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Free yourself from living paycheck to paycheck

2019-09-09T11:37:00

(BPT) – About 80% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, often struggling between paydays. If this is a challenge for you, here are three easy ways that can help you get from one paycheck to the next with ease, avoid financial pitfalls, and even come out ahead.

Avoid overdrafts and late fees

Since most people are paid bi-weekly, money you’ve already earned is being held up, often right when you need to pay bills. Instead of overdrawing your bank account and getting hit with fees or using high-interest credit cards to bridge the gap to payday, there are apps you can use to get your pay when you need it.

With Earnin, community members can use Cash Out to access pay they’ve already earned with no fees, loans or hidden costs. Community members pay what they choose for the service (even $0) and can access up to $100 per day or $500 per pay period. Once your paycheck is deposited, the money is automatically paid back to Earnin.

Avoiding overdrafts can be challenging, especially if you have automatic withdrawals. Earnin also offers members a Balance Shield feature, which sends out push notifications anytime your account falls below a certain amount. While most banks send low balance alerts to customers, Earnin allows members to choose to link to Cash Out, so that up to $100 will automatically be transferred into your account if it falls below $100 — and that’s money from your own upcoming paycheck, with no fee.

Paying for everyday essentials like food, rent, bills and transportation are among the top reasons the Earnin community accesses their pay before their pay period. An internal Earnin analysis found that if community members made the same purchases but hadn’t used Earnin, they would have incurred over $100 million in overdraft fees in June 2019 alone.

Look for alternative services to help manage your money

A new crop of innovative apps, services and resources can help you get into a better financial mindset when it comes to saving and investing for your future. Before you refinance your student loan, commit to new health insurance or take a loan out, educate yourself on the options available to you.

To start, Credit Karma gives you free access to your credit score and can help you compare the best offers for credit cards and loans that won’t hurt your credit. If you are looking to incorporate investing as part of your savings strategy, apps like Stash, Acorns and Robinhood can be great beginners’ tools to help you save money but ease you into the world of investing. Or if you’re in the market for renter’s insurance, which can help protect your personal property in case of theft, fire, vandalism or water loss like from burst pipes, Lemonade is a low-cost option to pay claims faster, and any leftover money goes to a charity of your choosing. Did you know renter’s insurance can also help pay for temporary living expenses and even personal liability and medical bills?

Negotiate

Consider investing your personal time to call service providers — cable, cell phone, car insurance or creditors — it can pay off. Many companies and utilities will negotiate a better deal or help you organize a payment plan so you can pay a portion of your balance each month. It helps to contact them proactively, rather than waiting until bills are past due.

If you, your spouse or child has outstanding medical, dental, vision or mental health bills, Earnin may be able to help with its new product Health Aid. Members simply send a photo of an unpaid medical bill through the app, and Earnin community advocates work to negotiate the bill on their behalf to get a more favorable payment plan, find financial aid options or even get the bill reduced. Results are delivered within two business days, and members pay what they choose for the service after they’re presented with their savings options. Currently, this service is only available to Earnin members who use Cash Out, and will be rolled out to others in the future.

Using these tips may help you breathe again, knowing you aren’t paying high-interest loans, getting hit with exorbitant fees or asking friends and family to spot you money to get you through until payday. You can have more peace of mind and more control over your financial future by avoiding the damage caused by the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.


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3 things you didn’t learn in driving school

2019-09-09T11:01:00

(BPT) – If you had to go back to driving school today, would you pass the parallel parking portion? What if the instructor tested your knowledge of car maintenance?

Learning how to drive and taking care of your vehicle are integral parts of growing up. In a recent Gauge Index survey, Hankook Tire found that nearly half (47 percent) of Americans got their driver’s license the first day they were eligible. But the learning doesn’t have to stop there. In fact, it shouldn’t!

To keep drivers up to speed on vehicle maintenance basics, Hankook Tire outlines three things you may not have learned in driving school, but should have:

Buckle up … and check your tires

Everyone knows when it comes to driving, it’s important to put safety first. But driving safety goes beyond just buckling up. Good car maintenance can lead to a safer drive, so start by kicking the tires before you even get into the car.

Hankook found that, had it been part of the driving test, most Americans said they would have gotten the worst grade on tire-related maintenance. Specifically, 40 percent said they would perform the worst at changing a tire, followed by checking tire tread (16 percent) and filling up tires with air (15 percent).

Navigate the parallel parking spot

Let’s face it: parking can be tricky. There’s a plethora of distractions and frustrations and a limited number of parking spots, particularly near popular locations. And while you may get the basics of parallel parking down from driver’s ed, the Gauge found that nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of Americans still said parallel parking was the most difficult driving skill to master.

But perhaps practice does make perfect, because more than two-thirds (69 percent) of Americans still consider themselves “good” or “expert” parallel parkers.

Don’t rely on technology alone

You may not have learned to use a backup camera in driving school, but nowadays, new cars often come equipped with this helpful technology and more! The thing is, it’s easy to become too reliant on nifty gadgets and new technology. In fact, according to the Gauge, one-third of Americans (34 percent) rely solely on their backup cameras when backing up their vehicle. Of those with backup cameras, only 10 percent aren’t using the camera at all when backing up.

So don’t let lane-keeping assist or GPS navigators keep you from the basics (like turning your head to check your blind spot). Remember that these are tools meant to assist you and not to be your primary go-to.

Hankook Tire wants to encourage drivers to continue learning about best practices and the rules of the road — whether that be a refresher on what you learned back in driving school or something completely new, like changing a tire! When it comes to the real-life test of maintenance and parking, here’s hoping you get a passing grade!

For more information visit: https://www.hankooktire.com/us/services-tips/care-guide/replacement.html.


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Medicare Open Enrollment: How to save money next year

2019-09-09T06:01:00

(BPT) – Medicare Open Enrollment is about to kick off. For most people already enrolled in Medicare, the annual Open Enrollment period (Oct. 15 through Dec. 7) is the only opportunity to make changes to your existing Medicare coverage.

Even if you are happy with your Medicare coverage, you should take the time to explore your options. There may be a plan that is better suited to your health and financial needs that could save you hundreds of dollars in the upcoming year.

During Medicare Open Enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries can switch Part D prescription drug plans; switch Medicare Advantage plans, which offer health (and often drug) coverage through private insurers; switch from Original Medicare, administered by the federal government, to Medicare Advantage; or switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. All changes made to coverage during Open Enrollment take effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

Dan Klein, president and CEO of the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation, an independent charitable organization dedicated to helping people afford out-of-pocket costs for prescribed medications, offers the following tips for navigating Medicare Open Enrollment.

1. Do your homework

Take the time to shop around and understand the benefits and costs of each plan so you can find the coverage that works best for you. Changes to your health status, doctors or other healthcare providers, prescription drugs or budget may mean that your current plan is no longer the most cost-effective choice for you. Insurance companies can also make annual changes to their plans that might affect the drugs covered, provider networks and your out-of-pocket costs.

2. Make sure your doctors and providers are in-network

Before selecting a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s smart to check that your preferred doctors, hospitals and pharmacies are in the plan’s provider network. If you visit a doctor, hospital or pharmacy that is outside of the network, you will likely have to pay more. If your insurance company has changed your plan’s provider network for next year, you may want to use Open Enrollment to switch to a plan that will include your current doctors, hospitals and pharmacies in-network to lower your medical costs. Note: With Original Medicare you can go to any doctor that accepts Medicare patients.

3. Make sure your medications are covered

Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Many Medicare Advantage plans provide prescription drug coverage as well. It’s important to ensure that your plan covers the medications you need and that the plan’s network of pharmacies makes it convenient for you to access your drugs. Switching prescription drug coverage, or even adding it for the first time, can help make the critical medical treatments you need less expensive.

4. Assess if your plan is still a good fit for your budget

Annually, there may be changes to your Medicare plan that affect your out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-pocket costs are your expenses for medical care that aren’t reimbursed by insurance. When selecting a plan, you should consider what you will be responsible for paying under the plan, including the deductible, out-of-pocket limit, co-pays and co-insurance. Also, if you are enrolled in Original Medicare and do not already have supplemental coverage, now may be a good time to consider purchasing a Medigap plan.

5. Determine how you will pay for your out-of-pocket costs

With rising deductibles, premiums, co-pays and co-insurance, the inability to pay is a growing problem for people with Medicare. There may be assistance available to you if you cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs for your prescription medications. You should research your options now.

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for a federal Medicare Low Income Subsidy (LIS) — also known as Extra Help — to help pay for your prescription drug costs. You may also be eligible for a patient assistance program that provides people with financial assistance to cover out-of-pocket costs for their medical treatments. You can learn more about PAN and patient assistance charities by visiting PANFoundation.org. Other helpful online resources are available at:

By taking the time to re-evaluate your existing coverage and learn about all the options, you may be able to save significantly on your healthcare costs next year.


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Survey: Glaucoma affects patients and caregivers daily

2019-09-09T07:01:00

(BPT) – Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that affects more than 3 million Americans. While many new glaucoma treatments have become available over the past several years, there is currently no cure for the disease, which can cause permanent vision loss and blindness if not properly controlled.

Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for glaucoma. Recently, GRF commissioned a survey to better understand the impact of glaucoma on U.S. patients as well as their family and friends who serve as caregivers.

“Despite available treatments, education and other services, this survey confirmed that patients and their caregivers still struggle to manage the disease,” said Dr. Andrew Iwach, GRF board chair and executive director, Glaucoma Center of San Francisco. “Exploring current patient and caregiver experiences in this way will help us identify new ways to support them and protect their vision.”

Significant impact on daily lives and well-being

Findings from the GRF’s National Glaucoma Impact Survey, which was supported by Aerie Pharmaceuticals, show that glaucoma impacts many patients on a daily basis. The disease causes challenges related to treatment management, as well as emotional concerns such as anxiety, fear and even depression.

Key findings from the survey of 1,548 patients include:

  • 64 percent say glaucoma impacts their lives daily. This impact is even greater among African American patients (72 percent).
  • Patients are “very” or “extremely” concerned about losing their vision (76 percent), their ability to drive (65 percent), their ability to live independently (50 percent) and their ability to care for themselves (37 percent).
  • Younger patients (those under age 65) are slightly more worried about glaucoma’s impact on daily living than their older counterparts. Younger patients also report feeling angrier and more depressed about their glaucoma than older patients.

In addition to the emotional impact of glaucoma, patients say that they are not satisfied with their prescription eye drops — the most commonly used glaucoma treatment — and have difficulty controlling their disease.

  • 89 percent of glaucoma patients use eye drops.
  • On average, patients take three drops per eye per day and virtually all survey participants report taking two to three types of prescription eye drops twice per day.
  • 52 percent of these patients say they are “not at all,” “slightly” or only “moderately” satisfied with their drops.
  • One-third of patients report that they miss an eye-drop dose at least two to three times per month.
  • Most patients know their last intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement and their IOP goal (89 and 84 percent, respectively), but just 53 percent say they achieve and maintain it. Elevated IOP is the only glaucoma risk factor that can be changed (Coleman, et al. Open Ophthalmol J. 2009).

“It is alarming that only about half of patients are able to control their intraocular pressure,” said Thomas Brunner, GRF president and CEO. “We were encouraged, however, that 64 percent of patients say they are still determined to take control of their disease. While there is clearly still a need for improved treatment options, GRF can now use these findings across our programs to help make glaucoma more manageable and less burdensome for everyone.”

Caregivers also need more support

Family members and friends who provide care to glaucoma patients are also impacted by the disease daily.

Among the 60 caregivers who completed the survey:

  • More than half (52 percent) say that caring for a patient with glaucoma impacts their lives “constantly” or “frequently.”
  • 53 percent say it is “moderately,” “very” or “extremely” burdensome caring for a glaucoma patient.
  • 75 percent say they would like more information about new glaucoma treatment options.

“We were pleased to support this important and timely survey,” said Dr. Richard Lewis, M.D., chief medical officer of Aerie Pharmaceuticals and a glaucoma specialist. “The findings strongly suggest that in addition to developing more effective glaucoma treatments, we must find ways to provide greater support to patients and caregivers.”

If you or someone you love has glaucoma:

* See your eye doctor every six months, or as directed.

* Call your eye care professional immediately if you have any problem with your vision.

* Make sure you take eye drops as directed.

* Visit www.glaucoma.org for more information.

For more information about the National Glaucoma Impact Survey, visit http://bit.ly/grfsurvey or www.glaucoma.org.

Note: The National Glaucoma Impact Survey patient findings are generalizable to Americans with glaucoma who met the survey entry criteria. The caregiver results are directional only; the sample size (n=60) is too small to be generalizable to all glaucoma-patient caregivers in the United States.


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How one woman found her ‘teal’ lining

2019-09-06T14:01:00

(BPT) – To Anna, the color teal is symbolic of hope, awareness and community. Teal represents awareness of ovarian cancer, a disease that is notoriously difficult to diagnose and affects women of all ages. In May 2014, Anna was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer and would later experience a recurrence. From the beginning, she chose to live her life accented with a “teal” lining — turning what is typically an emotional and scary time for women into one of reflection and empowerment.

Her initial symptoms were deceptive — bloating, fatigue, aches and pains in her back until she experienced an unusual vaginal discharge. After undergoing a series of tests, a CT scan confirmed her diagnosis: ovarian cancer. “It never occurred to me in a million years that you could get cancer on your ovaries … it was definitely a state of shock and disbelief.”

For both her initial ovarian cancer diagnosis and recurrence, Anna underwent surgery followed by platinum-based chemotherapy. Immediately after treatment for her recurrence, she sat down with her gynecologic oncologist to discuss maintenance treatment options, which may slow the progression of the disease or delay future recurrences.

At first, Anna was hesitant to start a new treatment at the time, especially on the heels of a rough second bout with chemotherapy. But, after speaking with her doctors and support network she carefully considered her options. She made the decision to start on ZEJULA® (niraparib) after achieving a response to chemotherapy.

ZEJULA is a once-daily oral maintenance treatment for women with recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer whose disease has either fully or partially responded to platinum-based chemotherapy. ZEJULA has been shown to help extend the time in response and delay recurrence for women, regardless of having BRCA positive or BRCA negative ovarian cancer. BRCA stands for BReast CAncer susceptibility gene. Women who are BRCA positive are at higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer. A BRCA gene mutation can be inherited from a parent.

Taking ZEJULA provided Anna with an option, versus the “watch and wait” practice which is still often used as the standard of care for women who responded to platinum-based chemotherapy after a recurrence.

Any cancer diagnosis and treatment is overwhelming, but Anna did what she could to continue to find her “teal” lining throughout by staying informed, researching all that she could and proactively speaking with her healthcare team and support system to ensure she was making the treatment decisions that was best for her. She rarely finds herself dwelling on the cancer coming back and actively makes plans with her family and friends and looks toward the future with excitement instead of fear. “Life for me has changed, so I adopted a new attitude and I say, “Why not? Live life!”

As a result of her experience, Anna’s goal is for women to know that they are not alone, and to equip them with the knowledge and power to advocate for themselves, by knowing the treatment options available. She shares tips for women who are going through their own experience with ovarian cancer:

  • If possible, have someone accompany you to appointments to catch information that you may not have. It can be very overwhelming, so it’s helpful to have a second pair of ears.
  • Don’t dwell on recurrence — fear held her back too long. Don’t let it interrupt your everyday activities, and don’t be afraid to make plans for the future.
  • Ask your doctor about viable treatment options.
  • You are your own best advocate and it’s OK to get a second opinion or do your own research to discuss during your appointments.

To learn more about ZEJULA, visit www.ZEJULA.com.

Indication and Important Safety Information

Indication

ZEJULA is a prescription medicine used for the maintenance treatment of adults with ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer, when the cancer comes back. ZEJULA is used after the cancer has responded (complete or partial response) to treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy.

It is not known if ZEJULA is safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information

ZEJULA may cause serious side effects, including:

Bone marrow problems called Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) or a type of blood cancer called Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Some people who have ovarian cancer and who have received previous treatment with chemotherapy or certain other medicines for their cancer have developed MDS or AML during treatment with ZEJULA. MDS or AML may lead to death.

Symptoms of low blood cell counts (low red blood cells, low white blood cells, and low platelets) are common during treatment with ZEJULA, but they can be a sign of serious bone marrow problems, including MDS or AML. These symptoms may include the following:

  • Weakness
  • Feeling tired
  • Weight loss
  • Frequent infections
  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Blood in urine or stool
  • Bruising or bleeding more easily

Uncommonly, fever associated with low white blood cells is observed during treatment with ZEJULA.

Your doctor will do blood tests to check your blood cell counts before treatment with ZEJULA. You will be tested weekly for the first month of treatment with ZEJULA, monthly for the next 11 months of treatment, and from time to time afterward.

High blood pressure is common during treatment with ZEJULA, and it can become serious. Your doctor will check your blood pressure and heart rate monthly for the first year during your treatment with ZEJULA and as needed afterward. Your doctor may lower the dose of ZEJULA to treat high blood pressure.

Before starting to take ZEJULA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • Have heart problems
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ZEJULA may harm an unborn baby and may cause loss of pregnancy (miscarriage)
    • If you are able to become pregnant, you should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with ZEJULA and for 6 months after taking the last dose of ZEJULA
    • If you are able to become pregnant, your doctor may perform a pregnancy test before you start treatment with ZEJULA
    • You should tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
    • ZEJULA may harm your baby. You should not breastfeed your baby during treatment with ZEJULA and for 1 month after taking the last dose of ZEJULA

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

The most common side effects of ZEJULA include:

  • Heart not beating regularly
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Pain in the stomach area
  • Mouth sores
  • Diarrhea
  • Indigestion or heartburn
  • Dry mouth
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough
  • Rash
  • Changes in liver function blood tests
  • Pain in your joints, muscles, and back
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Change in the way food tastes
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Anxiety
  • Sore throat

If you have certain side effects, then your doctor may change your dose of ZEJULA, temporarily stop your treatment with ZEJULA, or permanently stop treatment with ZEJULA.

These are not all the possible side effects of ZEJULA. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see Prescribing Information, available at ZEJULA.com.

[Editor’s note: September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month]

This content is sponsored by TESARO/GSK

NP-ZEJ-US-0046


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Deaths from heart disease are rising dramatically – are you at risk?

2019-09-06T16:01:00

(BPT) – Following years of decline, deaths from cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke, have been rising dramatically since 2012.[i] Deaths from cardiovascular disease increased 4% between 2011 and 2017, according to researchers from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics.[ii]

While cardiovascular risk factors include age and family history, they also include personal habits, such as diet, weight, physical activities and smoking. According to the CDC,[iii] the top three risk factors for heart disease are elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking, with nearly half of Americans (47%) having at least one of these three risk factors. Other lesser recognized cardiovascular risk factors include high triglycerides and diabetes, even in patients whose conditions are controlled with statins and diabetes medications.[iv]

Understanding these risk factors is key for prevention.

Why is high cholesterol dangerous?

When LDL (the bad cholesterol) is elevated, it causes fatty deposits within your arteries to build up. This can reduce or block the flow of blood and oxygen your heart needs and can lead to chest pain and heart attack. Additionally, the blocking of blood flow is not limited to heart arteries and can occur in arteries elsewhere in your body, causing problems such as poor circulation, kidney failure and stroke.

According to the Cleveland Clinic,[v] everyone, regardless of gender, age or history of heart disease, should aim to maintain a low LDL cholesterol level of less than 100 mg/dL.

Why is high blood pressure dangerous?

According to the American Heart Association,[vi] high blood pressure puts an excess strain on your arteries, particularly with atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the build-up of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the blood, together called plaque.

Blood clots are more likely to form when arteries harden with plaque. The accumulation of plaque and presence of blood clots can block arteries, preventing the flow of blood carrying oxygen and nutrients to various parts of the body. Heart attacks can happen when this blockage occurs in arteries serving the heart, causing damage or death in parts of the heart muscle.[vi]

Why is smoking dangerous?

The chemicals found in cigarette smoke can result in the narrowing of blood vessels when the cell lining becomes swollen and inflamed. The 2014 Surgeon General’s Report on smoking and health states that smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and is to blame for approximately one out of every four deaths from cardiovascular disease.[vii]

While the risk of cardiovascular disease increases with the number of cigarettes smoked in a day, even people who go through fewer than five cigarettes per day may show signs of early cardiovascular disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control. However, the benefits of quitting smoking for heart health are apparent: Within a year, the risk of heart attack drops dramatically, and even people who have already had a heart attack can cut their risk of having another if they quit smoking.

Why are people who are being treated for diabetes and/or elevated cholesterol still at risk of cardiovascular disease?

Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease than adults without diabetes.[viii] The American Heart Association considers diabetes to be one of the seven major controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease.[iv]

While diabetes is treatable, it greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, even when glucose levels are under control. That’s because people with diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, may have conditions, like high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol and high triglycerides, that contribute to their risk for developing cardiovascular disease.[iv] Statins are effective at reducing relative cardiovascular risk by approximately 25 to 35% regardless of baseline LDL-C, but are not able to reduce all cardiovascular risk.[ix]

What should you do if you believe you might be at risk for cardiovascular disease?

According to healthcare providers, if you have one or more of the risk factors identified above, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to learn more and receive guidance on how best to address it.[x],[xi]

[i] Benjamin EJ, Muntner P, Alonso A, Bittencourt MS, Callaway CW, Carson AP, Chamberlain AM, Chang AR, Cheng S, Das SR, Delling FN, Djousse L, Elkind MSV, Ferguson JF, Fornage M, Jordan LC, Khan SS, Kissela BM, Knutson KL, Kwan TW, Lackland DT, Lewis TT, Lichtman JH, Longenecker CT, Loop MS, Lutsey PL, Martin SS, Matsushita K, Moran AE, Mussolino ME, O’Flaherty M, Pandey A, Perak AM, Rosamond WD, Roth GA, Sampson UKA, Satou GM, Schroeder EB, Shah SH, Spartano NL, Stokes A, Tirschwell DL, Tsao CW, Turakhia MP, VanWagner LB, Wilkins JT, Wong SS, Virani SS; on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2019 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2019;139:e1–e473. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000659.

[ii] Curtin SC. Trends in Cancer and Heart Disease Death Rates Among Adults Aged 45-64: United States, 1999-2017. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr68/nvsr68_05-508.pdf

[iii] Fryar CD, Chen T, Li X. Prevalence of Uncontrolled Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease: United States, 1999–2010. NCHS Data Brief, No. 103. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2012.

[iv] “Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes.” American Heart Association, http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/Diabetes/WhyDiabetesMatters/%20Cardiovascular-Disease-Diabetes_UCM_313865_Article.jsp#.XWAS5ehKhhE

[v] “LDL Cholesterol & Heart Health.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16866-cholesterol-guidelines–heart-health.

[vi] “How High Blood Pressure Can Lead to a Heart Attack.” American Heart Association, www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure/how-high-blood-pressure-can-lead-to-a-heart-attack.

[vii] Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease. Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/50th-anniversary/pdfs/fs_smoking_CVD_508.pdf

[viii] Deshpande AD et al. “Epidemiology of diabetes and diabetes-related complications.” Physical therapy vol. 88,11 (2008): 1254-64. doi:10.2522/ptj.20080020

[ix] Ganda OP, Bhatt DL, Mason RP, Miller M, Boden WE. Unmet need for adjunctive dyslipidemia therapy in hypertriglyceridemia management. J Am Coll Cardiol 2018;72:330-43.

[x] Khera A. “Four people who should see a preventive cardiologist.” UT Southwestern Medical Center. https://utswmed.org/medblog/prevent-heart-disease/

[xi] Zielinski AR. “10 Signs It’s Time to See a Cardiologist.” Northwestern Medicine. https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/ten-signs-its-time-to-see-a-cardiologist


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5 ways to help your child be a confident learner this school year

2019-09-06T11:01:00

(BPT) – You packed the backpack. The school bus is waiting outside. Don’t forget the one thing your child needs in the classroom this year: confidence.

While many kids feel excited to see friends and return to routine, a new school year also brings new material and subjects to learn, with more advanced assignments. A study from LEGO Education found that 51% of students are nervous about trying new things, which means students may be nervous about a lot more than what to wear or who to sit with at lunch.

As a parent, you want your student to be a confident learner and ready to tackle the new school year ahead, so how can you help? Esben Stærk Jørgensen, president of LEGO Education, shares five tips for parents that work well to help their children become more confident learners this school year.

1) Get them hands-on: Over 90% of teachers agree that hands-on learning builds students’ confidence and encourages them to learn new things, and students say they tend to remember topics longer when they learn through hands-on projects. Yet few schools make time for it regularly. Ask your child’s school what they’re doing to promote hands-on learning and use your voice to advocate for more hands-on learning in your child’s classroom. With a variety of hands-on learning solutions and lesson plans that are designed and aligned with standards, your student can get the best of both.

2) Sign up for STEAM and robotics teams: Similar to team sports, afterschool STEAM or robotics programs can be a great way to help students build confidence and camaraderie, while also developing their skills for the jobs of the future. There are various STEAM and robotics teams around the world that give kids from kindergarten through high school the opportunity to work in teams, learn to code and even compete in national competitions. With a real-world STEAM problem to solve, these afterschool programs teach technical and academic skills, as well as critical soft skills that kids will need throughout their lives. Find a program near you or get involved and start your own team as a coach or mentor.

3) Help them find the meaning in failure: The idea of “failing fast” to innovate is well-known in the business world, but in education we often still hear failure as a negative word — in fact, 47% of students avoid subjects where they have failed before. Yet 90% of teachers agree that students need to learn to fail to become more confident and succeed in school. Everyone makes mistakes, but it becomes meaningful when we reflect and learn from it. By seeing the opportunity rather than the negative, you can help your kids view failure as a process not an endpoint. Try asking what your child learned or how they’d try it again. Or share an experience of your own when you failed and how your confidence helped you overcome a challenge.

4) Don’t be a fixer for everything: When kids face a roadblock, such as a math problem they can’t solve, parents naturally want to jump in and find a solution. Only 57% of parents globally say they let their child fail before intervening. Instead, let your child try it for themselves first, which helps them develop real-world skills like creative thinking and effective communications, in addition to new academic skills. These are crucial learnings that will follow them beyond childhood.

5) Stay connected and involved: This looks different for every family, but there are many ways parents can be involved in their child’s learning, so don’t be afraid to jump in and see what works. Whether you volunteer, attend PTA meetings or ask your child open-ended questions about what they’re learning, parent engagement can play a key role in supporting learning inside and outside the classroom. While it’s easy to focus on the grade or result, it’s important to help your child feel confident regardless of the outcome, knowing they are supported along the way and are equipped with the skills they need.

If you’d like to learn more about LEGO Education or how to help your child become a more confident learner, check out education.lego.com.


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Life insurance protects your family when you’re not there to do it

2019-09-06T08:01:00

(BPT) – When a loved one dies unexpectedly, the last thing families should have to think about is how they’re going to pay the bills or whether they can stay in the house. But the reality is that, according to research from LIMRA1, 35% of households would feel the financial impact of losing a primary wage earner within 30 days. Half of households would feel the impact within six months.

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, and the perfect time to think about your life insurance needs.

“Life insurance is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to ensure your family has control over how they move forward after your passing,” says Sean Scaturro, Director of Insurance Advice and a Certified Financial Planner for USAA.

So why don’t more people have it? Scaturro lists general misunderstanding about the product and competing financial priorities as the two most common reasons that people don’t have coverage.

“Consumers generally overestimate the cost of life insurance by three times, according to LIMRA,” he says. “The reality is that you can usually get a good amount of coverage for a fairly low price — maybe a couple pizzas per month.”

Here are the biggest questions around life insurance:

Who needs life insurance?

The short answer, according to Scaturro, is nearly everyone. “If someone would be negatively impacted financially by your passing, you need life insurance,” he says. “So, whether you’re single, married, kids or no kids, you likely need life insurance.”

What type is best?

There are two general types of life insurance — term and permanent. Term lasts for a set period — 10, 20, 30 years — and provides coverage if you pass away during that term. It may also be the most affordable type of life insurance. Permanent life insurance lasts your entire life, if premiums are paid. It’s a more expensive option, but has added benefits, such as gaining cash value, that could make it a positive addition to a retirement plan.

How much coverage should you have?

A quick and easy way to estimate your overall life insurance needs is using the acronym L.I.F.E. (Liabilities & debts, Income to replace, Final Expenses, Education or Extra Goals to be paid for). Then subtract any existing policies, such as coverage provided by an employer, along with any savings, to determine your life insurance gap. Many online calculators exist, including one offered by USAA at usaa.com/lifeadvice.

If you have a free or low-cost option for coverage through your employer, take it, says Scaturro. But that shouldn’t be your only coverage.

“Employer sponsored plans typically offer a flat benefit, like $50,000, or a multiple of your annual salary,” he says. “This is a great benefit, but since it’s tied to your employment, if you leave that job, you may lose that coverage. That’s why it’s important to have a private policy in addition to your employer or group policy.”

The most important thing is to make sure your family is taken care of if something happened to you. Today is the day to make life insurance part of your financial picture and know that your loved ones are protected.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. owns the certification marks CFP(R) and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(TM) in the United States, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. Financial advice provided by USAA Financial Advisors, Inc. (FAI), a registered broker dealer, USAA Investment Management Company (IMCO), a registered broker dealer and investment advisor, and for insurance, USAA Financial Planning Services Insurance Agency, Inc. (known as USAA Financial Insurance Agency in California, License #OE36312). Investment products and services offered by IMCO and FAI. Life insurance and annuities provided by USAA Life Insurance Co., San Antonio, TX, and in NY by USAA Life Insurance Co. of New York, Highland Falls, NY. Other life and health insurance from select companies offered through USAA Life General Agency, Inc. (known in CA (license #0782231) and in NY as USAA Health and Life Insurance Agency). Banking products offered by USAA Federal Savings Bank and USAA Savings Bank, both FDIC insured. Trust services provided by USAA Federal Savings Bank.

USAA Level Term V: LLT98952ST 05-18 (may vary by state). In New York, New York Term Series V: NLT45861NY 01-04. Universal Life: LUL69700ST 01-08 (may vary by state). In New York, NUL87859NY 04-08. Simplified Whole Life: LWL38362ST 05-01(may vary by state). In New York, NWL46017NY 01-05.

1LIMRA Insurance Barometer Study, 2018-2019


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The rise of crowdfunding to pay for funerals

2019-09-06T06:01:00

(BPT) – You’ve seen them on your Facebook and Twitter feeds shared by friends and family members, the tragic stories of a loved one’s passing and a plea for help in covering the expense of a memorial or funeral. As crowdfunding has grown, it’s become a go-to resource for many families struggling to cover end-of-life expenses including funeral costs, and to provide finances to care for surviving family.

Memorials, including funerals, are one of the fastest-growing fundraising categories on GoFundMe.com, and 113,000 campaigns created between 2010 and 2014 collectively raised more than $340 million. Memorial campaigns have extensive reach among the public as well, with nearly one in five adults ages 20-39 using the internet to solicit or donate money for funeral-related arrangements, according to a 2015 study.

What’s behind this trend? Three key factors have fueled the rise of funeral crowdfunding:

  • The cost of funerals has grown substantially. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, holding a funeral service for a loved one in 1971 would typically have cost under $1,000. Today, that same service is likely to cost $7,000 or more. Over the same period, personal savings rates in American households have dropped from more than 12% to just over 5%, according to federal data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Together, these changes mean more families are less prepared than ever to tackle end-of-life expenses.
  • Life insurance ownership has fallen. While the number of people asking family, friends and strangers for help in covering expenses following a death has grown, the number of Americans purchasing life insurance has declined. According to LIMRA, covering funeral costs is the number one reason Americans purchase life insurance. Yet the number of Americans who have purchased policies to help their family cope with funeral expenses and other end-of-life costs dropped 32% between 2001 and 2014.
  • People overestimate how much insurance costs. Even as ownership of life insurance has declined, premium rates have dropped to near historic lows, thanks to improvements in underwriting and technology. Yet a recent survey by LIMRA found most people overestimate the costs of even simple term life insurance by at least three times. As a result, many don’t purchase coverage when they should.

While seeking donations for memorial expenses may seem like an easy way to cover end-of-life costs, crowdfunding should come with a note of caution. The average memorial campaign raises just over $3,000, based on data from GoFundMe — far short of the cost of many funerals. Further, the uncertainty and unpredictability of covering costs via donations adds more disruption at a time when most families need stability.

The last thing a family should need to contend with in a period of grief is building a crowdfunding page, constructing a narrative and soliciting donations from friends and strangers alike. By contrast, life insurance provides clarity and a measure of certainty.

“Life insurance is first and foremost about peace of mind,” says Salene Hitchcock-Gear, president of Individual Life Insurance at Prudential Financial Inc. “With the right coverage to fit your needs and budget, not only will your family receive a guaranteed death benefit that can help cover funeral costs, but some policies can also offer benefits during your lifetime, like providing supplemental retirement income or helping pay for care in the event of a chronic illness.”

No one likes to think about it. But planning ahead can ensure an already difficult time doesn’t come with added burdens on loved ones. With adequate life insurance in place, you can guarantee your ability to provide for the future needs of those you love — rather than leaving your final expenses up to chance and the generosity of strangers.


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Try these refreshing – and nutritious – mocktail ideas

2019-09-05T14:02:40

(BPT) – Skip the dehydrating alcohol, artificial flavorings and unhealthy refined sugar to serve up a natural, fruit-based drink — a mocktail — when you’re planning your next party. A mocktail not only replenishes your vital fluids, hydrating you and providing important nutrition your body needs, but it’s yummy, fun and festive to drink.

When you add a super food like a Chiquita banana to your mocktail, you’re adding vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, which helps muscles function, boosts your immune system and helps with formation of red blood cells; potassium, which can help level out your blood pressure; fiber, protein, antioxidants, vitamin C, magnesium and more.

Bananas balance out the flavors of the more tart or acidic fruits you’re using in your recipe, while boosting the nutritional content.

Another great thing about mocktails? They are super easy to prepare, taking only about 10 minutes of prep time. All you need is a blender and the ingredients of your choice. Serve each mocktail over crushed ice or ice cubes in a decorative glass and add a tiny umbrella or a small fruit skewer with berries and banana slices for a festive party presentation.

Try one of these vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free recipes for mocktails:

Tropical Chiquita Banana Colada Shake with Coconut Water (serves 2)

Ingredients

2 Chiquita bananas
2 cups coconut water
2 cups mango juice
3 sprigs fresh mint
2 limes

Directions

Chop the bananas in pieces and blend them together with the coconut water, mango juice and the juice of one lime. Pour the juice into the glasses and garnish with the other lime (sliced or quartered) and the sprigs of mint. Enjoy and share your Banana Colada shake recipe using #Chiquita Banana.

Pink Sunrise Mocktail with Chiquita Bananas and Watermelon (serves 2)

Ingredients

2 Chiquita bananas
1 grapefruit
3 slices watermelon
2.5 cups sparkling water
1 lemon
Fresh mint to garnish

Directions

Mix the two bananas with half of the grapefruit, 3/4 cup sparkling water and one squeezed lemon. Set this mixture aside.
Using another bowl, blend 1 and 1/2 cup sparkling water with the 3 slices of watermelon and the other half of the grapefruit.
Fill half of the glass with the red juice (with the watermelon in it) and pour the other juice (containing the blended bananas) on top.
Garnish with a piece of watermelon and mint.
Enjoy and share your Pink Sunrise Mocktail recipe using #ChiquitaBanana.

For other fun and delicious drink recipes to add a festive touch to your get-togethers, check out https://www.chiquita.com/recipes.