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Now’s a good time to start saving for college

2020-07-23T10:01:01

(BPT) – With the end of an unconventional school year, parents around the country are faced with the daunting challenge of saving for their children’s college education. The cost of college is rising, and many American households are already wrestling with their existing student debt. According to NerdWallet, the collective student debt in the U.S. has climbed to $1.6 trillion and shows no signs of decreasing.

Saving for college may seem like an overwhelming task, especially amid the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, but there are options available to help make the impossible become possible. One option that all parents and students should consider is a 529 college savings plan, which offers a tax advantage to encourage saving for future higher education costs. Tax-advantaged treatment applies to savings used for qualified education expenses. State tax treatment varies.

“Saving for higher education is critical, even during times of uncertainty,” said Russ Tipper, senior vice president at Capital Group, home of American Funds®, and one of the world’s leading investment management firms. “A 529 college savings plan can be a valuable investment tool and offers an attractive gift option for family members who may also wish to contribute.”

How 529 plans work

With a 529 plan, the earnings are not taxed when you use the money for qualified education expenses. If withdrawals are used for purposes other than qualified education expenses, the earnings will be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty in addition to federal and, if applicable, state income tax. States take different approaches to the income tax treatment of withdrawals. For example, withdrawals for K–12 expenses may not be exempt from state tax in certain states. Here are a few more reasons to consider a 529 plan:

  • Families can contribute up to $15,000 ($30,000 for married couples) annually, without gift-tax consequences. Under a special election, you can invest up to $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples) at one time by accelerating five years’ worth of investments.
  • 529 plans are flexible. In addition to standard college costs, qualified education expenses from 529 plans can be used to pay an elementary, secondary, private or religious school (for K–12 tuition up to a maximum of $10,000 incurred during the taxable year per beneficiary), vocational school, community college, online educational courses and graduate programs.
  • New law further expands uses for 529 plans. Under the SECURE Act, 529 plans can now be used to pay the principal or interest (up to a $10,000 lifetime maximum) on any qualified student loans of a designated beneficiary or the designated beneficiary’s sibling. For distributions made after December 31, 2018, qualified education expenses include expenses for fees, books, supplies and equipment required for the participation of a designated beneficiary in certain apprenticeship programs.
  • The account owner can change the beneficiary at any time without tax consequences if the new beneficiary is a member of the family.
  • These accounts can be used by anyone looking to go back to school to obtain a degree or seeking to take classes to learn a new skill. Adults can set up 529 plans to cover their own educational expenses.
  • Anyone can contribute to a child’s 529 savings plan — parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends could have the opportunity to gift a contribution that goes directly to education savings.
  • There are also tax and estate planning benefits. Assets grow free from federal and, in many cases, state taxes if withdrawals are used to pay qualified education expenses. Your contributions are free of gift taxes and can help pare down one’s estate and reduce potential estate taxes.
  • For people living with disabilities, consider a tax-advantaged savings plan such as ABLEAmerica, which is designed to help individuals with disabilities and their families pay for qualified expenses. Tax-advantaged treatment applies to savings used for qualified disability expenses. State tax treatment varies.

Saving early pays off

Millennials — many of whom are already impacted by their own student loan debt — are focused on saving for their children’s future education. According to a survey issued by Capital Group, 31% of millennials report that not having enough money to pay for their children’s education keeps them up at night. One in three millennials also ranked 529 college savings plans as an important benefit an employer could offer.

“Starting to save for college earlier truly pays off. Most families begin saving for college at least seven years before they expect to use the money. However, beneficiaries about to enter college (age 18 today) have typically saved less than one years’ worth of estimated public college expenses. Investing early is critical to helping with minimizing the need for student loans and, ultimately, eliminating student loan debt,” said Tipper.

How to choose a 529 plan

Working with a financial professional can help with long-term financial planning. A financial professional can help families understand their choices and determine which investment approaches make sense.

CollegeAmerica®, the nation’s largest 529 college savings plan,1 is a strong option that offers low expenses and flexible,2 easy-to-use investment options, including target date funds.

Most importantly, do your homework and select the right 529 plan for your family — one that will pay off in the long run. Determine investment goals and then find a plan with flexibility, low fees and low minimum investment requirements.

1 Largest by assets, according to the 1Q 2020 “529 College Savings Quarterly Update” from ISS Market Intelligence.

2 “529 College Savings Quarterly Fee Analysis,” ISS Market Intelligence, 4Q 2019. CollegeAmerica’s fees were in the top quartile of 30 and 18 plans based on the average annual asset-based fees for national advisor-sold and fee-based advisor-sold 529 plans, respectively.

###

Investments are not FDIC-insured, nor are they deposits of or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity, so they may lose value.

Investors should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other important information are contained in the fund prospectus, summary prospectus, CollegeAmerica Program Description and ABLEAmerica Program Description, which can be obtained from a financial professional and should be read carefully before investing. CollegeAmerica and ABLEAmerica are distributed by American Funds Distributors, Inc. and sold through unaffiliated intermediaries.

Depending on your state of residence, there may be an in-state plan that provides state tax and other state benefits not available through CollegeAmerica (such as financial aid, scholarship funds and protection from creditors) or ABLEAmerica. Before investing in any state’s 529 plan, investors should consult a tax advisor.

CollegeAmerica and ABLEAmerica are nationwide plans sponsored by Virginia529.

This content, developed by Capital Group, home of American Funds, should not be used as a primary basis for investment decisions and is not intended to serve as impartial investment or fiduciary advice.

All Capital Group trademarks mentioned are owned by The Capital Group Companies, Inc., an affiliated company or fund. All other company and product names mentioned are the property of their respective companies.

Statements attributed to an individual represent the opinions of that individual as of the date published and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Capital Group or its affiliates. This information is intended to highlight issues and should not be considered advice, an endorsement or a recommendation.

American Funds Distributors, Inc., member FINRA.


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Follow One Patient’s Journey Navigating Their Eyecare Amid The ‘New Normal’

2020-07-23T07:01:00

(BPT) – At the age of 61, Harold started noticing his vision wasn’t quite what it used to be. On the golf course, straight lines appeared wavy, and at home, he had trouble reading his computer screen. As the son of an optometrist, Harold knew it was important to seek out support from an eyecare professional.

After finding the right doctor, Harold received a diagnosis of Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD), a serious retinal disease which can lead to vision loss or even blindness. Harold began treatment with EYLEA™ (aflibercept) Injection, an intravitreal (meaning that it is injected into the eye) medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for wet AMD. Ever since, Harold has been sticking to a regular treatment schedule to help maintain his vision.

EYLEA is a prescription medicine administered by injection into the eye. You should not use EYLEA if you have an infection in or around the eye, eye pain or redness, or known allergies to any of the ingredients in EYLEA, including aflibercept. Please see additional Important Safety Information below.

Talking to Your Eyecare Doctor During COVID-19

However, when the COVID-19 pandemic was restricting travel and altering routines across the country, Harold found himself wondering if his eyecare would be affected as well.

He knew his sight was too important to risk missing appointments, so he decided to speak to his eye doctor about the best plan for him and how he should move forward during these uncertain times.

Through an honest discussion, Harold learned that the doctor offices were remaining open but taking extra precautions when seeing patients. Knowing that he could seek regular treatment, and work with his doctor to safely help protect against vision loss, made Harold feel a bit better.

Navigating the “New Normal”

Here are some useful tips based on Harold’s experience to help patients feel comfortable watching their eyesight amid this “new normal.”

  • Take care of yourself and your vision: During uncertain times, it is important to check in with your health and well-being. Keeping track of changes in vision and maintaining open communication with your doctor is a great way to do this. Harold has found that his doctor has been accommodating with his schedule, making it easier to stay in touch and make appointments.
  • Have a plan in place: If your doctor feels an in-person visit would be best for you, make sure to check in with them to see what their current procedures are. Harold has a process in place where he calls his doctor when he’s outside and waits for them to tell him to come up. They do this to make sure there aren’t too many people in the office at once and promote social distancing measures to minimize contact.
  • Safety first: It is important to keep your safety top of mind, both at home and at the doctor. Given the situation, many doctors make sure to take extra care to always wear masks and wash their hands multiple times. For Harold, this makes him feel much more comfortable during visits. Don’t forget to carry this practice through once you’re home, washing your hands as soon as you get through the door and refraining from touching your face.

Harold’s advice to people who may suffer from retinal diseases: “Reach out to your eye doctor to see what their processes are during this time. People shouldn’t have to be worried about what will happen if they go to the doctor’s office. I was pleasantly surprised to see how smooth the process was with the COVID-19 precautions in place.”

If you or someone you know may be experiencing signs of Wet AMD or several other retinal diseases like Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), which could lead to severe vision loss, be sure to speak with your doctor about coming in for an exam and potential treatment options like EYLEA. Depending on your insurance situation, EYLEA has several financial assistance programs available to help eligible patients with the cost of EYLEA. Go to www.EYLEA.us/ to learn more.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATIONS

  • EYLEA is a prescription medicine administered by injection into the eye. You should not use EYLEA if you have an infection in or around the eye, eye pain or redness, or known allergies to any of the ingredients in EYLEA, including aflibercept.
  • Injection into the eye with EYLEA can result in an infection in the eye and retinal detachment (separation of retina from back of the eye). Inflammation in the eye has been reported with the use of EYLEA.
  • In some patients, injections with EYLEA may cause a temporary increase in eye pressure within 1 hour of the injection. Sustained increases in eye pressure have been reported with repeated injections, and your doctor may monitor this after each injection.
  • There is a potential risk of serious and sometimes fatal side effects related to blood clots, leading to heart attack or stroke in patients receiving EYLEA.
  • Serious side effects related to the injection procedure with EYLEA are rare but can occur including infection inside the eye and retinal detachment.
  • The most common side effects reported in patients receiving EYLEA are increased redness in the eye, eye pain, cataract, vitreous (gel-like substance) detachment, vitreous floaters, moving spots in the field of vision, and increased pressure in the eye.
  • It is important that you contact your doctor right away if you think you might be experiencing any side effects, including eye pain or redness, light sensitivity, or blurring of vision, after an injection.
  • EYLEA is for prescription use only. For additional safety information, please talk to your doctor and see the full Prescribing Information for EYLEA.

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

INDICATIONS

EYLEA® (aflibercept) Injection 2 mg (0.05 mL) is a prescription medicine approved for the treatment of patients with Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Macular Edema following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO), Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), and Diabetic Retinopathy (DR).

Please click for full Prescribing Information.

07/2020. EYL.20.06.0025


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How does telehealth really compare to in-person health care?

2020-07-22T16:11:52

(BPT) – Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, the adoption of telehealth services has been on the rise and people are turning to digital technology more than ever to address their personal health care needs without having to leave their homes.

But while many have begun to embrace telehealth offerings as a new way to connect to care and address their personal health needs, myths surrounding what telehealth services are intended for and how they compare to in-office visits continue to prevail.

To help determine how digital care can best meet health care needs during quarantine and beyond, here are the facts behind four common misconceptions about telehealth:

MYTH #1: Telehealth is only for basic or urgent care needs.

FACT: Telehealth can often be the first stop for preventive, primary care and other health and wellness needs. Patients can connect with a doctor or nurse practitioner to receive care for a range of acute, preventive and chronic care needs, including illness and injury, mental health services, and management of conditions like asthma, diabetes and more. Whether patients live in a rural area or simply want an easier way to manage their health, telehealth can adapt to their needs.

MYTH #2: There aren’t any telehealth providers in the area.

FACT: Many trusted local and national health care systems provide telehealth services across the nation. Today, more than half of providers in the United States offer some form of telehealth service, according to an April 22, 2020, Merritt Hawkins survey, “Physician Practice Patterns Changing as a Result of COVID-19.” Additionally, recent government, health system and reimbursement policy changes have improved patient access to telehealth services and are encouraging use as a safe way to access care during the pandemic.

In fact, locating telehealth providers is easier than ever before with platforms like Walgreens.com/FindCareServices, which helps patients access care when and how they need it. Patients can choose from more than 30 telehealth providers treating over 100 conditions, while searching from the comfort of their own home. Available through an app and online, the platform makes it easy to find and compare available providers by location, preference, insurance coverage, services and price.

MYTH #3: Virtual care isn’t as good as in-person care.

FACT: Telehealth services can offer high-quality, convenient access to care. Much like face-to-face office visits, telehealth visits can facilitate a trusting, open dialogue with a doctor or nurse practitioner. Most providers have a web-based interface or mobile app, making it easy to log onto and use secure, quality video for consultations and to visually help communicate about injuries or conditions.

Telehealth also reduces time spent in waiting rooms and commuting to appointments, putting more power in the hands of patients. It can be particularly valuable for enabling remote monitoring and regular check-ins for patients with chronic conditions.

While telehealth can be a convenient alternative to in-person care, there are still instances where in-person appointments are recommended, such as in the case of a medical emergency. To consider the best option for care needs, check with a doctor.

MYTH #4: Telehealth is too expensive.

FACT: Telehealth and other services can help save money while expanding access to care. When looking for a telehealth provider, it can prove cost-effective to compare options based on pricing, insurance coverage, preferences and services provided. Look for telehealth options that list transparent pricing information to help guide the search.

If a consultation requires a prescription, Walgreens also has 24/7 pharmacy chat capabilities through its app and Walgreens.com/SaveOnRX with discounted pricing on a range of medications.

Telehealth is more accessible than ever as more providers evolve and adapt technologies to meet patient needs at a safe distance. But even as social distancing constrictions lift, digital wellness offerings will present greater flexibility and convenience in meeting individual health care needs.


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Give Your Daily Routine a Boost of Energy with Kerri Walsh Jennings’ Tried-and-True Recipes

2020-07-22T08:23:00

(BPT) – Looking for healthy snacks to revamp your daily routine and help maintain your energy levels? These plant-based recipes from renowned Olympian Kerri Walsh Jennings will keep you and your loved ones fueled and feeling good.

With the 2020 Olympics postponed until next year, Kerri has had to adapt and continue her training regimen at home. With a highly competitive drive to succeed and a resilient state of mind, Kerri knows that naturally flavorful and power-packed foods, like whole almonds, are one of her best-kept secrets to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit and help own her everyday, every day.

“My body needs naturally-boosting foods to perform my best during the day, and radiate love and joy to my kiddos and my hubby at night,” said Kerri. “It’s important to make good choices and do the best I can with the things I can control throughout the day that help keep me satiated and steady, no matter what my day looks like.”

From tasty DIY snacks to hydrating drinks, Kerri has rounded up her go-to recipes that provide her with the oomph needed to reach her goals:

Kerri’s Winning Trail Mix

“When appetite strikes, whole almonds and my winning trail mix are my most relied-upon snacks because they give me sustained energy to own my everyday with their unique combination of 6 grams of plant-based protein, fiber and good fats,” said Kerri. “As a mom of three, I prioritize setting a good example for my kids and these healthy habits set a great foundation for them to build on.”

Ingredients

Serves: 13

  • 2 cup all-natural almonds
  • 1/2 cup tart dried cherries, pitted
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or carob chips
  • 1/2 cup dried apple pieces

Preparation

  1. Combine ingredients in a large-sized bowl and gently toss! Keeps well in an airtight container or bag.

Golden Hour Gold Milk

“I look to maintain hydration and practice self-care,” said Kerri. “You’ll love this yummy and wholesome almond milk twist on the traditional Indian beverage haldi doodh — also known as golden milk, which can help reset your mind after a long day.”

Ingredients

Serves: 1

  • 8 ounces unsweetened, plain almond milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon liquid coconut oil
  • 1 pinch ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or another sweetener to taste)
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon

Preparation

  1. Add almond milk, turmeric, ginger, coconut oil, black pepper and cinnamon to a small, stovetop pan and whisk to combine ingredients.
  2. Heat on low heat for 3 minutes until warm but not boiling and stir frequently.
  3. Turn off heat and stir in honey to stovetop pan mixture.
  4. Once stirred, pour into a mug and serve immediately. Add additional sweetener or cinnamon if preferred.
  5. To consume while at work or on-the-go, pour the beverage into a microwavable travel mug, reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds until warm, and enjoy!

Honey Almond Energy Balls

“Our bodies are capable of amazing things when they are nourished adequately with energy-rich foods like almonds and fruit,” said Kerri. “These totally delicious no-bake almond butter bites are the perfect pick-me-up and a cinch to make.”

Ingredients

Serves: 30

  • 1/2 cup natural almond butter
  • 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
  • 1 cup old-fashioned, rolled oats
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons dark chocolate chips or carob chips
  • 1/4 coconut flakes
  • 1/4 dried cranberries, prunes or tart dried cherries (pitted)

Preparation

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, chocolate chips, and almonds and mix well.
  2. Add the honey, dried cherries, coconut flakes and almond butter, and stir all ingredients until the mix is evenly distributed.
  3. Cover the mixing bowl and leave in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes.
  4. Then roll the mixture into rounded 1” balls and place on parchment paper lined baking sheet.
  5. Cover and place in refrigerator for 2 hours to chill. Serve! (Will last refrigerated for about 5 days!)


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How to have a happy and hydrated kid

2020-07-21T09:01:00

(BPT) – We’re in the thick of the dog days of summer, and as the temperature continues to swelter, don’t forget to start thinking about how to help keep your kids hydrated. Sounds easy, right? You might be surprised. According to the American Journal of Public Health,* 1 in 2 kids is underhydrated.

The American Journal of Public Health notes that adequate hydration is essential for health and even mild dehydration can lead to headaches, irritability, poor physical performance and reduced cognitive function among both children and adults.

“Keeping your kids hydrated throughout a busy day is not always easy,” noted Dr. Douglas J. Casa, hydration researcher for more than 25 years and CEO of the Korey Stringer Institute (KSI) at the University of Connecticut.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few ways you can help keep kids hydrated and happy:

Do a “pee check”: Not sure if your kid is properly hydrated? A quick look at the color of their urine can help determine if they may need to hydrate. If their pee is dark yellow, Dr. Casa recommends reaching for a hydrating beverage that will help replenish the body. A pale yellow urine color indicates proper hydration (good job!).

Keep hydrating beverages at the ready: With at-home and on-the-go schedules looking a little different now, you may forget to keep drinks on hand throughout the day. Always stock hydrating, kid-approved beverages in your car, picnic cooler and fridge to ensure that a tasty hydration option is available.

Serve a better-for-you option: Instead of reaching for fruit juice or other sugar-laden beverages, try serving a plant-powered drink with all-natural ingredients. For example, Dr. Casa suggests one great option for hydrating kids is Creative Roots, a new coconut water beverage with all-natural ingredients and 1 gram of sugar that comes in four kid-approved fruit flavors. Dr. Casa conducted a hydration-focused research study that indicated access to Creative Roots is clinically shown to improve hydration in children.**

Make snack time synonymous with hydration time: Use everyday moments as a reminder to hydrate! For example, pairing a hydrating drink with mid-morning or afternoon snack time may help create a daily habit and help get kids closer to their recommended daily fluid intake that satisfies thirst and maintains a pale urine color.***

Make small — but smart — changes for a big, hydrating impact!

* Kenney EL, et al. Prevalence of Inadequate Hydration among US Children and Disparities by Gender and Race/Ethnicity: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009-2012. American Journal of Public Health. 2015; 105: e113-e118.

** The full report, “Nutrition, Urinary Markers and Sleep Habits in Children” will be released later in 2020 and was funded by Creative Roots.

*** The Dietary Reference Intake for water consumption for children ages 4–10 is between 5.5 and 10 cups per day.


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The basics of virtual car buying

2020-07-21T06:01:00

(BPT) – Online car buying has become more popular in recent years. Instead of having to go out to visit dealer lots, car shoppers have found it’s easy to look at inventory, set up test drives, secure financing, negotiate price and complete the purchase — all online, from the comfort and safety of home.

Shop with safety and ease. Understanding the virtual car-buying process ahead of time can help you score a great deal and make the whole experience a positive one. Here are the basics you should know.

Set a budget. Before you start looking at vehicles, it helps to get a rough idea of what your monthly payments will be. Car-buying expenses may include:

  • down payment
  • warranty options
  • title, taxes and fees
  • trade-in value
  • monthly ownership costs: financing, insurance, maintenance, fuel and depreciation

Do your research. Once you know your budget, consider any must-have features such as size, fuel efficiency or safety scores. Then, start researching cars online, filtering your search to match those features and your budget.

Get your financing squared away. “By getting preapproved for your next car loan, you’ll be in a better position to negotiate on price and get a deal that works favorably for your budget,” said Joe Pendergast, Vice President of Consumer Lending at Navy Federal Credit Union.

Price compare and get quotes. With your financing in hand and the knowledge of the type of vehicle you’re looking for, it’s time to shop. Hunt for the best deals by checking car-selling sites that pull inventory from multiple dealers, in addition to reaching out to individual dealers by phone, email or chat. Some dealers are offering new ways to conduct your vehicle purchase while minimizing personal contact, including online sales and home delivery.

Set up a test drive. Many dealerships offer online virtual tours of their vehicles. But once you’re ready to get behind the wheel for a test drive, they can often bring the cars to you. Just be sure you understand and feel comfortable with the test drive process, including any cleaning and safety procedures.

Ask for the price and perks you want. With a market value in mind, contact the dealerships that have the car you’re interested in and the price you want. Keep it simple and focus on price before talking about dealer financing or trade-in. Car dealers may be willing to throw in a few extras, too. These may include: service and maintenance plans, spare keys, floor mats, mud flaps and even rust protection.

Get your new car delivered to your door. When it comes to actually buying the car, all the paperwork can now be done online or delivered. Ensure you’re satisfied with the safety processes and purchasing arrangement before agreeing to buy the car. When you’re done, the dealership can bring the new car right to your door. Plus, they’ll pick up your old car if you’re trading in.

“The virtual auto-buying experience is likely here to stay. For you, that means a more flexible buying process and less time visiting the dealership,” added Pendergast.


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How to help maintain your immune system with fermentation

2020-07-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – No matter what season or time of year, we all know the importance of a healthy immune system and the central role it plays in overall well-being. While sleep, healthy eating and a balanced lifestyle are all essential for a healthy immune system, clinical studies show fermented supplements are an effective approach to supporting good gut and immune health.

“Your immune system is an important factor in maintaining health at any age,” says registered dietitian Keri Gans. “Fermentation is getting a lot of attention for its ability to support the gut and the immune system.”

Gans answers top questions about fermentation and how it helps support the digestive system and immune health:

What is fermentation?

Fermented foods support gut health, an important part of the immune system. Fermentation happens when organic material (usually from plants) is broken down by microorganisms like yeast and bacteria. Many of those microorganisms are part of the microbiome in the gut.

One fermented food is sauerkraut, a well-recognized food that has been around for centuries. Sauerkraut is cabbage that has been fermented with probiotic bacteria such as lactobacillus. While the cabbage is being fermented, the bacteria produce metabolites that affect the texture, taste and nutritional qualities of the food. These non-living metabolites are postbiotics, which are an essential part of the fermentation process.

Probiotic vs. postbiotic

Many people have heard of probiotics supporting digestive health. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be present in foods like yogurt. However, when focusing on fermented products, the benefits also come from postbiotics. Postbiotics are non-living metabolites and compounds produced by microorganisms like yeast or bacteria during a fermentation process. Instead of adding live bacteria to your gut, you are adding their metabolites. Postbiotics in turn support the good bacteria already in your gut.

How do you get the postbiotics in fermentation?

Incorporate fermented foods into your diet like kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut, miso and sourdough bread. If you don’t like the taste of fermented foods, don’t have regular access to them, and perhaps don’t want to eat a lot of them, fermented supplements are an easy option to get the benefits of postbiotics to support your gut health and immune system. Postbiotics don’t have bacteria that need to be kept alive, so they don’t need refrigeration, which means you can take it “on the go.”

When researching fermented supplements, look for EpiCor, a first-of-its-kind fermentate ingredient that taps the natural power of fermentation to deliver immune and gut health benefits in your vitamin and supplement products. EpiCor fermentate is a whole food ingredient, meaning nothing is extracted or purified; it is like a multivitamin for your immune system. Additionally, clinical studies indicate EpiCor fermentate may help support nasal health year around.

Three supplements that contain EpiCor are Country Life, Healthy Origins and Align Kombucha On-The-Go. For more information and a full list of products, visit epicorhealth.com.

Why eat fermented foods and supplements?

It’s important that people understand that you should support your immune system every day. Fermented foods and supplements support immune health and gut health. These foods and supplements support the gut microbiome, the complex system of microorganisms that make up a healthy environment in your digestive tract.

“It’s critical to take care of your health every day. That starts with supporting your immune system,” says Gans. “Fermented foods and supplements help you do just that.”


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Programs Available to Help People with Diabetes Afford Insulin

2020-07-20T08:03:00

(BPT) – It’s no secret that many people with diabetes are struggling to afford their insulin.

Chances are you may know one of them. That’s because more than 30 million people in the U.S. have diabetes.1 Some of these people may have health insurance, some may not. Others may be facing new financial challenges including job loss due to the pandemic. Still others may have health insurance that requires high out-of-pocket payments before benefits kick in. Bottom line is that there are many different factors that can make insulin unaffordable and there isn’t one solution that will work for everyone.

So, what are people with diabetes doing? According to a 2018 American Diabetes Association survey of 535 insulin users in the U.S., roughly a quarter of those who responded said insulin costs affected their purchases and use of insulin the past year. People said it caused them to regularly take less insulin than prescribed (26%), miss doses weekly (23%) and not fill prescriptions (18%).2

The good news is that today there are a host of programs available to help people having difficulties affording their insulin — including those with and without insurance.

Check Out NovoCare® – a one-stop shop to learn about affordability resources from the insulin maker Novo Nordisk

“We know people need more help right now,” said Doug Langa, Executive Vice President, North America Operations and President of Novo Nordisk Inc. “Patients have enough issues to worry about at this moment. We don’t want being able to pay for their insulin to be one of them.”

Novo Nordisk is a company that’s been making diabetes medicines for nearly 100 years. They have created a one-stop hub called NovoCare® that contains information about all their commercial programs including the following:

  • A Patient Assistance Program providing free medicine to eligible individuals: Novo Nordisk’s patient assistance program has been providing free medicines, which today includes all Novo Nordisk insulins, to eligible patients since 2003. An individual with an annual income up to $51,040, and a family of four with a combined annual income up to $104,800, may qualify. Last year, nearly 50,000 Americans received free insulin from Novo Nordisk through this program.
  • And for those facing financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, people with diabetes using Novo Nordisk insulin who have lost health insurance coverage because of a change in job status due to COVID-19 may be eligible for a free 90-day supply of insulin through Novo Nordisk’s Diabetes Patient Assistance Program.
  • My$99Insulin: For $99, you can get up to three vials or two packs of Novo Nordisk insulin FlexPen/FlexTouch/PenFill pens. My$99Insulin is available to eligible insured and uninsured patients.
  • Copay savings cards: Registering for a Copay card can help defray out-of-pocket costs for eligible commercially-insured patients.
  • Unbranded biologics: Unbranded biologics of both a rapid acting and a premixed insulin in vials and pens are available from Novo Nordisk Pharma, Inc. (NNPI), a Novo Nordisk A/S company at a 50% discount compared to current list price of branded versions.
  • $25 human insulin at Walmart/CVS: This offering has been running for almost two decades and has recently been made available at CVS and at other national pharmacy chains. Patients should talk with their doctor about whether human insulin is an option for them.
  • Immediate Supply Insulin: A free, one-time, immediate supply of up to three vials or two packs of Novo Nordisk insulin FlexPen/FlexTouch/PenFill pens for individuals with a prescription. This is a short-term option for people facing an acute need.

Eligibility details and terms and conditions for these options can be found online at NovoCare.com, or by calling 1.844.NOVO4ME (668.6463). Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Translation services supporting 200+ languages are available as well.

“Too often, I hear from people that they are hesitant to apply for medication assistance because they think it will be a lengthy or cumbersome process, or that they won’t qualify,” says Katie S., a NovoCare® Specialist. “However, there are now more options available, and for some of them, people may be able to find out if they qualify in minutes.”

By visiting NovoCare.com or calling 1.844.NOVO4ME (1.844.668.6463), you can find out more about options that may help you better afford your Novo Nordisk diabetes medicines. Health care professionals can also find information on NovoCare.com.

Learn more at NovoCare.com.


1 American Diabetes Association. Insulin Access and Affordability Working Group: Conclusions and Recommendations. Accessed November 2019. Available at: https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/41/6/1299.

2 American Diabetes Association. Insulin Access and Affordability Survey. November 2019. Available at: http://main.diabetes.org/dorg/PDFs/2018-insulin-affordability-survey.pdf.


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Helping all victims of abuse escape and heal together [Infographic]

2020-07-20T09:01:01

(BPT) – Pets are family. They provide unconditional love and support. Unfortunately, many crucial resources for victims of domestic abuse don’t factor in their pets, creating a heartbreaking dilemma: Stay in an abusive situation, or leave a pet behind. That’s why Purina partnered with RedRover to create the Purple Leash Project, a national initiative to help change the landscape of domestic violence services so that survivors and their pets can leave abuse and heal together.


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How to keep youth active outdoors – and safe – this summer

2020-07-20T12:17:00

(BPT) – While this has been a challenging year with many youth sports leagues and activities in play at limited capacity or canceled entirely, the good news is there are still plenty of ways kids can stay active and healthy.

Healthcare professionals agree that physical activity is critical for children’s physical, mental and social development. In fact, the World Health Organization recommends children and teens ages five to 17 engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to rigorous movement every day.

Participation in sports helps young people learn how to set and meet goals, while also promoting a positive self-image, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and building character. Sports also teach valuable social and emotional skills, like communication, teamwork, perseverance and self-efficacy, and provide the joy of belonging to a community.

When access to team sports are limited and young people can’t fully participate in the camaraderie of physical activities due to COVID-19, what can they do to stay healthy, active — and safe?

Through its Team Up for Kids mission, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation have created sports programming that enables young people to comply with safe social distancing and health guidelines. To ensure more kids have the chance to play sports, the Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation is donating 44,000 sports balls to Boys & Girls Club kids across the country to support this mission and inspire movement.

Here are three exercises to move and have a ball amid today’s new normal:

Toss Challenge: Enhance hand-eye coordination by scoring as many points as you can using sports balls or other round objects at home.

  1. Find five balls and five containers (like boxes or buckets).
  2. Line up containers. Assign each container a specific number of points. Farther away or smaller containers can be more points, because they’re harder to throw the ball into.
  3. Stand away from containers.
  4. Toss the ball underhand into one container. See if you can reach the farthest container. If too easy, move further away.
  5. Repeat until you’ve thrown 10 times. Keep track of your points!
  6. How many points did you score? Try again to see if you can score more points with only five throws.
  7. If you’re right-handed, try throwing with your left. If left-handed, try throwing with your right.

Throwing Drill: Improve strength and agility by throwing consistently and with purpose.

  1. Set up a target in an open space, like a backyard or park. Your target will determine how accurate your throw is. You can use colored tape to make an X on the ground or wall.
  2. Throw your sports ball 15-30 feet away from your target. If the ball reaches your target, your throw is accurate, and you should continue practicing the same way. If it did not reach the target, make small changes to your throwing technique until you improve.
  3. Increase distance by 15 feet once you can accurately hit the target five times in a row.
  4. Make it harder by trying to throw the ball while running forward, backward or shuffling sideways.

Catching Drill: Perfect speed, agility and coordination all in one fun drill.

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Hold your sports ball in your hands in front of your chest.
  2. Throw the ball several feet up into the air, watching it carefully as it moves through the air.
  3. Catch the ball as it falls back toward the ground. As you catch it, tuck it into your body as though preparing to run with it.
  4. Increase the height of your throw gradually. As you improve, make it harder by throwing the ball up and away from you. This makes you run for the ball, just like in a real game.

Now during National Youth Sports Week set activity goals and be your own champion, so when it’s time, you’ll be ready to highlight your new and improved skills among your sports community. Visit BGCA.org for more information.