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Retirement planning during uncertain times: Lessons for each generation

2020-04-06T08:59:00

(BPT) – By Kelly Greene, TIAA Sr. Director and co-author of The New York Times bestseller The Wall Street Journal Complete Retirement Guidebook

Don’t touch your face, and don’t touch your stocks — that advice went viral in the past few weeks, and it goes for retirement savings, too.

Like so many of you, I am trying to do everything imaginable right now to support the health of medically fragile family and friends.

But the only thing I haven’t woken up thinking about is whether I should be changing the way I’m saving for retirement. Here’s why: We’ve been on this roller-coaster ride before, and we were just as uncertain those times, too. No one knew what would happen in 2000 when the tech bubble burst, or in 2001 after the September 11 terrorist attacks. How we would emerge from the financial crisis in 2008 was a mystery for at least a few years.

I had a front-row seat for those economic calamities as a personal finance journalist covering retirement planning. In those earlier times of uncertainty, I interviewed hundreds of people, at all stages of their career and retirement, along with financial advisors. And many of the people who suffered financially were those who reacted emotionally — taking action right away.

Rushing a decision about retirement savings could lead to regrets and cost you more money unwinding a hasty move down the road. Here are some stories from recent times of turmoil that provide lessons for people at different points in their career:

Early Career Lesson: Resist selling low and buying high

I remember a 20-something-year-old friend, who, when the markets were falling in 2000, confided that he’d just liquidated his 401(k) because he couldn’t stand to lose any more money. “I’m out,” he said, throwing up his hands. The real pain came the next year, when he learned he owed hefty tax penalties for that emotional move.

Other people who kept their savings in a workplace plan, but sold off sinking equity funds, also lost out. It’s easy to forget to re-invest when markets start to improve, leading to a classic error: They sold low and then bought high.

The problem is, there’s no way to know exactly how long, or when, financial markets will hit bottom and start to bounce back. The lesson here is that it’s best to focus on what we can do and let our investments ride.

Mid to Late Career Lesson: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

After a decade or two of making regular contributions in your retirement accounts, especially with employer contributions, it’s exciting to see savings add up. In the mid-2000s, a heady time for the markets, many mid-career investors moved savings into equities, dreaming of retiring early.

Then real estate lending started showing cracks, leading to 2008’s full-blown financial crisis. Retirement savings tumbled as much as 40% in value. That meant people with $1 million suddenly had $600,000. One retired banking executive I interviewed had invested his life’s savings in financial services stocks, because he felt comfortable investing in what he understood. By early 2009, he was back at work running a bank’s foreclosure unit to make ends meet.

It’s a great illustration of why we shouldn’t put all of our eggs in one basket. Some retirement-plan choices, such as target-date funds, will diversify our investments for us, based on when we plan to retire.

But if you want to choose your own retirement-plan investments, it’s important to keep your asset allocation on track. And if you haven’t thought about it in a few years, or ever, consider asking a financial advisor to help you make sure your current strategy aligns with your goals.

As you get closer to retirement, it’s important to consider additional ways to diversify beyond stocks and bonds. Increasingly, real estate, alternatives, annuities and other types of assets can provide more ways for retirement investors to spread risk.

Nearing Retirement Lesson: Use a three-legged stool

If you are getting ready to retire, should you wait? It depends on how you expect to generate your retirement income and how much cash you’ve set aside.

Retirement planners use models to talk about how to create your income stream. The most classic is the “three-legged stool” of Social Security, investments and a pension (all but extinct) or annuities. There are many variations on “buckets” to hold cash, short-term and long-term investments, with earnings trickling from the longer term holdings to cash.

If your “three-legged stool” includes enough sources of guaranteed lifetime income, or your “buckets” hold enough cash to avoid selling off investments that have lost value, you may be in good shape. If you’re not already working with a financial advisor, it might be worth getting a second opinion.

However, if your investments are still heavily weighted in stocks, you may want to re-evaluate your timing. If you do decide to delay your retirement date by a year or two, consider the approach that some would-be retirees took in 2008: By working a few more years than originally planned, they increased the size of their monthly Social Security checks.

Meanwhile, to reward themselves for staying on the job, they used a small part of their would-be savings to go ahead with a few retirement goals, such as travel or a kitchen renovation.

As you can see, amid so much other uncertainty right now, retirement planning is one part of your life that can be managed — either on your own, or with the help of a financial advisor. No matter where you are on your career path, there are strategies for dealing with market volatility while continuing to save for your financial future.

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As with all mutual funds, the principal value of a target date fund isn’t guaranteed at any time, including at the target date, and will fluctuate with market changes. The target date approximates when investors may plan to start making withdrawals. However, you are not required to withdraw the funds at that target date. After the target date has been reached, some of your money may be merged into a fund with a more stable asset allocation.

Target date funds share the risks associated with the types of securities held by each of the underlying funds in which they invest. In addition to the fees and expenses associated with the target date funds, there is exposure to the fees and expenses associated with the underlying mutual funds.

Any guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.


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Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia: New Study Reveals COVID-19 is Having an Impact on Americans’ Mental Health [Infographic]

2020-04-03T10:01:00

(BPT) – The America’s Mental Health COVID-19 Pulse Study looked at the mental health of Americans during the pandemic. With more than 90 percent of the U.S. population under some form of stay-at-home order, and social distancing in place until at least April 30, the situation is beginning to impact the mental health of many Americans.


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What you need to know before a roof project or repair

2020-04-03T09:21:00

(BPT) – Think the roof over your head is just shingles? Beneath the visible shingles are essential components such as the roof deck, underlayment, cements and sealants. These layers help the roof stand up to the long-term harsh effects of sun, rain, ice and other conditions, extending the life and beauty of your home.

Starting at the bottom layer, TAMKO Building Products, a leading manufacturer of residential roofing, offers the following primer on the makeup of a typical residential roof.

Roof deck: The critical foundation

The roof deck is the base layer for the other components. These flat structural panels offer crucial support. Commonly made of sheets of plywood or oriented strand boards (OSB), these 4-foot by 8-foot panels nailed directly to a home’s roof trusses or rafters act as the structural backbone of the roof deck. The type of shingles selected determines which roof deck material will be most appropriate.

Underlayment: The essential moisture barrier

Underlayment is a thin, water-resistant barrier protecting the roof deck and home from moisture. Underlayment commonly comes in wide rolls and is installed in long, overlapping horizontal rows across the roof from bottom to top, on the deck before shingles are installed. This keeps moisture away from the roof deck during construction and is a second line of defense beneath shingles.

Shingles: More than an attractive cap

While shingles can be the topper to a home’s appearance, they also serve a critical role. Shingles are designed to efficiently shed rain and moisture from the roof, protecting the layers beneath. All shingle types employ an overlapping installation pattern to keep moisture from getting past the surface and ensure that water is shed efficiently to the ground.

Asphalt: The most affordable type of roofing material, asphalt shingles are found atop most single- and multi-family homes. Architectural shingles have more layers than the single-layer 3-tab design and often have a longer manufacturer warranty because they provide more protection.

Metal: Typically made from steel or aluminum, these can be long, overlapping, interlocking vertical ridges running from top to bottom and fastened with special screws and washers or die cut shingles that interlock and are applied like an asphalt shingle. Metal roofs provide enhanced protection from the elements, a long service life and can mimic the look of slate, tile or wood shake.

Tile: One of the oldest roofing materials, tile roofs are made of clay or concrete formed into a wide variety of overlapping shapes. Tile remains popular in the American Southwest as it endures high heat and sun exposure. Tile roofs can last a long time with low maintenance costs but are expensive to install.

Slate: Made from natural slate or stone, these classic shingles are cut to shape and held into place with pegs. Slate is long-lasting if maintained properly but expensive to install and vulnerable to peg failure and slate breakage.

Wood: Wood shingles or “shakes” are thin, tapered strips of weather-resistant wood. They have a rustic look and are commonly made from western red cedar, cypress, pine or redwood.

Composite: This modern, engineered shingle is made to resemble wood shakes, slate and tile. Composite shingles are attractive, low-maintenance, long-lasting alternatives to the real thing.

Starter shingles along the perimeter of the roof surface are often required when installing shingles. These serve to waterproof the eave and rake edges and, with the application of adhesive, provide an anchor to prevent shingles from blowing off in windy conditions.

Ventilation: How a roof breathes

Proper roof ventilation permits a consistent flow of air, encouraging cooler air to enter the house and warmer air to exit. This aeration creates a more consistent temperature throughout the roof, providing cooler in-home temperature in summer and preventing ice damming in winter. Consistent temperature also minimizes moisture buildup inside the home. Proper ventilation is critical to preserving roofing components.

A local professional roofing contractor can determine which attic ventilation is appropriate for a given home or climate.

Hip and ridge shingles: The crown

Hip and ridge shingles cover the peak of a home’s roof, bridging the gap between the shingles installed on each side. This helps protect the roof’s decking at the crown and control the efficient shedding of water. It can also cover unattractive vents installed on the ridge. A variety of styles of hip and ridge shingles are available, but each serves the same vital function.

Understanding the fundamentals of roofing can help any homeowner have a more meaningful conversation with a qualified roofing contractor when planning a roofing project or repair.

For more information, visit www.tamko.com.


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Before you buy a home, ask these 5 questions about the roof

2020-04-03T09:09:02

(BPT) – Ready to make an offer on that perfect piece of real estate? Most homebuyers have a checklist of questions to ask the seller. Questions about the plumbing, heating and AC unit are common. But when searching for that dream home, one of the most important yet overlooked major items is directly overhead and should top the checklist.

A roof protects the home from the ravages of sun, wind, rain and other threats. The ability for a roof to provide protection is directly linked to its condition. A roof nearing the end of its service life can be a major investment for any homeowner. Knowing the condition of a home’s roof plays a big part in determining what the overall investment in a new property will be. Here are a few questions to ask before committing to any property.

1. How old is the home’s roof?

Ask the homeowner about the age of the roof — and don’t be shy; ask for documentation. Knowing the age of the roof will help you understand issues you may encounter and how to plan to prevent them. It can also influence homeowner insurance costs — and even whether an insurance company will write a new policy on the property, according to insurance.com.

Typically, a roof can be expected to last anywhere from 15 to 50 years, depending on the roofing material, the severity of the weather it is exposed to and if it was installed properly.

2. Are there any known damages or repairs to the roof?

In most states, a seller must disclose any known home damage or defects to a prospective buyer. By asking about roof damage and repairs specifically, the seller cannot easily forget to mention those details. It is better to get any bad news early and factor the cost of potential repairs into negotiations to avoid devoting time and money toward a property that may have cost-prohibitive issues.

3. When was the roof last inspected?

A thorough inspection is important, even if the roof is new. Wind and hail can cause hidden damage that could dramatically shorten the life of the roof. Impacts from large tree branches can distort or even penetrate roofing material. Small, hard-to-find water leaks can lead to rot and costly structural damage beneath the surface.

A professional roofing contractor will provide a comprehensive inspection. They can expertly assess the roof’s condition, inspect often-overlooked areas, identify needed repairs and estimate the roof’s remaining useful life before replacement will be necessary. They will also inspect roof ventilation to ensure it is adequate. The contractor will make sure gutters are functioning properly and not allowing water to back up into the roofing system.

4. Is the roof still covered under warranty? Can that be transferred?

Depending on the manufacturer, the home’s roof may have a warranty that is transferable from one homeowner to the next. Warranties are designed to cover certain manufacturing defects. Ask the seller to provide a copy of the roof warranty and carefully read through the terms and conditions to determine if the warranty can be transferred and what degree of coverage will be provided. If a warranty is not transferable, that should not necessarily be a deal breaker; there may still be plenty of life left in the roof.

5. Will the seller negotiate a lower price to compensate for an old or damaged roof?

A home with an old roof is not necessarily the end of the line for a homebuyer’s dream. Sellers may be willing to negotiate a lower selling price to help a buyer cover the cost of roof replacement. The good news for the buyer is a new roof, along with a new warranty, is like a new beginning for the home with decades of reliable service ahead. Roofing manufacturers such as TAMKO Building Products LLC offer limited lifetime warranties that may add peace of mind.

A roof can make or break a home deal. Any potential buyer should be sure to get the facts before committing to a sales contract. For more information, visit www.tamko.com.


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An Impossible Choice for Californians: Caregiving or Career

2020-04-02T16:05:32

(BPT) – Working to survive is a reality for most Californians, especially those of us supporting young children or aging parents. And with that, it’s unavoidable that at some point we’ll need time off work to care for a family member in need. Yet, as evidenced by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, many Californians don’t have access to vital programs that help balance the evolving responsibilities of career and caregiving. One policy that is particularly critical — in times of crisis, and not — is Paid Family Leave.

Not only can a paid leave policy protect families who need to care for a seriously ill family member, it can give working parents the opportunity to bond with their newborn child. And researchers across the world agree: Bonding time with a parent gives a newborn baby their best chance at good health and future success. Use of Paid Family Leave is even associated with higher rates of breastfeeding and reduced rates of infant mortality.

Of 41 developed nations, the United States is the only country that doesn’t provide universal paid leave. Recognizing that parent-child bonding is a developmental imperative, other developed nations offer workers an average of six months of job-protected leave upon the birth or adoption of a new child. As first in the nation, California enacted a Paid Family Leave policy of its own in 2004. The insurance program, paid entirely by employees through their automatic payroll deductions, provides workers with 60 or 70% of their regular wages for up to six weeks.

To their surprise, many California employers — who again, do not contribute a cent to the program — have benefited greatly from Paid Family Leave. Use of the program has improved employee morale and productivity, reduced staff turnover and promoted business growth.

Unfortunately, the full potential of California’s children, employees and employers is largely untapped. Far too many families have been forced to choose between their career and caregiving. In 2017, only half of eligible mothers and one-quarter of eligible fathers took Paid Family Leave. That’s because the 15-year-old policy framework leaves an overwhelming portion of the population behind. Without explicit job protection, many workers are too afraid to use Paid Family Leave for fear of losing their job or being demoted when they return. In addition, many families would be unable to pay for basic needs with a 30 or 40% pay cut.

As the fifth largest economy in the world, California can certainly afford to better protect families and invest in the future of our children by improving Paid Family Leave. To make this urgent need a reality, a growing number of organizations have joined a statewide “Strong Leave for Strong Families” campaign. The new campaign works to mobilize Californians to ensure their voices are heard around proposals that arise during California’s budget and legislative process. The simple request of campaign members? A Paid Family Leave program that serves all Californians.


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How to get complaints resolved without using customer service

2020-04-01T17:01:00

(BPT) – Have you ever received an unfair bill and dreaded the typical fight with customer service to get it resolved? It might be a surprise charge from your cellphone provider, a bill from the cable company that just keeps increasing, or confusing contracts from your internet provider that renew inexplicably.

You finally call customer service to get answers and your money back, but they give you the runaround. You might even try calling again a different day to see if you have better success, only to fail again. If you know this frustration, you’re not alone.

Cynthia Sedano from West Sacramento, California, understands the nightmare of customer service. She was having trouble with her cable equipment and had questionable charges on her account. She called the company to dispute the charges and to get help with the equipment problems. On the call she was promised that she could exchange the equipment, get $40 off her monthly bill and a free premium channel for a year. What she wasn’t told is that agreeing to this in turn signed her up for a new 2-year contract. After realizing this she spent hours seeking resolution through customer service. Ultimately her unpaid debts were sent to collections.

Consumer arbitration options

Most people are unaware that when you buy a product or service, the seller usually makes you sign away your right to sue them in the public court system. This is usually in the fine print you sign when you contract with a provider or click through terms of service digitally. This means you must use a private dispute resolution system called arbitration.

Arbitration can be confusing and difficult to navigate for the average consumer, including hours of legal research, document creation, mailing and filing. An easy no-risk way of simplifying this process and filing a claim is through an organization developed by legal experts and consumer rights professionals called FairShake.

How does it work? Start by visiting fairshake.com to create a claim by providing basic information about your dispute and how you would like it resolved. Your information is then reviewed and an official legal demand is sent on your behalf. As your claim proceeds, a resolutions specialist checks in throughout the process, arming you with data, AI-generated legal research and personalized advice.

Often you work with organizations to settle so both sides are content and the matter can be resolved permanently. Sometimes you may go to an independent hearing to resolve the dispute. Successful FairShake claims recover an average of $700 and many people get back even more. There’s no risk because you only pay a portion of your award if you receive one.

Results that matter

Each year, millions of consumer disputes go unresolved. Sedano didn’t want to become a statistic, and that’s when she learned about FairShake through a friend. She went through the process and was granted reimbursement from the company for the fraudulent charges and early termination fee after sending the company a notice of dispute through FairShake. She was happy she was finally taken seriously and was able to resolve her problems without additional headaches or negative marks on her financial report from an unnecessary collection.

A financial settlement or correction of unfair services makes a big difference to people who feel large companies take advantage of the individual consumer. Beyond the tangible benefits, the reduction in stress and satisfaction of resolving a problem can help close a difficult chapter so you can move on feeling good about the outcome.


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How one woman took action after her cancer diagnosis

2020-04-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – As a busy working mom of four, Chaya did not expect her tiredness, persistent cough and fevers to be cancer.

At first, it felt like a cold that just wouldn’t go away. When she visited her primary care doctor, her initial bloodwork showed she might have mononucleosis, but after more testing and a biopsy, she was diagnosed with advanced stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system. It is most common in early adulthood (a person’s 20s), and the risk rises again in late adulthood (after age 55).[i],[ii],[iii] In Stage 3 or 4, sometimes referred to as ‘advanced stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma,’ Hodgkin lymphoma has spread into at least one organ outside of the lymph system, such as the liver, bone marrow, or lungs.[iv] According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that 8,480 patients will be newly diagnosed in the United States in 2020.iii Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in males than females, as well as those with a weakened immune system or family history of the disease.i

ADCETRIS® (brentuximab vedotin) for injection in combination with chemotherapy of Adriamycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (AVD) is approved for the treatment of adults newly diagnosed with Stage 3 or 4 classical Hodgkin lymphoma. ADCETRIS has an IMPORTANT WARNING for PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKENCEPHAOPATHY (PML), patients treated with ADCETRIS can have a rare, serious brain infection called PML. It can cause death. See additional Important Safety Information below. In a large clinical study of over 1,000 patients, ADCETRIS was studied in combination with AVD for stage 3 or 4 classical Hodgkin lymphoma against a standard chemotherapy regimen of Adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (ABVD). Results showed that patients treated with ADCETRIS plus AVD were 23 percent less likely to receive additional treatment because cancer was still detected in the body, to die from cancer or other cause, or have their cancer grow.

“Following my diagnosis, I researched doctors, and my husband and I connected with friends who work in healthcare to ensure I was receiving the best care,” Chaya said. “I was referred to an oncologist who we trusted for my care, and he recommended ADCETRIS plus AVD.”

Each individual Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis is different, so it’s important to remember that patients should speak with their doctor about treatment options and side effects. ADCETRIS has side effects, and the most common side effects are nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) that mostly involves numbness or tingling in the hands or feet (sensory) and/or weakness in the arms or legs (motor), a low number of white blood cells, nausea, constipation, vomiting, feeling tired, diarrhea, fever, hair loss, weight loss, stomach pain, a low number of red blood cells, and sores or swelling in the mouth. The most common serious adverse reactions are: low numbers of white blood cells accompanied by a fever, fever, low numbers of white blood cells, and pneumonia. During her treatment, Chaya experienced hair loss, as well as numbness and tingling in her hands and feet. For additional safety information please see the Important Safety Information below and full Prescribing Information including BOXED WARNING.

Chaya’s family and friends were supportive throughout her diagnosis and treatment. “I had a great support system during my treatment. In the beginning, my parents came with me to my appointments, and my husband’s family supported us for as long as we needed. One of my neighbors volunteered to watch my kids when I had to go in for treatment, and when I had a hospital stay, my neighbors stocked my freezer with dinners for my family. It meant a lot to me to have the support of my family, friends and community during a challenging time.”

“I was excited my last scan showed signs of improvement. During my treatment, I just kept telling myself, ‘by the time summer is here, I’ll be finished with my treatment.’ I love the summer and was looking forward to spending time outside and hopefully starting to feel like myself again.” ADCETRIS is normally given with chemotherapy every 2 weeks for 6 months (12 doses total). In the clinical study of over 1,000 patients, the average length of time people were on treatment was the full 6 months.

Please see the Important Safety Information below and full Prescribing Information including BOXED WARNING. For more information on ADCETRIS, please visit ADCETRIS.com. To help you talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for your diagnosis, download a guide for Questions to Ask Your Doctor.

Important Safety Information

What is the most important serious safety information I should know about ADCETRIS?

  • PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY (PML): Patients treated with ADCETRIS can have a rare, serious brain infection called PML. It can cause death. Symptoms can begin at different times after starting ADCETRIS treatment, some within 3 months after the first dose. Call your doctor if you have mood changes, confusion, dizziness or loss of balance, trouble talking or walking, vision changes, or if you feel weak or have weakness on one side of the body. PML could also be caused by other treatments or diseases that made your immune system weaker.

What should I avoid when receiving ADCETRIS?

  • Do not take ADCETRIS with bleomycin because of possible serious side effects to the lungs.

What are the other possible serious side effects of ADCETRIS?

A serious side effect can be life-threatening or can lead to death. They may happen during treatment or after your treatment has ended.

Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of a serious side effect or if your symptoms get worse. If you have a serious side effect, your doctor may delay or stop your ADCETRIS treatment.

  • Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) that is mostly numbness or tingling in the hands or feet (sensory) and/or weakness in the arms or legs (motor). The nerve damage can get worse with more doses of ADCETRIS. Call your doctor if you have tingling, burning, or numbness in your hands or feet, changes in your sense of touch, or trouble moving your hands or feet.
  • Allergic and infusion reactions during infusion or up to 24 hours after your ADCETRIS infusion. Call your doctor if you have fever, chills, rash, or breathing problems within 24 hours of your infusion.
  • Blood problems such as a low number of white blood cells with or without fever, a low number of platelets, or a low number of red blood cells.

    Your doctor will do blood tests to check your blood cell levels during ADCETRIS treatment. If your levels are too low, your doctor may lower or delay your dose, stop your ADCETRIS treatment, or give you a medicine called G-CSF. G-CSF is meant to prevent you from having a low number of white blood cells.

  • Infections such as pneumonia, bacteremia, and sepsis or septic shock can happen with ADCETRIS treatment. Call your doctor if you have a fever of 100.5°F or higher, chills, cough, or pain when you urinate.
  • Tumor lysis syndrome can happen if you have a tumor that grows quickly or have many tumor cells in your body.
  • Patients with severe kidney disease may have more side effects and deaths than patients with normal kidney function and should avoid treatment with ADCETRIS.
  • Patients with moderate or severe liver disease may have more side effects and deaths than patients with normal liver function and should avoid treatment with ADCETRIS.
  • Liver injury can happen after the first dose of ADCETRIS or after ADCETRIS treatment is stopped and started again. Call your doctor if you feel tired, do not feel like eating, have upper stomach pain, dark urine, or yellow skin and eyes (jaundice).
  • Lung problems. Call your doctor if you have a new cough, a cough that gets worse, or feel out of breath.
  • Skin problems called Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis can happen. Call your doctor if you have rash, hives, sores in your mouth, or blistering or peeling skin.
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) problems related to the pancreas, stomach, intestine, and colon can happen. If you have lymphoma that involves your stomach or intestine, you could have a higher risk of GI perforation (a hole in your stomach or intestine). Call your doctor if you have severe stomach pain, chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • High blood sugar. Your doctor will test your blood during ADCETRIS treatment. If your blood sugar is high, your doctor may give you medicine to control it. Call your doctor if you need to urinate more often, are very thirsty, or have blurry vision.

What were the most common side effects in patients treated with ADCETRIS?

When used alone or together with chemotherapy, the most common side effects were:

    • nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
    • feeling tired
    • nausea
    • diarrhea
    • a low number of white blood cells
    • infection in the nose or sinuses
    • fever
    • constipation
    • vomiting
    • hair loss
    • weight loss
    • upper stomach pain
    • a low number of red blood cells
    • sores or swelling in the mouth and/or in the digestive tract

Contact your doctor if you have any other side effects that bother you or do not go away.

What should I tell my doctor before I start treatment with ADCETRIS?

  • All your medical conditions, including if you have kidney, liver, or lung problems, an infection, or diabetes.
  • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ADCETRIS may harm your unborn baby. If you can get pregnant, you should have a pregnancy test before starting ADCETRIS treatment. You should use effective birth control (contraception) during ADCETRIS treatment and for at least 6 months after your last dose of ADCETRIS. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant or think you are pregnant during ADCETRIS treatment. Men with female partners who can get pregnant should use effective birth control during ADCETRIS treatment and for 6 months after the last dose.
  • If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed during your ADCETRIS treatment.
  • All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. ADCETRIS and certain other medicines can affect each other.

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

Indication

ADCETRIS® (brentuximab vedotin) for injection is approved for the treatment of:

  • Previously untreated Stage 3 or 4 cHL: Adult patients with newly diagnosed Stage 3 or 4 classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) in combination with chemotherapy (adriamycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine)

Please see full Prescribing Information including BOXED WARNING.

This content is brought to you by Seattle Genetics, the maker of ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin).

Individual experiences may vary and information shared in this article is not intended to replace discussions with your doctor. Talk to your doctor to see if ADCETRIS may be right for you.

[i] American Cancer Society. Hodgkin Lymphoma Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention. Available at https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/8650.00.pdf. Accessed January 15, 2020.

[ii] American Cancer Society. What is Hodgkin Lymphoma? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/hodgkin-lymphoma/about/what-is-hodgkin-disease.html. Accessed January 15, 2020.

[iii] American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Hodgkin Lymphoma. Available at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/hodgkin-lymphoma/about/key-statistics.html. Accessed January 15, 2020.

[iv] American Cancer Society. Hodgkin Lymphoma Stages. Available at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/hodgkin-lymphoma/detection-diagnosis-staging/staging.html. Accessed February 10, 2020.


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Dig into gardening trends: Tips to get started

2020-04-01T13:31:00

(BPT) – Just like fashion, trends in gardening come and go … and sometimes come back again. Some shifts in gardening were inspired by necessity, like the “victory gardens” of WWII for growing food during years of rationing. Others reflected societal changes, like the green lawns of the 1950s and 1960s, when families spent more time playing and entertaining in their yards than ever before. If you look further into the past, to the 1920s, you see a trend that’s on the rise again — a yearning for going back to nature, celebrating a lush, green and bird-friendly environment. Those gardens overflowed with all sorts of greenery, fishponds, birdbaths and bird feeders.

Today’s interest in sustainable gardens offering a home for pollinators is not too different from the desire for bird watching and natural gardening of 100 years ago.

A new survey by the National Garden Bureau (NGB), which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, found fascinating trends among today’s gardeners, both expert and novice, which may inspire ideas for your own gardens.

Grow to eat

More than half (57%) of those age 35 and under said they’re using their green space to grow their own food. That interest was echoed by respondents over 35, with 65% of them saying they planned to turn at least part of their future gardens into more of a food source. Many expressed interest in growing their own herbs in their kitchens, with over 65% of those 35 and under sharing plans to grow herbs indoors in the future.

New to growing veggies, fruits or herbs? Consider starting seeds in your kitchen or creating a small raised garden bed outdoors. Research what grows best in your region and the most ideal time for planting. Start small, with just one or two types of plants, so you don’t feel overwhelmed. And grow something you know you’ll love to eat!

Mixed use gardens

Gardens past and present have served multiple purposes, and gardening with a variety of plants allows you to enjoy your space and take in the outdoors to your liking. Over 67% of respondents 35 and under shared that while they want some green lawn, they also want the rest of their yard to be planted with trees, shrubs, flowers, fruits, herbs and vegetables.

What does that mean for gardens of the future? They’ll likely offer more variety, from the ornamental to the edible.

And over 60% of gardeners of all ages want to grow pollinator-friendly plants and flowers.

Look at your own yard and decide how much of it you want to dedicate to your garden and containers, or perhaps what other types of plants you could grow instead. Consider consulting a professional in your area as a resource for advice on a strategy for your space.

Victory Garden 2.0

When the Victory Garden Manual was first written in 1943, reasons to grow your own vegetables were obvious; it was wartime and food was scarce. Statistics say that in 1943, nearly 40% of all fruits and vegetables grown in the U.S. were grown in home and community victory gardens.

As NGB celebrates its 100th anniversary, it seems timely to reintroduce the concept of victory gardening with quick and easy steps to plan and grow your own vegetable garden. Before digging in, it may be helpful to create a list of vegetables that your family enjoys. From there, plan your garden space and determine if you’ll be planting in the ground, raised beds, containers or a combination. Don’t forget to add pollinator-friendly flowers to ensure vegetables are properly pollinated, and you’ll have a great start on the modern victory garden.

Gardeners of the future

It may seem as though younger people are somewhat less likely to be active gardeners, as 11% of the survey respondents under 35 said they’ve never gotten their hands dirty — as compared with only 4% of those over the age of 35. Commonly, lack of time and space are their two biggest hurdles to gardening. But many younger gardener wannabes hope to graduate from growing houseplants and succulents indoors to becoming gardeners in the future: 53% said they hoped to grow houseplants, with 58% planning to graduate to growing flowers, and over 65% planning to grow fruits and vegetables in the future.

If you’re thinking of taking the gardening plunge for the first time, or expanding your gardening efforts, talk to family and neighbors who have successful gardens for their advice.

Growing inspiration

The internet can be a great source of inspiration for future gardeners. While gardeners over 35 look to magazines, books and garden retailers for ideas, those under 35 largely browse Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube for information and tips about developing their green thumbs. However, both groups talk to friends and family for ideas and inspiration about what, and how, to grow.

For more information, tips, blogs and lots of inspiring gardening ideas, visit ngb.org.


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4 steps to expertly green grass on a DIY budget

2020-04-01T14:03:00

(BPT) – Having lush green grass is a delight for the senses. Not only does it look amazing, boost your mood and enhance your property value, but few things are better than walking barefoot through your yard or the fresh smell of grass on a warm, sunny day.

“Many people think you need to hire professionals to get the green grass they admire in magazines, but the truth is you can do everything they do, with a little guidance and the right strategies,” says Phil Dwyer, Ph.D., R&D Principal at ScottsMiracle-Gro.

As we look outside in these first days of spring, this is the ideal opportunity to improve your lawn and give it just what it needs to thrive. Consider these smart lawn care tips to get a lush green blanket of grass across your yard for months to come.

Access technology for guidance

What type of grass grows in your yard? What is that weed over there? When’s the best time to fertilize? You may not know these answers, but technology can help provide expert guidance at no cost. For example, the free Scotts My Lawn mobile app lets you geo-target your specific yard to get expert insight and step-by-step guidance on how to create a customized lawn care plan for an entire year based on your location, climate, environment and goals. Ask questions through live chat, use the weed identifier tool to tackle tough weeds and follow seasonally relevant lawn tips and grass seeding recommendations. It’s like having an on-call pro, without the costs.

Mow to the highest preferred height

How and when you mow can impact the health of your lawn for better or for worse. Because mowing takes time and energy, it’s best to know strategies to help you maximize effectiveness with minimal effort. Overall, the higher you mow the deeper your roots grow. It’s important to learn which grass type you have so you can mow appropriately. Northern cool-season grasses should be cut 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches. Some southern warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass do better when cut a little shorter. Make sure to avoid cutting more than a third of the grass blade at a time so you don’t stress the plant, and also try to vary your mowing pattern to avoid ruts. These steps will help your grass grow strong at an optimal height that also helps shade the soil to prevent weed growth and water evaporation.

Feed at the right times

It’s not only about how much you feed your lawn. Using the right treatments at the right times gives grass all it needs throughout the season and saves you money along the way. Typically the first treatment should occur in the spring after your first mow to jump-start growth and strength. As months continue you’ll need treatments that support a lawn’s overall health long term, including weed and insect control. Scotts takes the guesswork out of lawn care with an easy, customized subscription plan that delivers the correct amount of what is needed when it is needed. Fill out a brief diagnostic quiz at program.scotts.com to get recommendations and order for convenient delivery. In general, a nice lawn can be achieved by feeding once in the spring and again once in the fall. If you want to create a really beautiful thick green lawn, in the North try feeding twice in the spring (4-6 weeks apart) and twice in the fall (Labor Day, Halloween). In the South, apply four applications spaced out between spring and Labor Day.

Use wise water strategies

Reduce your water footprint, save money on utilities and help grass thrive with wise watering methods. Frequency will depend on how much it rains and the time of year, as grass needs less water in spring and fall than it does during hot summer months. Rather than watering only once a week, try watering for shorter periods every other day to best respond to changing conditions, needs and rainfall. When the grass starts to look purplish to light brown and doesn’t bounce back when walked on, it’s time to water. Water is best applied in the early morning hours, as this prepares grass for the heat of the afternoon. Soil should be moist to the sticky point, but not muddy or dripping wet. Most sprinklers can achieve this in about 15 minutes per zone.

“These four simple steps will set any homeowner on the path to a green lawn,” says Dwyer. “You’ll enjoy spending time in your yard and enjoying the outdoors to the fullest.”


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Turn your backyard into a safe space for healthy play

2020-04-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – As Americans across the country retreat to their homes to help slow the spread of COVID-19, many are rediscovering the value of their yards as places to take in fresh air, engage their children in outdoor games and enjoy physical activity in a safe environment.

3 tips for safe, healthy outdoor fun for the family

Kids who can no longer participate in organized sports activities or meet their friends at the park need creative ways to burn off energy at home. Unplugging and stepping outside can be good for the whole family’s physical and mental health. Consider these three tips as you explore ways to take advantage of the green space around your home.

Educate: The backyard offers a great setting to learn about plant biology and the creepy crawlers that call our lawns home. Take a magnifying glass to your lawn and explore the habitat nestled between the blades.

Exercise: Lace up your sneakers and take to the yard for a 30-minute workout or arrange an obstacle course on the lawn for the kids. Encourage children to compete for the fastest time or create a course of their own.

Rejuvenate: As the days get warmer, enjoy a little self-care by soaking in the sun on the lawn. Consider laying out a blanket and reading. Whether it becomes family story time or some quiet time to yourself, spend some time enjoying your own personal piece of the great outdoors.

Take this time to give your lawn some TLC

Now is a great time for some DIY spring maintenance to get your lawn ready for summer and the likely heavier-than-usual use it will see as you spend more time at home. To create a lush, healthy, low-maintenance lawn that is summer-ready, follow these spring lawn care tips from the experts at Grass Seed USA, a coalition of American grass seed farmers and turf specialists.

Interseed for a thicker lawn. Lawns that are sparse or have worn patches coming out of winter can be interseeded when the soil warms up in the spring. In addition to enhancing the overall appearance of the lawn, interseeding will help keep turf dense, which is a natural defense to keeping pesky weeds out.

Simply rake away lawn debris or accumulated thatch, broadcast seed widely or target bare spots on your lawn and irrigate regularly until the seed germinates. Be sure to use a high-quality seed that is a good match for your geographic region and your lawn’s soil type, sun exposure and irrigation patterns. Seed can be ordered online and shipped directly to your home from most home improvement retailers.

Water deeply and infrequently. Rather than irrigating lightly every day, begin to water more deeply, only once or twice a week, which will encourage strong root growth and make for a hardier lawn in the summer. Most turf grasses will stay vigorous if they receive about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall (and drought-tolerant species such as tall fescue do well on even less).

Mow early and leave the grass taller. Start mowing your lawn before it gets too tall. Scalping an overgrown lawn will stress the plants and potentially cause problems all season long, so make sure you never cut off more than one-third of the grass blade height at a time. A good rule of thumb for most species is to mow when the grass reaches a height of about 3 inches. That means you can cut it to 2 inches — or you can even leave it a little taller to protect the growing point at the base of the blade and improve your lawn’s wear tolerance.

Feed your lawn. Grasscycling — leaving the clippings on the lawn after you mow and allowing them to decompose — can save you time and provide up to 25% of your lawn’s fertilizer needs. To meet the rest of your turf’s nutrient requirements, you’ll likely need to fertilize in the spring and fall. The spring application should be relatively light and should feature slow-release nitrogen fertilizer to avoid causing rapid but weak growth, which can make the lawn less durable.

If you’re among the many Americans seeking activities for energetic kids, suddenly finding time for long-delayed home improvement projects, or just needing a breath of fresh air, step out the backdoor and take advantage of your home’s lawn. By engaging in a few DIY spring lawn projects now, your lawn will be ready no matter what summer brings!