Month: August 2020

2020-08-06T12:15:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Astellas Oncology

Anyone who has been impacted by cancer knows that cancer care is complex — in addition to medicine, we need to find solutions to the everyday challenges within the cancer care journey. That’s why Astellas Oncology launched the C³ (Changing Cancer Care) Prize in 2016 to address the complexities of the cancer journey by funding the best ideas in cancer care beyond medicine. Winners will be awarded up to $200,000 in grants, additional resources and support.

Now in its fifth year, the C³ Prize is looking for ideas beyond medicine that can bring solutions to everyday challenges facing people impacted by cancer, including ideas that can ease the increased burden of the COVID-19 pandemic and health disparities impacting cancer patients and caregivers.

Applications are now open at www.C3Prize.com until Sept. 28, 2020. Here are the top five reasons you should submit your idea:

1. You want to positively impact the cancer community, beyond medicine.

Astellas Oncology is inviting anyone with an idea that can have an impact on cancer care to apply. No idea is too simple. Past winners include people who have lived with cancer, caregivers, healthcare providers, patient advocates, entrepreneurs and more.

2. You have experience dealing with the complex challenges of cancer and want to help ease those challenges.

Some of the best ideas come from firsthand experience. Many of the best ideas come from those who have lived through the challenges of cancer, fueling their passion to ease the journey for others.

3. You have an idea to help the cancer community, but need resources to get it off the ground.

Take it from the 2019 C³ Prize winner Audrey Guth. Her winning idea was to expand the reach and impact of Nanny Angel Network, which delivers free, specialized childcare for mothers with cancer. Nanny Angels provide stability, normalcy and coping skills for families during this challenging time.

Through the support of the C³ Prize, Guth has been able to build out the infrastructure and technology of the Nanny Angel Network. Specifically, she was able to build a new learning management system for volunteers and implement a new virtual client management system. “Little did we know that we would all be working from home due to COVID-19 and that we would have to deliver our program through virtual means,” said Guth. “So, we were well-positioned to be able to continue offering our programming while working remotely.”

4. You want to be a part of a community that makes a difference in cancer care.

Abby Westerman, 2019 C³ Emerging Ideas Prize winner, founded b-present Foundation in memory of and inspired by her daughter, who had leukemia as a young adult and passed away in 2016. Westerman used the support from the C³ Prize to launch a beta version of ‘b-there,’ a web-based patient and supporter connection tool to lower the barrier for young adults with cancer to stay connected with friends, offering a quick, easy, low-stress way to control visits, convey status updates and request needed items.

“Together, we can make a difference in changing cancer care,” Westerman said. “I’m so grateful for the C³ Prize, not only for the experience, connections and resources it provided to help us further ignite a movement among young adults to amplify the importance of presence, but for finding solutions and reassuring us that we can all make a difference in cancer care.”

5. It’s easy to apply.

The application process on www.C3Prize.com is simple. Entries will be accepted through Sept. 28, 2020. Following submissions, Astellas will select the C³ Prize 5th Anniversary finalists in December 2020. Each finalist will receive coaching to help prepare for the finalist pitch in March 2021, where they will present their ideas to an expert judging panel.

Do you have an idea that can change cancer care? Visit www.C3Prize.com to learn more.

2020-08-06T16:33:00

(BPT) – In customer service, as in many other areas of life, as technology becomes more sophisticated, relationships get more complex. While technology makes it easier for customers to interact with businesses, an action as simple as finding an auto repair shop can quickly overwhelm consumers with multiple channels, opinions, advertisers and behind-the-scenes engagement systems.

What was once a straightforward sales and marketing funnel has become a cycle, with customers consistently in the evaluation stage and customer service reps having to convince current customers over and over of the value they’re providing. Customers expect excellent, fast and personalized service when interacting with businesses, and that puts a lot of pressure on your customer experience team.

“In a world that has become increasingly technology-focused — even more so as a result of the massive move to working from home during the pandemic — the personal, human touch is so valuable for companies seeking to make important connections with their customers and partners,” said Kate Winkler, CEO of Ruby, a premier provider of live virtual receptionist and chat services for small businesses. “Every phone call or website visit is crucial to the survival of a business, so the demands on customer support teams have increased exponentially.”

To help you succeed and grow in today’s business environment, here are a few best practices you can implement to build loyalty and win new business.

1. Invest in your customer service infrastructure.

It’s essential to serve your customers where they are, not where they used to be, which means investing in a multichannel (or omnichannel) strategy:

1. In-store presence (if applicable)
2. Live call answering rather than a directory or voicemail only
3. Website chat to interact with customers looking for information in real time
4. Social media support and proactive updates about your business

Even if your business isn’t a 24-hour operation, some form of customer support may need to be available 24/7, 365 days a year. Recent developments have redefined the “typical workday,” as more customers are doing business during the evenings and weekends. For many companies, it isn’t feasible or cost-effective to manage this expanded support in-house, so outsourced communication solutions such as a virtual receptionist service can ensure the needs of your customers and prospective customers are met.

2. Train team members in active listening.

Handling customer concerns is more than providing solutions — it’s making sure customers feel heard. Being present in customer conversations is key to showing you care. Never assume you know what a customer wants or needs, even if you’ve heard the problem 100 times. Practice active listening by offering small verbal cues (“yep,” “that’s right,” “mm-hmm”), taking notes, reiterating what you’ve heard, and responding in ways that indicate you’ve been paying close attention. It’s an art, but one that’s easy to master.

3. Encourage personalized customer interactions.

To build trust with your customers, focus on creating and nurturing relationships. Companies that prioritize customer interactions and provide access to valuable resources and information are more likely to weather economic stress and even thrive through word-of-mouth referrals. A few suggestions:

1. Use the customer’s name
2. Establish a customer response goal (e.g., all calls/emails/messages responded to within 24 hours)
3. Send communications that are not issue- or sales-related, such as interesting articles relevant to the customer’s business, or congratulations on a recent office move
4. Celebrate important milestones such as birthdays, marriages, births, etc.

Alongside (and in some cases in place of) sales and marketing efforts, investing in your customer experience can have a dramatic effect on customer acquisition and retention. Small businesses without a dedicated support team should consider investing in tools and services — like virtual receptionists and live chat — that can provide a professional, compassionate voice focused on delivering a consistent experience that will make your business stand out from the competition.

2020-08-06T09:01:00

(BPT) – For many Americans, vacation plans look different from years prior, due to COVID-19. As a result many vacationers are opting to rent properties with features such as kitchens and private space that allow for social distancing rather than staying in hotels or motels. In the past several years, it’s been increasingly popular to book a stay through online companies that connect vacationers to individual rental property owners.

Staying at an individual’s private home or rental home has a certain charm. However, it is important to approach a vacation home similar to one’s own home — as a place that requires key safety measures to make sure everyone in the family, especially children, stay safe.

While fun and relaxation are still paramount for vacation, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is reminding families to also take safety with you on vacation by following these tips:

1. Ask before you book

Did you find the perfect spot that checks all of your family’s requests — a place at the beach or in the mountains, close to a grocery store and a playground for your children? Congratulations! Before you reserve it, did you remember to ask the owner about safety features, like smoke alarms and fire extinguishers?

Properties should have smoke alarms on every floor, in outside sleeping areas and inside each bedroom. There should be a carbon monoxide alarm on every level of the house, and you should ask about the locations of fire extinguishers, too.

2. Look around when you arrive

Finally, you’ve arrived after that long drive. Before getting settled into your vacation home, confirm that the safety information you were given is correct. Then look around the house for any other potential hidden dangers.

It is important to make sure that dressers, TVs and appliances are anchored to the walls to prevent a tip-over. Additionally, all cleaning products should be locked or out of reach of children. If you plan to use a crib provided by the rental home, make sure that it meets federal standards.

3. Have fun and be safe

Everything looks good at your vacation home and now it’s time to sit back and relax! Just make sure that you’re monitoring for additional safety hazards throughout your stay.

If your vacation home has an exterior or interior elevator, warn children of any gap between the doors and do not allow them to play in or near the elevator. If the property includes a pool or spa, check to make sure the drain covers meet federal standards. Ensure the pool or spa is enclosed by a fence and never leave children unattended near them.

These safety steps will help everyone live their best vacation life.

To learn more about CPSC’s Home Safe series, which includes safety checklists for activities around the home and for everyone from young children to seniors, visit https://www.cpsc.gov/homesafety.

2020-08-05T07:13:00

(BPT) – The Botanist Gin provides three simple steps to hone your cocktail making skills for creating refreshing summer sips.

2020-08-05T08:04:21

(BPT) – As we start to emerge from COVID-related quarantines, many of us are noticing that our scales are edging up and our clothes are fitting a little snugger. One U.S. study earlier this year found, in fact, that 47% of women and 22% of men were already reporting weight gains related to such quarantines.

That makes sense, given the widespread changes in eating habits that have resulted from the pandemic. The good news? Whether your waistline has expanded from added stress, comfort eating, less access to healthy foods or the closer proximity to your snack cupboard, there’s no reason you can’t lose your COVID-19 pounds starting now. Five key suggestions for helping you regain your pre-quarantine body:

Get outside and move. Now that warmer weather is here, it’s easier than ever to go outdoors to walk, run, swim, garden or play. In addition to burning off calories, a day at the beach or a walk through the woods can elevate our moods and give us respite from daily stress. To lose weight, aim for a minimum 200 minutes of moderate activity each week in addition to calorie cutbacks.

Keep eating delicious foods. Watching your weight doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite foods. When you can find healthier substitutions for the dishes you enjoy the most, you’re more likely to keep to a weight-conscious eating agenda. Thankfully, low-carb enthusiasts, KETO fans and taco aficionados of all kinds can still savor mouth-watering tasty tacos thanks to Mr. Tortilla, the world’s only one-carb tortilla. For an easy and healthy meal or snack anytime, slice up your favorite meats and fresh veggies add savory sauces and wrap the entire delicious concoction in a guilt-free multigrain Mr. Tortilla. It’s 15 calories, packed with protein and fiber, and strong enough to perfectly support even the heartiest fillings. Bonus? It can be fried to crispy perfection if you choose.

Stop eating late at night. While late-night calories are no more fattening than other calories, studies show we tend to eat larger portions of high-calorie foods in the evenings in response to boredom or stress, and/or in conjunction with screen time. As such, you may wish to rule out after-supper treats when trying to lose weight.

Decrease or eliminate sugar. Eating sugar can make your body crave more sweets by leading to imbalances in your blood sugar. Your goal should be to replace empty sugar calories with whole foods that make you feel fuller sooner, reducing the likelihood that you’ll overeat. Almonds, berries, dark chocolate and certain artificial sweeteners can be your friend. In general, added sugars should make up no more than 10% of a healthy daily diet.

Drink more water. H2O is a natural appetite suppressant that helps your body optimize workouts, burn calories and fat and remove waste. It may also keep you from turning to other less-healthy beverages to hydrate. As a rule of thumb, the Mayo Clinic advises that men drink some 11.5 cups of fluids daily and women aim for 15.5 cups.

With a few simple lifestyle changes, you won’t hold on to those unwanted quarantine pounds for long. Take steps now for a healthier future that still includes plenty of tasty, enjoyable foods.

UCLA grads Anthony and Ronald Alcazar developed Mr. Tortilla as an affordable, flavorful and healthy option for taco enthusiasts. Distributors, broker, media and online shopping info can be found at www.mrtortilla.com.

2020-08-05T09:28:05

(BPT) – During a season that’s usually devoted to adventure, many have been forced to stick a little closer to home. When it’s finally time to return to your globetrotting ways, it’s vital to make sure your vehicle is ready.

That means taking active steps now, while cars are mostly idle. How to make sure they’re in top shape for the journeys to come? Charles, the Humble Mechanic, whose YouTube tips have helped millions get the most out of their vehicles, offers these tips.

Get charged up

It’s no surprise that you’re charged up for adventure. As you wait for the pathway to become clearer, Charles said it’s important for your batteries to stay charged, too.

“Things like big temperature swings and not being driven for extended periods of time cause extra strain on the vehicle battery,” he said. “With the average life span of a vehicle battery being three to five years, we want to do everything we can to keep it healthy.”

The key to getting your battery in gear? Using it regularly will keep it charged. Other tips include making sure your car is locked — so all computer systems know to sleep — and unplugging items from your cigarette lighter.

Be entirely confident

Tires are your car’s only safety device that touches the road. While you wait to head back onto the highway for an extended trip, make sure they’re in excellent working order.

There’s a danger to look out for if your car has been sitting for a long time: flat-spotting, or isolated flattening in parts of the tire that are in contact with the ground. The easiest fix: Drive your car at least once each week.

“Flat spotting is variable and worse with heavy vehicles,” said Nokian Tyres Director of Products Steve Bourassa. “Cold weather will make it more prominent. Some might see it overnight while others might only experience it after sitting for a week.”

If you’ve driven several miles and still feel vibration, this may be the problem and you should take your car to a tire dealer.

Now is also a good time to make sure you’re driving the right tires.

“Seasonal tires are the optimal choice for those living in a northern climate,” Bourassa said. “It is important to change to appropriate tires for spring and summer. Winter tires will wear quickly in hot weather, and braking distances will also increase compared to your summer rubber.”

If you drive one set of tires year-round but live in an area with unpredictable winters, it might be a good time to consider all-weather tires, which allow for year-round use but better protect you from wintry roads.

Once you’re confident you’re riding on the right tires, be sure they’re up to speed. Use the penny test to check tread depth and use a tire pressure gauge to ensure they’re properly inflated — you can typically find your car’s recommended psi level inside the driver’s side door jamb or owner manual.

“It’s important to ensure appropriate inflation pressures for your vehicle,” Bourassa said. “Also check the condition of your tires, looking for cracking or discoloration that could be a sign of damage. If you notice anything unusual, bring it to your tire dealer for an expert opinion.”

Embrace the fluid situation

Next, make sure your car’s juices are flowing properly.

“There are about eight fluids in most cars,” Charles said. “That includes engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant/antifreeze, power steering fluid, brake fluid, differential fluid, windshield washer fluid and, of course, gasoline.”

Check your dipstick to make sure your oil is at the right level. Check the other fluids while you’re at it, seeking out a dealer for help with tougher-to-measure fluids.

Keep your motor running

There’s one main rule of thumb Charles recommends: Keeping your car active, even though you aren’t able to go everywhere you want right now.

“Cars are meant to be driven,” Charles said. “Cars with high miles always seem to have fewer issues than cars that were barely driven. I take my cars for a cruise every 10-14 days. This gets the tires up to temperature and rolling, the fluids circulating and the battery charged. Windows down and radio up is also good to clear the brain.”

Here’s to recharging now, so you’re ready for the days when the journey is beautiful once again.

Visit NokianTires.com/FreshStart for more ways to get the most out of your vehicle.