Month: May 2020

2020-05-18T10:01:01

(BPT) – When it comes to keeping your family and home safe, you’re probably familiar with the most common household hazards that can occur. And chances are you have taken precautions to prevent most hazards by installing devices like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers.

But what about the dangers you can’t see? Hazards created in places like attics, basements, or even less visible spots like behind walls can cause significant home damage or health dangers if not addressed.

Consider these suggestions for addressing several hidden hazards in your own home that may be out of sight but shouldn’t be out of mind.

Is it time to check for radon risk?

Because radon gas is colorless, odorless and tasteless, it can easily be overlooked. Yet high levels of the naturally occurring gas in the home can be carcinogenic over time. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends checking radon levels at least every two years as radon flow can increase over a timescale longer than a year.

With that in mind, it’s important to get a radon test kit to determine whether your radon levels are problematic. If so, you will need to look into mitigation — which can be as simple as adding ventilation to your attic or sealing cracks in your foundation.

Are your water pipes stable?

We don’t always see or regularly inspect our pipes. A leaking pipe in your home may just seem like another annoyance, but if not addressed immediately, it can cause significant damage to floors, ceilings and furniture and may even attract bugs. Leaks almost always happen at the pipe joints. While tape and fillers can help address a leak temporarily, you’ll need a plumber’s help to replace a pipe for a more permanent fix.

Two steps that may help prevent leaking pipes:

1. If your home is older, ask your plumber if you have galvanized or polybutylene pipes; those materials may have eroded over time and could eventually fail.
2. If you live somewhere that gets extremely cold in the winter, allow cold water to drip slowly and continually from each faucet and keep your thermostat at the same temperature 24-7.

Are you aware that arc-faults can cause electrical fires?

A term many homeowners may be unfamiliar with is arc-fault, a malfunction in electric wiring circuits that can be caused by loose connections or damaged cords. An arc-fault may occur when a homeowner accidentally damages an electrical wire by driving a nail into a wall or pinching a cord under furniture. That damaged wire can become a significant hazard, generating heat of up to 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit that could potentially spark an electrical fire within wood framing or insulation. *In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), local U.S. firefighters responded to about 35,000 home electrical fires annually between 2012-2016 attributed to electrical distribution and lighting equipment.

Fortunately, the threat of arc-faults and electrical fires can be significantly reduced by the simple installation of Leviton’s SmartlockPro AFCI outlet. A best-seller among Leviton’s highly effective portfolio of electrical safety devices for the home, AFCI outlets are designed to prevent electrical fires by interrupting your power when a dangerous arc is detected.

Staying on top of these and other potential hazards in your home can keep your family safe from harm and protect your property from damage now and in the future. Ask your local plumber to examine leaks, learn more about potential radon issues at EPA.gov and turn to www.leviton.com/electricalhero for more tips on how to prevent electrical fires.

2020-05-18T11:01:00

(BPT) – Because everyone is spending more time in their own backyards now, parents are wondering how to create healthier lawns for their families.

You might be surprised to learn that exposure to pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers can be harmful, particularly for growing children. This is why flags are posted after a yard is treated — they are warnings to keep children and pets away from dangerous chemical exposure.

Chemicals found in pesticides and other lawn products have been linked to asthma, organ damage and cancer, as well as neurological diseases and behavioral problems, according to the National Institutes of Health. The safest approach for everyone, and the environment, is to go organic.

Stonyfield Organic yogurt has cared about where cows graze for the past 36 years. In 2018, Stonyfield Organic yogurt extended its mission beyond cows grazing fields to outdoor spaces where kids play, starting with the #PlayFree campaign to remove toxic pesticides from parks and playing fields. Now Stonyfield is helping families do the same for their own backyards.

Organically maintained lawns made easy

Having a chemical-free, healthy lawn is not difficult if you follow practical, proven organic lawn management techniques.

Follow these steps from Stonyfield Organic to transform your yard into a healthier environment for everybody.

1. Stop using pesticides

Because of the harm that can be caused by pesticides, it’s best to simply stop using them. If you have nuisance insects in your yard, there are natural approaches to curbing them.

Pesticides kill both harmful and beneficial bugs, so you miss out on the benefits many “good” insects provide. Good bugs include dragonflies, honeybees, ladybugs and butterflies. “Bad” bugs like grasshoppers, aphids, fire ants, grubs, snails, chiggers, centipedes and mosquitoes can harm your plants and annoy humans.

How can you reduce bad bugs without pesticides, while helping the “good bugs”?

• Plant flowers to support pollinators
• Provide fresh water for good bugs and bug-killing birds
• Add mulch to offer shade for plant-friendly insects
• Use apple cider vinegar or cedar oil as bug repellent
• Spray neem oil on infestations
• Repel mosquitoes with crushed parsley, rosemary oil or citronella candles
• Grow insect-repellent plants like marigolds, lemongrass, fennel, basil or thyme
• Hang a bird feeder for bug-eating birds
• Hose visible bugs like aphids and caterpillars off plants

2. Test your soil

Most people apply lawn products without first determining what the soil actually needs. Testing helps you discover the right balance, so your soil won’t be too acidic or too alkaline.

Many universities provide soil testing services at reasonable prices. Check your nearest university’s website for details.

Or turn soil testing into a fun family project. All you need is red cabbage, distilled water and the directions at Stonyfield.com/playfree/change-your-own-backyard.

3. Switch to organic fertilizers

Synthetic fertilizers are manufactured with fossil fuels and are salt-based. They directly feed plants, and can harm your soil. Organic fertilizers feed the life in your soil, and the soil in turn will feed your grass or plants.

4. Use effective organic lawn care tactics

To achieve a lush lawn without chemicals, it helps to understand what grass needs to grow its best.

• Feed soil — Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients help your grass grow. But don’t feed without testing — the soil test will determine if your grass is getting what it needs from the soil.
• Mow high — Short grass is stressed grass. Most grass grows best at around 3 inches. This allows your grass to efficiently produce its own food, develop deep roots and withstand drought conditions.
• Mulch with grass clippings — Healthy soil will turn the grass clippings into the nutrients it needs.
• Water deep — Lawns love about an inch of water each week. In many areas, rainfall is plenty. Less frequent but deeper watering builds heartier, healthier roots. Water as needed but aim for no more than 3 times per week, and water in the early morning.
• Overseed — Spread a layer of grass seeds across your existing yard to help grow a green and lush lawn.
• Weeding — The best weed prevention is a healthy, thriving lawn. Thick grass blocks out sunlight that weeds need to grow.

Following these approaches can make your lawn beautiful as well as safer for your entire family.

For more helpful organic backyard gardening tips, visit Stonyfield.com/PlayFree.

2020-05-18T07:01:00

(BPT) – For Dorothy, being diagnosed with bladder cancer almost four years ago reinforced the importance of living in the present and appreciating every moment. This holds true even in some of the most unique circumstances, Dorothy explains. “I had my 76th birthday party with my grandchildren and daughter and son-in-law on Zoom this year,” she said. Despite the challenges of living with cancer during today’s uncertain environment, Dorothy and her family are making it a priority to adapt and find new ways to celebrate together.

Dorothy is not alone in her journey. In fact, an estimated 81,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with bladder cancer just this year.¹ Everyday life for people living with cancer can be filled with uncertainty. However alone someone living with bladder cancer, or any illness, might feel during these tough times, there are thousands of other patients asking many of the same questions about the risks of seeking treatment within today’s healthcare settings.

Dorothy says staying connected has been the most important thing for her. Whether a person has been recently diagnosed or is already undergoing treatment, finding a network of support can help him or her deal with feelings of anxiety and learn from others’ experiences. Although patients and caregivers may not be able to attend a support group in person right now, below are some ways to help cancer patients stay connected and supported through unprecedented times.

Lean on Loved Ones

Many people can be caregivers — including relatives, friends, church groups, social groups, neighbors or significant others — and the support they provide can take just as many forms.

Dorothy was lucky enough to find her greatest support right in her own home. When Dorothy received her initial diagnosis, she recalled feeling angry, scared and uncertain. She turned to John, her husband of 53 years, to help her determine a path forward. John assumed the role of caregiver, or “sharegiver” as he likes to call it, and supported Dorothy in different ways as her needs changed. He would be there to listen when she needed to talk about her concerns and help her conduct research to learn more.

“Patients will have worries about what’s happening,” Dorothy said. “Having someone there to bounce ideas and fears off can help them continue the cancer journey with hopefully less anxiety.”

Turn to Technology

Caregivers and others in a patient’s support network don’t have to live in the same house to provide valuable emotional support. Whether it’s making regular phone or video calls to check in on a loved one, calling a doctor’s office to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment or helping to conduct research, technology makes it easier for caregivers to help from a distance too.

Technology also makes it possible for patients to continue conversations with their doctor. Telehealth platforms allow patients to chat with their doctor via video without stepping foot in a hospital or waiting room. Patients should talk to his or her doctor about what options might be best.

Dorothy has turned to technology out of necessity. “When my primary care physician examined me in person for my annual check-up March 27, she told me that our visits for the foreseeable future would be done through telemedicine.”

Find Comfort in the (Online) Community

Sometimes it’s helpful for patients to connect with other people who are experiencing — or have experienced — the unique challenges associated with bladder cancer. For patients who can’t leave their house, there is an active and engaged online community of patients, advocates and healthcare professionals who are eager to share and discuss their experiences. Several patient advocacy organizations provide online resources and support for patients and caregivers.

Dorothy suggests patients “stay up-to-date by reading about new research and count on your loved ones as caregivers. In my case, I married Superman, so my ‘sharegiver’ has incredible powers. So often doctors had not filled in the gaps in our understanding about what to expect from bladder cancer.”

Dorothy and John have learned so much from their experience that they want to share it with others. As advocates for the bladder cancer community, they are sharing their experience so others can learn, including by participating in a video series called Let’s Target the Tough Stuff on YouTube. Visit the YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/LetsTargetTheToughStuff to hear more from them and other members of the bladder cancer community about how to tackle some of the hardest challenges.

Sponsored by Astellas Pharma US, Inc. and Seattle Genetics, Inc.

1. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2020. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2020/cancer-facts-and-figures-2020.pdf. Accessed 04-13-2020.

2020-05-15T14:51:00

(BPT) – An unexpected diagnosis

When Donya Quinlan found out her 17-year-old daughter Sawyer had melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, she was devastated. There was no history of melanoma in the family, and while sun protection is important, this wasn’t a case of Sawyer not protecting her skin properly. Sawyer’s form of melanoma was unique in that it was discovered when it started in one part of her body and spread to others. When melanoma spreads from one part of the body to another this way, it’s called metastatic melanoma.

Understanding specific types of melanoma

Sawyer underwent surgery to remove the cancerous cells, but some melanoma remained in her body. As a next step, Sawyer received genetic testing to determine her mutation status, which revealed whether her melanoma had a specific genetic mutation. This information helped to inform Quinlan and Sawyer about all treatment options to help combat Sawyer’s melanoma.

Empowered with the knowledge of Sawyer’s mutation status, Quinlan and Sawyer were able to decide what treatment options to pursue. One type of genetic mutation associated with melanoma that a genetic test would identify is the BRAF V600 mutation, or BRAF, for short. Approximately one in two people with advanced melanoma has the BRAF mutation (also called BRAF positive), which is associated with a more aggressive form of the disease, so it is important for patients to know what type they have as early as possible. Caregivers of a loved one who has melanoma can learn more about BRAF mutation testing at KnowNowBRAF.com/patient.

The greatest lessons of caregiving

For the eight years Sawyer battled melanoma, Quinlan was there alongside her, “going to every doctor appointment, or flying with her every three weeks for treatment.” As their relationship as mother and daughter strengthened, Quinlan became inspired as a caregiver and learned several lessons along the way:

• Go with your gut – “The greatest personal lesson I learned while caring for Sawyer was that I had to follow my gut instincts.”
• Be the voice of your loved one and be assertive – “You are their advocate and their voice, and you have to be able to find the happy medium. Most all of the time Sawyer had me ask questions for her, sometimes we didn’t always agree but she knew I was out for her best interest.”
• Remember yourself – “Do what you can and admit what you cannot do, accept helping hands and try to keep yourself healthy.”
• Stay humble and know it’s ok to ask for help – “I needed to stay humble and knew when I needed to ask for help. We learned what a wonderful small-town community we live in and how very good people can be. There are a lot of businesses, organizations to reach out to for financial or travel help,” said Quinlan. There are many advocacy groups that provide resources to those with melanoma and their loved ones including AIM at Melanoma, Melanoma Research Foundation, Melanoma Research Alliance, Melanoma International Foundation, and the Skin Cancer Foundation.

“I will never regret being her biggest advocate, caregiver, and best friend,” said Quinlan.

Inspiring others with hope

With a great sense of humor and positive attitude, Sawyer “faced her battle with dignity and humility,” Quinlan said. “She never let herself get down and lived every day to its fullest.” Sawyer’s story is an inspirational one, and her legacy to have faith and never give up lives on with her family, friends and community.

Throughout their journey, Quinlan and Sawyer helped to increase awareness about the different forms of melanoma. If you or a loved one has melanoma, advocate for yourself and ask about mutation testing.

“I was with her until the very end,” Quinlan said of Sawyer. Being Sawyer’s caregiver was one of my biggest accomplishments and an honor. Sawyer and I kept faith alive in each other, and we were lucky to have 24 years together. She faced her battle with dignity and humility. Her legacy is, “have faith and never give up!”

2020-05-15T02:01:00

(BPT) – If you own a small business, or frequently shop at one, you know that COVID-19 has instantly changed everything. As brick-and-mortar shops have had to temporarily close to customers, the need to adapt has never been greater.

For small businesses willing to reinvent themselves, going digital — or ramping up your digital operation if you already have one — can help weather the storm. There are plenty of tools available to help your business survive — and even thrive — through the pandemic and beyond.

“Helping small businesses find fast paths to recovery as they navigate an overnight move to digital commerce is a top priority at Visa,” says Jack Forestell, Chief Product Officer, Visa. “Using our network, partners and products, we help sellers get online easily and maximize their digital experience to reach more customers.”

Forestell details six insights about today’s current landscape including ways your business can pivot and master the strategies to move forward.

Consumers are going digital in this remote world, you should too.

Millions of new buyers are shopping online, some for the first time, and many more are shopping for items they never thought they would buy outside of their local businesses. To keep them shopping with you, your business should provide a convenient, easy-to-use online shopping experience, along with a marketing approach to boost your digital presence.

Use your existing customer email/mailing list to let customers know they’ll be able to find your business online soon — even if you’re not yet ready to launch. Reminding loyal customers of your business is key during this transition period, before their new shopping habits have solidified.

Strengthen your digital toolkit to meet customers in new ways

A study conducted by Visa in 2018 found that less than half (46%) of U.S. small businesses had an online presence of any kind.^[1] If your business doesn’t yet have a website, or if you don’t have an eCommerce platform, your first priority will be setting that up. Using an eCommerce platform like Shopify can help you pivot to an online business quickly.

If your business does have a website, find out if your web hosting service has an eCommerce plugin you can add. You could also research using an eCommerce plugin that connects to your point of sale (POS) system, if you have one.

Other tasks on your to-do list may involve figuring out how to manage your inventory and product pickup and/or shipping.

Once you’re ready to launch your online business, reach out to customers and make use of social media to get the word out that you’re open for business.

Offer contactless payments — avoiding contact while buying is better for health and safety for your employees and customers

With many businesses eager to welcome customers back into stores, their return also will bring new protocols and procedures. Offering contactless payment options in-store means customers can tap and go, avoiding the need for them to touch the checkout terminal.

Not only is tapping to pay a reliable solution, contactless transactions are secured with dynamic EMV^® Chip security technology that has already shown to drastically reduce counterfeit fraud.

Using an established leader in contactless transacting, like Visa, helps you and your customers have a seamless experience. Visa works with partners worldwide to support secure transactions, with capabilities that are constantly updated to help meet today’s challenges.

Send money digitally instead of using checks

Build your business and pay employees securely by partnering with an experienced financial network. As circumstances quickly change, employees and customers need and expect quick and secure access to their money digitally. For example, Visa offers fast and secure money movement options. Through Visa Direct, companies can pay employees or gig workers quickly by moving money to Visa debit cards in real time.^[2] It can also make transactions easier for small business owners who need funds for their business.

Access data to drive real time business decisions

Partnering with Visa can help provide businesses of any size with useful data and analytics to inform critical business decisions as you deal with the new influx of online activity. Insights from that data can help you assess purchase risks and understand the wider marketplace as your business adapts to the “new normal.”

Protect your business and your customers

Due to the many disruptions caused by the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in disputes between buyers and sellers. The need for transparency — plus protections for both buyers and sellers — has never been more crucial. Through Verifi, Visa offers services to help prevent and resolve disputes before they become chargebacks.

Whether a business is new to online, experiencing an influx of customers and/or rapidly revamping an online presence, our new normal is causing businesses to pivot and prioritize digital. Visa can help businesses shift to an online-led selling strategy that works wherever you are in the world. To help your small business adapt, visit Partner.Visa.com.

2020-05-14T11:01:00

(BPT) – It’s no secret coronavirus (COVID-19) has disrupted many aspects of our daily lives, including travel. Between international restrictions and statewide stay-at-home mandates, wanderlust is undoubtedly on the rise. An Expedia poll of 1,500 U.S. residents, conducted between May 4 and 8, 2020, shows people are feeling more vacation deprived than they did before the outbreak. The poll also revealed roughly 70% of Americans intend to travel at some point in the next 12 months.

At the end of the day, the decision to travel will largely come down to preference and what government restrictions may or may not be in place. Regardless, everyone should feel secure and comfortable in their choices when it’s OK to get out there again. To give travelers additional peace of mind, here are Expedia’s top tips for planning and booking any travel:

• As a first step, check the latest global health and travel advisories for your intended destination. As the situation continues to change for each state and country, ensure your vacation spot is accepting non-residents or international travelers. It’s also beneficial to know if there are any quarantine periods still required as that might influence where you go and the length of your stay.

• Consider booking refundable hotels rather than non-refundable ones. In the same poll, over 70% of Americans expressed concern about COVID-19 impacting their future travel plans and another 60% indicated that their travel plans have already been changed or canceled due to the pandemic. To make it easier for travelers to search for flexible options, Expedia updated their website so you can filter by hotels that offer free cancellation. If at any point their plans change, they’re able to receive a full refund. Note: Some of these hotels require you to cancel at least 24-48 hours before check-in, be sure to check the details before booking.

• Remember to check applicable terms and conditions, especially when booking flights. To provide travelers with the most flexibility, Expedia recently added in a filter where travelers can sort their results to airlines that are waiving any change fees for future bookings.

• Over the last couple of years, most major airlines rolled out new “basic economy” or “saver” fares. These fares are cheaper, but they’re also a lot more restrictive and generally do not permit any changes or cancellation. Expedia wants to make sure travelers book the fare that has the best value for them, so they’ve made updates to the site in recent months to call out what is and what is not included in each fare throughout the booking process. Before checking out, travelers can easily compare fares and see what makes the most sense for them based on their needs and preferences.

• Sites like Expedia have always offered travelers the flexibility to make changes or cancel their flight booking within 24 hours of purchase. Whether it was because of an error (who hasn’t accidentally booked p.m. flights when they really meant to select a.m.?), or because a trip is no longer needed, travelers can cancel without penalty, regardless of fare type or airline, during the grace period.

• Most Americans are concerned about their health and cleanliness when they resume travel, and the industry is regularly revealing new sanitation measures to help combat the spread of infectious diseases. Expedia plans to display these hygiene amenities on its site so travelers can feel comfortable leaving home; they’ll know whether a hotel property has enhanced cleaning processes or if an airline requires passengers to wear face masks. It’s also a good idea to start bringing items like hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes on future vacations like you would a phone charger.

2020-05-14T14:47:01

(BPT) – It’s early afternoon on a Thursday when Donna Portscher walks through the doors at a DaVita dialysis center in north Georgia. It is a familiar setting — the faces, the clean smell of a medical center and the sound of dialysis machines in the background. She pays visits to dialysis centers like this one countless times a year as an employee of DaVita, one of the largest providers of kidney care in the U.S. But this time is different. She’ll be treating her first patient in more than eight years — he’s recently tested positive for COVID-19.

“I wasn’t nervous because this patient was COVID-19 positive,” says Portscher. “I was nervous because for the first time in many years I was working shoulder to shoulder with one of our nursing teams to deliver life-sustaining care that would keep him as strong as possible to fight the virus.”

Before joining DaVita as a clinical services manager where Portscher enjoyed facilitating new hire trainings, she worked as a registered nurse. Even as she made the change to supporting clinical teammates from a business office instead of a dialysis center, her passion for direct patient care never left. When the first dialysis patient in her area was hospitalized due to COVID-19, Donna heard the call for volunteers willing to provide care to patients with COVID, returning to the outpatient setting. “I said yes because I knew I could help,” she shared.

Dialysis nurses must receive special training and education to care for the complex needs of patients with kidney disease. Portscher spent the week following the initial call attending training sessions, completing the required courses, and demonstrating the skills necessary to rejoin her clinical teammates. Finally, the day came that the patient was healthy enough to be discharged from the hospital and return to an outpatient treatment center.

“Once I met the patient I would be treating, I was overwhelmed with hope,” she says. “He looked strong and I knew this was the start of his recovery.”

COVID-19 poses a hazard to the health of over 37 million patients with kidney disease in the U.S. They are more often immunocompromised compared to the general population. In general, they are some of the sickest and most medically complex patients in the health care system.

Maintaining the ability to treat kidney disease patients in an outpatient setting is a twofold benefit: It helps limit their exposure to the virus and it limits the potential hazard of over-burdening hospitals that have recently seen an influx of COVID-19 patients. For kidney disease patients recovering from COVID-19, regular dialysis treatments help support overall health and reduce the risk that they will be rehospitalized for kidney-related complications.

“I know that the work I’m doing now is helping my community,” says Portscher. “Without us, our hospitals would be overwhelmed with patients.”

Donna will continue caring for patients over the coming weeks until the number of COVID-19 positive patients levels off. Since the onset of the virus, over a thousand clinicians have rejoined the heroic care teams at DaVita centers nationwide.

“I felt a tremendous sense of duty to return to patient care during this crisis,” she says. “At DaVita we have a saying, we ‘Give Life.’ That strikes me now more than ever.”