Month: May 2020

2020-05-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – With social distancing and stay-at-home orders, you may not be able to go to health care appointments like you did before. For people who receive physical therapy (PT), this can impact their ability to heal fully, manage their conditions and feel their best. Fortunately, telehealth is an option for patients to continue their care through online PT.

“Life can get busy and current restrictions make it difficult to facilitate in-clinic PT sessions,” says Charles Thigpen, senior director of practice innovation and analytics at ATI Physical Therapy. “Rather than missing sessions and lengthening your recovery time, consider virtual TeleVisits as a valuable way to supplement in-clinic visits.”

Thigpen explains online PT is a convenient way to continue treatment during COVID-19 closures or anytime you can’t visit a clinic in person. Sessions can be done at home at any time that works for you and your physical therapist, removing barriers associated with social distancing, commuting and limited clinic hours.

“Online PT can work for nearly everyone, regardless of whether you’re at high risk for COVID-19 or not,” Thigpen says. “Virtual appointments help you continue your treatment plan at home by extending the expertise of your therapist to where you are. It also helps relieve stress on doctor’s offices and emergency rooms that need to dedicate space to medically complex patients during this critical time in healthcare. Online PT can help you and your community.”

To get the most out of your online PT appointments, Thigpen recommends asking these questions:

Does online PT align well with your in-clinic sessions?

The road to recovery requires continuous care, so ask how telehealth sessions can become part of your treatment plan. Ensure your virtual sessions align with the program you worked on in-clinic to allow for continual treatment and the best outcomes for your body. Online treatment sessions ensure you can continue your PT program without interruption.

What technology is needed and used for appointments?

Ensure your therapist is using a professional digital platform with therapy tools that help you get the most out of your sessions. For example, ATI Physical Therapy’s new online platform, ATI CONNECT, features screening tools, comprehensive musculoskeletal (MSK) evaluations, expert advice, in-depth content and video messaging, all in one secure, HIPAA-compliant environment. What’s more, you don’t need to download any apps: All you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer with audio and video capabilities to connect with ATI’s licensed physical and occupational therapists.

Does your insurance provider cover telehealth services?

Insurance coverage for telehealth services is expanding rapidly; however, it’s important to check with your insurance provider that your therapist and online PT sessions are covered to the same extent as your in-person sessions at the clinic. Your therapist or clinic billing contact may be able to answer your questions, but consider calling your insurance provider directly to discuss coverage before your first session.

When can sessions be scheduled and how long will they last?

One of the benefits of online PT is that sessions can occur at any time that works for you and your therapist. This could mean more availability for sessions to be scheduled at a time that best fits into your week. Call your therapist to ask about scheduling options and what you can expect from each session. Initial sessions may last longer than subsequent sessions, so make sure to block off the appropriate time.

“Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with age-related aches and pains, managing chronic pain or anything else, continuity of care is essential to making progress and recovering. Online PT is a valuable option now and one that is expected to grow in the future,” says Thigpen.

2020-05-04T14:15:00

(BPT) – It will take some time to adjust and recover from the major disruption experienced because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many consumers are figuring out how to cope with challenges when it comes to their financial health.

A lot of people are feeling the financial strain of not being able to go to work or operate their businesses normally, and many more have had to rethink personal plans and goals for the year.

But there are proactive steps you can take to stay focused on your long-term financial health. Consider these suggestions moving forward.

Use tech to your advantage

It is always important for consumers to be aware of the digital banking resources available to them, but now with social distancing measures in place across the country it is more important than ever to know how to use your bank’s website or mobile app to manage your finances from home.

Generally speaking, financial technology can help you with managing your bills, set up direct deposits or make and receive payments from friends and family. Also, if you are still expecting a stimulus check, check your banking app for mobile deposit capabilities. Using QuickDeposit^SM through Chase, as an example, you can skip the trip to the ATM by taking a photo of the front and back of the check on your mobile device. If you use the Chase Mobile^® app, an array of videos can help you make the most of these tools.

Stay alert to scams

Experts suggest triple-checking your social messages, emails or other solicitations for potential fraud. For example, a scammer trying to steal your stimulus check may claim the IRS needs personal information such as your name, password, PIN or account information. Legitimate financial institutions will never ask for such confidential information when reaching out to you. Be especially alert to messaging that mentions COVID-19 and/or includes either an urgent call to action or contains suspicious links. If you are in doubt, check out official resources like the Federal Trade Commission’s consumer website for information on common scams and how to report them. Also, be sure your financial institution has your latest contact information so they can reach out to you if they detect any suspected fraud on your account.

Check your due dates

Round up all your pending bills and make a list of when they’re due. You can then check the websites listed on bills for utilities, auto loans, mortgages or credit cards to find out if the companies are allowing delayed payments and/or waiving late fees during the COVID crisis — and whether opting in on those options could adversely affect your credit score. If you must delay payments, contact the payees to discuss your payment plan; they may be able to negotiate better terms.

Review what money is available to you

You’re bound to feel more financially secure if you’re aware of all sources of cash and credit you could draw upon to help you through difficult times.

Adjust and readjust

Keep evaluating and changing your budget to account for income reductions and changes in expenses. Recording all purchases can help you pinpoint exactly where your money is going. You may find you’re now spending significantly less on transportation, clothing and entertainment and can reallocate that money toward other essential needs. Don’t have a budget currently built? The free Budget Builder template from Chase can help you get started.

Keep current on credit

Understand which of your financial actions can impact your credit score; that can be particularly important if you’re applying for a loan or credit card or refinancing debt on your home loan. The free Chase Credit Journey tool can help you understand your overall credit health.

Rebuild when you can

If you’re using savings to help you right now, start to rebuild when you can, setting up a safety net to help you cover your everyday needs. If you are expecting or have received a lump sum or relief funds, think about setting some aside for savings if at all possible. Financial health is a journey, and Chase can help you deal with today’s challenges while establishing a solid plan for the future.

Visit Chase.com/stayconnected for more financial resources to help you bolster your financial health or address issues related to COVID-19.

2020-05-04T08:01:02

(BPT) – Across the country, temporary school closures are forcing kids into instant distance learning environments for the remainder of the school year. Parents are trying to work their day job while simultaneously educating kids. For most, there isn’t ever enough time in a day to handle both. They’re stressed, and in the scramble to pick up where teachers left off, the whole family’s emotional well-being is taking a hit.

Parents — and kids — could use a break from the pressure of outsized expectations. And, during this time, there are hands-on life lessons we can give kids that build lasting social, physical and cognitive skills. These same lessons can nurture their curiosity, strengthen their ability to problem solve, and give them the tools to push through whatever challenges they face as a learner.

“Every parent is looking for reliable ways to occupy and engage their kids during the day, and we all want our kids to learn and thrive,” says Meghan Fitzgerald, co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of Tinkergarten. “Well-designed play experiences provide an ideal way for children to learn a whole range of skills. And, when kids get lost in play, they can maintain joyful focus and give us the free time we need.”

Fitzgerald and her team of educational experts at Tinkergarten, whose curriculum was developed to engage kids’ growing minds through fun, play-based activities, offer ideas for parents to foster independent play (imagine long stretches of silence while your kids are busy!) and promote stable mental health at home.

Set up your home for independent play

Learning isn’t all worksheets and tests. Research shows children learn best through play, especially in the first 8 years of life. Parents and children also need some time to themselves, especially when sharing close quarters. Independent play can provide that time and, even better, can provide an enriching balance for kids in conjunction with high-quality screen resources such as Khan Academy Kids, Sesame Street and Wide Open School.

Best of all, there are simple, powerful things parents can do using what they already have on hand to inspire independent play. For example, stacking a few blocks in the block area creates the start of a design that children won’t be able to resist finishing off. Set up a play tent with household items inside (spoons, bowls, blankets) and — ta-da! — instant kid camp-out. Or, just start with a bin of water, some measuring cups and lots of time to pretend they are “at the beach.” A small corner of the house or yard can inspire a wonderful afternoon of independent play with a bit of strategy and imagination.

Teach what you want them to learn

Most parents are not professional teachers and it is neither fair nor possible to become one overnight. But, shift the goal and realize that some of the most important things to teach children can be extracted from daily life, and these are lessons for which parents are the best teachers. Think about what to do each day and the skills needed to do it. Then invite children to learn in age-appropriate ways.

Cooking, for example, is a marvelous way to connect with kids, activate their senses for learning and sneak in a variety of math concepts as the parents measure. Small children can mix or even just play with their own set of ingredients alongside the parent, while older kids can learn from following a recipe. Choose a passed-down recipe and add a dash of family history in there as well.

Enjoy the outdoors

Even if families can’t go to popular parks, they can still enjoy more quiet nature spaces in their own backyard to learn and support their child’s (and the parents’) well-being. According to a study by the University of Exeter, a total of just two hours per week outside helps adults and children experience the stress-reducing, healing benefits of nature.

Outside not an option right now? Bring the outdoors in. Tinkergarten’s simple definition of nature is it’s anywhere earth, sky and other living things can be found. No matter the setting, parents can provide kids with a connection to the outdoors, even while practicing social distancing. Don’t underestimate how exciting little changes can be to kids and lean into that. Move the craft table outside, turn on a recording of nature sounds during the day or make a new habit of cuddling on the stoop each evening. Just make it feel special.

Parents can get ideas like this and inspiration from Tinkergarten at Home, a complimentary newsletter that provides parents with a week’s worth of DIY activities. The activities are simple, fun, and designed for learning for any age. Plus, parents can access parenting insights that help navigate this challenging stay-at-home time by helping kids learn and grow at home.

Pick something positive each day

Every family is weathering a storm right now, and one person’s rainstorm could be another’s devastating hurricane. When possible, parents should ask their kids what they’re grateful for. Write down each family member’s contribution and display it in the kitchen or use sidewalk chalk to design a positive message and artwork for neighbors to see.

Some days will be easier than others. As you are navigating the unknown, every parent deserves a break from the guilt of not being their best self every day. Remember, it’s the climate, not the weather in your house that matters in the long run. This storm, too, will pass.

2020-05-01T09:59:00

(BPT) – Families are spending more time together than ever before, making it challenging for parents and caregivers to balance their personal needs with that of a child’s. For those families that include a child with ADHD, maintaining mental, physical and emotional wellness is particularly crucial for all members.

Dr. Greg Mattingly, psychiatrist and associate clinical professor at Washington University in St. Louis, offers the following tips on how to maintain wellness at home, especially while parenting a child with ADHD:

Stay positive and set realistic expectations

Behaviors can change and improve over time, so it is important to keep a positive mindset and attitude. Try to establish consistent expectations, along with a system for rewards and consequences, offering praise whenever possible (e.g., 3-5 positives for every negative when working through challenges). Be sure to also lead by example: children benefit from modeling healthy behavior and positive interactions as it has been shown to improve attention, concentration and impulse control in children with ADHD.

Get into a routine

Try setting a daily schedule to establish expectations, allowing clear windows for activities such as meals, schoolwork, play and bedtime. Some children with ADHD also benefit from clocks or phone timers to transition from one activity to the next or a “check off” list that allows you and your child to feel a sense of accomplishment. While scheduling every minute of the day is by no means necessary (especially in the summer months), identifying a routine that is both predicable and flexible can ensure the whole family is able to enjoy each other’s company.

Beyond setting a schedule for a child with ADHD, it is equally as important to allow “me time” as a parent or caregiver. Be it a virtual yoga/exercise class, video calls with friends or family, walks or enjoying a few chapters of a book, any activities that help reduce stress are important enough to prioritize.

Create a space for focus

Be it academics or arts and crafts, it is important for children with ADHD to have moments of calm, free of overstimulation. Creating a space for kids to relax and have some time to themselves is particularly beneficial for kids with ADHD. Use tactile outlets, such as stress balls or fidget spinners, as a way for them to release physical energy while focusing on an individual task at-hand.

Remember knowledge is power

Developing strategies for a child with ADHD can be challenging at times, but there is a wealth of digital resources that can be easily obtained right at home to overcome obstacles along the way. MoreToADHD.com breaks down signs of ADHD and the diagnosis journey, along with educational videos and coping tips for children, parents and caregivers. With understanding comes confidence and comfort, allowing families to stay happy, healthy and well, leaning on the vast ADHD community to work through challenges both big and small.

Positive affirmation

Start off the day by making a mental or written list of all the things about your child that are special, positive, valuable or unique. Pause each morning to think of the things for which you are thankful, proud of and which give you peace. Trust that children with ADHD can succeed as they learn, change and mature. Focus on the larger goal of behavioral support for a child and less on the smaller, day-to-day struggles.

Finding a way to channel energy into positive coping mechanisms can help maintain wellness, and in turn, strengthen the relationship between the parent/caregiver and a child with ADHD. To learn more, visit MoreToADHD.com.

2020-05-01T12:01:00

(BPT) – While the summer months often serve as an important reminder on the dangers of sun exposure, many people may not realize that skin cancer can happen to anyone at any time of the year. With more than five million new cases diagnosed each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.

There are many different types of skin cancer, and while the majority can be relatively slow growing, melanoma, the faster growing cancer, is an exception to this rule. For every 30 days that early stage melanoma treatment is delayed, there is a negative impact on overall survival.

May is Melanoma Awareness Month, a great time to learn about advances in skin cancer detection and the proactive measures everyone can take throughout the year to monitor for and prevent skin cancer.

Advances in Skin Cancer Detection — No Scalpel Needed:

For decades, biopsies have been the standard way to test growing skin spots or suspicious moles for melanoma, but using a scalpel to remove a portion of the mole is not always necessary, can be painful, and can leave scarring behind. What’s more, of the 4.5 million biopsies performed annually, only around 180,000 cases of melanoma are detected, or 1 melanoma for every 25 biopsies.

Today, however, advances in science and the precision of genomics enable melanoma to be detected at the earliest stages without a biopsy using a non-invasive adhesive patch test. This adhesive patch test, made by DermTech, collects skin cells from the surface of an entire lesion without a biopsy and reduces the chance of missing a melanoma to less than 1%, where a biopsy has as high as a 17% chance of missing a melanoma.

“Being able to rule out melanoma without a biopsy is an option every patient should know about,” said Nora, a melanoma survivor. “Having this testing option can mean greater peace of mind and help eliminate unnecessary watching, waiting, worrying and even scarring.”

“It is critical to catch and treat melanoma early for the best chance of survival. Having this adhesive patch test offers a way to effectively rule out melanoma and objectively assess a suspicious lesion in a non-invasive manner,” said Dr. Julie Karen, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City who specializes in skin cancer and laser surgery. “This test is also a critical tool that can be extraordinarily helpful when practicing dermatology via telemedicine, as a doctor can order the test to be sent to the patient’s home to be administered by the patient under their doctor’s supervision, and results are achieved within a few days after test completion.”

How to Spot Skin Cancer Early (Hint: Check Often):

Dr. Karen shared that, “The good news is, there are a few simple steps people can take to be vigilant about finding melanoma in its early stages. I stress each of these key actions with all of my patients, but everyone can and should implement these as part of their regular health habits, because melanoma won’t wait.”

“When I saw a new spot on my shoulder during a self-exam, I called my physician immediately and it was diagnosed as melanoma. I encourage everyone to know their skin, check it often and advocate for yourself if something doesn’t look right,” added Nora.

1. Perform Regular Self-Exams and Note Observations

Performing regular skin self-exams allows a person to more easily spot new growths or abnormal changes in existing moles and freckles. It is best to write down notes on changes you observe and take photos to keep track of changes or concerning areas. Any spot, new or old, that is changing in appearance or symptoms or stands out should be immediately brought to the attention of a physician.

2. Remember Your ABCs as You Assess Your Moles

If you’re trying to determine when to see a dermatologist about one of your moles, let the rules of ABCDE guide you.

• Asymmetrical: One half is different than the other.
• Border: Irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.
• Color: Varied tones from one area to another. May include shades of tan, brown, black, white, red or blue.
• Diameter: Melanomas are typically 6 millimeters or larger.
• Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.

3. Visit A Dermatologist Every Year

A visit to the dermatologist for a full-body skin check is recommended on an annual basis even for completely healthy individuals who have no history of skin cancer. However, if you find something suspicious during your self-exam, don’t wait for your annual visit.

Finally, Dr. Karen stresses that, “If an in-person visit isn’t possible, virtual telehealth visits are always, without question, a better option than delaying a visit with your dermatologist, especially if you have a concerning lesion or skin spot.”

For more information on the importance of early melanoma detection, visit: dermtech.com/early-melanoma-detection.

2020-05-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – At a time when many around the world are practicing social distancing, it’s important not to forget the good stuff this Cinco de Mayo. We’ve compiled the best ways you can celebrate with food, dancing and music — all while giving back to your local community.

1. Put Your Dancing Shoes On! Time to “Salsa for Cinco”

Tostitos is hosting “Salsa for Cinco,” a free online salsa dancing class for the entire country, directed by dance aficionados Mario and Courtney Lopez, to raise money for the Hispanic community — a group disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s slated for 7 p.m. ET Tuesday, May 5, on Mario Lopez’s Instagram Live page (mariolopez) — so be sure to join! Tostitos will donate $100,000 to kick off the program and, for every person who joins the livestream, the brand will donate an additional $5 in honor of Cinco de Mayo up to $100,000. The funds will provide emergency cash assistance to 125 low-income Latino families struggling to pay for basic needs like groceries, diapers, medicine, rent and utilities.

2. Whip Up a Delicious Dip

Super delicious and easy to make, the Kickoff Dip is the ultimate chip-ready dip. It has a flavorful blend of salsa, beans, jalapenos, sour cream and cheese. Fun fact: It’s one of the Lopez family’s favorite recipes. Courtney Lopez says she’ll make it this year for Cinco de Mayo as a family treat after they finish the virtual salsa class.

3. Holy Guacamole!

When it comes to celebrating Cinco de Mayo, a bowl of guacamole is a must-have. The new Salsa Verde Guacamole recipe is easy enough for anyone to make at home! It requires only four ingredients, but it’s delicious. It has great texture with the chunks of avocado and bright flavor from the salsa. You can also add the guac to your tacos, since Cinco de Mayo falls on Taco Tuesday — couldn’t be better timing if you ask us.

4. Create the Ultimate Cinco de Mayo Playlist

Besides snacks, a solid playlist is one of the most important things that will make this Cinco a fiesta. So, compile a playlist ahead of time with your favorite hits that will get everyone up on their feet dancing. All you’ll need to do is hit “play” and turn it up!

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