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2023-11-06T07:01:00

(BPT) – If you or a loved one needs surgery, you may worry most about what happens during the surgery itself. But as healthcare providers are aware, the most vulnerable times for patient care are actually after surgery when patients are still in the hospital or recently discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU).

“We’ve made a lot of progress in patient care in the operating room. But we know the 30-day mortality rate for post-op patients represents the third-leading cause of death globally,”[i] said Randall M. Clark, M.D., FASA, past president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist.[ii] “So there’s still significant room for improvement on patient monitoring to provide the best possible care for post-op patients.”

During these critical recovery periods, continuous patient monitoring is crucial to help detect signs of patient deterioration, which can lead to hazardous — yet preventable — consequences.

Continuous monitoring is key

To make sure patients are recovering well post-surgery and not experiencing any complications, it’s essential for healthcare providers to closely monitor each patient’s vital signs, including their respiratory rate, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure. In particular, respiratory rate has been proven as one of the most sensitive signs for detecting early patient deterioration.[iii],[iv]

Typically, patients’ vital signs are measured by traditional “spot checks” every 4-6 hours and patients are often left unattended between rounds, which can sometimes result in missing early signs of patient deterioration.

“Evidence shows that many early signs of patient deterioration or instability have gone undetected with traditional spot checks,” noted Dr. Clark.

In fact, one study showed that nurses doing spot checks missed 90% of low blood oxygen signs, even when the condition persisted for an hour or more.[v] Even the smallest changes to a patient’s vital signs can indicate a bigger problem but may go unnoticed when spot checks are only done every few hours.

“Preventing post-operative adverse events is vital, and continuous monitoring and response helps us do that more effectively — which makes a difference for our patients,” said Dr. Clark. “It helps healthcare providers detect issues quickly and use that information to act immediately. That level of care can also impact a patient’s quality of life when they go home.”

The solution: Wireless technology that offers continuous monitoring.

To provide clinicians with a real-time view of a patient’s vital signs, GE HealthCare has introduced Portrait™ Mobile, a first-of-its-kind wireless and wearable monitoring solution that uses innovative measurement technology to continuously capture a patient’s respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and pulse rate. Continuously monitoring patients can help clinicians recognize any potential signs of deterioration earlier than traditional spot check methods and enables them to provide the right care at the right time.

Because of its small size and wireless technology, Portrait Mobile allows patients to move about and it easily goes wherever they do during recovery in the hospital. Getting mobile as soon as possible can also help improve a patient’s recovery and rehabilitation after undergoing surgery.

To learn more about how Portrait Mobile can support care that can flex with changing patient needs, visit GEHealthCare.com.

2023-11-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – There’s a new trend taking the fashion world by storm, and it’s inspired by your morning cup of coffee. Latte dressing is all about embracing the warm, rich shades of brown — everything from creamy caramel to deep espresso, mocha and chocolate — for a fun, versatile take on traditional neutrals. Think of it like capturing that cozy, first cup of coffee feeling in an outfit (we’re here for that!).

Make this season’s tasty new trend even sweeter with matching looks for your tiny trendsetter. Here we rounded up some of our favorite latte-inspired styles from Little Planet™ by Carter’s, each crafted in the softest and purest certified organic cottons and recycled fibers.

Organic Cotton Sweater Knit Bubble

With its rich copper hues, ribbed texture and chunky knit design, this cozy bubble is a must-have for baby’s latte dressing era.

Waffle Knit Jumpsuit Made With Organic Cotton

Another look inspired by your morning cup of joe! Your little one will look adorable in this super soft waffle knit jumpsuit made with recycled materials.

Striped Organic Cotton Sweater Set

A dash of nutmeg to spice up your coffee — and baby’s closet, too! In fine sweater knit, Little Planet’s striped organic cotton set is the ultimate cozy latte outfit.

Organic Cotton Gauze Overalls

Snag this signature Little Planet™ style in the color of the season. Soft, natural, and crafted of 100% certified organic double-layered cotton gauze, this is one cup of fashion perfection.

Organic Cotton Ribbed Sweater Knit Dress

With cozy ribbed details and warm sweater knit, this nutmeg number is the perfect addition to your little one’s fall wardrobe.

Organic Cotton Sweater Knit Overalls

Upgrade baby’s wardrobe with heirloom quality overalls in the perfect khaki hue. Crafted of 100% organic cotton sweater knit, this sustainable latte-inspired outfit can be passed down from baby to baby.

Shop Little Planet by Carter’s for additional latte looks or other fall-inspired styles to dress your little one.

2023-11-02T17:01:00

(BPT) – NETGEAR leverages nearly three decades of WiFi expertise to deliver the best WiFi performance across your entire home.

Over the years, WiFi has enabled us to do much more than we thought possible – like video call family, game in high definition, and stream music or the latest show on demand. It seems like every new gadget we buy, from kitchen appliances to children’s toys, requires a seamless connection to get the full experience. It’s difficult these days to think of life without WiFi.

Consider all the connected devices you have today, from cell phones and a doorbell camera to the smart grill in your backyard. Or perhaps you have a smart oven or meat thermometer to ensure your favorite meal is cooked to perfection.

We upgrade and buy new connected devices all the time – like the latest iPhone 15 – yet the dusty WiFi router in the corner of your home remains untouched for years. Even the high-speed internet you’re paying for through your provider might not be fully utilized because your router is outdated. If this sounds like it could be you, it may be time for a router upgrade so you can ensure your cool, new devices, including your iPhone 15, are supported the way they’re intended to be.

When you go to purchase a new router, it’s important to know what the latest WiFi standard is – and today, that’s WiFi 7. WiFi 7 unleashes unprecedented speeds and performance, up to 5X greater speeds than previous generations. If you need to upgrade but also want to future-proof your home and connected devices, WiFi 7 also supports the ever-increasing growth of bandwidth-intensive applications such as high-quality live streaming to watch sports and cultural events, high-definition video calls, intricate graphics work, and immersive gaming experiences.

Upgrade to the Latest WiFi 7 Mesh System

In your home, you need WiFi at every corner to maximize the use of all of your connected devices. When it comes to elite performance across your home, the new Orbi 970 Series WiFi 7 mesh system is in a class of its own.

With mesh systems, you have one main router that communicates to additional satellites placed around your home, so you’re always connected to the strongest WiFi signal.

The Orbi 970 Series features a central router and multiple satellites, which can be strategically placed throughout the home to provide 10,000 square feet of coverage (that’s more than two NBA basketball courts), from the front door to the backyard, across all devices simultaneously. To extend coverage even further, just add another satellite. It’s built to keep your devices seamlessly connected no matter the structure or materials from which your house is constructed.

NETGEAR Armor™ Powered by Bitdefender® also provides an unparalleled level of security for your home’s vulnerable smart devices such as a smart refrigerator, smart speaker, and more. Unlike your phone or PC on which you can load the latest security software, these devices can provide cybercriminals with dangerous inroads to invade your home network and access sensitive information. Armor provides an automatic protective shield of security for all of your connected devices. Moreover, if you’re a parent, NETGEAR’s Smart Parental Controls feature allows you to promote healthy internet habits with kids and manage how much time they spend online.

What’s more, the Orbi 970 Series is available in black or white and sports an elegant, cylindrical design. The sleek bodies of the routers and satellites are purposefully designed for optimal performance while gracing the home with their slim profile that fits neatly on a desk, entertainment unit, or shelf.

In today’s world, one thing is clear, WiFi 7 is the latest standard to keep our connected devices in and around our home working the way they should. The Orbi 970 Series ensures the best possible performance, speed, coverage, and security for all your WiFi-connected activities – today and tomorrow.

Need better WiFi? Learn more about Orbi 970 Series from NETGEAR.

2023-11-02T11:13:01

(BPT) – Did you know the most dangerous part of riding a school bus is when children get on or off the bus? Between distracted driving, the end of Daylight Saving Time and the busy holiday season, children are at greater risk this time of year, especially when drivers illegally pass a stopped school bus as it lets children embark or disembark.

The 2023 National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services illegal passing survey found the number of drivers passing stopped school buses is rising, projecting over 43.5 million illegal passings occurring across the 180-day school year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that this is one of the biggest risks to children who take the school bus, and although passing a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended is illegal in every state, drivers persist in breaking this law. This unnecessarily puts more than 25 million children at risk of being injured or killed every day.

What can be done about illegal school bus passing?

It would be impossible for local law enforcement to monitor all the traffic in and around school zones, as well as neighborhoods, to watch for illegal school bus passing. To confront this problem, one company, Verra Mobility, has developed two different solutions for schools and communities to help enhance their students’ safety in and around school buses and school zones.

1. CrossingGuard. The school bus stop-arm safety solution incorporates all of the services required to enhance student safety, reduce illegal school bus passing, enforce traffic laws and change driver behavior. CrossingGuard provides a high-resolution stop-arm camera, physically attached to the school bus, that is deployed when the bus is picking up and dropping off students.

Confirmed data from the Verra Mobility school bus safety camera programs (32 total) during the 2022-2023 school year shows that 71,386 citations were issued to drivers for illegally passing the school bus stop arm. However, nearly 99% of the drivers who received and paid a ticket did not receive a second citation, indicating that the message was received, loud and clear. Collectively, Verra Mobility’s school bus stop-arm safety programs witnessed a 12% reduction in citations from the beginning of the school year to the end.

How CrossingGuard works: High-definition cameras are installed on the exterior of the school bus, and when the school bus extends its stop arm, the system automatically detects vehicles passing the stopped bus within the enforcement zone. Cameras record a video of the passing vehicle, license plate and extended stop arm. The event data and images are wirelessly uploaded to Verra Mobility’s back-office via a secure VPN, and are then processed according to the customer’s business rules.

Law enforcement then receives and reviews the evidence and determines whether a violation has occurred. If there is a violation, a notice is issued and mailed to the vehicle owner. A bonus of the program is that the cameras for this solution are not funded by taxpayers, bonds or school fees. They are paid through the violations, so the system pays for itself.

2. Safe School Zone Speed Enforcement. Because 17% of children 14 and younger who are killed in traffic crashes are pedestrians, according to the NHTSA, it’s crucial to keep children safe, especially when they’re walking to and around school. School zone speed enforcement encourages traffic compliance to reduce the average vehicle speed and rate of dangerous driving.

This safety solution provides communities with an automated speed safety enforcement camera system to detect dangerous driving and to capture images of drivers speeding in school zones. When implemented, traffic slows before the school zone, improving pedestrian, bicyclist and motorist safety.

“Parents have enough on their plate without having to worry about their children’s safety when they’re going to and from school,” said Melissa Wandall, president of the National Coalition for Safer Roads. “It’s important for schools and communities to use the latest technology available to hold reckless drivers accountable, and to help keep kids safe.”

To learn more about these innovative safety solutions and how they help protect all of the school children in your community, visit VerraMobility.com.

2023-11-02T13:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season brings a sense of excitement and togetherness, but preparing for lively gatherings or traveling can present distinctive safety challenges.

“Anyone preparing for guests should be mindful of how they organize their celebrations and understand the coverage provided by their insurance policies,” said Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims for Mercury Insurance. “Homeowners need to identify and address any areas needing extra attention for a safe and inviting environment.”

To guarantee an enjoyable and festive get-together for you and your guests, take time to review some of the more commonly overlooked items in the home.

Keep holiday lights bright and safe

The magic of the holidays often finds its sparkle in glimmering lights. Preserve their charm without risking safety and property. While most lights, ornaments and other decorations are insured for damage from fire, vandalism or theft, they aren’t insured against the wear and tear of normal use.

Before stringing any lights, check lighting cords to make sure there aren’t any tears or deformations. Looking for signs of excess wear on all indoor and outdoor lights, including fading, frayed wiring, or twisted and kinked cords. Replace any damaged bulbs and test each strand of lights by plugging them in before decorating to confirm they are operational and safe. Make sure any cords or lights you are using for outdoor displays are made for outdoor use and never overload extension cords or outlets.

Install and update security systems for peace of mind

Holiday excitement can interfere with awareness of potential risks. Break-ins and thefts increase this time of year since thieves know many families might be distracted with the busyness of the season, or traveling and leaving their homes unattended. Homeowners can significantly reduce their risk by installing surveillance cameras, video doorbells, alarms, deadbolts and other types of home security. Some insurers may offer policies with a theft protective device discount.

“It’s also important to note that if you recently received or purchased an expensive gift, make sure that your insurance policy extends to cover such presents,” said Lee. “Homeowners policies often cover theft, so you’ll be able to file a claim with your insurance company should something happen, but it’s always a good idea to check your insurance policy to see how your personal property is covered, including high-end gifts.”

Share with care

One of the enticing factors thieves consider when scouting for homes to target is whether a home is currently unoccupied. By sharing holiday plans and locations in real time on social media, homeowners unwittingly publicize that their house is vacant. Even with privacy settings on, sharing extensively online still poses a risk due to extended friend networks and other potential breaches.

Consider waiting to share pictures, status updates and check-ins until you return home,” said Lee. “By postponing these posts, homeowners reduce the risk of attracting unwanted attention to their empty property.”

Kitchen safety

Increased cooking times, a higher number of dishes being prepared and a flurry of guests can lead to forgotten stovetops and ovens, or grease fires due to spillover from pots and pans.

“Fire insurance is typically included in your policy and protects the contents and the surrounding property, helping with the cost of replacing or repairing your home in case of such an event,” said Lee. “However, it’s best to stay attentive. Avoid leaving cooking areas unattended when the stove or oven is in use and make sure cooking areas are free of combustible materials like wooden utensils or dish towels. It’s also a good idea to keep a working fire extinguisher that is easily accessible in your kitchen.”

As the holiday season progresses, remember to review your homeowners insurance policy to understand exactly what coverage it offers and that it has been updated to suit your family’s needs, particularly if you’ve made any high-value renovations or purchases.

“The holiday times are for joy and celebrations, not for dealing with unanticipated losses or accidents. Following a few simple precautions will be the best gift you can give yourself for a peaceful and festive season,” said Lee.

2023-11-02T09:15:00

(BPT) – Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are now the dominant vehicles on U.S. roads, making up more than half of new car sales for three years running, according to J.D. Power. The SUV segment has become as diverse as it is large, ranging from three-row luxury vehicles to sporty crossovers to off-roading powerhouses, and similarly, SUV drivers are far from a homogenous lot, putting their cars to a variety of uses.

So if you are among the millions of SUV drivers in the U.S., you need to ensure your vehicle is equipped with the right tires for the job. Hankook Tire’s Dynapro line-up is designed to offer SUV (and light truck) drivers a complete range of tires for all conditions and journeys. Here are five types of tires, from on-road cruising to off-road adventuring, that SUV drivers should consider based on their driving needs.

For the road warrior: A comfortable, all-season touring tire – Dynapro HPX

Drivers who rack up the miles in their SUV don’t want to compromise comfort for performance, or handling for tread life. They need an all-season touring tire that can offer smooth, comfortable driving in a variety of weather conditions, and can stand up to tens of thousands of miles on the road.

Hankook Tire just announced an all-season touring tire, the all-new Dynapro HPX, delivering great braking and handling performance in rain and light snow, while also minimizing tread pattern noise to maximize the cabin experience. It also comes with a 70,000 mile warranty and is designed to last 12% longer than competing tires.

For the daily driver: A reliable highway tire – Dynapro HT

Drivers focused on school runs, office commutes and the occasional road trip for vacation need a tire that can be relied on all year round without breaking the bank. An all-season highway tire that offers a generous mileage warranty ensures the tires will deliver good bang for their buck. And with all-season reliability, these tires can be trusted to keep drivers and their passengers safe in a variety of weather conditions that most of us will face throughout the year.

For the dirt road enthusiast: An on- and off-road all-terrain tire – Dynapro AT2 Xtreme

Some drivers love a mixture of Sports and Utility from their SUV — they enjoy taking their vehicle off the beaten track on weekends and commuting to work on a Monday morning with fresh mud stains on the fender. An all-terrain product that mixes aggressive design with on-road comfort helps drivers tackle gravel and loose surfaces without having to deal with the dreaded tire drone when they’re back in civilization.

For the off-road expert: A rugged terrain tire – Dynapro XT

More dedicated off-roaders might be looking for a tire they can fit to their SUV when it’s time to hit the trails. A rugged terrain tire can handle steep profiles, off-camber environments and even rock crawling, on a variety of surfaces from grass to dirt to sand. The ideal rugged terrain tire will offer rigid block patterns and deeper grooves to handle these conditions, whether they consider themselves overlanders or desert explorers.

For the ultimate outdoor adventure: A tough mud tire – Dynapro MT2

SUV drivers looking to tackle the toughest terrain need a tire that can handle everything from the deepest mud to the roughest rocks. This class of tires should offer extra protection from chips and tears on gravel, massive treads to deliver ultimate off-road traction, and ejectors that release mud and stones to maximize grip.

No matter what drivers are planning with their vehicles, the wide range of SUVs in the U.S. marketplace is now fully complemented by a rich portfolio of tires for everything drivers need. Hankook’s Dynapro line-up offers a broad range of performance characteristics to meet these needs, for drivers keeping their wheels squeaky clean or spending their Saturdays winching through the woods.