Month: December 2018

2018-12-28T14:28:30

(BPT) – The high cost of prescription medications is an ongoing health crisis for millions of Americans who are desperate for relief.

These high prices often force people to choose between buying their medications and paying for gas, food or even their mortgage. Many people are either skipping doses, splitting pills or forgoing medications completely, which creates a potentially dangerous situation as these medications are used to control everything from asthma to high cholesterol to arthritis.

Little has been done to lower pharmaceutical costs in the U.S. The following are some facts you might not know about pharmaceutical costs:

1) Lawmakers face resistance from pharmaceutical manufacturers who aim to maintain their high profits. Congress and state legislatures have put forth options to address our country’s high drug prices, but most proposals will take years to implement … if they move forward at all.

2) The U.S. doesn’t have any laws or regulations in place to prevent or control the amount of money a pharmaceutical company can charge for its medications. Americans already pay more for prescription medications compared to patients in any other country in the world, despite the global market nature of the pharmaceutical industry.

3) For years, the Internet has made it possible for Americans to fill their prescription medications at significantly lower cost through licensed, legitimate Canadian pharmacies. These online pharmacies prioritize safety and affordability, and millions of Americans have turned to Canada to buy their daily medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and its Canadian counterpart, Health Canada, have equivalent standards when it comes to prescription medications.

4) The problem is only going to get worse. The growth of spending on pharmaceuticals is expected to grow an average of 6.3 percent per year due to increasing drug prices and use of specialty drugs, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. By 2020, the Department of Commerce estimates that Americans will spend an estimated $610 billion on prescription drugs.

Now is the time to find an online pharmacy that you can trust to access safe and affordable prescription medications.

As with all industries, there are “rogue” players and other bad actors on the Internet. However, consumers can find licensed, legitimate online pharmacies that can be trusted. Licensed, legitimate pharmacies have safety protocols in place, including requiring a signed prescription from a patient’s doctor, and they don’t sell opioids or other controlled substances via the Internet.

To learn more on this topic and find an online pharmacy, visit https://personalimportation.org.

2018-12-28T16:18:05

(BPT) – Looking for a cure for the winter blues? Start making plans for the summer. Having something fun to look forward to — such as days off and family trips — can make those dreary days more bearable. One thing you’ll want to add to your summer planning list is finding a great summer camp or two for your kids.

Even before leaves start appearing on the trees, many organizations begin announcing dates and enrollment for summer camp sessions. Get a jump start on the process with this guide to choosing an enriching summer activity, where your child will also have a blast.

* First, know the best places to look: You may not be aware of the number of great summer day camps taking place around your community. Start with college campuses, parks and recreation departments, local school districts and churches. Be sure to tune in to nonprofits, like performing arts centers, museums and your local animal shelter or zoo. Finally, ask the other adults in your child’s life for the inside scoop. The art teacher, soccer coach and scout leader may be in the know about the best camps in town.

* Look for the immersive experience: When you think about it, “camp” is an odd word choice. But look at what sleep-away camp means to kids, and it makes sense. Yes, it’s fun to sleep in a cabin and spend all day sailing, swimming and climbing. What’s key is that these kids are immersed in a new reality that’s different from the usual home and school routines. So when a local organization bills an activity a “camp,” they promise an experience that lets your kid jump in and become a part of something. When choosing the right camp, look for that quality. Is there a clear theme or topic? Will kids be active and involved? Or is the “camp” just made up of a series of talks led by adults?

* Make sure your child is on board: Consider your child’s interests and how camp can make them stronger. Your play-acting child with a flair for drama will probably thrive and bloom at theater camp. However, if camp is a strategy to help them improve at something they struggle with, make sure the program is designed for these kids, or you’re setting them up for a session of misery. After all, you wouldn’t send your sports-loathing child to, say, a high-intensity wrestling camp, to make them more athletic.

* Don’t forget the fun factor: What makes camp truly memorable is having fun, so make sure the camp you’re looking at takes fun seriously. For example, Blake Furlow, CEO of Bricks 4 Kidz, says kids keep coming back to their camps partly because these sessions bring building with LEGO Bricks to the next level of fun and exciting. But watching their enjoyment unfold during the camp is also massively rewarding. “Seeing the kids light up, get excited and make new connections during a Bricks 4 Kidz class is a heart-warming experience,” Furlow says.

* Consider longevity: When looking at various programs, a good question to ask is how long the camp has been around. New summer camp themes and programs can sound exciting and fresh, but it takes a few rounds to work out the kinks with any new organization. Choosing well-established programs with experienced leaders is one way to ensure that your child will get that worthwhile and fun experience with a new activity.

If you’re looking for a camp experience from a trusted provider that fosters learning in STEM subjects, look for a Bricks 4 Kidz franchise in your community. Bricks 4 Kidz is celebrating its 10th anniversary of providing fun and enrichment for kids in schools and communities across the United States and beyond! At these camps, kids get to use LEGO Bricks along with specialized LEGO Technic pieces like gears, axles and electric motors to build unique and exciting models to help kids explore engineering and architecture — while having a blast doing it. To discover camps taking place in your area, visit Bricks4Kidz.com.

2018-12-28T10:51:00

(BPT) – Do you remember being a child, sitting in front of a glowing television? Eyes wide, legs crossed and a little bowl of marshmallow-filled breakfast cereal in front of you? The familiar theme song would play, color would fill the screen and there they’d be — that futuristic family in a flying cartoon car. It was an incredible sight, one that filled us with wonder and excitement, and the hope of having our very own airborne automobile by 2020.

Sixty-eight percent of Americans believed that dream would turn into reality, according to Hankook Tire’s Gauge Index Survey. And while we wait for that innovation to come to mass-market fruition, the reality of putting your car on autopilot from A to B is right around the corner.

Here are five more futuristic expectations drivers have set as they look down the road:

1. Expectation: Tires that never go flat.
According to the Gauge, more than one third (35 percent) of Americans consider the run-flat tire to be the biggest tire technology achievement in recent history. Another 44 percent are looking to see self-repairing tires as an imminent innovation. The reality is, as automotive technology continues to drive forward, tire technology is rolling along right beside it. Tire manufacturers are looking to improve performance and sustainability through inventive designs like the Hankook Kinergy AS EV, engineered to accommodate the complexities of modern electric vehicles.

2. Expectation: A distraction-less drive.
There has been plenty of advancement in tools to downplay distracted driving — think Bluetooth, “Do Not Disturb” and similar functions for our mobile devices. It’s too bad there hasn’t been a way to keep our eyes off the other drivers. More than half (58 percent) say that other people’s bad driving is their top distraction on the road. Autonomous technology such as lane keep assistance and automatic emergency braking help compensate for those distractions.

3. Expectation: Cars that can take care of themselves.
Nearly half of Americans (48 percent) would love to see their cars equipped with self-maintenance capabilities. In reality, today’s maintenance technology is sophisticated and can predict things like how far you can go until your next oil change. And of course, there’s an app for everything. Now just imagine … how easy would it be if your car couldn’t just tell you it’s time to take it in, but get the job done for you?

4. Expectation: Driverless vehicles for everyone.
Autonomous vehicle technology is certainly speeding forward, and there are some who argue it will help create a safer drive down the road. The survey found that men are nearly twice as likely to opt for self-driving capabilities as women (40 percent versus 24 percent). Those who aren’t looking for cars to drive themselves may like their vehicle to be smart in other ways — like when it comes to their coffee order. Millennials, for example, are significantly more interested in seeing cars be able to automatically order their morning coffee than other age groups (15 percent).

5. Expectation: Lots and lots of legroom.
As we look toward the future of car autonomy, it’s clear that Americans would love to kick back and occupy themselves when driving is no longer a responsibility. According to the Gauge, would-be drivers would spend their commutes sightseeing (39 percent), taking a phone call (33 percent) or eating (28 percent). So while today’s reality might not include a table in the car itself, futuristic concepts may include just that!

There’s no telling how long it will take to get us to a flying future, or even a fully self-driving one. But there’s also no denying that vehicle and tire technology has come a long way from the days of the horseless buggy and wooden tires, and we can expect some fascinating futuristic tech to come.

2018-12-28T10:31:00

(BPT) – Entertaining indoors during the chilly winter months can be a fantastic way to brighten up those long, dark evenings. Inviting a few friends over — or a lot — doesn’t have to be a difficult challenge, even for first-time hosts. Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman, co-founders of A Beautiful Mess, offer these tips for easy and stress-less entertaining.

1. Make the time to clean your home or apartment at least one day ahead, then set the table and spruce up your home with decorations the night before your event. This leaves you with one less thing to worry about on the big day!

2. Whether you’re hosting a fancy sit-down dinner, casual cocktail get-together or game-day festivities, stock up on ice and easy-to-fix drinks so you won’t be tied to bartender duty when you could be enjoying the company of your guests. The latest kitchen appliances can help you prep: in addition to the door’s light-up glass panel, one of the coolest features of the LG Smart InstaView refrigerator is that you can boost ice production ahead of the party, even from your phone, thanks to the LG SmartThinQ(TM) app. This way you can ensure that your fridge is working for you, whether you’re home or at the grocery store! No need to rush out for a bag of ice at the last minute or during the party.

3. Prep food ahead of time as much as you can, and plan to heat up dishes on the day of the party. The LG Smart Double Oven allows for setting two different temperatures, so you can cook (or warm) two dishes at the same time. Its ProBake Convection heats from the back of the oven, creating an even temperature across the dishes. It has a large capacity, too, allowing plenty of room for multiple items at the same time.

4. Delegate what you can. If your guests ask, “What can I bring?” — don’t be shy about asking for help. If you’re light on beverages, request that they pick up a bottle of wine or two. If desserts aren’t your strong suit, ask if they can share a favorite treat. Most party-goers feel good about contributing to the event. Make sure to highlight their contributions and thank them when you crack open that bottle or serve their tasty dessert!

5. Cater to all the senses. Not only should you set a pretty table, prepare delicious food and put on some upbeat background music you know your guests will enjoy, but the aromas you create will also set the mood for a successful soiree! If you don’t have a yummy smelling dish cooking away on the stove-top on party day, consider simmering a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and cloves for a while, or use scented candles or essential oils to enhance your party environment. It’s the sensory details that help set the right tone for your entire event.

With just enough planning, helpful tools and smart technology like LG appliances at your disposal, hosting a party or dinner can be easy as well as fun. You can turn any winter gathering, whether casual or formal, into a relaxing and enjoyable event not just for your guests, but for you as well.

2018-12-27T16:31:01

(BPT) – Jan. 1 marks the official start of the new year and is our annual reminder to set resolutions, such as eating healthier, practicing mindfulness, getting organized or finally joining a gym. It’s the perfect excuse to hit the reset button to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Whether that’s waking up to a glass of celery juice — the go-to drink of 2018 — or taking a spin class, the challenge in getting healthier involves finding a solution that aligns with your everyday lifestyle and personal goals. Every individual’s journey is different. Resolving to lose weight on Jan. 1 is the easy part. Sticking with it requires more effort.

What if you could start a weight loss journey that was sustainable? One that helps you build the habits that will carry you through Dec. 31, 2019, and beyond?

Let’s get personal

Effective weight loss programs must be highly personalized. Personalization plays a critical role in weight management, serving as the connective tissue between a program and the individual. Inputting height, weight, age and gender into an app or database cannot sustain a successful weight loss experience. Tracking your progress, consistent feedback, personalized coaching and motivational communications are key. These are made possible thanks to advancements in technology; which when combined with personalization can positively impact weight loss behaviors and yield real results.

Finding the right program for you

Losing weight is not one-size-fits-all, hence the importance of finding a program that is right for your body, mind and schedule. Experts advise seeking programs rooted in sustainability, personalization and ease of use. Developed in collaboration with Louisiana State University’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a worldwide leader in weight loss science, Amway’s BodyKey(TM) SmartLoss(TM) program makes it easier to embrace smarter, healthier lifestyle choices.

Accessibility is also important. The BodyKey SmartLoss program includes a free mobile app that functions as your digital coach to help you achieve and share your success with family, friends and colleagues along your weight loss journey. The app is available for anyone to download on the iTunes Store and Google Play.

Marrying the use of technology and biological processes, the program features three key elements:

* Personalized eating plan: an easy-to-follow eating plan to educate on appropriate portion size

* Personalized SmartLoss Graph: to map and track healthy weight loss

* SmartTips and SmartLoss Feedback: continual and tailored recommendations to keep users motivated to lose weight

“Personalization is invaluable for any successful weight loss program,” said Kerry Grann, Principal Research Scientist, Amway Research & Development. “Each person is unique and requires different specificities to lose weight. What may be beneficial to one person, may not work for another. Finding a solution based on your individual needs will help you lose weight more efficiently.”

Breaking barriers

With no tracking or calorie counting required, Amway’s BodyKey SmartLoss program effectively drives weight loss by including scientifically proven strategies to help shift away from unhealthy habits that prevent you from losing weight. It is also personalized to help identify potential barriers such as mindset, sleep, stress and eating habits, and teaches new skills to overcome those barriers.

“Creating healthy habits such as weighing yourself daily and replacing one meal a day with a nutrient-packed shake or bar can lead to long-term success in managing weight,” Grann continued. “These habits ensure daily allowances are properly met and that you receive the nutrients your body needs to lose weight.”

In addition to meal replacement shakes and bars, Amway’s BodyKey SmartLoss program also offers tools, snacks and teas to help make portion control easier.

As we approach a new year, now is the time to evaluate your physical, mental and spiritual health. Managing your weight doesn’t have to be a lifelong struggle. Proper weight management can be safely achieved through programs such as BodyKey SmartLoss. This program, combined with a proper education on the tools and nutrients your body benefits from, can enable you to reap rewards in no time.

2018-12-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – The new year is often a time filled with self-reflection and thoughts of personal transformation, prompting individuals to start hitting the gym, eating right and reconnecting with old friends. However, New Year’s resolutions can often be short-lived, frequently not even lasting through February.

Instead of taking on large, difficult-to-maintain resolutions, there are smaller, simpler steps and habits that can be embraced, bringing a lasting healthier you into the new year.

Self-care isn’t selfish

When too many obligations and plans with family and friends become a burden, it’s OK to take a pass. If needed, spending a night at home or retreating to the comfort of your bed can help keep unintended stress at bay. Everyone needs a break from their social life on occasion.

Bring on the breakfast

Busy mornings might leave you feeling short on time and skipping out on breakfast altogether. Though it might feel like a huge time saver, skipping breakfast is actually detrimental to your day. Quick breakfast options that you can prepare ahead of time, like veggie egg muffins or overnight oats, provide energy and nutrients, like fiber, that you need to keep you and your body moving all day long.

Treat the small stuff

If you feel that something is off with your body, no matter how small it may seem, taking action from the start can go a long way in preventing bigger issues. Treating minor health conditions can be just as important for overall health as visiting the doctor for more serious concerns, like the flu or chronic pain. Quick relief for bum discomfort, such as itching and burning, is achievable with Preparation H Totables Irritation Relief Wipes. They deliver relief and on-the-go cleansing in a discreet, convenient travel pack — so you can easily treat symptoms and get back to your day in comfort no matter where you are.

Work, walk, work. Repeat.

Remaining sedentary all day can lead to a number of physical effects and pains. To help steer clear of these, set a timer and get up for a five-minute lap around the office or house every hour or so. Not only will you minimize potential aches, but getting up and moving throughout the day can also make you more productive.

With these tips in mind you can be more on top of your health throughout the new year without making any drastic changes. For more information on bum issues and hemorrhoid relief, visit www.preparationh.com.

2018-12-26T15:17:00

(BPT) – Hint: Winter tires aren’t just for driving in the snow. Follow this decision tree from Michelin to see if you need winter tires on your vehicle.

2018-12-26T15:33:01

(BPT) – In 2019, many Americans are planning for a “better me” in the year ahead. Gym memberships and diets are at the top of many lists, but what about financial health? Losing debt can be just as important as losing pounds, and financial fitness just as important as physical fitness.

According to a new survey from Marcus by Goldman Sachs(R), 74 percent of Americans think their financial well-being has an impact on their overall health and 64 percent feel they are not in the best financial shape they could be. On top of that, half of those surveyed (50 percent) think it’s easier to get into better physical shape than financial shape and 59 percent consider tracking expenses and budgeting to be more stressful than trying a new workout.

Although New Year’s resolutions to improve financial fitness may seem daunting, they are achievable, and their effects can be significant. While it is important to pump iron and feel great physically, it is equally beneficial to pump up your savings and take steps to secure your financial future. Here are five simple ways to help achieve better financial fitness in 2019:

1. Trim down debt: Eliminating debt is a worthy goal shared by many — 78 percent of those surveyed would rather get rid of their debt than lose weight. Consider instead a debt consolidation personal loan such as those provided by Marcus by Goldman Sachs(R), which offers fixed-rate, no-fee personal loans that could help save on interest when compared to high-interest variable rate credit cards.

2. Set a realistic budget: Every financial fitness plan should start by establishing a budget that is both effective and achievable. The first step in creating one is to identify your essentials like mortgage or rent, car payments, tuition loans — and determine how much each of these expenses cost you per month. Next, average your spending in key categories that occur on an ongoing basis, such as food, gas, clothing, commuting costs and your gym membership. Combine those two figures to determine what your actual expenses and monthly budget are, and any money left over can be considered discretionary. Part of each month’s discretionary budget should be dedicated in advance to savings. Financial fitness introduces a level of discipline to help people make a proactive commitment to saving each month.

3. Shred unwanted subscriptions: With a budget in place, it’s all about tracking expenses and ensuring that your spending aligns with what your budget requires. There are many free tools that can help do the work, such as the personal financial management app Clarity Money, which monitors recurring expenses and helps with eliminating unwanted subscriptions. Keeping a tighter rein on your spending makes it easier to trim costs and stick to your budget year-round.

4. Pump up your savings: Look for savings accounts with higher rates that can help your money make more money. A high-yield Online Savings Account from Marcus by Goldman Sachs can earn 4X the national average, with a 2.05 percent APY (annual percentage yield)^[1]. There is no minimum deposit required, making it an easy way to begin growing your savings with the cash you already have.

5. Find a workout partner: Working out with a partner at the gym helps to establish shared goals, while encouraging accountability. The same is true for financial fitness. Your path to better financial health could accelerate if you can partner with a family member, friend or significant other who’s also interested in their financial well-being. Plan monthly check-ins, arrange mini-competitions for saving more and organize “no spend days” together. You’ll keep each other responsible and build positive mutual support along the way.

For more information on approachable solutions to your financial management, head to Marcus.com.

[1] Annual Percentage Yield (APY) may change at any time, before or after account is opened. APY as of [December 26, 2018]. $1 minimum to earn stated APY. A maximum of six withdrawals or transfers per monthly statement period are allowed. Maximum balance limits apply.

Informa has obtained the data from various financial institutions and its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. National Average rate effective as of September 3, 2018. Learn more at Marcus.com.

2018-12-26T16:07:05

(BPT) – More than 155 million U.S. workers are insured for a disability through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. They receive this insurance coverage through their payroll taxes, or FICA taxes, as a part of the Social Security program.

When those who experience a chronic health condition, injury or sudden medical crisis need support — SSDI is there to help. It’s estimated that fewer than 1 in 3 U.S. workers have private disability insurance, which means their primary means of assistance, if they experience a work-disrupting disability, is SSDI.

Health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, stroke and Type 2 diabetes are among the chronic illnesses that can interrupt someone’s time on the job. Sudden severe health issues include heart attack, aneurysm, traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury.

These dire circumstances are when the SSDI program is most vital for former workers. Learn more when you receive your free ebook on applying for SSDI at TrueHelp.com. The average SSDI recipient is 54 years old and has worked 22 years before a disability occurs and they apply.

The following are the top reasons men and women apply for disability insurance benefits:

1. Income to support yourself and your family. Men and women apply for disability benefits because if they’re approved, they’ll receive important income to sustain their households while they deal with stabilization of, and possible recovery from, their health issue. For some individuals, a health crisis may require 2, 3 or 4 years of treatment and rehabilitation to reach stability before returning to work. Without the ability to earn income, the SSDI program becomes a vital financial support. In 2019, the average monthly benefit for a disabled worker is $1,234, which is about $14,800 annually. For a disabled worker with a family, it increases to $2,130 per month, or $25,560 per year.

2. Health insurance for your medical needs. Another crucial benefit for people who apply for Social Security disability benefits is healthcare coverage through Medicare. Individuals approved for benefits will become eligible for Medicare 24 months after their cash SSDI benefits begin. For some, the wait to receive approval may last 24 months or longer, as they wait for the Social Security Administration to review their claim through appeals. This means many people are immediately able to access Medicare once the SSA approves benefits. Access to healthcare is especially vital for individuals with disabilities dealing with chronic health conditions and degenerative diseases, since ongoing, expensive treatment often can be required.

3. Protect your retirement benefits. Many individuals can discover an important protection by applying for disability benefits, called the “retirement freeze.” You may be aware that the SSA tracks your reported earning over the course of your working career to calculate your Social Security retirement benefits. This includes the years that you don’t work because of a disability: Those years are counted as $0 in earnings. However, if you apply for SSDI and are approved, this means those years with $0 earnings are not factored into your retirement benefit, with the potential to receive more in retirement as a result.

4. Protect your long-term disability income. For workers who have purchased long-term disability insurance benefits, they also receive an important protection. Most LTD insurance plans are designed to integrate with SSDI, so participating workers benefit from lower LTD premiums. Individuals can also benefit from immediate access to income following a disability with their LTD coverage, and then turn to SSDI as another source of support, including income, Medicare and other program benefits. Applying for SSDI provides a protection that can help ensure LTD benefits also continue for former workers.

5. Support for going back to work again. Another tremendous advantage when applying for disability benefits is the ability to receive return-to-work protections. Individuals can access important incentives when approved for SSDI benefits. These protections include a trial work period, 9 months over the course of 60 months (5 years), to try working and earning as much as you can and still receive SSDI benefits. Following this period, you have an extended period of eligibility of 36 months to be able to work, earn money and receive SSDI benefits whenever your earnings fall below a certain level. Many other incentives are available to help those who don’t want to give up on returning to work.

You don’t want to wait too long before you find out if you’re eligible or start your application.

The reasons for this include: You must be currently and fully insured to receive SSDI, so if you wait too long, you may lose your insurance coverage. Generally, you must have worked 5 out of the last 10 years (paying FICA taxes) to be insured. A second reason is that you may have a long wait for the review of your claim. Nationally more than 800,000 people are waiting an average 595 days to receive their disability hearing.

Contacting an SSDI representative from the beginning, with your application, can make a difference. It may be possible to get benefits more quickly. Many workers rely on family and friends for financial support for a time and delay their application for SSDI benefits — but, the sooner you begin, the better.

Receive a free, simple assessment at FileSSDI.TrueHelp.com.