Month: December 2019

2019-12-19T00:01:00

(BPT) – Schizophrenia is a complex and chronic brain disorder that can interrupt every aspect of an adult’s life. For adults living with serious mental illness, like Jason, the journey to finding the right treatment plan, including medication and supportive therapies, can take years. During that time, adults living with schizophrenia may experience multiple episodes, breakthrough symptoms or relapse. While it can be challenging for many individuals to remember to take their daily medication, it can be especially difficult for adults living with schizophrenia, who after missing doses of their treatment may increase their risk for breakthrough schizophrenia symptoms or relapse.

Jason was diagnosed with schizophrenia when he was in his mid-twenties. Following his diagnosis, Jason struggled for ten years to consistently follow his schizophrenia treatment plan.

“At the time, my schizophrenia hallucinations and delusions were full blown. I thought I had special powers — that when I made eye contact with people, I could talk to them. I thought most people were out to get me, including my parents,” Jason says. “When I was having a lot of challenges, it strained my relationship with my parents.”

Unfortunately, Jason’s story is not uncommon. Adults living with schizophrenia may experience a cyclical pattern with their schizophrenia treatment journey, consisting of beginning a new treatment which lessens their symptoms, followed by a lack of adherence with their treatment plan and missing doses and leading to worsening schizophrenia symptoms or a relapse. As a matter of fact, research has found that adults living with schizophrenia experience on average 9 relapses in less than 6 years. There are multiple factors that can increase the risk of an episode (breakthrough symptoms or relapse), including missing doses or stopping medication.

Finding the right treatment plan, often consisting of a combination of supportive therapies and medication, can help adults control their schizophrenia symptoms.

After trying numerous treatment options and being hospitalized multiple times due to his schizophrenia symptoms, Jason’s doctor talked to him and his parents about switching his medication to a once-monthly injection to limit worrying about missing doses and to help Jason better manage his schizophrenia. Together, they reviewed the potential benefits and side effects of treatment options.

After being treated with a once-monthly injection and participating in supportive therapies, Jason’s symptoms were more controlled.

“For me, it was important to get healthy, which included working with a psychologist and attending group therapy sessions early in my treatment journey, as well as taking my medication and exercising,” Jason said.

By finding a comprehensive treatment plan that worked for him, Jason was able to focus on other things like friends, family, and activities he enjoys like writing, kickboxing, and spending time with his nieces and nephews. “Most importantly,” he said, “I started working with those who were trying to help me. I began to see my parents as allies in my fight. Now I am closer to them than ever.”

Reflecting on his past experiences, Jason now wants to share his personal story to help other adults with schizophrenia navigate their own treatment journey.

“I didn’t ask for this, but I am dealing with it. I want to help other people. Don’t give up!”

If you or a loved one are an adult living with schizophrenia, ask your doctor if a change in your treatment plan could make the difference for you. Learn more at https://www.oncemonthlydifference.com.

Jason is a volunteer with the SHARE Network, a Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., program made up of people who are dedicated to inspiring others through their personal health journeys and stories of caring.

2019-12-18T11:40:18

(BPT) – When you’re traveling, gummy vitamins can provide surprising and unexpected health benefits for beauty, digestion and sleep. You’re not the only one who can’t sleep in a strange bed or eat properly because you are bloated from not being on a “regular” schedule. Traveling can throw your body’s natural clock off so getting a good night’s sleep can be next to impossible. And, that means waking up feeling exhausted, so you don’t look or feel your best.

Nicole Avena, Ph.D., recommends packing the following gummy vitamins in your carry-on:

1. Think vitamin C before boarding that plane or train: Don’t forget to keep your immune system healthy with vitafusion Power C gummy vitamins. Each dose packs as much vitamin C as 10 tangerines, so your hectic travel for work or play can go as scheduled.
2. Bloat and travel back up? Have you ever noticed that while traveling your get-up-and-go just won’t let you “go”? There are many reasons why you get blocked up when you hit the road. From travel-related stress and anxiety to straying from your normal routine, your body just says no. Sugar-free fiber gummies will help keep that gut in check, even when you’re in a foreign bathroom.
3. Holiday glam from the inside out: vitafusion Gorgeous Skin, Hair, & Nails provides essential nutrients to support luxurious hair, gorgeous skin and healthy nails. One serving of these gummy vitamins provides two times the biotin and antioxidant vitamin C, and six times the antioxidant vitamin E of the leading hair, skin and nails gummy supplement per serving, and gives you a beauty boost from the inside out.
4. A healthier gut: With 5 billion CFUs per serving, vitafusion Probiotic supplements provide friendly bacteria to the digestive tract. Two probiotic strains, bacillus coagulans, IS-2 and bacillus subtilis, DE-111, survive in the stomach with no high-fructose corn syrup, gluten, dairy, gelatin or synthetic dyes.
5. Melatonin 2.0: When you’re packing for a jaunt across the continent, don’t forget vitafusion Max Melatonin, an antioxidant powerhouse that will help you get a good night’s sleep when you’re sleepless in Seattle or anywhere else. Extra Strength Melatonin helps you reset your body clock, and promotes healthy collagen production to help fight wrinkles and reverse sun damage. Its sugar- and gluten-free sleep support is formulated for adults with 3 mg of melatonin that also helps with jet lag recovery.

Avena recommends gummy vitamins because not only are they delicious, but kids and adults alike look forward to taking them, rather than avoiding traditional vitamins altogether because they are too big to swallow or have an awful aftertaste. vitafusion gummy vitamins are the only vitamin brand with clinically proven equivalence to vitamin tablets and caplets when it comes to absorption. Vitamin C and vitamin D gummies were compared to their respective caplet and tablet counterparts for absorption, the key measure of effectiveness. The vitamin C study concluded that the vitafusion gummy was just as effectively utilized by the body as the caplet form. The vitamin D study showed the gummy to be, in fact, more effective than a tablet.

2019-12-18T14:01:01

(BPT) – When you think back to your childhood, there are probably only a few times you remember receiving a gift that really blew you away. It was likely something you always wanted but didn’t think you would ever get, and when you opened that present, your excitement was off the charts.

To give your loved ones who have been eyeing a new game console that same feeling this holiday season, Xbox All Access is a great choice. With Xbox All Access, get the console they want, plus Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which provides access to over 100 games and online multiplayer all for one low monthly price.

Xbox All Access includes the choice between Xbox One X, Xbox One S or Xbox One S All-Digital Edition bundles, so there’s something for every gamer, from newbie to expert. The program also includes a 24-month membership to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, plus the option to upgrade to the next Xbox console, Project Scarlett.

If you’re looking for a truly memorable gift at a great value, get your loved ones everything needed to start playing right out of the box. For no upfront cost and one low monthly price for 24 months, you can join Xbox All Access today to give the gift of the year!

Here are the top reasons people choose Xbox All Access when shopping for a gift that really wows:

Choice

You choose which bundle is right for your loved one. Available bundles include the season’s hottest games, such as “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order,” “NBA 2K20,” and “Gears 5.” Additionally, the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition includes “Minecraft,” “Sea of Thieves” and “Fortnite Battle Royale.”

Not to mention, with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, players get all the benefits of Xbox Live Gold, including online multiplayer, as well as access to over 100 great games for console and PC plus new games from Xbox Game Studios the same day they launch. It’s a great way to discover your next favorite game.

Value

Xbox All Access saves gift-givers over $100 compared to purchasing everything separately. The monthly price is dependent on which console you choose and it’s an affordable way to gift everything you need to game on Xbox.

Purchasing a console is an investment, which is why players who purchase an Xbox One console with Xbox All Access have the option to upgrade to the next Xbox console, Project Scarlett, once it’s available Holiday 2020 and they’ve made 18 payments. Additionally, as a special holiday upgrade offer, those who purchase an Xbox One X console with Xbox All Access by December 31, 2019, have the option to upgrade to Project Scarlett in as few as 12 months.

Access to Everything Xbox

Xbox All Access provides access to all the benefits of being part of the Xbox family. Gamers can play thousands of games, including Xbox 360, Xbox Original and Xbox One titles thanks to backwards compatibility; enjoy 4K gaming and entertainment; play with the greatest community of gamers on the fastest, more reliable gaming network; and enjoy unlimited access to over 100 high-quality games for one low monthly price.

As part of the Xbox ecosystem, you’re not limited to playing just on the console. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members get access to curated libraries of games on both console and PC. Gamers are also able to access features and services unique to Xbox, including family settings on Xbox. For parents who may be purchasing their first console for the family this holiday season, family settings on Xbox help manage screen time, online spending and access to mature content to provide you with peace of mind.

Now you know the secret to a gift that will truly impress. Terms apply, learn more at www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-all-access.

2019-12-18T14:01:01

(BPT) – If emergency officials in your community issued a mandatory evacuation order to get out of the path of a wildfire, hurricane or other natural disaster, would you know what to take with you, the evacuation route you would take and where you would go until it was safe to return home?

In short, do you have a personal evacuation plan in place?

If you answered “yes,” you’re like 49% of the 1,795 respondents Mercury Insurance recently surveyed for its emergency preparedness quiz. However, if the question was rephrased to inquire about “having an evacuation plan and practicing it at least once a year,” the results show only 23% meet this criteria.

“Safety should be your first priority in any situation involving a possible disaster or emergency event, and you should respond to mandatory evacuation orders immediately,” said Christopher O’Rourke, vice president of property claims at Mercury Insurance. “Your first instinct might be to panic, so having an evacuation plan in place and practicing it regularly will help ensure you and your family are ready to go at a moment’s notice. And it will also help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that will undoubtedly be a part of such a nerve-wracking situation.”

The survey also revealed that 39% of homeowners were unsure if they have enough coverage to rebuild if their home is damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster, and 34% don’t have a home inventory they could provide to their insurance company to help get these items replaced. “Homeowners and renters should make a point of touching base with their insurance agents at least once a year to reassess coverage needs,” said O’Rourke. “It’s a good idea to make sure you have enough coverage as you accumulate more belongings, make changes to your home or your family expands — these details may affect your policy limits, as well as create a need for endorsements you might want to consider adding to your policy.”

There is some good news, however, as 88% of respondents said they have an in-home emergency kit stocked with essential items they will need if disaster strikes. If you don’t have a kit, here is a list of the items you may want to include in your kit:

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person), non-perishable food items and pet food, if applicable;
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio (and extra batteries);
• A flashlight;
• A first aid kit;
• A whistle to signal for help;
• A can opener;
• Blankets;
• Tools to turn off utilities;
• $200 in cash in small bills, as power may be out, making ATMs, debit and credit cards unusable;
• Fully charged battery packs so you can recharge your cell phone; and
• Prescriptions for you and your pets.

The bottom line is that extreme weather events are anticipated to increase, and you can never be too cautious or over-prepared to protect against Mother Nature. “It’s a bit alarming to discover that, although natural disasters are in the news on a seemingly regular basis, many Americans still aren’t properly preparing themselves if one happens in their neighborhood or city,” said O’Rourke. “These events can have serious repercussions and adopting a wait-and-see attitude is not an option.”

2019-12-18T07:31:00

(BPT) – Hosting dinner for a special occasion can be stressful. Whether you’re gathering with family for the holidays or making something new for friends, you want to deliver an entertaining evening and impress your guests with a pristine meal that everyone enjoys. A delicious beef cut is the focal point of a dinner that will treat guests to a night they will remember.

Beef is a traditional choice for many special occasions, including preparing a nostalgic favorite for the family or creating a meal from one’s cultural heritage. Guests of all ages identify beef cuts as a delicacy.

Cargill surveyed consumers to learn more about their perceptions of beef and when beef is on their plate. Among American beef shoppers who were asked about beef cuts (such as steaks, roasts, etc.):

• 78% said that beef cuts have delicious flavor
• 74% said beef cuts are great for special occasions and celebrations
• 73% said beef cuts are moist and juicy.

Consumers view beef cuts as a savory entrée and want that luxury on their plate at special occasions. Selecting the perfect cut for a specific occasion can be a challenge, though.

Sterling Silver Premium Meats outlines the wide variety of beef cuts and details what each one brings to the table. Tenderloin steak is lean, yet succulent, with a fine buttery texture. Filet mignon is cut from the tenderloin and serves as a stellar main course, perhaps as a mushroom filet, at a small gathering. Tenderloin can also be incorporated into a sophisticated mac and cheese recipe or a petite tender flatbread.

Ribeye is one of the best-known steaks and a favorite at steakhouses everywhere for being rich, juicy and full-flavored. Prime rib steak comes from the same section as ribeye, but the cuts are larger since they include the ribeye and the bone.

If you want a portion friendly entrée, short ribs are rich in tenderness and flavor, and are easily divvied up among the guests at a party. There are tons of recipes for short rib meals and appetizers including: smoky tomato braised short ribs with polenta, chipotle-braised short rib tacos, mini ancho short rib tamales and short rib sliders.

Skirt steak is tender and flavorful too, and it’s perfect for the grill. An indulgence that’s just as enjoyable as an individual steak as it is in stir-fry or fajitas, skirt cuts can create many different delectable dinners.

For a more affordable meal, ideal for large gatherings with families and friends, serve brisket or roast beef. Brisket incorporates some variety into the eating experience and is best when roasted slowly at a lower temperature. Add a puree to your plate for a complete slow braised brisket meal. Pot roast is economical and versatile. It can be tenderized by cooking in liquid for hours or cut into cubes for stew that can be shared by a big group.

Most consumers responding to the Cargill survey also said that USDA grades are important to them, but many shoppers lack an understanding of how to use the USDA grading system as a guide when purchasing beef.

While surveying the meat case at the grocery store, consumers can scan for the USDA grades on packaging. For a high-quality cut of meat for a special occasion, shoppers should grab a Prime cut, which has amazing tenderness, juiciness, flavor and fine texture. USDA Select grade beef offers a leaner protein source with slight amounts of fat and marbling. The Choice grade features moderate marbling and flavor and is a little less lean than Select cuts.

Entertaining for a special occasion becomes less intimidating when you know exactly what to cook. Armed with knowledge of the numerous beef cuts and USDA grades, consumers can be prepared to host family or friends for an extraordinary evening in any occasion.

2019-12-18T00:01:00

(BPT) – Now is the time of year when people typically take inventory of their lives and set new goals. Relationships, finances, careers and health are all important aspects that impact overall well-being. For this New Year, consider making your health a top priority.

According to the recent America’s Health Rankings Annual Report, the nation’s obesity rate continues to rise, with one in three adults now experiencing obesity. This alarming statistic may have serious health consequences such as diabetes, which now impacts approximately 30 million adults and is the No. 1 cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations and adult blindness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There are many factors that play a role in your health, but one that you can control is making a commitment to start living a healthier lifestyle. Sure, there will be some bumps during your well-being journey, but your goal can be achievable and you deserve to reap the benefits.

Ann Marie O’Brien, national director of health strategies at UnitedHealthcare, offers the following tips for achieving a healthier you in 2020.

Stay active

Regular exercise may help you live longer and may reduce your risks for a host of diseases. Try to aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic activity a week, but if that’s too challenging then start off with 15 minutes here and 15 minutes there. Every little bit counts. To be successful, your fitness program should become a part of your daily life.

Also, check with your health plan and employer to see if they offer wellness incentives. For example, UnitedHealthcare’s Gym Check-In program enables participating employers to provide employees and their spouses the opportunity to each earn hundreds of dollars a year for visiting a fitness facility 12 days or more per month.

Eat healthier

Sure, it’s easier said than done, but good nutrition is a vital part of a healthier lifestyle. Experts say the healthiest diets are rich in fruits and vegetables, because these foods are full of healthful nutrients and fiber. Here are three simple tips to eating healthier: Go for more fruits and veggies; choose less meat and fat; and keep an eye on the size of your food portions. Just saying “no” to the buffet can do wonders.

Reduce your stress

If you’re feeling stressed, it’s important to unwind and relax by doing something you enjoy. Maybe it’s watching a movie, reading a book or volunteering to give you time to recharge. Also, make time to connect with others. Maybe that’s friends, family, a faith group or a hobby club. It’s important that you don’t isolate yourself after a stressful event. Remember, if you cannot get a handle on your stress, talk to your doctor. She or he may recommend a counselor who could help you find other ways to help reduce or manage the unhealthy stress in your life.

Team up with your doctor

Take time today to make an appointment with your doctor for your annual wellness visit and be sure to ask about preventive services such as health screenings and vaccines. Check with your health plan as many preventive services have no additional cost, as long they are delivered by care providers in your plan’s network. Your doctor will help you create a treatment plan to help manage any chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure.

2019-12-17T09:31:00

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