Month: August 2020

2020-08-04T08:31:00

(BPT) – Managing insulin-dependent diabetes is no easy task. Often, people living with diabetes could really use an expert close by who can answer questions and motivate them to stay on their management plans. Now, that someone is Sulli the Diabetes Guru.

Sulli the Diabetes Guru, a new, free voice-activated assistant available on Amazon Alexa, brings 40 years of experience and understanding from Roche Diabetes Care directly into the homes of people with diabetes. Just say, ‘Alexa, Open Sulli the Diabetes Guru.’

Available 24/7, Sulli is a knowledgeable and supportive source of information, lifestyle tips and advice on diet, exercise, medication, blood glucose monitoring and more.

“Diabetes is a full-time job and can be overwhelming, especially during these uncertain times,” said Matt Logan, Vice President of Marketing, Roche Diabetes Care. “With Sulli just a voice-command away, getting expert advice is as easy as picking up the phone or messaging a friend.”

Sulli the Diabetes Guru can answer important questions like, What is high blood sugar? Or What should I be eating? or “Is it okay to exercise before taking a blood sugar test? as well as set reminders to take medication, give lifestyle tips, and help find the nearest blood glucose monitor retailer.

With 34.2 million Americans—just over 1 in 10—living with diabetes, according to the 2020 National Diabetes Statistics Report, voice technology is an increasingly valuable and convenient solution for everyday diabetes management needs.

Sulli the Diabetes Guru and Roche Diabetes Care do not provide medical advice. All content is approved by Roche Diabetes Care and is consistent with the company’s mission to help people with diabetes think less about their daily diabetes routine so they can get true relief day and night.

For additional information, visit www.accu-chek.com/Sulli.

2020-08-04T10:01:00

(BPT) – It came down to one vote. One hundred years ago, on Aug. 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified with the vote of a young Tennessee senator — breaking a tie to tip the scales. American women had won the long, hard-fought right to vote. After a 70-year movement and a four-year war, their voices were being heard across the country. On the 100th anniversary of this major accomplishment, we take note of how our country’s past resembles its present as we mobilize toward a better future.

Just like this year, 1920 was a time of renewal in our nation. The end of World War I ushered in a new chapter of American life and a reinvigoration of the women’s suffrage movement. Throughout the war, women had driven ambulances across battlefields, stitched up wounded soldiers, sewn surgical masks and operated munitions factories. Over 9 million American women participated in the war effort. This swell of patriotic support showcased the valuable role every American plays in our democracy — regardless of gender. As American life shifted back to its pre-war reality, it became clear that women didn’t have enough opportunities to engage in government and express their patriotism.

It was during this same time in the wake of WWI that the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) was founded, on Nov. 10, 1919, providing women with a forum to support their veteran spouses and promote the patriotism that had been so essential to them during the war. Less than a year later, in August 1920, the 19th amendment was ratified and women were given the right to officially and fully participate in our democracy by voting.

One hundred years later, women play an important role in the American political process, and the ALA continues to help young women learn about the way our government runs and the value of their vote. ALA Girls Nation, hosted annually, teaches young women about the democratic process through a week-long, immersive learning experience in Washington, D.C. Participants learn about the power of being an engaged citizen by representing their own states in a mock government as they campaign for political office, craft and debate the passage of legislation, and meet with their real-life counterparts on Capitol Hill. This invaluable program is where young women get to put their patriotism and political aspirations into action and experience a real-world look at the democracy they contribute to daily. To learn more about ALA Girls Nation, or any other American Legion Auxiliary program, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.

Every moment that led to a woman’s right to vote — from the first woman to step up and join the war effort to that final vote being cast by a 23-year-old senator — is a testament to fighting for our freedoms. We celebrate and honor veterans by utilizing the freedoms they protect and participating in our democracy. As we reach the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, we reflect on this monumental step toward equality. The best way to show thanks for our country and the people who fought for it is to exercise our right to vote.

2020-08-03T07:31:00

(BPT) – Many Americans have adjusted to a “new normal” during the COVID-19 pandemic, from embracing takeout, avoiding crowds and mastering virtual get-togethers to delaying elective healthcare procedures. Yet at least one important thing hasn’t changed: if you experience a serious health condition, like a heart attack, you should seek immediate care to save your life. Even now that some restrictions are being lifted, patients may still be wary of seeking treatment.

Doctors report that the risk of dying from an unattended heart issue is likely far greater than the risk of contracting a fatal case of COVID-19 from an ER visit.[1] But healthcare facilities have reported drops of close to 50% in patients seeking treatment for heart attacks[2], and nationally, 911 call volumes for strokes and heart attacks have also declined.[3]

Some healthcare professionals are worried about a different “second wave” — one indirectly caused by the pandemic — in which patients are so afraid to go to the hospital that they die at home or wait so long to seek care that they suffer massive damage to their heart that they would not have otherwise.[4]

Stephen Notson, of Phoenix, knows firsthand that some symptoms cannot be ignored. He described feeling “not right,” with nausea and a pain in his shoulder blades. His niece drove him to a local urgent care, who immediately sent him to the emergency room.

Notson, 60, was suffering a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a very serious type of heart attack. He needed a procedure to save his life: a stent was placed in his heart to open a blockage and restore blood flow.

Certain heart attack patients, like Notson, have increased risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). As part of his recovery, his doctor prescribed Notson with LifeVest^®, a wearable defibrillator that can keep patients protected during their recovery.

SCA occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively. Many victims may experience a rapid life-threatening heart rhythm that causes them to suddenly lose consciousness. It can cause death within minutes if untreated. LifeVest is designed to detect certain life-threatening rapid heart rhythms and automatically deliver a treatment shock to save a patient’s life. As SCA can happen at any time and without warning, Notson was instructed to wear the device at all times, except for a short shower or bath.

“My doctor felt I needed it to protect me,” Notson said. “My heart wasn’t in good enough condition to go without it.”

Following a heart attack, the risk of SCA is highest in the first 30 days. Ten days after his release from the hospital, Notson was asleep and suffered SCA in the middle of the night; LifeVest administered a life-saving treatment. His brother drove him to the hospital, where it was decided Notson should continue to wear LifeVest, as his heart was still not strong enough for longer-term treatment options.

Eight days after that, in the middle of the afternoon, he was sitting on his bed when he heard his LifeVest device alarm. He lost consciousness, and when he regained consciousness, he was on the floor and the device informed him he had received a treatment. He was alone, called his doctor, and then called 911. The paramedics arrived and took him to the hospital.

“[LifeVest] ‘saved my bacon’ twice,” Notson said. He has since received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Notson’s story underscores the importance of seeking timely treatment, even during COVID-19. The fear of seeking treatment may be putting more lives at risk, but these are lives that don’t need to be lost.

If you’re experiencing serious heart attack symptoms, such as chest pain; difficulty breathing; or discomfort in your chest, arms, back, neck, shoulder or jaw, seek emergency medical care. If your doctor recommends at-home SCA protection with LifeVest, be sure to wear it at all times as instructed — like Notson, it could save your life.

2020-08-03T10:59:00

(BPT) – We took the country’s most popular cocktail — The Original Margarita — and went below zero! The Original Margarita you know and love is now frozen. Be sure to try some of the fruity twists for an added burst of flavor.

2020-08-01T11:01:00

(BPT) – When it comes to buying a personal care item like a bidet seat, you should be choosy. Maybe you like the idea of using water for better cleanliness, or using an appliance that lets you be gentler on the environment, or you want to bring a luxurious element to your bathroom retreat.

With the variety of brands, price points and features, it’s important to understand that bidet seats vary just as greatly in quality and craftsmanship. Before you buy, do your research, because there are plenty of imitators that masquerade as affordable luxury, but they may not provide the experience you’re looking for.

Some are devoid of necessary comfort features people have come to expect of modern bidet seats, like warm water and heated seats. Others take shortcuts by using cheap materials and components, which can lead to early failure of your device.

First, it can be helpful to look at the evolution of the bidet. Take a look back in recent history, and it was little more than a standalone appliance common to Europe that washed you with a jet of cold water. But it was the innovation and inventiveness of a Japanese company, TOTO, that propelled the device into new realms of the ultimate personal care experience. Their flagship WASHLET set new standards for what a bidet seat could be.

In your search for a bidet seat, use this guide to help you.

Designed with comfort in mind: The core function of the bidet seat is to help you get clean. But that’s no reason to skimp on comfort. A high-quality unit provides a constant stream of heated water, calibrated to your preference. Low-entry brands may heat a small amount of water in a reservoir (which inevitably runs out before you need it to) or sticks with the classic icy cold water spray.

Ease in cleaning: When it comes to design, technology shouldn’t be a cheap novelty. It should make your life better. How does the brand support this? Look for a bidet seat that makes cleanup easier. EWATER+ by TOTO makes the wand and bowl virtually self-cleaning, eliminating the need to spend your free time scrubbing and using harsh chemicals.

Self-care elevated: As you shop, take a deep dive into the features, and how these will give you daily access to a luxury experience. Adjustable and oscillating wands, heated seats and warm air to dry will bring new meaning to spa elegance in your master bath. Remember, there are hundreds of hidden innovations behind even the most basic features of a high-quality bidet seat, so choose a brand known for its technological ingenuity.

Ecological benefits: Some turn to bidet seats because they care about doing their part to conserve the Earth’s resources. Look for a brand with a devotion to using innovation to conserve. WASHLET by TOTO offers AIR-IN WONDER WAVE, a unique technology that injects air into water droplets, enlarging them by 30%, allowing you to get clean with less water.

Commitment to top quality: Given that your bidet seat will become an essential bathroom appliance, high performance, quality, and after-sales service are a must. Examining the bidet seat brand, and its history, can reveal much about what they care about and what they stand for. Good brands understand the power of backing up their claims of best-in-class product, so look for a warranty and customer support available by both phone and digital means.

TOTO is a century-old global brand and the creators of WASHLET innovation that improved personal care with high-performing technology. Learn more by visiting WASHLET.com.

2020-07-31T15:25:01

(BPT) – From tag-free boxer briefs and seamless bikinis to weightless cotton fabrics and moisture wicking technology, there’s a go-to type of underwear for everyone. Influenced by notable pop culture moments and the evolving fashion industry, underwear styles have taken huge leaps throughout the years. In celebration of National Underwear Day on Aug. 5, Fruit of the Loom, the trusted underwear brand for over 160 years, is looking at the pivotal transformations of underwear, one of the most essential pieces of clothing.

1920s: Creating flexible fits was vital for both men’s and women’s undergarments. Inspired by the shorts worn by professional fighters, boxers, now one of the most common styles for men, were created to provide men and athletes with flexibility and total freedom of movement. For women, an all-in-one revolutionary undergarment style called step-ins were introduced. Similar to the modern-day romper, step-ins are a one-piece undergarment that combine a camisole and bloomers, high-waisted loose cotton underpants.

1930 – 1940s: Functionality was the dominant factor for men when selecting underwear during this era, while women focused on style. For colder months, union suits, similar to the modern-day “onesie,” evolved from the ones that emerged in the 1800s to provide both men and women an extra layer of warmth. Then, a new type of underwear inspired by an iconic postcard of a model donning a bikini-style bathing suit broke through for men: the classic cotton briefs. These legless, cotton briefs, featured Y-fronts to allow better movement and all-day support.

On the other hand, tight fitting corsets or girdles and decorative lingerie were popular among many women as they embraced shapewear, pulling inspiration from retro pin-up models.

1960s – 1970s: Women continued to celebrate their bodies and personal styles, hence the game-changing bikini and thong. Named after two-piece swimsuits, the bikini featured a moderate rise and coverage to offer the ultimate comfort and purchasing a pair that matched the bra became the epitome of counterculture fashion. As pin-up models and calendar girls turned into runway models, thongs entered the scene eliminating panty lines while offering a higher cut to reveal more hip and thigh.

1990s: Comfort soon became a top priority as shoppers sought essential underwear for the ultimate softness and durability. Combining the length of boxers and the snug fit of briefs, the boxer briefs were introduced and soon became the most popular selection for men. Providing men with ventilation and the perfect amount of support, the first boxer briefs included elastic waistbands for ultimate comfort. Seeking comfortable yet flattering options, boy shorts became popular for women as an alternative to a traditional slip.

2000s – present day: With new technology continually evolving, underwear has changed and provided men and women with many different options such as functionality, material, shape and design. Now more than ever, shoppers are seeking style, comfort and quality at great value. For example, Fruit of the Loom offers a wide selection of underwear styles for the entire family, one of the most notable is its Breathable underwear for both men and women made of micro mesh fabric that promotes airflow to keep you cool. With moisture wicking technology to distribute sweat away from the skin, the popular underwear is the go-to selection to keep you dry throughout the day.

With all of this talk of underwear, maybe it’s time for you to refresh your own underwear. Celebrate National Underwear Day on Aug. 5 by choosing your favorite! Redeem this special offer for a free pair from Fruit of the Loom, with purchase.* All you have to do is visit Fruit.com and use the promo code “FREEUNDIES.” Don’t forget, it’s one day only, so don’t miss it!

* All Underwear Items – Buy One, Get One Free! Use code: FREEUNDIES at checkout. Max quantity limit of 20 items per order (purchase 10 items, receive 10 free). Discount applies to item(s) of equal or lesser value. Must add both items to cart and apply code: FREEUNDIES for discount to apply. Not valid on previous orders. While supplies last. Offer ends 8/5/20 11:59 PM CST.