a good option. But the facts don’t lie: Decades of proven performance and testing demonstrate the long-term safety, reliability, and sustainability that PVC pipes ensure for water utilities serving communities around the country.

1. PVC Pipes Are Safe

PVC pipes comply with the rigorous NSF International standard, NSF/ANSI 61: Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects. NSF International uses exhaustive testing methods to establish independent standards to ensure the safety of clean drinking water — standards all drinking water pipe materials, including PVC, must adhere to. The standard is routinely monitored and updated by a joint committee comprised of public health experts, end users, and industry members. Manufacturer certification of PVC pipe to NSF/ANSI 61 means that it is safe for use in drinking water piping applications.

2. PVC Pipes Are Built to Last

Communities across the U.S. lose billions of gallons of water a day to aging infrastructure. The good news is that many municipalities are solving these problems by installing durable, reliable PVC pipe.

Testing of in-service water systems from around the world shows that PVC pipes have a service life in excess of 100 years. In fact, a 2023 report on water main breaks in the U.S. and Canada by Utah State University found that PVC pipe has the lowest overall failure rate compared to three other commonly used piping materials.

3. PVC Pipes Save Taxpayers Money

Together, communities across the U.S. lose an estimated 6 billion gallons of treated water a day to aging infrastructure, according to a 2021 report by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

America faces a massive aging metal infrastructure problem, but PVC pipe is a durable solution. In addition, it takes up to 54% more energy to pump water through an 8-inch ductile iron pipe than it does through an 8-inch PVC pipe during the life of the system, because PVC’s surface remains smooth throughout. Sixty-eight percent of water supply pipes in the U.S. are 8 inches or smaller; over the life expectancy of the system, using PVC rather than ductile iron pipe in this size range could reduce the nation’s pumping costs by $21 billion.

PVC pipe pouring water into the hands of a child.

4. PVC Pipes Are Climate Friendly

A life cycle assessment carried out by Sustainable Solutions Corporation revealed that from a life cycle and carbon footprint perspective, PVC has lower environmental impacts — lower embodied energy, lower use-phase energy, and longer life attributes — compared to materials like iron, cement, and clay. When considering the impacts throughout the product life cycle, PVC pipes require much less energy to manufacture and transport, and they can operate for more than a century and need fewer replacements over their lifetime.

PVC Is the Ideal Choice

With decades of proven performance, reliable safety, and tremendous cost-saving opportunities, PVC pipes have become a go-to option for water utilities around the U.S. When the time comes to replace aging infrastructure, there’s simply no smarter option than PVC.

To learn more about the research and citations behind these findings and to get involved, visit www.vinylinfo.org/uses/pvc-pipe-report.

Ned Monroe is CEO of the Vinyl Institute.

Posted on

Bootcamp was Nothing Compared to Obesity—Military Mom Battles Obesity

2025-02-19T10:21:26

(BPT) – After starting boot camp at just 17 years old, Heather embarked on a 13-year journey in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant, truck driver, and trainer of new recruits. While she began her military career at a healthy weight, maintaining it became a constant battle. Despite the challenges that came with trying to maintain her weight, Heather persevered, meeting the Army’s uncompromising standards and proving her resilience time and time again.

Today, around 40% of adults in the U.S. struggle with obesity—up from about 30% compared to about two decades ago.

Growing up, Heather was always larger than her peers, which hindered her from participating in certain activities—even those she enjoyed. Despite her passion for dance, the outfits often made her the subject of ridicule. Any time Heather exposed her skin or wore tight clothes, her peers would call attention to her weight. Stigma made dancing or going to the pool a particularly dreadful experience.

As the years went on, Heather became more committed to losing weight. From crash diets and supplements to weightlifting and high-intensity cardio, she tried any and every intervention that promised results, but the results never lasted.

“I tried walking, weightlifting, dieting, but nothing seemed to keep the weight off.”

After her military career ended, Heather’s weight problems only intensified. Within a year, she had gained over 80 pounds. Public spaces became hotbeds of judgment and stigma. Negative attention was commonplace. In an airplane, a person in the neighboring seat would flash her a look that said, Oh no, I have to sit next to her?

“I was constantly getting that icky energy from people who just didn’t know any better,” Heather recalls.

Obesity impacted her to a point where she could no longer be as involved with her kids.

She struggled with how she felt about herself, and despite being a lifelong extrovert, Heather retreated inward, avoiding social events as her weight increased.

“I felt trapped and did not feel good about myself. I didn’t want my kids to only see me that way.”

As Heather searched for weight loss solutions, she came to learn that obesity is a chronic disease, which can be influenced by many things such as genetic, environmental, and physiologic factors. She realized that managing excess weight is not simply a matter of willpower or personal responsibility, and often requires comprehensive care, treatment and support. Finally, Heather spoke to her doctor.

After discussing multiple treatment options, they decided that Zepbound® (tirzepatide) along with diet and exercise was the best fit for her.

Zepbound is an injectable prescription medicine that may help adults with obesity, or some adults with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems, to lose excess body weight and keep the weight off. Zepbound should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Zepbound contains tirzepatide and should not be used with other tirzepatide-containing products or any GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines. It is not known if Zepbound is safe and effective for use in children.

Please see below Select Safety Information

Warning: Tell your healthcare provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rats, Zepbound and medicines that work like Zepbound caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Zepbound will cause thyroid tumors, or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. Do not take Zepbound if you or any of your family have ever had MTC or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Please see below Indications and Safety Summary with Warnings for Zepbound

Along with Zepbound, Heather’s exercise routine includes hikes in the park near her house, jogs around the block, and activities with her kids. Heather loves grilling fresh veggies and lean proteins. She feels good and has a fresh outlook on life. “Zepbound was one of the important missing puzzle pieces for me,” says Heather. “Obesity was holding me back, as it does for so many others, but you don’t have to face it alone. Talking to my doctor about Zepbound, along with diet and exercise, really helped me lose weight and keep it off.”

Watch Heather’s patient testimonial to learn more about Heather and her weight journey.

If you’re an adult struggling with obesity, ask your doctor about Zepbound. Zepbound may be able to help you reach your weight loss goals, along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. Visit Zepbound.com to learn more.

INDICATIONS AND SAFETY SUMMARY WITH WARNINGS

Zepbound® (ZEHP-bownd) is an injectable prescription medicine that may help adults with:

  • obesity, or some adults with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems to lose excess body weight and keep the weight off.
  • moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity to improve their OSA.

It should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Zepbound contains tirzepatide and should not be used with other tirzepatide-containing products or any GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines. It is not known if Zepbound is safe and effective for use in children.

Warnings – Zepbound may cause tumors in the thyroid, including thyroid cancer. Watch for possible symptoms, such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your healthcare provider.

• Do not use Zepbound if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

• Do not use Zepbound if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

• Do not use Zepbound if you have had a serious allergic reaction to tirzepatide or any of the ingredients in Zepbound.

Zepbound may cause serious side effects, including:

Severe stomach problems. Stomach problems, sometimes severe, have been reported in people who use Zepbound. Tell your healthcare provider if you have stomach problems that are severe or will not go away.

Kidney problems (kidney failure). Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.

Gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who use Zepbound. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get symptoms of gallbladder problems, which may include pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Zepbound and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.

Serious allergic reactions. Stop using Zepbound and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, problems breathing or swallowing, severe rash or itching, fainting or feeling dizzy, or very rapid heartbeat.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use Zepbound with medicines that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include dizziness or light-headedness, sweating, confusion or drowsiness, headache, blurred vision, slurred speech, shakiness, fast heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, mood changes, hunger, weakness or feeling jittery.

Changes in vision in patients with type 2 diabetes. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Zepbound.

Depression or thoughts of suicide. You should pay attention to changes in your mood, behaviors, feelings or thoughts. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you.

Food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). Zepbound may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking Zepbound before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures.

Common side effects

The most common side effects of Zepbound include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdominal) pain, indigestion, injection site reactions, feeling tired, allergic reactions, belching, hair loss, and heartburn. These are not all the possible side effects of Zepbound. Talk to your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or doesn’t go away.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effects. You can report side effects at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before using Zepbound

• Your healthcare provider should show you how to use Zepbound before you use it for the first time.

• Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking medicines to treat diabetes including an insulin or sulfonylurea which could increase your risk of low blood sugar. Talk to your healthcare provider about low blood sugar levels and how to manage them.

• If you take birth control pills by mouth, talk to your healthcare provider before you use Zepbound. Birth control pills may not work as well while using Zepbound. Your healthcare provider may recommend another type of birth control for 4 weeks after you start Zepbound and for 4 weeks after each increase in your dose of Zepbound.

Review these questions with your healthcare provider:

  • Do you have other medical conditions, including problems with your pancreas or kidneys, or severe problems with your stomach, such as slowed emptying of your stomach (gastroparesis) or problems digesting food?
  • Do you take diabetes medicines, such as insulin or sulfonylureas?
  • Do you have a history of diabetic retinopathy?
  • Are you scheduled to have surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation)?
  • Do you take any other prescription medicines or over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or herbal supplements?
  • Are you pregnant, plan to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed? Zepbound may harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while using Zepbound. It is not known if Zepbound passes into your breast milk. You should talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while using Zepbound.

• Pregnancy Exposure Registry: There will be a pregnancy exposure registry for women who have taken Zepbound during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry, or you may contact Lilly at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979).

How to take

  • Read the Instructions for Use that come with Zepbound.
  • Use Zepbound exactly as your healthcare provider says.
  • Use Zepbound with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
  • Zepbound is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm.
  • Use Zepbound 1 time each week, at any time of the day.
  • Change (rotate) your injection site with each weekly injection. Do not use the same site for each injection.
  • If you take too much Zepbound, call your healthcare provider, seek medical advice promptly, or contact a Poison Center expert right away at 1-800-222-1222.

Zepbound injection is approved as a 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg per 0.5 mL in single-dose pen or single-dose vial.

Learn more
Zepbound is a prescription medicine. For more information, call 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or go to www.zepbound.lilly.com.

This summary provides basic information about Zepbound but does not include all information known about this medicine. Read the information that comes with your prescription each time your prescription is filled. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about Zepbound and how to take it. Your healthcare provider is the best person to help you decide if Zepbound is right for you.

ZP CON BS 20DEC2024
Zepbound® and its delivery device base are registered trademarks owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.

Posted on

Cameras capture stunning moments from The Big Game

2025-02-19T12:01:00

(BPT) – When it comes to capturing the magic of sports, you need the right equipment. Every touchdown, goal, foul, and play should be caught with stunning clarity so whether fans are at the stadium or at home, they can enjoy every minute of the game.

That’s why when FOX Network was tasked with airing the live broadcast of football’s Big Game Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, the vast majority* of lenses used were from a leader in digital imaging solutions: Canon.

Quality equipment delivers captivating moments

Fans across the nation were treated to a riveting experience when they watched the live broadcast of the match between Philadelphia and Kansas City. More than 95% of the lenses used by FOX during the championship tilt in New Orleans, Louisiana, were Canon. That includes 62 broadcast lenses for the live game broadcast and 29 of the 30 total lenses deployed for the pre- and postgame shows.

In the stadium, a total of 16 Canon UJ122x8.2 lenses filmed the live broadcast. Three of those lenses featured new, on-demand optical units. These units help extend the focus range to provide viewers with a shallow depth of field at a distance that would normally require a telephoto field lens.

To capture unique angles from the SkyCam, the FOX crew used Canon’s CJ20ex5B IASE S, a versatile broadcast electronic news-gathering camera with telephoto reach that doesn’t sacrifice a wide-angle view. Also, C300 Mark III cameras (capable of ultra-high frame rates) provided astonishing shots of the 50-yard line.

The professional’s choice

Among the many credentialed photographers at the event, the majority* used Canon equipment, including the company’s EOS R1 mirrorless camera. This camera is geared toward professional still photographers. It brings together Canon’s cutting-edge technology and combines top-class performance with the strong durability and high reliability expected from a flagship model.

“With more than 30 years of experience using Canon cameras, I couldn’t be more pleased with the quality and reliability of their products, especially the new EOS R1 camera,” said Steve Sanders, Kansas City’s team photographer. “As a professional who relies on all types of Canon gear every day, the versatility and outstanding quality of their equipment make Canon the clear choice for my team.”

Jamie Squire, Getty Images’ chief sports photographer, was also impressed with the picture quality and the camera’s ease of use.

“This was the first time using the new Canon R1’s during the Big Game and they performed beautifully,” said Squire. “Even in lower lighting, shooting wide open at 2.8, the autofocus was fast and the images were crisp and razor sharp. The built-in ethernet port and transmission technology allowed me to send images to our team of editors and out into the world within moments of the capturing the action. Additionally, the customization of the buttons and controls allowed for a seamless experience while working, especially during a big event like this when there is no time to be messing around. The Canon system and the knowledge of how to use it provided me with the confidence to perform at my best.”

Outstanding support when you need it most

The photography equipment wasn’t the only Canon presence in the Big Easy. For the title game, the Canon Professional Services (CPS) team was on-site to offer photographers technical support, equipment loan opportunities and clean-and-check services.

This isn’t the first time the company has provided support. As in years past, the CPS team brought in loaner gear to supplement cameras and lenses owned by Canon professionals. Canon technicians were also in attendance to provide cleaning and maintenance services for Canon broadcast lenses to help ensure optimal image quality.

“We are very proud that Canon’s equipment and service support could contribute to the Big Game, which remains one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events,” said Kiyoshi Oka, executive vice president and general manager for Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Helping to provide the tools for photographers and broadcasters to document such an important moment for the culture is a privilege that means so much to us at Canon, and contributing to the enjoyment that millions of people derive from watching the game is a source of pride for our company.”

Never miss a moment

Whether you’re a professional or an aspiring amateur, choose photography equipment trusted to capture every second of football’s Big Game. For more information about Canon’s extensive lineup of professional imaging products, please visit USA.Canon.com/Pro.

*Based on Canon U.S.A., Inc., survey and data as of Feb. 10, 2025.