Posted on

Six budget-friendly tips for shopping on Amazon

2019-02-04T10:16:00

(BPT) – With the new year in full swing, many have made a resolution to be smarter about their spending. For those struggling financially, shopping online can be especially useful in achieving this goal — all it takes is a strategic bargain-hunter’s mindset, according to Eva Macias, financial expert and author who specializes in leveling the financial playing field for all families, regardless of income.

“Managing your family’s finances can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” she says. “You just need to spend wisely, look for deals and realize you don’t have to do it all yourself.”

Macias’s top tips and tactics to save money while shopping online include:

1. Sign up for Amazon’s discounted Prime membership. If you’re an EBT cardholder or Medicaid recipient, you can enjoy all the benefits of an Amazon Prime membership for the discounted price of $5.99 per month. The majority of members have access to free one-day delivery or faster, while all receive the best of entertainment through Prime Video and Prime Music; Prime Reading; Prime Photos and more; with the ability to cancel anytime. You can learn more and try out a free 30-day trial at http://amazon.com/qualify.

2. Create a budget for spending. A budget is your best friend and will protect you from overspending. Figure out how much you need for expenses like rent, utilities and gas, and then set a budget for expenses you have more control over, like groceries, clothing and household supplies. A common pitfall to setting a budget is making it too tight, so give yourself some leeway for unexpected costs that pop up.

3. Shop with Amazon Cash. Making purchases with cash is a savvy way to stick to your budget as it makes you more conscious of what you’re spending. So, try using Amazon Cash instead of your debit or credit card. It’s a simpler way to shop and will help you limit your spending. You can visit more than 30,000 participating stores — including pharmacies like CVS and convenience stores like 7-Eleven — to add cash to your Amazon balance. This method is quick, easy and has no fee.

4. Scout out deals. Look to purchase items by regularly tracking deal offers from retailers. Amazon’s Lightning Deals offer new deals daily that help you save money and allow you to find the best prices on items you need, want and love, while ‘watch a deal’ alerts ensure you never miss out on a discount!

5. Take advantage of subscriptions. Families can maximize savings this year by enrolling in programs such as Subscribe & Save, which allows you to subscribe to items you frequently buy (such as diapers, baby food and household products), and have them shipped to you for free on a regular basis. You’ll not only save up to 15 percent on these purchases, but also save time and energy used on trips to the store.

6. Not in a hurry to get your package? Earn rewards with No-Rush shipping. A little-known Prime perk for those who don’t need their order right away is that selecting the No-Rush shipping option earns you rewards and discounts on future purchases. Rewards are automatically added to your Amazon balance so you can start saving right away.

With a little planning and preparation, you can stretch your budget throughout the year and lower your stress level in the process.


Posted on

Student Loan Debt Growth Fastest Among Boomers

2019-02-04T17:01:01

(BPT) – Student loan debt in the U.S. has been skyrocketing for years, recently topping $1.5 trillion, and now surpassing automobile loans and credit cards to become the largest source of personal debt, aside from mortgages. Millennials bear the brunt of that burden, with 75 percent of the generation carrying some form of college debt. But the problem isn’t contained to the younger generation. According to a new white paper from The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America(R) (Guardian), baby boomers are increasingly feeling the strain of student loan debt — and it’s having a major impact on their overall well-being.

While much of the conversation about student loan debt has centered around millennials, proportionally, boomers have actually experienced a larger share of the nation’s ballooning student debt. Over the last five years, the largest increase in student loan debt in the U.S. is among 60- to 69-year-olds, who have experienced a 72 percent increase in their loan balances, often leaving boomers with no choice but to tap into their retirement savings or Social Security payments to pay off the debt.

Impact on well-being

While many baby boomers took out these student loans for their children and grandchildren, it’s the older generation that is feeling the impact. More than 50 percent of baby boomers say that college debt is negatively impacting their ability to meet financial goals, such as maintaining their lifestyle in retirement or being able to afford adequate health insurance. As a result, some baby boomers have been unable to retire, and more retirees are having their Social Security payments garnished, mostly to pay for student loans they took out for their families.

“These consequences are affecting the quality of life for boomers who are nearing or in retirement and adding financial stress,” said Guardian Director, Product Management Andrew Hutchison. “Boomers have stretched their financial resources to fulfill their children’s or grandchildren’s college dreams, severely impacting their ability to meet their financial goals or maintain their lifestyles.”

Paying down student debt with help from employers

With mounting student debt totals and the high-stakes impact on financial and retirement goals, employers are taking notice and exploring new benefits focused on financial wellness that workers of all ages and their families can utilize to help ease the stress of having debt. Whether it’s boomers, Gen Xers or millennials, more are increasingly turning to these three methods for student debt relief:

* Student loan repayment plans — A growing number of employers offer student loan assistance plans. Eventually, with passage of more favorable tax laws, employers could tie a student loan repayment plan to their 401(k) and allow workers with college debt to re-direct contributions to help them pay down their loan.

* College tuition rewards — Some boomers and millennials alike are finding much-needed relief through their college savings plans at work. For example, Guardian now offers a college tuition benefit where members enrolled in a Guardian plan can earn $2,000 in annual tuition rewards that can be used at nearly 400 institutions. The annual rewards can be transferred to eligible relatives, a huge benefit considering seven in 10 parents say they plan to use some of their retirement savings and investments to pay for their children’s college education.

* Debt management resources — Refinancing your student loan debt can be one way to mitigate the impact on your lifestyle. Many employers offer access to third-party debt management firms that offer options such as guidance on loan consolidation, income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness that can ease the burden of student loans.

Breaking the debt cycle

Resolving the student debt crisis will likely require a joint effort between colleges and universities, the federal government and employers. As boomers grapple with the impact of student loan debt, perhaps their experience can motivate younger generations to overcome their own debt so they can create savings plans and financial strategies to avoid falling back into debt as they age. A new wave of student loan and college education benefits is arriving, and workplace solutions and offerings are expanding to assist with these shifting financial needs for workers of all backgrounds.

The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY. Guardian(R) is a registered trademark of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. The Tuition Rewards program is provided by SAGE CTB, LLC. Guardian does not provide any services related to this program. SAGE CTB, LLC is not a subsidiary or an affiliate of Guardian. Guardian reserves the right to discontinue the College Tuition Benefit program at any time without notice. The College Tuition Benefit is not an insurance benefit and may not be available in all states.

Unless otherwise noted, the source of all information here is Guardian’s 6th Annual Workplace Benefits Study, Financial Wellness Series, Part 1; Group & Worksite Marketing Study, “College Debt in America: The Case for Loan Repayment Benefits”

2019-72897 (exp. 1/21)


Posted on

6 budget-friendly tips for shopping on Amazon

2019-02-04T10:16:00

(BPT) – With the new year in full swing, many have made a resolution to be smarter about their spending. For those struggling financially, shopping online can be especially useful in achieving this goal — all it takes is a strategic bargain-hunter’s mindset, according to Eva Macias, financial expert and author who specializes in leveling the financial playing field for all families, regardless of income.

“Managing your family’s finances can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” she says. “You just need to spend wisely, look for deals and realize you don’t have to do it all yourself.”

Macias’s top tips and tactics to save money while shopping online include:

1. Sign up for Amazon’s discounted Prime membership. If you’re an EBT cardholder or Medicaid recipient, you can enjoy all the benefits of an Amazon Prime membership for the discounted price of $5.99 per month. The majority of members have access to free one-day delivery or faster, while all receive the best of entertainment through Prime Video and Prime Music; Prime Reading; Prime Photos and more; with the ability to cancel anytime. You can learn more and try out a free 30-day trial at http://amazon.com/qualify.

2. Create a budget for spending. A budget is your best friend and will protect you from overspending. Figure out how much you need for expenses like rent, utilities and gas, and then set a budget for expenses you have more control over, like groceries, clothing and household supplies. A common pitfall to setting a budget is making it too tight, so give yourself some leeway for unexpected costs that pop up.

3. Shop with Amazon Cash. Making purchases with cash is a savvy way to stick to your budget as it makes you more conscious of what you’re spending. So, try using Amazon Cash instead of your debit or credit card. It’s a simpler way to shop and will help you limit your spending. You can visit more than 30,000 participating stores — including pharmacies like CVS and convenience stores like 7-Eleven — to add cash to your Amazon balance. This method is quick, easy and has no fee.

4. Scout out deals. Look to purchase items by regularly tracking deal offers from retailers. Amazon’s Lightning Deals offer new deals daily that help you save money and allow you to find the best prices on items you need, want and love, while ‘watch a deal’ alerts ensure you never miss out on a discount!

5. Take advantage of subscriptions. Families can maximize savings this year by enrolling in programs such as Subscribe & Save, which allows you to subscribe to items you frequently buy (such as diapers, baby food and household products), and have them shipped to you for free on a regular basis. You’ll not only save up to 15 percent on these purchases, but also save time and energy used on trips to the store.

6. Not in a hurry to get your package? Earn rewards with No-Rush shipping. A little-known Prime perk for those who don’t need their order right away is that selecting the No-Rush shipping option earns you rewards and discounts on future purchases. Rewards are automatically added to your Amazon balance so you can start saving right away.

With a little planning and preparation, you can stretch your budget throughout the year and lower your stress level in the process.


Posted on

Getting to Know Aflac: 3 Reasons Aflac Isn’t What You Think It Is

2019-02-04T08:43:00

(BPT) – The beginning of a new year can mark the start of resolutions and the setting of personal goals, from eating healthier to learning how to play a new musical instrument. It’s also an ideal time to get in tune with your personal finances by making sure unexpected health costs can be paid on time.

As Americans strive to ensure they’re covered by enough insurance, many are investing in supplemental coverage — like what is offered by Aflac — that goes beyond the basic health insurance offered at work. In an era of uncertain health care policy, accident, cancer, critical illness, dental, vision or life coverage can be offered as an additional layer of protection to help with out-of-pocket health expenses.

In fact, 85 percent of U.S. employees surveyed in the 2018 Aflac WorkForces study pointed to a growing need for supplemental coverage, and similar research by financial advisor Willis Towers Watson found that 69 percent of U.S. employers see supplemental coverage as vital to their offerings between now and 2023.

As you consider your options, here are three facts about what Aflac isn’t to help you better understand that Aflac is different and more than you think:

Aflac isn’t auto or homeowners insurance.

While there are many types of insurance on the market, Aflac doesn’t provide coverage for vehicles or homes. Instead, Aflac provides supplemental coverage for individuals and families, directly or through businesses of all sizes. Aflac’s policies can help with everything from routine preventative care to critical illnesses, giving customers an additional level of financial protection. So, while Aflac won’t cover repairs to your car in a fender bender, they could be there to help if you’re injured in an auto accident. Similarly, if a tree limb unexpectedly cuts through your roof, Aflac will not cover home repairs, but it will pay cash directly to you when you get sick or injured.

Aflac isn’t health insurance.

While health insurance can provide basic coverage for preventive services and emergency care, it only pays a portion of health care costs, leaving consumers responsible for the remaining out-of-pocket expenses. That’s where supplemental coverage steps in to help pay the difference, making it relevant for everyone. Aflac helps with expenses your health insurance doesn’t cover, allowing you to focus more on recovery and less on expenses.

Aflac isn’t paid directly to the care provider.

Unlike health insurance, which often requires a lengthy approval process before your care providers are paid, Aflac pays cash directly to you* when you get sick or injured — and in most cases, in just one day.** That way, you can choose how to apply these payments — whether to help cover out-of-pocket costs like copayments and deductibles or daily living expenses, such as child care, travel costs or other needs.

Get help with expenses health insurance doesn’t cover. Get to know us at Aflac.com.

*Unless otherwise assigned.

**One Day PaySM is available for certain individual claims submitted online through the Aflac SmartClaim® process. Claims may be eligible for One Day PaySM processing if submitted online through Aflac SmartClaim®, including all required documentation, by 3 p.m. ET. Documentation requirements vary by type of claim; please review requirements for your claim(s) carefully. Aflac SmartClaim® is available for claims on most individual Accident, Cancer, Hospital, Specified Health, and Intensive Care policies. Processing time is based on business days after all required documentation needed to render a decision is received and no further validation and/or research is required. Individual Company Statistic, 2018.

Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999.

Z190101 Exp 1/20


Posted on

7 tips to eat your way to thicker, fuller hair

2019-02-04T07:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that what you eat affects your hair? That’s news to most people, especially those who are dealing with hair loss. While there are many possible causes for hair loss — stress, the environment, health problems — achieving thick, full and healthy hair ultimately starts with your diet. That’s because the nutrients you get from food and supplements provide the building blocks for your hair growth.

Research shows that certain nutrients, including iron, zinc, B vitamins, vitamin C and omega-3s are essential to healthy-growing hair, while lack of these nutrients and certain inflammatory foods can lead to hair loss and slower-growing hair.

Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Maria Marlowe has partnered with NIOXIN, the No. 1 globally selling salon brand for thicker, fuller-looking hair, to spread the word about how nutrition contributes to achieving a beautiful mane. Here are her best tips about what to eat — and what to avoid — for optimal hair health.

What to consume:

Iron

Iron helps boost circulation and carries oxygen to your hair’s roots, which helps the hair grow faster and longer. An iron deficiency can lead to hair loss. Some good sources of iron include clams, beans, lentils, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, oysters, grass-fed beef and bison.

Zinc

Zinc is involved in hair growth and keeps the oil glands around the hair shaft working properly. If you have dandruff, slow-growing hair or hair loss, low levels of zinc might be the culprit. To ensure you have enough in your diet, try oysters, white beans, chickpeas, red kidney beans, black beans, lentils and seeds.

B vitamins

Biotin is the most well-known B vitamin that helps keep the hair thick and healthy. A deficiency can lead to hair loss. Additional B vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and folate (B9) also support healthy hair growth, as B vitamins create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. Eat eggs, sweet potatoes, onions, pecans, almonds, tomatoes, carrots, grass-fed beef and avocado for a diet rich in B vitamins.

Omega-3

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory powerhouses. Since your body does not produce them naturally, you must consume them through your diet. Most people associate fish, like mackerel, wild salmon, herring, sardines and anchovies with omega-3s, but you can also get them through flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds and hemp seed.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which can hamper hair growth. It helps you absorb iron from plant-based foods, and supports the body in collagen formation, which is required for optimal hair growth. Food sources include bell peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi and dark, leafy greens.

Supplements

While eating a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet on a regular basis is ideal for improving hair health, incorporating a hair-supportive supplement like NIOXIN’s Recharging Complex is a great way to help you reach your nutrient needs. This once-a-day tablet contains biotin, zinc and iron, plus 14 other nutrients that support healthy-growing hair from the inside out.

What to avoid:

Sugar and high-glycemic foods

Sugar and high-glycemic foods produce inflammation in the body. They can lead to an increase in insulin, which creates more available DHT, a hormone that can cause hair follicle shrinkage and hair loss in both women and men. Avoid foods like sugar, bread, cereal, pasta, crackers, cookies, cake and candy.

For more information about NIOXIN, visit https://www.nioxin.com.


Posted on

A Young Mother’s Journey with Major Depressive Disorder

2019-02-01T10:31:01

(BPT) – “I didn’t realize that depression was more than just sadness.”

Like most people, Ali, a single mother of two children, had this common misperception about major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as depression. Depression is a complex mental health illness that affects approximately 16 million people annually. Part of what makes depression complex is that people with the condition experience multiple symptoms.

Most people don’t know that depression includes many symptoms beyond sadness, such as loss of interest or pleasure doing things, feeling down or hopeless, changes in appetite and eating habits, tiredness, sleeping too much and difficulty concentrating on things or making decisions. Many MDD patients recognize the mood and physical attributes of depression, but may not recognize other symptoms, such as cognitive symptoms like trouble concentrating, may also be part of their depression.

“With my depression, I was sad and I also noticed that I felt tired often and had trouble concentrating.”

For a long time, Ali didn’t realize these symptoms were associated with her depression.

It wasn’t until Ali approached her healthcare provider about her symptoms that she learned depression was more than just sadness. “I’m glad I spoke up to my doctor and we were able to have an open conversation about what I was experiencing. It was nice to have an understanding of how my symptoms were associated with my depression.” After speaking with her doctor, Ali was prescribed TRINTELLIX® (vortioxetine), a prescription medication used to treat MDD in adults. TRINTELLIX’s U.S. prescribing information includes data from clinical trials showing a positive effect on processing speed, an important aspect of cognitive function.

TRINTELLIX has been shown to help with the overall symptoms of depression based on a total score on a standardized depression rating scale in clinical trials. Individual results may vary. It’s the first FDA-approved treatment for MDD where the U.S. prescribing information has data showing a positive effect on the DSST (also known as the Digit Symbol Substitution Test), a neuropsychological test which most specifically measures processing speed, an aspect of cognitive function that may be impaired in adults with depression. The effects observed on DSST may reflect improvement in depression. Comparative studies have not been conducted to demonstrate a therapeutic advantage over other antidepressants on the DSST.

“It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about what you’re feeling so you can work together to decide on a treatment plan that’s right for you. Your experience may vary. I proactively spoke up, and I’m now on a treatment plan that has helped make a difference for me.”

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it’s important that you speak to your healthcare provider. For more information about MDD and TRINTELLIX, visit www.TRINTELLIX.COM.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Suicidal Thoughts and Actions and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teens or young adults within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Depression or other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. People who have (or have a family history of) bipolar illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions may have a particularly high risk. Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, impulsivity, trouble sleeping, aggressive behavior or suicidal thoughts are new, worse or worry you. TRINTELLIX has not been evaluated for use in patients under 18.

Do not take TRINTELLIX if you:

  • Are allergic to vortioxetine or any of the ingredients in TRINTELLIX
  • Take a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including the antibiotic linezolid; do not take an MAOI within 21 days of stopping TRINTELLIX; do not start TRINTELLIX if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days

TRINTELLIX may cause serious side effects including:

Serotonin Syndrome: A potentially life-threatening problem that can happen when medicines such as TRINTELLIX are taken with certain other medicines. Symptoms may include agitation, hallucinations, coma or other changes in mental status; problems controlling movements or muscle twitching, stiffness or tightness; fast heartbeat, high or low blood pressure; sweating or fever; nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Abnormal bleeding or bruising: TRINTELLIX and other serotonergic antidepressant medicines may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising, especially if you take the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), or aspirin.

Manic episode: Symptoms may include greatly increased energy; severe trouble sleeping; racing thoughts; reckless behavior; unusually grand ideas; excessive happiness or irritability; talking more or faster than usual.

Visual problems: May include eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around the eye. Only some people are at risk for these problems. You may want to undergo an eye examination to see if you are at risk and receive preventative treatment if you are.

Low salt (sodium) levels in the blood: Symptoms may include headache; difficulty concentrating, memory changes or confusion; weakness and unsteadiness on your feet; and in severe or sudden cases hallucinations, fainting, seizures or coma. If not treated, severe low sodium levels can cause death.

Before starting TRINTELLIX, tell your healthcare provider if you have or had liver problems, seizures or convulsions, bipolar disorder (manic depression) or mania, low salt (sodium) levels in your blood, bleeding problems, drink alcohol, have any other medical conditions or if you are pregnant, nursing, plan to become pregnant, or plan to nurse.

TRINTELLIX and some medicines may interact with each other, may not work as well, or may cause serious side effects when taken together. Tell your healthcare provider if you plan on or are taking any other prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements including medicines for migraine headaches, such as triptans; medicines used to treat mood, anxiety, psychotic or thought disorders such as tricyclics, lithium, SSRIs, SNRIs, bupropion, buspirone or antipsychotics; MAOIs including linezolid (a specific antibiotic); over-the-counter supplements such as tryptophan or St. John’s wort; and the following medicines: aspirin, NSAIDs, warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®), diuretics, rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, quinidine, tramadol or fentanyl.

Common side effects of TRINTELLIX include: nausea, constipation or vomiting. These are not all the possible side effects of TRINTELLIX.

Do not start or stop taking TRINTELLIX without talking to your healthcare provider first. Suddenly stopping TRINTELLIX when you take higher doses may cause you to have side effects including headache, stiff muscles, mood swings, sudden outbursts of anger, dizziness or feeling lightheaded, or runny nose.

Talk to your healthcare provider.

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

Indication for TRINTELLIX

TRINTELLIX is a prescription medicine used to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults.

TRINTELLIX is available as 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg tablets.

Please see Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide for TRINTELLIX.

USD/VOR/18/0069


Posted on

Resolutions, meet reality: Ways to stay healthy throughout the year

2019-02-01T12:01:00

(BPT) – How are this year’s resolutions doing? Chances are, you may have fallen off the resolution wagon, especially if you were overly ambitious. Fear not — it’s never too late to make small, sustainable changes in your lifestyle that result in big health improvements. Review your hardest-to-keep resolutions and adapt them into goals you can easily maintain.

Here are five common resolutions transformed into small, healthful changes that can become part of your life — for good.

1. Your resolution: Exercise one hour every day

Realistic goal: Add movement every day in 5- to 10-minute increments. Take a short walk around the office, stroll outside during the lunch hour or after dinner, jump on that exercise bike in the basement for a spin each morning or dance to music while you’re getting dinner ready. Sticking to a short period of movement a few times a day is a great way to boost energy and start building the exercise habit. While most of us find it hard to commit to big chunks of time, it’s tough to say no to 5 or 10 minutes. Arrange to walk with a friend if that helps keep you on track.

2. Your resolution: Drink eight glasses of water every day

Realistic goal: Increase water consumption by one glass at a time — when you first wake up, or before lunch and dinner. Drinking water before meals helps you feel full and aids digestion. If water doesn’t entice you, make it easier for yourself by finding a water bottle that’s easy to carry around. Add a splash of lemon or lime for flavor. Once you’re in the habit of drinking water before one meal, it will be easier to add a glass before other meals as well.

3. Your resolution: Cut out all sugar

Realistic goal: Find healthy alternatives to reduce your sugar cravings. Try Monk Fruit In the Raw, a zero-calorie sweetener made from the vine-ripened monk fruit, which is native to Southeast Asia. This certified vegan, naturally gluten-free product is available in packets and a Bakers Bag and adds light sweetness to foods. Add it to your favorite baking recipes, smoothies or add a sweet touch to unsweetened beverages.

4. Your resolution: Cut out all snacking

Realistic goal: Find healthy, easy-to-prep snacks to stave off cravings for junk food, and to prevent you from overeating at mealtime. Small handfuls of nuts, raw veggies and fruits are obvious choices. Limit your snacks to 2-3 times per day. If your sweet tooth is your downfall, use a natural sweetener to sprinkle or drizzle on berries, or add a spoonful to your tea or coffee.

5. Your resolution: Stick to a specific diet

Realistic goal: Examine the diet you’re trying, whether it’s keto or paleo or something else, to identify the most important elements, and don’t go cold turkey. The keto diet is mostly about cutting carbs and sugars, plus highly processed sugar-free diet foods. The paleo diet also emphasizes proteins, cutting all dairy and sugar. Because both of these trending diets recommend eliminating both sugar and any artificial sugar substitutes, a sweetener such as Monk Fruit In The Raw is a great alternative. Cutting all carbs or dairy can be too challenging for most people — try reducing the “forbidden items” gradually to wean yourself from your usual eating habits.

Don’t give up on those resolutions, even if you’ve slipped a little already. Adjusting your expectations will help you adapt more healthful habits you can stick with for a long, healthy life. And that’s a resolution worth keeping.

Nutty Grain-Free Granola and Yogurt Parfaits

4 Servings | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes

1 cup Brazil nuts, roughly chopped
1 cup walnuts
1 cup pumpkin seeds
½ cup almond meal
¼ cup flax seeds
¼ cup chia seeds
2 egg whites
1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
6 packets Monk Fruit In The Raw
1 cup blackberries
1½ cups unsweetened whole milk Greek yogurt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In large bowl combine Brazil nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, almond meal, flax seeds, chia seeds, egg whites, coconut oil and monk fruit. Mix until thoroughly combined. Spread mixture on baking sheet. Bake 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant. To serve, divide a few blackberries among 4 parfait glasses. Top with a spoonful of yogurt and 2 tablespoons of granola. Repeat layering once more, finishing with granola on top. Store leftover granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.


Posted on

3 Facts About Heart Disease That Might Save Your Life

2019-02-01T06:01:25

(BPT) – Heart disease is the leading killer of men and women in the U.S. And while we’re frequently reminded about the importance of making healthy choices for prevention, there’s much less attention given to the risk that exists after heart disease diagnosis, including the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). In fact, half of all cardiovascular deaths are due to SCD, but that doesn’t have to be the case.[1] If heart disease impacts your family, there are a few things you should know about SCD that could save your life or the life of someone you love.

  1. The risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) increases following a cardiac event, such as a heart attack or new diagnosis of heart failure. Each year, 735,000 Americans have a heart attack and 900,000 new cases of heart failure are diagnosed.[2],[3] After a cardiac event, damage to the patient’s heart may result in a weakened heart muscle, which impacts the heart’s ability to pump blood (known as ejection fraction or EF). A normal EF is 55-70 percent. Numerous studies have shown that a patient with an EF of 35 percent or less is at a higher risk for SCD.[4]
  2. SCD happens without warning, and it’s different than a heart attack. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs when an electrical malfunction causes the heart to stop beating effectively. When this happens, the heart is unable to pump oxygen-rich blood to the body and brain. SCA causes the victim to pass out suddenly, leaving them unable to call for help. Without treatment to correct the heart rhythm, death occurs within minutes. This is sudden cardiac death (SCD). It can happen any time, day or night. SCD is often confused with a heart attack, but they are very different. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked (more like a plumbing malfunction). A person having a heart attack may experience severe chest pain or other symptoms, but is likely to remain awake and able to call for help. This is not the case with SCD.
  3. Life-saving devices are helping heart patients known to be at risk of SCD. A defibrillator is a device that is used to control dangerous heart rhythms by applying an electrical shock to the heart. Heart patients with a long-term risk for SCD often receive an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). There’s also a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) called the LifeVest WCD, which is a temporary therapy for patients at risk of SCD. After a heart attack or new diagnosis of heart failure, a patient’s condition can improve with treatments, medications, and lifestyle changes, but this recovery takes time. Numerous studies have shown that the risk of SCD is highest in the first few months after a cardiac event.[5],[6] For patients known to be at risk of SCD, a WCD can provide protection during their recovery, and before their doctor determines if they’ll need a permanent therapy, like an ICD. Worn against the skin, the WCD is designed to detect a rapid life-threatening heart rhythm and automatically deliver a treatment shock to save the patient’s life. Both the WCD and ICD are designed to provide defibrillation treatment automatically, so they do not require the assistance of another person or emergency personnel to save the patient’s life. This means the patient can receive life-saving treatment even if they are alone or asleep.

Joe Kicielinski is living proof that SCD can be prevented.

While fishing with his son, Joe Kicielinski found that he couldn’t walk without getting fatigued. After seeing his physician, he learned that he had experienced a heart attack; he then underwent a procedure to clear the blockage and restore blood flow. While in recovery, his cardiologist explained that his heart attack had weakened his heart muscle and he was now at risk for SCD. He was fitted with the LifeVest WCD for protection from SCD before he was discharged from the hospital and instructed to wear it at all times, only removing it for a short shower.

Four days later, Joe experienced a rapid life-threatening heart rhythm while asleep and his LifeVest WCD shocked his heart back into a normal rhythm, saving his life. Joe regained consciousness afterward and found that his wife had called 911. He was taken to the hospital, where he later received an ICD for long-term protection. Since the ordeal, Joe has a new perspective: “Every day is a great day.” And on a particularly great day, Joe and his wife got to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary on a trip to the Smoky Mountains with their three children and four grandchildren.

Almost everyone knows someone like Joe, whose life has been impacted by heart disease. By knowing the common risk factors for SCD and the treatment options available to heart patients, you might help save a life — maybe even your own. If you or someone you love has been impacted by heart disease, talk to your doctor about your risk for SCD.


[1] Al-Khatib SM, Stevenson WG, Ackerman MJ, et al. 2017 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on clinical practices guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. Circulation. 2017; CIR.0000000000000549.

[4] Halkin A et al. Prediction of mortality after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction: CADILLAC risk score. J Am Coll Cardiol 2005;45:1397–1405.

[5] Solomon SD et al. Sudden death in patients with myocardial infarction and left ventricular dysfunction, heart failure, or both. NEJM 2005;352:2581–2588.

[6] Adabag AS et al. Sudden death after myocardial infarction. JAMA 2008;300(17):2022–2029.


Posted on

Could you have a heart attack? Reduce your odds through these tips

2019-01-31T12:31:00

(BPT) – Many Americans consider themselves well-informed and attentive when it comes to their health.

That’s why it’s so puzzling that many remain unfazed by the threat of heart disease.

That was among the findings of the MDVIP Heart Attack IQ Survey, a national study showing Americans are more concerned about cancer than a heart attack — even though cardiovascular disease kills more people than all forms of cancer combined. In fact, heart disease is the underlying cause of one in three U.S. deaths. Many Americans don’t take it seriously because they believe most heart problems can be treated with medication or surgery, while others simply procrastinate when it comes to adopting healthier behaviors that help prevent heart disease.

As a result, many are surprised when faced with a life-threatening heart attack, which can happen to anyone at any age. While the average age for a first attack is 66 for men and 70 for women, the risk increases significantly as soon as men reach 45 and women reach 55.

“Despite the statistics, people assume a heart attack is going to happen to somebody else, but not to them,” said MDVIP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Andrea Klemes. “Heart disease can be dangerously silent, which is why it’s important to know your risk factors and the steps you can take to minimize them.”

Gloom and doom aside, awareness of the issue is the first step, and there is much you can do to prevent heart disease. Some 80 percent of heart attacks and strokes are preventable.

Consider these suggestions for reducing your risk of heart attack:

* Partner with your primary. Your primary care doctor is your first line of defense in helping prevent heart disease. Make sure you partner with a physician who has the time to identify and discuss your risk in detail, who will work on a plan to control your risk factors and who can provide ongoing support to keep you motivated and accountable. Physicians like those in the MDVIP network maintain smaller practices so that they can devote more time to each patient and provide the coaching needed to keep them on track.

* Stay up to date on screenings. When’s the last time you had your blood pressure and cholesterol checked? But don’t stop at the basics. Most heart attacks occur in people with normal cholesterol levels. You also want to get a read on whether you have inflammation in your arteries or insulin resistance, both of which raise your heart disease risk. You can only act on what you know, and knowing your numbers is key to early detection.

* Make heart-healthy changes. Creating and sustaining healthy lifestyle habits can help keep your blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar in check and lower your risk for heart disease. So don’t skip your exercise, weight management or smoking cessation programs. Just make sure you consult with your doctor before changing your diet or beginning a new exercise program.

* Sleep more, stress less. While often overlooked, insufficient sleep and excessive stress can put strain on your heart over time. Both can also influence your eating habits, mood and overall health. Most adults need seven to nine hours per night; if you’re getting that and still feel tired, consider asking your doctor for a sleep apnea test. Also, try starting a regular practice — whether it’s a yoga class, deep breathing or a daily walk outside — to better manage stress.

Take the Heart Attack IQ quiz and learn more about finding a preventive physician by visiting www.mdvip.com/HeartAttackIQ.