Month: October 2019

2019-10-03T15:01:00

(BPT) – One in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Many will be surprised to learn that age is a major barrier when it comes to patients accessing the information they need to make a better-informed treatment decision.

Age shouldn’t affect your chances of getting the right breast cancer treatment, yet an analysis from the National Cancer Institute revealed that patients under the age of 40 and over 70 are far less likely to get a genomic test called the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score test compared to patients 40-70 years old.

This is a concerning reality since, based on research from more than 100,000 patients, Oncotype DX definitively identifies the vast majority of women with early-stage breast cancer who receive no benefit from chemotherapy, and the important minority of women for whom chemotherapy can be life-saving. The test provides patients with a personalized score based on the biology of their tumor that can help tailor treatment decisions for their individual cancer.

Younger and older women face different kinds of challenges when diagnosed with breast cancer, however, assumptions about cancer and a patient’s age can make it hard for both groups of women to access the information they need to make an informed treatment decision. Take it from breast cancer survivors Amanda Nixon and Bunny Lenhard, who embarked on different treatment journeys based on their age.

Nixon was 27 years old when she was diagnosed with rare inflammatory breast cancer. While Nixon’s doctor wanted to treat her cancer aggressively due to her age, there was no additional information disclosed regarding other treatment options, like genomic testing.

“At the time of my diagnosis, I didn’t feel like I was a partner with my doctor and I didn’t realize I could ask questions about my treatment options,” said Nixon. “I would have appreciated knowing more about my options, even if it would have been a lot of information to handle.”

In contrast, Lenhard was able to look at various treatment options through an open dialogue with her doctor when she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer at 75 years old. Lenhard was convinced she would need chemotherapy and was surprised when her doctor recommended taking the Oncotype DX test to determine if chemo was necessary. Lenhard’s Recurrence Score was 20, which meant she would not benefit from chemotherapy. In talking with her doctor, Lenhard decided to forgo chemotherapy and receive radiation instead. For Lenhard, this access to information enabled her to develop a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan.

“Age is just a number, and it should not affect your options when it comes to your breast cancer treatment,” said Lenhard. “Ask your doctor about every possible option and then work together as a team to make the best treatment decision for you, regardless of your age.”

Breast cancer treatment today is no longer a “one size fits all” approach. What is best for one woman may not be right for another. To address this need, the No Matter My Age campaign encourages all breast cancer patients to ask their doctors about accessing the information they need to make the right treatment decision, no matter their age. Visit NoMatterMyAge.org to learn more about how a genomic test can help you better understand and personalize your treatment options.

Educating women about genomic testing could help spare hundreds of thousands from unnecessary chemotherapy, while ensuring that those who may receive life-saving benefit from the treatment receive it.

2019-10-03T12:13:00

(BPT) – As a parent, it can be difficult to decide what to buy for your kids. You want clothes that are trendy and versatile, but also items that will last. Even more, you want your kids’ unique personality to shine through!

Stocking your kid’s closet with clothing that is unique, fun and durable will help find a balance between your needs as a parent and their wants as kids. Here are some kid-tested clothing items that are sure to quickly become favorites:

Jackets and hoodies

Layers not only provide extra warmth to keep kids comfortable, but they also add additional style to any outfit your kid wears. The best items to add to your kids’ closet this season are denim jackets and hoodies. A classic denim jacket is perfect for every kid as it adds additional style to every outfit while also keeping them comfortable during those chilly mornings. Likewise, cozy hoodies are great to have on hand. They are comfy and go with just about any outfit. If you’re running out the door or picking them up after practice, hoodies are perfect during those transitional and cooler seasons.

Overalls

From toddlers to big kids, overalls are always popular, not to mention super durable. OshKosh B’gosh is the go-to brand for stylish denim overalls made to last no matter what adventures your kids go on. This all-American classic provides authentic details in each pair with real metal hardware, double stitching, adjustable straps, pockets and stretch for extra comfort. Did you know Oct. 24 is Overalls Day? Dress all your children in overalls to celebrate this day, and share a pic with @OshKoshKids who will be hosting giveaways all day long.

Jeans and leggings

Getting kids’ pants that are versatile and long lasting can be tough. With changing styles and a growing kid you are constantly challenged with finding the perfect pair of jeans! In just a few wears, parents often dread finding worn knees or holes in pants. Your best bet is to stock up on denim that is strong and matches with virtually any top. For young kids, adjustable waistbands are easy and grow with your kids. For girls, leggings are popular, comfortable and go with just about any top or dress you can find for your kid.

Graphic tees

Got a kid with a big personality? No matter his or her interests, graphic tees are an instant hit that will be worn time and time again. These comfortable tees are printed with fun designs and catchy phrases, with some even featuring interesting details. They are easy to wash and are great for layering with that jean jacket or hoodie on cooler days, offering versatility to any closet.

Shoes and socks

When designing a child’s closet, you need to consider head-to-toe looks, and that means looking down at those feet. Basic dress shoes in black should cover all your more formal needs, from holidays to school pictures. Comfortable sneakers are great and last all day. As for socks, basics are a necessity but fun colors can add pop to an outfit. For younger kids, socks with grippers are a must. Grippers help provide stability as they begin to take their big steps from crawling to walking and are great as they grow for playing around the house.

2019-10-03T15:01:00

(BPT) – As the pace of technology advances, cybersecurity threats do, too. Data breaches, identity theft, phishing and malware make headlines seemingly every day. Internet-connected devices, social media, digital assistants and mobile apps have become indispensable in our everyday lives, but their connectedness makes us increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Recent reports estimate that damages relating to cybercrime are expected to hit $6 trillion annually by 2021.

“It’s impossible to predict when you will be affected by cybercrime,” says Bashar Abouseido, chief information security officer for Charles Schwab Corp. “The best defense is to stay informed.”

It can be helpful to envision your computer and digital devices as a house where you store your personal data. October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to make sure your digital house is secure. The first step is to understand the ways cybercriminals may attempt to access your data.

Types of cybercrimes

Data breaches occur when there is unauthorized access to sensitive personal information. These incidents often make headline news and can affect large numbers of consumers.

Malicious software, also known as malware, spyware, ransomware and viruses, refers to software programs designed with the purpose of gaining unauthorized access to a mobile app, digital device or computer.

Phishing is one of the most common forms of online fraud and cybercrime. Cybercriminals try to lure you with a fake email sent from what they have designed to appear to be a trusted source or contact that encourages you to click a link or open an attachment in order to extract personal account information.

5 tips to protect your digital house

1. Remodel your digital house: Installing updates is an essential first step.

Think of system updates as basic maintenance to your digital house that is keeping your personal data safe. It can be annoying to see those system update prompts on your computer or mobile device, but software developers are constantly improving their software to repel the latest malware. By keeping your operating system and apps updated, you are making sure that your digital house is as secure as possible.

2. Don’t have a leaky house: Be wary of public Wi-Fi networks.

Using public — and often free — Wi-Fi networks is convenient, but it is a common entry point for criminals to use malware to infect your devices and apps. Use only networks you trust or use your own personal Wi-Fi hotspot if you have one. Never update your devices when you are connected to a public Wi-Fi network.

3. Keep your keys secure: Choose unique access credentials.

Access credentials — usernames and passwords — are the keys that keep your digital house safe and secure. Select credentials that are unique and don’t include personal identifying information such as a name, address or birthday. For added protection, choose two-step verification to access critical online accounts for your banking, retirement or investment accounts. Two-step verification is typically a key or another code provided by the service provider in addition to your primary access credentials to verify your identity.

4. Secure doors and windows: Use only secure websites and app stores.

Web browsers and app stores are like the doors and windows in your digital house. Make sure they are secure by using web addresses that start with “https” and downloading apps only from the Apple App Store, Microsoft Store and Google Play store.

5. Don’t open that door: Delete suspicious emails.

That knock on your cyber front door is the sound of a cybercriminal sending you a phishing email. Be suspicious of emails that come from unknown senders. Use your cursor to hover over questionable links and email addresses to reveal the true identity of the link or sender. When in doubt, don’t click on any links or open any attachments and delete the email immediately.

For more information on more ways to educate and protect yourself from cybercrimes, visit SchwabSafe.

0919-9EF2

2019-10-03T10:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are a time to gather for food, friends and festivities. While everything may seem merry and bright, if you have asthma or allergies, this is when you need to be cautious. A season full of tradition and good cheer can often come with hidden allergy triggers if you’re not aware and prepared.

The experts at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology share the most common hidden holiday allergies you should be aware of:

Candles and fires: Although many people light candles to enhance the holiday atmosphere, those scented candles can quickly trigger allergy and asthma symptoms, including headaches, watery eyes and aggravated noses. Wood burning fireplaces, while stunning during the holidays, are also a trigger due to smoke. Consider flameless candles and an electric fireplace, which have the calming appearance, but no scent or smoke to make you cough or wheeze.

Trees and wreaths: Fresh fir trees and wreaths are beautiful, but some people have contact skin allergies to a substance called terpene, found in the sap of trees. What’s more, some live trees still have mold spores and pollen on them, which can cause nasal allergies to flare. Take time to rinse off live trees before you bring them in. If you have an artificial tree and decorations that you use every year, clean them to remove dust and potential mold.

Hugs and kisses: You enjoy seeing your friends and relatives during the holidays, but you may want to reconsider all the hugs and kisses, which can easily spread germs. Flu shots are available now, and it’s not too early to get yours — before flu and holiday seasons are in full swing. If you have asthma, it’s particularly important to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly. If you have an egg allergy you may have been told in the past not to get the flu shot. But years of studies have shown the vaccine is safe and does not contain enough egg protein to cause an allergic reaction, even in people with severe egg allergy.

Eats and treats: Holidays are a time to gather to enjoy delicious meals and tasty treats. If you have food allergies, you must be particularly vigilant about knowing what’s inside each item. Some people are sensitive to even trace amounts of certain foods, and this can be particularly concerning for bakery goods prepared in commercial kitchens. Always ask before you eat something new, and be an advocate for your children if they suffer from allergies. When in doubt, if you have food allergies it’s best to turn down a holiday treat with unknown ingredients.

Dust and dander: If you are allergic to indoor allergens like dust, mold and dander, you probably diligently clean your home. But that doesn’t mean the host of the party you’re attending does the same. Many of these triggers are invisible, so even a home that appears clean can cause that dreaded runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes for allergy sufferers. If you’re attending a party, or traveling to see friends, consider packing allergy medicine just in case you start to feel symptoms from triggers tugging at your good time.

Before your social calendar fills up, consider hosting a holiday event yourself. Even though entertaining takes work, it adds a level of control, so you don’t have to worry about allergy concerns. You get to cook with foods your family can safely eat and decorate with flameless candles and other allergy-friendly decor. Plus, you know your house is free of Fido’s fur or hidden dust bunnies. If people offer to bring food, make sure they know of any allergy concerns, or consider putting them in charge of other items, such as holiday napkins or paper plates for the kids.

Have questions about an existing or potential allergy for you or a loved one? Allergists are the best trained medical professionals to treat allergies and asthma, and can help you live the life you want. So if you need guidance on treating your symptoms before the holiday season is in full swing, use the allergist locator at acaai.org/locate-an-allergist to find an allergist in your area.

2019-10-03T00:01:00

(BPT) – Open enrollment season is here, a time when millions of Americans across the country have the opportunity to select or switch their health insurance plan for 2020.

To help guide you during this important time, Elena McFann, regional CEO with UnitedHealthcare, shares the following tips that may help lead you to better health and cost savings.

Tip 1: Know your open enrollment dates.

• For the 180 million Americans with employer-provided coverage, many employers set aside a 2-3-week period between September and December when employees can select health benefits for the following year.
• For the more than 64 million people enrolled in Medicare, Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year.

For most people, changes made during this time will take effect Jan. 1, 2020.

Tip 2: Understand your options. When it comes to selecting a plan, one size does not fit all. Take the time to understand your options so you can find what will work best for you. A good first step is to make sure you understand health insurance lingo, such as premium, deductible, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximum. If you need a refresher, check out UnitedHealth Group’s Just Plain Clear Glossary (in English, Spanish and Portuguese) to learn and understand health care terms. And if you’re eligible for Medicare, make sure you’re familiar with the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage as you weigh your options.

Tip 3: Anticipate next year’s health expenses. When reviewing your options, plan ahead. Maybe you are expecting a significant health event next year, such as a surgery or having a baby. If so, then it’s even more important to compare the “total cost” of your plan, not just your monthly premium. Plan designs vary, so also compare deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

Tip 4: Check to make sure your medications are covered. Even if you don’t expect to change plans, it’s important to make sure your prescription drugs will still be covered next year. Costs can change from year to year, and how much you pay for generics vs. brands may differ among health plans.

Tip 5: Ask about well-being programs. Many health plans now offer financial incentives that reward you for taking healthier actions, such as completing a health survey, walking, going to the gym or not using nicotine. Also, many Medicare Advantage plans offer gym memberships and wellness programs for members at no additional costs.

Tip 6: Don’t forget about specialty benefits. Additional benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing, disability or critical illness insurance, are often cost-effective coverage options that can help protect you and your family from head to toe. For Medicare beneficiaries, some may be surprised that Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs and most dental, vision and hearing services, but many Medicare Advantage plans do.

Tip 7: Try the convenience of virtual visits. If you are busy juggling kids’ schedules or work travel, or simply prefer to connect with a doctor from the comfort of your own home, consider choosing a plan that includes 24/7 virtual visits. It may be a convenient, lower-cost way to talk to a doctor about minor health issues, and all you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer. Often, telehealth is available to members of employer-sponsored, individual and Medicare Advantage plans.

For more helpful articles and videos about open enrollment and health care, visit UHCOpenEnrollment.com.

2019-10-02T14:01:00

(BPT) – October is National Energy Awareness Month, and you can celebrate by exploring opportunities to create a more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly home. With renewable energy solutions gaining momentum with homeowners, the latest energy technologies are more efficient, affordable and let you take control of your energy needs. Until recently, many homeowners perceived solar power for a single home as too expensive, difficult to install or unsightly. As technology has evolved since the advent of the green energy industry, attitudes have too.

Solar power is one of the greenest ways of generating electricity, taking advantage of the sun’s rays in a quiet, clean and consistent manner. Switching over to solar puts the homeowner in control of their energy by providing a new level of performance and flexibility for those seeking to save on their utility bills and take positive steps for the environment.

Thinking of installing green energy solutions? Here are the top reasons that could help seal the deal:

Cost savings

Any homeowner knows that their utility bills have only increased over the years, and the unpredictability of these bills can be tough on a family’s budget. Thanks to major advancements in solar panels and energy storage systems, homeowners have the potential to store the power harnessed from sunlight for use during peak hours, when traditional electricity is more expensive. An individual home’s cost savings will vary depending on its energy usage and the amount of sunlight the home receives, but most homeowners will see a reduction in their utility bills overall.

In addition, the cost of solar panels and their installation has decreased in recent years, making it much more affordable for the average homeowner. Additionally, those who install a solar power system can also take advantage of tax credits and financial incentives on local, state and federal levels. For example, for 2019 a federal income tax credit can be claimed for 30 percent of the cost of a solar system (on an eligible property), when the installation starts before the end of the year. So, if your installation costs $15,000, you would actually save $4,500 through a credit on your 2019 income taxes.

Ease of installation

Recent advancements in technology have dramatically changed the way solar power systems look, as well as their size and configuration. For example, the new NeON R ACe solar panel from LG Electronics uses a much smaller “micro-inverter,” which integrates the inverter (the part of the system that transfers the energy from the solar panel into the home) into the frame of the solar module, rather than being a separate unit.

While traditional solar power systems need to use a large inverter that has to be separately installed on the outside wall or inside the garage of a home, this micro-inverter is tiny and out of sight, directly behind the solar panels. This technological innovation not only saves homeowners money, since they don’t have to pay for a separate inverter, but also makes the installation process much faster and simpler.

Visual appeal

Unlike older solar modules that come to mind for consumers when talking about solar power, newer panels take up less space and are more attractive from an overall design standpoint. Newer panels, like mentioned above, have a sleek aesthetic, with no metal electrodes on the front and no clunky inverter box to mar the outside of your home (and no need to drill damaging holes). With a flexible, seamless array design, they can be configured in a variety of ways to best suit the appearance of a home’s roof, and to take advantage of the optimal angles to capture the most sunlight.

Increased efficiency and smart monitoring

Today’s solar panels are also more efficient than ever. For example, NeON R ACe panels offer the highest level of conversion efficiency — 97 percent — based on California Energy Commission standards. The panels produce direct current power output up to 375W.

This solar power system also provides a user-friendly, app-based monitoring service system called EnerVu. Installers and homeowners can use this app to monitor the system’s energy usage from any location. If any technical issue arises, customer service is alerted to address the problem remotely. And combining these solar modules with an energy storage system allows for even greater control over energy decisions. The new Energy Storage System from LG uses a world-class battery to store excess solar energy, letting you use it when needed the most.

While change can be daunting, there are many resources available for homeowners to reference throughout this process. Homeowners looking for more information on equipment quality and ratings for top solar panels can use the newly released EnergySage Buyer’s Guide to help guide the decision-making process from the get-go.

If you’re thinking of making the switch and unsure of where to start, reach out to a local solar panel installer for more information. To learn more about solar options, visit lg.com/us/solar.

2019-10-02T13:01:00

(BPT) – There’s an invisible disease that affects 31 million Americans. Its symptoms are often debilitating and impact people in various aspects of their lives. The name? It’s called migraine disease.

People living with migraine disease experience a wide spectrum of the disease, ranging from Episodic Migraine to Chronic Migraine. Because the pain related to migraine is often difficult to describe, it’s important to stay informed of the types of migraine, symptoms, triggers and potential treatment options, if you or someone you know may be living with migraine.

What are the most common types of migraine?

Migraine disease is defined as a neurovascular disease of the brain, characterized by intermittent headache attacks with a number of neurological symptoms that are often severe enough to be incapacitating. It is also a spectrum disease, which means that people with migraine can move through episodic and chronic stages, as well as remission.

Episodic Migraine (EM) is characterized by 14 or fewer headache days per month (with some of them as migraine days) with relatively less frequency, sometimes ranging from weeks or months between migraine attacks.

While many people experience occasional headaches or EM, those who experience 15 or more headache and migraine days a month (each headache lasting four or more hours) may be living with Chronic Migraine (CM). Impacting 3.3 million Americans, Chronic Migraine is a distinct disease that can be debilitating and often misunderstood.

What are the symptoms of a migraine attack?

People living with Chronic Migraine can experience a wide range of symptoms, from throbbing pain at the side or front of the head, often with nausea or vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound, among others. During a migraine attack, people experience multiple phases and various symptoms related to each phase, including aura and a post-migraine “hangover” phase. Symptoms may include neck pain, mood changes, sensitivity to light or sound, fatigue, numbness and difficulty producing or understanding words, among other symptoms.

What are some potential causes and triggers of Chronic Migraine?

Although there hasn’t been a scientifically documented cause for a migraine attack, researchers say that there may be various factors for a probable cause, including genetics, diet and lifestyle, weather, sleep cycle, anxiety and stress, among others. “The pain associated with migraine attacks is often invisible and difficult to describe to someone who has never experienced a migraine, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact triggers,” says Dr. Jennifer McVige, neurologist at Dent Neurologic Institute in Buffalo, NY. “Because the cause and symptoms differ from person to person, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional for a personalized analysis and a proper diagnosis of the disease.”

Healthcare professionals recommend keeping a diary to take note of potential triggers. Keeping track of what is going on before a headache or migraine comes on can be critical to recognize triggers or patterns, helping to avoid them as much as possible.

What treatment options are available for Chronic Migraine?

People with migraine may self-manage symptoms and wait on average four years before speaking with a healthcare professional. Once a healthcare professional provides an accurate diagnosis for Chronic Migraine, preventive treatments should be discussed as part of the treatment plan, as they can help prevent headaches and migraines before they start.

BOTOX^® (onabotulinumtoxinA) is an effective, preventive treatment for Chronic Migraine. Since its FDA approval in 2010, BOTOX^® has been the #1 prescribed branded Chronic Migraine treatment, preventing on average 8-9 headache days and migraine/probable migraine days a month (vs 6 to 7 for placebo). BOTOX^® for Chronic Migraine is approximately a 15-minute treatment that is administered every 12 weeks by a headache specialist or neurologist.

BOTOX^® for Chronic Migraine must be prescribed by your doctor.

BOTOX^® (onabotulinumtoxinA) Important Safety Information

Indication
BOTOX^® is a prescription medicine that is injected to prevent headaches in adults with chronic migraine who have 15 or more days each month with headache lasting 4 or more hours each day in people 18 years or older.

It is not known whether BOTOX^® is safe or effective to prevent headaches in patients with migraine who have 14 or fewer headache days each month (episodic migraine).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOTOX^® may cause serious side effects that can be life threatening. Get medical help right away if you have any of these problems any time (hours to weeks) after injection of BOTOX^®:

• Problems swallowing, speaking, or breathing, due to weakening of associated muscles, can be severe and result in loss of life. You are at highest risk if these problems are pre-existing before injection. Swallowing problems may last for several months.
• Spread of toxin effects. The effect of botulinum toxin may affect areas away from the injection site and cause serious symptoms including: loss of strength and all-over muscle weakness, double vision, blurred vision and drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice, trouble saying words clearly, loss of bladder control, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing.

There has not been a confirmed serious case of spread of toxin effect away from the injection site when BOTOX^® has been used at the recommended dose to treat chronic migraine.

BOTOX^® may cause loss of strength or general muscle weakness, vision problems, or dizziness within hours to weeks of taking BOTOX^®. If this happens, do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities.

Do not receive BOTOX^® if you: are allergic to any of its ingredients (see Medication Guide for ingredients); had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product such as Myobloc^® (rimabotulinumtoxinB), Dysport^® (abobotulinumtoxinA), or Xeomin^® (incobotulinumtoxinA); have a skin infection at the planned injection site.

The dose of BOTOX^® is not the same as, or comparable to, another botulinum toxin product.

Serious and/or immediate allergic reactions have been reported, including itching, rash, red itchy welts, wheezing, asthma symptoms, or dizziness or feeling faint. Get medical help right away if you experience symptoms; further injection of BOTOX^® should be discontinued.

Tell your doctor about all your muscle or nerve conditions such as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, as you may be at increased risk of serious side effects including difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing from typical doses of BOTOX^®.

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you: have or have had bleeding problems; have plans to have surgery; had surgery on your face; weakness of forehead muscles; trouble raising your eyebrows; drooping eyelids; any other abnormal facial change; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant (it is not known if BOTOX^® can harm your unborn baby); are breastfeeding or plan to (it is not known if BOTOX^® passes into breast milk).

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Using BOTOX^® with certain other medicines may cause serious side effects. Do not start any new medicines until you have told your doctor that you received BOTOX^® in the past.

Tell your doctor if you received any other botulinum toxin product in the last 4 months; have received injections of botulinum toxin such as Myobloc^®, Dysport^®, or Xeomin^® in the past (tell your doctor exactly which product you received); have recently received an antibiotic injection; take muscle relaxants; take allergy or cold medicines; take sleep medicine; take aspirin-like products or blood thinners.

Other side effects of BOTOX^® include: dry mouth, discomfort or pain at injection site, tiredness, headache, neck pain, eye problems: double vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight, drooping eyelids, swelling of eyelids, dry eyes; and drooping eyebrows.

For more information refer to the Medication Guide or talk with your doctor.

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.

Please see BOTOX^® full Product Information including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide.

You can also visit www.BotoxChronicMigraine.com for more information about Chronic Migraine and BOTOX^®, and to find a physician in your area.

2019-10-02T14:03:08

(BPT) – The last thing any company wants is a misstep that hurts the trust it has built with customers. This is especially true for smaller businesses, which may not have the resources to recover from a reputation setback. To prevent mistakes, bad decisions and wrongdoing, smaller businesses can take a proactive approach to developing ethical business leaders and business cultures. Experts say when businesses do that they can achieve benefits for their bottom line, their employees and the common good.

It can happen anywhere

Often, leaders at small businesses with few employees feel protected from or less susceptible to fraud or unethical conduct because of the close-knit nature of their teams. But research shows unethical behavior is more widespread than they realize, and not confined to one type of business. According to a 2017 Ethics and Compliance Initiative survey, nearly 47% of U.S. employees at companies of all sizes said they personally observed workplace conduct that “either violated organizational standards or the law.”

A 2018 Better Business Bureau survey found that 84% of consumers trust small businesses the most. That’s important for business owners to recognize, because the more trust a consumer puts in your company, the greater the ramifications when that trust is broken. This means business leaders have every incentive to develop strong ethical standards and cultures.

Empowering businesses

One university is looking to empower smaller businesses through a new open-access website. The University of St. Thomas recently launched the Business Ethics Resource Center (BERC), with U.S. Bank as the founding sponsor. The BERC is part of the university’s Center for Ethics in Practice in the Opus College of Business and provides resources for small and midsized businesses, focusing on ways they can develop ethical leaders and cultures.

Resources include videos, articles, toolkits, example plans and other multimedia assets that can help companies promote ethical conduct as part of their core mission. The BERC is designed to help time-strapped business leaders develop and sustain a strong ethical culture within their organizations and realize the inherent benefits that come along with that.

The benefits of ethics

While it’s difficult to determine the true cost of developing an ethical culture within your organization, it’s clear there are several tangible benefits. For starters, practicing ethics can help you avoid costly legal issues while enhancing your company’s reputation. It will also help you build customer loyalty, with 80% of customers saying they are more loyal to a company with good ethics, according to a recent survey from Salesforce. The same qualities that attract customers will also increase your ability to attract and retain outstanding employees. When you’re able to establish ethical standards as the foundation of your company values, you foster a more positive, meaningful work culture for your employees.

Promoting ethical conduct and compliance doesn’t have to be expensive. By utilizing the resources available and cementing strong ethical standards as a critical part of company values, businesses can establish an ethical company culture that benefits everyone involved.

2019-10-02T14:16:28

(BPT) – An estimated 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime. Escaping abusive situations and starting over in a new and safe environment is an overwhelming experience for victims, especially when pets are involved. An added challenge is that few (approximately 10 percent) domestic violence shelters in the U.S. accept and house pets. This leaves abuse victims with a difficult decision — flee to safety but leave their pet behind or stay with their abuser?

Almost half of domestic violence victims choose to stay in an abusive situation out of fear of what might happen to their pet if they leave.

Pets provide unconditional love and comfort, demonstrate loyalty and devotion, and teach people about care and compassion. Pets can also sense when their owners experience sadness or pain, and their presence can provide comfort and promote healing.

That’s why Purina has partnered with RedRover, a national nonprofit organization that helps people and animals in crisis situations, to create the Purple Leash Project. The Purple Leash Project not only raises awareness about this issue, but the program also helps provide funding and resources necessary to help more domestic violence shelters become safe, healing spaces for pets and people.

As part of the initiative, the business is committing more than $500,000 to establish Purple Leash Project grants, which are awarded in partnership with RedRover to shelters across the country to fund renovations to make their shelter spaces pet-friendly. The project aims to increase the number of pet-friendly domestic abuse shelters across the U.S. to ensure there are more resources available for survivors with pets in every state. Purina is also advocating for the cause at a federal level as a founding member of the PAWS Act Coalition, which helped pass legislation that will provide federal funding for domestic violence shelters to become pet-friendly.

How can you get involved?

1) Be vocal and spread awareness about this issue — Use your voice to advocate for your neighbors with pets who may be struggling with abuse by raising awareness of the lack of pet-friendly options for domestic violence victims. Visit the project website to stay informed of all the ways to get involved. And post your support for the mission on social media using #PurpleLeashProject to take a stand for the belief that pets and people deserve to escape abuse and heal together.

2) Ask your local DV shelter how you can help — Reach out to your local domestic violence shelter to see how you might be able to help the survivors in their care, and find out if it accepts pets now or is interested in finding resources to become pet-friendly (if so, tell them about the grants). From volunteering to making donations of clothing, diapers, toys and other comfort items for people and pets, there are a lot of things domestic violence shelters may need to care for the survivors they serve.

Support the Purple Leash Project — The mission is to increase the number of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters, and with your help, the goal can be reached even faster. To donate to this cause by making a donation directly to RedRover and learn more, visit www.PurpleLeashProject.com.

If you or someone you know or love is a victim of domestic abuse, call or visit the Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 for support and resources: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Bilingual advocates are available. To find a DV shelter that accepts pets or offers services for pets, visit safeplaceforpets.org.