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Need headache relief? How to treat the 4 most common types

2020-07-08T09:10:15

(BPT) – It can be easy to dismiss head pain as a regular headache, but in fact there is no such thing. More than 300 types of headache exist and the likelihood you’ll experience one in your lifetime is high. Worldwide nearly 40 million people have some form of headache disease.

“Each headache comes with its own set of symptoms and a different approach to treatment,” said Dr. Vincent Martin, president of the National Headache Foundation and professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. “A physician trained in headache medicine is the best person to diagnose the type of headache you’re experiencing but since symptoms usually come on gradually, you should record your symptoms and triggers over a few weeks.”

The National Headache Foundation is sharing information on the four most common types of headache and the best treatments for relief.

1. Tension

What is it: Typically these originate in the neck or back of the head with muscle tension and creep forward. Tension headache can be triggered by poor posture, lack of movement, eye strain, stress and hunger. They can be chronic or infrequent.

Treatment: The occasional tension headache can be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as stretching and regular exercise. Chronic forms can be treated with amitriptyline or regular non-medication treatments including relaxation, developing coping strategies, acupuncture, massage therapy and physical therapy.

2. Sinus

What is it: Common when you are sick or suffer from allergies, this type of headache is caused by inflammation in the sinus passage with pain usually presenting in the forehead, browbone, cheeks, eyes and nose. They are often accompanied by nasal congestion, sinus drainage or fever.

Treatment: Monitoring your allergies can play a major part in avoiding a sinus headache. When allergens are high, you can take an antihistamine. NSAIDs can also help relieve pressure by reducing the inflammation in your sinuses. If you’re sick and suffering from a sinus headache, NSAIDs plus a decongestant can often be your best option. You may need your health care practitioner to prescribe an antibiotic if the sinus infection is caused by bacteria.

3. Cluster

What is it: People with cluster headache often describe the pain as relentless stabbing sensations and experience attacks several times throughout a day for weeks at a time. During a cluster headache series, the pain is always on the same side, usually around the eye, and can include nasal congestion, sinus drainage or a drooping eyelid. Research indicates they can be more active in the spring and fall due to the changes in daylight and disruption in the sleep cycle with the time change. Unfortunately, some people will experience chronic cluster headache.

Treatment: Preventive treatments are available for cluster headache once a person is in an attack series. During an acute attack, inhaling pure oxygen by mask is helpful.

4. Migraine

What is it: Migraine disease is believed to be due to a hypersensitive nervous system that results in debilitating and recurring attacks of pain that can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness or sensitivity to light and sound. Some migraine attacks are preceded by disturbance in vision or smell, known as an aura. For some, other symptoms begin 24 to 48 hours before the attack and can range from dizziness and fatigue to mood swings or extreme hunger. Known triggers of migraine include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods (cheeses, chocolate, preservatives), and beverages (caffeine, alcohol).

Treatment: Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, not skipping meals and hydration can help prevent migraine attacks. Keeping a record of triggers can help you and your health care practitioner correctly diagnose and treat your migraine disease with lifestyle changes, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and non-drug therapies such as acupuncture, biofeedback training and relaxation therapy.

“The next time your head pain strikes, make note of the pain location, any potential triggers and have an honest conversation with your health care practitioner so they can help you get back to living your life,” said Martin.

For more information about headache disease or to find help, visit: www.headaches.org.


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5 time-saving tips for faster cleanup this summer

2020-07-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – With summer in full swing, backyards are the ultimate oasis for warm-weather traditions like grilling or enjoying frozen treats and ice-cold drinks on the patio. And after months distanced from friends, family and colleagues at home, the need to physically distance from chores and get outside is at an all-time high. Try these five tips to conquer kitchen cleanup, spend less time indoors and more time enjoying the summer sun:

1. Plan ahead, with simplicity in mind

Making a delicious meal doesn’t mean having to use every utensil and dish in your kitchen. Plan and prep ahead to avoid a last-minute scramble or unnecessary use of dishes. Experiment with sheet-pan and one-pot meals, line baking sheets with parchment paper, or grill meals in foil packets for quicker cleanup.

2. Clean as you go

In true summer fashion, many meals include easy-to-make staples like hot dogs and watermelon. For days when the menu is more complex, take a tip from the pro chefs and keep workstations clean. Clearing counters as you cook saves time later and provides more space for prepping, plating, and presenting. Keep a trash can and wet washcloth nearby to quickly wipe surfaces and move on to the next step.

Before serving the meal, load dirty prep items into the dishwasher, leveraging its features to maximize space for fewer loads. Bosch dishwashers have a loading solution for nearly every gadget — from plastic ice pop trays and wine glasses to silicone straws — thanks to a third rack that accommodates tough-to-place items like grilling tools, and an adjustable middle rack that makes room for large serving platters and sheet pans below.

3. Skip pre-rinsing, washing and sanitizing dishes by hand

Feeling wishy-washy about doing the dishes by hand? Despite popular belief, hand washing actually uses about 27 gallons of water per load on average, while an energy-efficient dishwasher uses three to six. And, after scraping excess food off your plate, skip the pre-rinse before loading — food particles give dishwasher detergent something to stick to!

Proper sanitization is also tough to achieve when washing by hand since the water needs to exceed at least 140 degrees to kill bacteria. The great news? Normal cycles on most dishwashers meet this requirement and sanitize functions often reach far beyond this temperature.

4. Save towels for hands, not dishes

Ninety percent of Americans unnecessarily use a manual drying step after their dishwasher cycle is complete. It’s time to say goodbye to hand-drying dishes! Bosch dishwashers with CrystalDry ensure dishes emerge as perfectly dry as they are clean, using a naturally occurring mineral that transforms moisture into heat up to 176 degrees. This added layer of heat delivers drier dishes, even plastics, so items are ready to be put away once the cycle is complete.

5. Get smart and stay connected

Smart appliances help automate the mundane, making it easier to tackle chores. Master doing the dishes using a dishwasher equipped with the Home Connect, which enables users to start a cycle remotely, monitor its progress and receive updates, all from the convenience of a smart device. In addition, avoid trips to the store for dishwasher detergent, thanks to partners that can automatically reorder detergent tabs when running low.


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Handwashing Tips For People With Eczema And Other Skin Conditions

2020-07-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – Pfizer Sponsored

If you are one of the 31.6 million people in the United States living with some form of eczema, continual handwashing and sanitizing to avoid spreading illness this season might be a source of added stress and anxiety, as this can dry out your skin and cause eczema to flare. Sticking to a three-step routine can help — wash, dry, moisturize.

“Regular handwashing is important to remove dirt or soil and potentially contagious germs from your skin. For patients with eczema, it’s particularly important that they take care of their skin to not only maintain good skin hygiene, but to maintain control of their disease and avoid factors that may exacerbate their condition,” says Mark Levenberg, DO, FAAD who is a board-certified Dermatologist and Senior Medical Director, U.S. Medical Affairs, at Pfizer Inc.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular handwashing is one of the most effective ways people can keep from getting sick — and to help protect others from viruses such as COVID-19. But for those with eczema, hands may become irritated when washed too vigorously, dried too harshly or not moisturized properly, and potentially exacerbate or trigger a flare, says Dr. Levenberg. That’s why it’s important to stick with a handwashing routine that will keep hands as clean — and healthy — as possible.

Dr. Chudy Nduaka knows about this firsthand. Dr. Nduaka, who is Dermatology Team Leader, North America Medical Affairs at Pfizer Inc., has a 10-year-old daughter with eczema. Ever since she was little, she’s been instructed to care for her hands by washing, drying and moisturizing frequently, he says.

“Even before COVID-19, we had a rule that as soon as you walk into the house from school or from playing, you go straight to the bathroom and wash your hands and then use moisturizer,” he says. “I always make sure to remind my daughter to use moisturizer after every hand-wash.”

Because she’s so accustomed to the routine to care for her skin, Dr. Nduaka’s not worried about his daughter’s eczema right now, and neither is she. “She’s doing OK,” he says.

Dr. Levenberg shared the following advice for people with eczema on how to help keep their hands clean and healthy.

Use the right kind of cleanser

People with eczema or other skin conditions should consider use of a gentle cleanser, which comes in bar and liquid form, says Dr. Levenberg. “Try to avoid certain ingredients, harsh detergents or fragrance,” he says. “Those can potentially irritate the skin, and these patients may be more susceptible to not only irritation, but an allergy from it as well.” He also recommends washing hands with lukewarm water, rather than hot or cold, to avoid further irritation.

Dry but don’t over-dry

Drying after every handwashing is important, because, according to the CDC, germs can transfer more easily to and from wet hands than from dry. Dr. Levenberg recommends people with skin conditions gently pat their hands dry using a clean towel, disposable paper towel, or air dry if available. He says, “It’s important to try not to over-dry your hands and make sure not to rub your hands vigorously with a paper or cloth towel in a harsh way that may traumatize the skin.”

Always moisturize

After light drying, immediately apply a moisturizer. Dr. Levenberg recommends products such as ointment or cream, which tend to be thicker and have better moisturizing properties. “Ointments and creams tend to be a little bit heavier than, for example, a lotion and may do a slightly better job to soften and seal in moisture in the skin,” he says.

Carry your own hand products with you

People with eczema and other skin conditions may benefit from carrying travel-size versions of their cleanser and moisturizer with them when they leave the house, says Dr. Levenberg. That way, they can stick to the same routine with products they and their skin are accustomed to.

However, he adds, when that’s not an option, it’s OK to use products that are generally available at that time. “If faced with the choice of not washing your hands because you don’t have your personal cleanser with you or washing them with a suitable cleanser available at that moment, you should go ahead and wash your hands,” he says. “You err on the side of caution and you do what’s best for yourself and for public health.”

Washing your hands frequently and correctly is always important. And right now, as people try and stop the spread of COVID-19, Dr. Levenberg says keeping your hands healthy is critical for overall health. “It may lower your risk for infection personally or spread of infection to others, and in general, when washing appropriately, allows you to try and maintain healthy skin barrier function,” says Dr. Levenberg.

This article is sponsored by Pfizer.


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Simple solutions to create a modern home oasis

2020-07-08T06:01:00

(BPT) – When people think of modern homes, many picture classic floor-to-ceiling glass windows, white rooms and contemporary furniture. The reality is, adding modern touches to your home does not require a rebuild, a huge investment or a blank space. A few design tips and simple swaps can transform your existing space into an updated, modern oasis.

Embrace clutter-free living areas

According to the minimalist mantra, less is truly more. Bring this mantra to life by decluttering countertops, mantels, walls and other visible areas in the home. Renowned designer and Delta Design Trust Member Justina Blakeney advises, “Have a designated spot where items go. If you are a collector like I am, it’s important to have a flow of ‘stuff’ so as you invite more objects into your home, make sure you usher other pieces out.”

One way to achieve minimalism is to opt for space-saving furniture. Add nesting tables or benches that double as stylish seating and storage. Use baskets and bins to hide inevitable items like shoes, blankets and board games when not in use. Implement hidden filing systems and pledge to digitize documents moving forward, freeing up the office while practicing sustainability.

Swap old fixtures and statement pieces

Substituting fixtures and statement pieces can bring dramatic change to your home. To create clean, intentional design, incorporate objects with sleek bold lines. In the bathroom, opt for the Delta Trillian Bath Collection, which commands attention and provides a striking prismatic design fit for the modern bathroom. This fixture choice represents a bold evolution of modern style, making a substantial impact while not requiring a full-fledged remodel. In the bath space or elsewhere, the addition of a head-turning mirror will emphasize focal points of a space and open up the room to create the illusion of larger floor plans. For a larger investment, consider a floor upgrade. The addition of a large, geometric rug, fresh tile or restored hardwood floors can make a space feel entirely new.

Embrace greenery and natural light

Invite the outside in by embracing foliage and natural sunlight, no matter the season. Consciously incorporate florals to add depth and life to your living space. Consider an oversized planter to serve as a main feature of the room, hanging florals as artwork or succulents as tabletop decor. Do you lack a green thumb? Not to worry; textured faux plants can do the trick, with little maintenance beyond a light dusting. When it comes to natural light, play up your windows with simple drapes that emphasize the outdoors. When additional light is needed, exposed bulbs and bold pendants are easy, modern swaps to illuminate the home and its decor without feeling jarring.

With these simple design tricks, your current space will be transformed into a modern haven in no time.


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What’s the Secret to Getting the Best Skin of Your Life?

2020-07-08T05:01:00

(BPT) – Your skin is your body’s largest organ, which means that it needs extra care every day to keep it in tip-top shape, whether that means avoiding sun exposure, not smoking, limiting your consumption of Merlot, drenching your skin with hyaluronic acid, or exfoliating weekly. But these good habits can only take your skin so far. Over time, you’re going to need some more intense intervention to reverse environmental damage and take your skin to the next level.

Enter Cutera’s Secret™ RF energy-based system that stimulates remodeling collagen under the skin’s surface to address the most common signs of aging on the face and the body. Secret RF delivers controlled radiofrequency energy directly into various depths of the skin’s layers with minimally invasive microneedles. Therefore, it spares the epidermis or surface of the skin so you can get back to your normal routine quickly and no one will know you had anything done.

“Secret RF Microneedling can treat acne scars, stretch marks and can also be used to minimize pores. We are able to customize treatments based on each individual’s top concerns, skin type, and area of the face or body,” says New York City dermatologist Marina Peredo. “We may use a gentler setting for light facial rejuvenation, fine lines or pores, but a more aggressive setting for acne scarring, which requires deeper penetration. We can also get excellent improvement for crepey skin of the neck, upper arms and abdomen, without the discomfort and downtime of some other devices.”

The unique handpiece on the Secret RF system makes it ideal for treatments on the face, neck, chest and body. In addition, because it is the largest size available, your aesthetic provider can treat several areas in one visit for more impressive results in a shorter period of time.

“My patients wish to revitalize and refresh the appearance of their skin, but without lengthy side effects or downtime. By adjusting the microneedles, Secret RF can deliver energy at various depths so I can tailor the treatment for each patient’s concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage and stretch marks,” says Dr. Manu Aggarwal, Vein Care Center & Laser Specialists in Lima, OH.

“Since there are two needle types, I can perform customized treatments on all skin types and all year round.”

It’s important to understand that while traditional microneedling that you can do at home or in a spa may provide an initial boost, the intense radiofrequency energy combined with microneedling of Secret RF greatly amplifies the process. Heat created by the added RF energy also works to constrict the underlying skin layers which helps to smooth out more severe lines, wrinkles, old stretch marks, scars and acne scars.

According to Dr. Peredo, Secret RF is one of the most popular treatments in her practice. “Most of my patients will have an initial series of three or four sessions spaced a few weeks apart to attain the best results. Some come back for touchups and also to have other areas done since they are so pleased with the skin improvements we can achieve,” she says.

To find an aesthetic provider near you who offers Secret RF, visit FindaProvider.


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An Unexpected Diagnosis – the Risks of Underestimating Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

2020-07-07T10:01:00

(BPT) – James Whelan is a performer. As a lifelong musician, he has spent most of his life writing music in his studio or out performing for a crowd. But a life devoted to art came to a screeching halt with a startling and sudden diagnosis: a skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). A skin cancer he’d never even thought to look for, or even heard of.

The second most common form of cancer in the U.S., CSCC is nearly five times more prevalent than melanoma. Yet, according to a survey from The Skin Cancer Foundation, nearly 3 out of 4 Americans are not familiar with it.

An Unexpected Diagnosis

CSCC doesn’t always look scary. It can present in many different forms, including a rough or scaly red patch, an open sore, or even thickened or raised skin.

And James’ diagnosis with advanced CSCC doesn’t sound like your average skin cancer story. He didn’t have a history of having suspicious spots removed from his skin or visiting the dermatologist for skin checks.

“I was actually in the emergency room being treated for a persistent fever,” James remembers. “There was this spot on my shoulder that started out looking like an infected pimple, and by the time I reached the hospital it had split open. Since it had been there for a while, I thought it had something to do with my fever.”

But when doctors examined it, the presumed split open “infected pimple” turned out to be much more. It was skin cancer, they said, and it had spread into his shoulder and through his chest wall. Before he even left the hospital, James was diagnosed with advanced CSCC, and underwent surgery to remove it.

Although often cured when caught at an early stage, CSCC can progress and become dangerous when advanced. In the U.S., approximately 40,000 cases each year will progress to advanced stages, but, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation survey, less than 30% of Americans know that CSCC can be life-threatening when advanced.

A Journey with Advanced CSCC

James’ surgery was extensive and required the removal of part of his abdominal muscle, but doctors still couldn’t get the entire tumor without damaging the nerves that controlled his fingers and arm. He underwent multiple rounds of radiation to eradicate what was left of the cancer in his shoulder, and he had to stop playing guitar until he was able to regain his strength, adjust to the loss of stomach muscle, and teach himself how to play again.

“It was torture,” he recalls.

While the surgery and radiation worked for a period of time, the cancer started to return after several treatments, and at the urging of his doctor, James finally had to seek support from a whole team of different kinds of doctors that could help him with a treatment plan.

The shift felt almost instantaneous.

“Immediately I felt like this was a whole different ball game,” James remembers. “The breadth of treatments, the depth of specialists — it’s what you need.”

The first one of those treatments discussed was a radical surgery. But it wasn’t an option for James.

“I overheard doctors mention removing my arm, and I’m a guitar player. So the idea of losing an arm was crazy,” he says. “All of a sudden your mind runs away, and I’m sitting there thinking, ‘Well, would I just give away or sell off all my guitars? Would I be able to play piano right-handed?’ I couldn’t do it.”

He worked with his team of doctors to find a treatment plan that worked for him.

Today, James has returned to his music, including the guitar, and is grateful for that. He knows how important it is to have a team of doctors by your side, exploring all possible treatment options when CSCC becomes advanced.

This summer, learn about CSCC, including how it can advance and when you should talk to your doctor. Visit The Skin Cancer Foundation’s website to learn more.


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The push to the suburbs drives demand for smaller, flexible space away from cities

2020-07-07T06:01:00

(BPT) – As businesses strive to carry on normal operations during COVID-19, many are seeking smaller, suburban work areas that let their employees find meaningful connections while avoiding crowded buildings, throngs of people and long, stressful commutes to the city.

Companies are already enabling work-from-home options; a Global Workplace Analytics report shows 6% of workers worldwide hold jobs that allow some remote work, and a projected 25 to 30% will be working from home multiple days of the week by the end of 2021.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners who are seeking energy and innovation from their peers are finding full-time work-from-home impractical. The support, coaching and big ideas that are dreamt up by collaborating in-person with colleagues are lacking when people are remote.

“While working from your couch sounds great in theory … it’s important to understand the pros and cons so you know how to best maximize your arrangement,” writes Dawn Papandrea on Monster.com. “Feeling like you’re always ‘at work’ could lead to burnout. And you can feel out of the loop. Whether it’s picking up on the best practices of your colleagues or having an impromptu brainstorming session over lunch, it’s hard to replicate that from home.”

Fostering strong relationships, while enhancing business performance is key for any business, and is leading to a growing workplace trend. The renting of flexible workspaces in convenient suburban markets where professionals can stay productive, connected and empowered is in demand. These coworking centers feature the best of both worlds; instead of employees enduring grueling commutes to highly populated high-rises, they can zip over to a local coworking center with the infrastructure, layout and camaraderie they need to get work done. The smaller offices foster a sense of community, familiarity and comfort to those who feel isolated working from home every day of the week.

“We like to call our members Dreamers, Risk-Takers and Doers,” said Office Evolution Founder and CEO Mark Hemmeter. “Being a small business owner is hard and supporting them and their pursuit of their dreams is our purpose. We also want to make it easy with 24/7 access to locations that are close to home, all wrapped in our Ohana (Hawaiian for family) culture.”

If you’re a small or medium-sized business owner, entrepreneur or freelancer seeking better, more flexible workplace options in times of COVID-19, here are some features you may wish to look for in a new office.

Professional environments: Don’t settle for a building that’s not optimized for professional use. Ensure a smooth transition (and create happy employees) by insisting on the same amenities you’d normally provide, including comfortable, practical furniture; modern kitchens, bathrooms and conference rooms; lightning-fast internet access; efficient phone systems and effective printers and copiers. The best facilities also offer virtual reception services for an added layer of professionalism.

Private offices: With today’s social distancing guidelines, separate workspaces are crucial for reasons of health as well as privacy and productivity. Ensure the building you choose offers plenty of room for your team members, relative both to shared spaces and to those used by others.

Anti-COVID-19 amenities: Your new building should be equipped with features designed to ward off the spread of illness such as touchless entries, sanitation stations and frequent custodian services. Make sure your new space has implemented social distancing guidelines throughout the office, and has spaced out seating in the shared workspace areas.

Short commutes: No one wants to lose valuable hours each day just to get to and from work. Fortunately, coworking offices are located strategically in secondary markets to empower those living in the suburbs to get to work quickly and easily. Look for the locations that will best serve the majority of your team. A shorter commute boosts productivity, morale and work-life balance.

Affordability: Because commercial rents tend to be cheaper in the suburbs, you should be able to find coworking facilities that fit your budget. Coworking spaces offer flexible terms so you only pay for the space you need for as long as you want. Fixed long-term leases aren’t prudent given the agility required to navigate economic uncertainty.

Flexibility: The most efficient facilities offer either month-to-month or long-term contracts. You should have options to rent one office, multiple offices or a conference room depending on your needs.

Where’s the first place to look for appealing, well-equipped professional coworking space? Office Evolution offers over 70 locally owned and operated coworking locations that may be ideal for COVID-19 and beyond. Professionals looking for inspiration beyond the home office turn to providers like Office Evolution for a tight-knit community of like-minded business owners.

Call Office Evolution at 877-475-6300 to learn more.


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Show up for small businesses: 5 simple ways to support locally owned businesses

2020-07-06T16:03:00

(BPT) – Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. Whether in a busy city or a sleepy suburb, we depend on the many beloved local shops and services that contribute to the vibrancy of our neighborhoods. Where we shop matters, and now more than ever small businesses need our support as they recover and rebuild from the effects of the pandemic.

Small businesses will play a vital role in helping communities around the world get back on their feet. They account for more than half of global employment, and COVID-19 has hit them hard. As a result of the pandemic, 43% of small businesses say they only have money to last six months. Women- and minority-owned businesses have been hit especially hard.

The pandemic has changed the way we shop, work and live — rapidly increasing digital commerce including online shopping, delivery services and curbside pick-up. For small businesses to meet these new essential expectations, they must adopt digital tools across their consumer experiences and back-office operations.

As a long time champion of small businesses, Visa is committing to help 50 million small businesses around the world enhance their digital offerings as they begin to reopen and rebuild. This includes the easy-to-adopt contactless payment technology that has become as much a part of the safe shopping experience in stores as face masks, hand sanitizer and glass screens, and ecommerce technology online.

As individuals, we all play a vital role in supporting the success of locally owned businesses to help our communities thrive. Every effort adds up, so consider these five simple things you can do to support local small businesses:

Make shopping locally a habit

Exploring neighborhood businesses is not only good for the economy, it can make you feel like a real part of your community. Make a daily effort to shop from small businesses for your needs — you’ll likely discover new locally sourced goods, and service providers who cater directly to local taste. From food and clothing to haircuts and car repair, there are many small business owners who would love the opportunity to help you. Use the Back to Business search tool at usa.visa.com to quickly search for local businesses that can help with your needs.

Pay it forward with a gift card

Supporting small business owners now is critical for small business owners. Buy gift cards for neighbors, friends and family as a thoughtful gesture to brighten their day, or just for yourself for future use. It a great way to support local merchants with a revenue stream while they’re operating under limited circumstances — keeping their doors open and workers employed.

Become part of the community on social

Social media platforms have become more than a marketing tool for small businesses — they are vibrant digital communities and can be as unique an experience as walking around Main Street. Sure, you can help grow a small business’s online presence by liking them on social media. And leave them a positive online review so others who might shop there feel confident they’ll have an excellent experience. Even if they don’t have a social media page, you can mention them in your posts to remind your network of your favorite local businesses. But you can also get involved: Yoga studios, wine shops and taprooms, local craft centers and more are all offering virtual experiences and online transactions that keep one-to-one connections alive.

Get it curbside, or on your porch

Although social distancing has changed the way some small businesses can work, many are going above and beyond to meet customer needs. Ask about options like curbside pickup or touch-free delivery, which are becoming another indispensable part of our new normal. Buy online-pickup, in-store orders including curbside, jumped 87% year over year by late March, according to Adobe Analytics. And as shops re-open brick-and-mortar locations, many owners are integrating social distancing, increased cleaning and reconfiguring in-store layouts to help keep customers and employees healthy.

Purchase with purpose

By choosing to make a purchase from a small business, you help support an entrepreneur’s dream and help them get through extraordinary times. You’ll also find that many small businesses in your community are reaching out to help others during the pandemic — whether it’s a restaurant donating food to front line workers, or a local distillery making hand sanitizer for the neighborhood. To help support small businesses during this time when many are struggling, there are ways you can get involved just by shopping. Pay with your Visa card and you’ll be entered for a chance to win $2,000 in small business gift cards and to pick a small business to receive a $5,000 grant from Visa1.

With more than 30 million small businesses estimated in the United States alone, you have the power to make a difference. These tips can help you support local businesses now, so the community prospers in the future.

1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 or older. Void in PR & where prohibited. Ends 07/19/20. For full official rules, including details on non-purchase entries and the link to the grant terms go here: https://usa.visa.com/pay-with-visa/visa-sweepstakes.html.html.


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Tips for Making Safe Digital Payments during the Pandemic

2020-07-06T12:52:24

(BPT) – In a time of global crisis — pandemic, economic or political — fraudsters and scammers are willing and ready to prey on people. These ‘bad guys’ take advantage of vulnerabilities by offering false employment offers, bogus cures and treatments and fake promises of assistance and products.

Today is no different. Scammers and fraudsters are in full force — in less than six months, consumers across the U.S. have made nearly 100,000 related reports to the FTC.

As the largest bank-owned payment network, Zelle® has dedicated resources to studying scammers’ strategies and protecting consumers from abusive scams and fraud. They have identified today’s top scams and how consumers can protect themselves.

Practice caution when buying a “quarantine puppy”

Families abiding by stay-at-home orders might think now is the perfect time to adopt a puppy. Unfortunately, that means a rise in scammers who advertise nonexistent puppies for sale online. According to the Better Business Bureau, puppy scams have spiked during the pandemic. Red flags include requests for payment in gift cards or wired funds, too-good-to-be-true pricing and no opportunity to see the pup before you buy.

Beware of charity scams

We all want to give back during this time, but be cautious of scammers who may be trying to take advantage of your generosity. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. Urgency is a clear and consistent scammer strategy. Do your homework first. You can refer to FTC Donate Wisely to help you research charities. You should also reconfirm all email and website addresses since scammers will spoof these to look like actual email addresses or websites.

Be extra vigilant when buying products that are hard to come by

Online sellers might claim they have in-demand products, such as cleaning, household, health and medical supplies. But before you place an order, make sure to do your research or you may never get your shipment. Verify the seller by searching online for the person’s or company’s name, phone number and email address, plus words like “review,” “complaint” or “scam.” If you don’t know a person or aren’t sure you’ll get what you paid for, using your credit card may be a better payment option. Many credit card companies offer built-in buyer protections for cardholders. Check the terms and conditions of your credit card to see what’s offered. If you’re concerned about the pricing of products in your area, contact your state consumer protection officials. For a complete list of state Attorneys General, visit https://www.usa.gov/state-attorney-general.

Keep an eye out for suspicious calls, texts or emails

Scammers may use fake emails, calls or texts to get you to share valuable personal information — like account numbers, Social Security numbers, or your login IDs and passwords. They will use your information to steal your money, your identity or both. Do not respond to these emails. Contact companies directly. Protect your computer by keeping your software up to date and by using security software, your cell phone by setting software to update automatically, your accounts by using multi-factor authentication and your data by backing it up.

Only use P2P (person-to-person) payment platforms with those you trust

Zelle, a fast, safe and easy way to send and receive money with people you trust, found that the majority of scams revolve around customers sending money to people they don’t personally know for products or services that don’t actually exist. Only transact with people you trust and with reputable marketplaces.

Watch out for scams related to stimulus payments

Don’t respond to emails, texts or social media messages about checks from the government. There is no shortcut to get your stimulus payment from the U.S. Treasury Department faster, so watch out for anyone who claims ‘we can speed that payment up for you for a fee,’ or ‘click here for your payment.’

In the COVID-19 era, we are all more emotionally charged than ever. Don’t let scammers take advantage of the situation to take your information or your money, now or ever. If you do get scammed, inform your financial institution as soon as possible. They can help by putting protocols in place in an effort to stop those scammers from not only hurting you again, but also protecting others in the future.

For more tips and resources on how to pay it safe and protect yourself from scammers, visit https://www.zellepay.com/pay-it-safe.


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5 tips to financially prepare for college this fall

2020-07-06T06:01:00

(BPT) – For many students starting or returning to school this fall, the experience may be far different from what they envisioned last year. In response to COVID-19, a number of colleges and universities are temporarily moving to virtual learning models. At the same time, there are colleges and universities planning to reopen with new social distancing measures—some still determining exactly how to best proceed.

Not only has COVID-19 been an obstacle for how you’ll physically go to college, but also a setback for how students and parents plan to pay for their education. So, what are some strategies to help you stay on track with your financial plan for college?

1. Tally up all the costs of attendance.

“Education costs will increasingly play a central role in a student’s decision of when or where they attend school,” said Aaron Aggerwal, senior vice president of credit cards and education lending at Navy Federal Credit Union. “As you solidify how much space is in your budget to pay for school, be sure to consider expenses beyond tuition, such as room and board, transportation, a computer, and textbooks. This will help you create a reasonable and realistic financial plan.”

2. Talk to your school’s financial aid office.

If you previously submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and need to alter it, contact your financial aid office. You may qualify for more assistance or ask them to reassess your financial aid package in order to help you afford the cost of school. This may be especially beneficial if your finances have changed since you first applied.

3. Explore private student loans for bridging any funding gap.

Given the rising expenses for education, there’s a chance the financial assistance you received from the federal student loan program, grants or scholarships isn’t enough to entirely cover your college costs. Thus, private student loans can help fill this funding gap.

“When you’re researching private student loans, find the best rate with features that meet your individual needs,” added Aggerwal. “For example, we offer a 0.25% interest rate reduction for setting up automatic payments; a benefit like this simplifies making payments and helps you save money. We also offer payment options to lower your monthly payment while you’re in school.”

If you’re worried about getting approved for a private student loan, a co-signer could increase your chances. Lenders, like Navy Federal, may allow a co-signer to be released from the loan once a qualifying borrower has entered full repayment or graduated, and has made a total of 24 consecutive, on-time payments.

4. Stay instate or take classes at a community college.

In-state tuition is considerably less expensive than out-of-state tuition. You may also save on tuition and related costs by taking classes at a local community college before school begins or during school breaks. Just be sure to confirm before enrolling that the credits will transfer to the college or university of your choice.

5. Already have student loans? Consider refinancing or consolidating them.

Many lenders will allow you to refinance and consolidate federal and private student loans together. Also if you’re graduating this fall or have parent PLUS loans, this strategy could help you save on interest and get a lower monthly payment.