Posted on

COVID-19 Raises Tough Decisions, Shifting Priorities of Corporate America

2020-10-21T09:01:00

(BPT) – During the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers are more willing than business executives to impose short-term economic pain for long-term gain, as trust in the government’s ability to make the world a better place has taken a plunge, as has environmental concerns.

The sixth annual Aflac Survey on Corporate Social Responsibility, which includes a nationwide selection of 1,280 adult consumers and 200 business executives, reveals how the global pandemic has shaped consumers and business executives’ views on how companies should serve the social good. No Aflac employees were included in this survey.

“Major disruptions in society can refocus the priorities of both business executives and consumers, and understanding this is essential for companies that take seriously the role corporate America plays in making the world a better place,” said Catherine Hernandez-Blades, senior vice president and chief environmental, social and governance (ESG) and communications officer at Aflac.

In the hot seat, consumers more likely to approve mass layoffs

As COVID-19 continues to send economic shock waves across businesses, consumers are more understanding of the tough decisions business executives face. The survey reveals that if it came to it, consumers are just as inclined as business executives to lay off some employees in order to maintain health care and other essential benefits for others. They are also more inclined than business executives to reduce salaries for all employees in order to avoid layoffs. Conversely and somewhat counterintuitively, consumers take a stronger position of approving mass layoffs if needed to sustain the business (76%) than do business executives (64%).

Consumers more concerned about health and safety

Yet, while consumers have more of a “take no prisoners” approach to tough economic decisions, they still have a commitment to maintaining health and safety. Consumers are far more concerned than business executives about ensuring the health and well-being of employees, with 62% of consumers ranking “employee health and safety” as a top operational priority versus 43% of business executives.

People power: Trust in government declines as personal responsibility rises

More consumers are now putting a greater share of their trust in people than government. Roughly half as many consumers in 2020 (17%) as in 2019 (32%) trust the government most to make the world a better place, while the assumed responsibility of individual citizens increased from 48% to 55%, with boomers more likely than millennials to assume personal responsibility by approximately 50%.

COVID-19 may put ‘going green’ on the back burner for now?

The pandemic is causing consumer priorities to shift, at least temporarily, when considering the responsibility of large companies to make the world a better place. The “very important” rank of environmental concerns took a precipitous 9% drop between 2019 and 2020. More specifically, the prioritization of “protecting the environment” and “providing basic access to clean water” dropped 9% and 13% respectively. While this is not to say that the “E” in E-S-G has become less important, it may simply be less urgent to consumers in the face of a global pandemic.

Hope for business: Making the world better

Despite the hard decisions business executives face, taking a stand for social good remains at the forefront. Over five times as many business executives (21%) than consumers (4%) feel large companies are most responsible for making the world a better place.

“We live in a time when the pace of change has never moved so quickly — yet, at the same time, the pace of change will never be slower than it is at this very moment. Companies that keep their finger on the pulse of the communities they serve, including their employee base, will be the ones that succeed in being a good corporate citizen and as we know from the data, companies that do good perform better financially,” Hernandez-Blades said.

To learn more about the shifting views of consumers and business executives during COVID-19, visit Aflac.com/ACSR.


Posted on

Everyone can save on vital energy costs

2020-10-21T08:49:50

(BPT) – It’s something everyone in the U.S. needs and uses in their everyday lives — energy to keep the lights on, appliances working and homes cool or warm enough to be comfortable. Now that Americans are spending more time at home, energy needs — and costs — for households across the country are going through the roof.

And unfortunately, energy costs tend to be higher for families already struggling with lower incomes and job insecurity, along with other challenges due to the pandemic. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, low-income, African-American, and Latino households and renters pay up to three times more on energy costs as a proportion of their income.

The result? Some low-income households spend nearly 20% of their income on utility bills, which adds to the challenges already affecting these families as they struggle to make ends meet.

What’s being done to help ease energy burden?

The ENERGY STAR Program and its many partners in the private and public sectors are working to bring the benefits of energy savings to everyone — especially those who need it most. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR label meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In addition to providing energy-saving products and services, many ENERGY STAR partner organizations are working to increase access to energy efficiency and deliver assistance to consumers through:

  • Lower prices and rebates offered on ENERGY STAR certified products including HVAC systems, smart thermostats, water heaters and household appliances.
  • Local utility company programs helping families save energy through income-qualified services, such as free home energy audits and other resources for cutting energy usage and costs.
  • Programs assisting low-income families and providing education around energy efficiency include:
    • LED bulb giveaways and donations from utility companies around the country, focusing on communities hardest hit by the pandemic.
    • Energy assistance programs to help homeowners keep and maintain their homes.
    • Teen tech centers to offer safe after-school spaces where teens can learn tech skills and engage with schoolwork.
    • STEM-based educational programs to boost interest in science, technology, engineering and math.

Programs and opportunities like these can help your family save on energy costs, while also helping you and your children learn about new energy solutions and even emerging careers in fields that will create a more energy-efficient future. Go to energystar.gov/saveforgood to find out what’s available near you.

How much can you save?

When you take advantage of energy-efficient solutions, the exact amount of energy and cost savings — and benefit to the environment — will vary, depending on the appliance and how much it is used.

But the overall numbers tell the story: Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped American families and businesses save more than 4 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity, and achieve over 3.5 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions.

In 2018 alone, ENERGY STAR certified products helped consumers:

  • Save 430 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity
  • Avoid $358 billion in energy costs
  • Achieve 330 million metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions

What does that mean for your family? A typical household spends about $2,000 per year on energy bills. With ENERGY STAR certified appliances, you can save 30% or about $575 — while avoiding over 5,500 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. A typical household equipped with ENERGY STAR certified products can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 77,000 pounds of CO2 and save about $8,750 on utility bills over the life of these products.

Get started with your home

In honor of ENERGY STAR Day, Oct. 27, explore the benefits of greater energy efficiency for your household, including savings on energy and money, while also helping protect the planet.

Learn more about how ENERGY STAR and its partners can help by visiting energystar.gov/saveforgood.


Posted on

Are there benefits to buying a timeshare in this day and age?

2020-10-21T07:31:00

(BPT) – Once upon a time, if you said you owned a timeshare, you might get a side eye from a well-meaning friend who was concerned you caved to a hard sell for a vacation option. But times have changed, and a quiet revolution in the industry now shows that timeshares can be a savvy vacation strategy.

According to Consumer Reports, timeshare is an increasingly attractive travel option that has evolved since its start in the 1970s.

But do people buy timeshares anymore? According to the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the short answer is yes. Approximately 7.1% of U.S. households, or 9.6 million families, own one or more types of vacation ownership products.

If current trends continue, young families could soon lead the way in the world of vacation ownership. In fact, despite stereotypical images of timeshare owners as empty nesters headed to the same destination to stay in the same unit every year, owners are trending younger. The average age is 44, thanks in large part to the evolving flexibility of timeshares and growing lists of destinations to visit.

For Kassi and Keith Parker, who bought a timeshare in their late 20s, the decision was a no-brainer.

“When we first sat down with the sales rep, we felt a bit guilty for wasting his time,” explained Kassi, who, along with her husband, invested in vacation ownership with Hilton Grand Vacations. “But not long into our conversation, it dawned on us that we could spend less on travel and continue to explore the world with all of HGV’s properties and experiences. And still being south of 30, we saw so many amazing trips in our future at such a better price.”

Hilton Grand Vacations is one of a handful of timeshare companies affiliated with well-known, reputable hotel brands.

“We’re Hilton Honors members and when I travel for work, I always want to stay with Hilton, because I appreciate the consistency of the brand. Nevertheless, we went into the sales presentation as complete skeptics,” explained Kassi. “Having the Hilton name behind the company gave me real peace of mind. I might not have taken the leap otherwise. We know exactly what we get with their hotels and knew it would be the same with the vacation properties.”

Kassi isn’t alone. According to the State of Shared Vacation Ownership Industry study from ARDA, a timeshare company’s credibility is just one consideration consumers have when deciding to buy a timeshare.

Other reasons listed include:

  • Location of properties
  • Flexibility of programs
  • The ability to save money on future vacations
  • Ownership making vacations a certainty
  • Quality of accommodations

“We found that we traveled too much to not invest in vacation ownership. We know we’re going to travel for the rest of our lives, and the fact that we can travel on a budget is one of the top reasons why we love vacation ownership,” explained Kassi. “It makes us actively think about travel and ensures we take time off to travel. Even if our year is crazy busy, we’re still going to take advantage of our vacation — even if we need to do a staycation at our home resort in Orlando. We know that we will be owners for life and the flexibility of Hilton Grand Vacations was a big decider for us.”

According to the ARDA study, timeshare owners travel better and more often:

  • Half of owners visit resort areas more frequently since purchasing a timeshare.
  • On average, timeshare owners took more than three vacations a year.
  • 70% of owners agree that owning a timeshare makes them vacation more regularly.
  • 72% of owners agreed that owning a timeshare improves their quality of travel.
  • 69% of owners agreed that owning a timeshare gives them better value for their vacation dollars.

“We know we are younger than the traditional timeshare owner, but this doesn’t feel like a traditional timeshare — or at least the stereotype of what people think timeshare is,” said Kassi. “When we think about the value we get back from our investment, we think about it in terms of the time we spend together, the memories we make, and the investment we make to each other and our relationship. It’s our vacation plan.”


Posted on

4 helpful ways to start social justice conversations

2020-10-20T16:27:00

(BPT) – As several recent events have amplified issues of social injustice, more and more people are starting and participating in conversations on how to make the world a better place. While these conversations may be difficult at times, it’s critically important to have them.

“Together we must create a society that values the humanity within all people and teaches each generation that we are interconnected, working for a world where citizens thrive together, in perfect harmony,” says Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., chairman of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., the nation’s top African-American-led mentoring organization.

Ahead of National Make A Difference Day on Oct. 24 — a day where millions of people unite in the common mission to improve the lives of others — here are a few ways you can get involved in starting social justice conversations in your community:

1. Attend a social justice workshop

Find a place where you can interact with individuals from multiple differing backgrounds and perspectives to discuss the possibly uncomfortable topics that propel inclusivity forward. Coca-Cola provides this opportunity as part of their upcoming series of six free virtual events beginning Wednesday, Oct. 21. The virtual dinner series is open to the public and features conversations around various social justice topics designed to encourage people to listen, connect and take action together.

Together We Must: The Conversation will include influential guest speakers including Bubba Wallace, American race car driver; Roderick Townsend, Team USA Paralympic Track and Field athlete; Thomas W. Dortch Jr., National Chairman of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., and many more exciting celebrities and guests. Jill Savitt, President and CEO of The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, will moderate the discussions during each event.

Topics for the virtual dinners include bridging the racial divide, unconscious bias, belonging, inclusive culture, understanding race and allyship. You can learn more and sign up for an event at civicdinners.com/togetherwemust.

2. Host a discussion

As part of Coca-Cola’s Together We Must program, participants will also be encouraged to take specific actions to deepen their engagement, such as hosting their own conversations with friends, family and colleagues. If you choose to further the discussion in your own community, invite people from various backgrounds and cultures to enrich the conversation.

3. Use your social networks

Your social media platforms can be an impactful tool for confronting injustice. Use your channels to participate in discussions and lift up the voices of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Showcase your values but do your best to keep the content positive and engaging.

4. Engage your workplace

Encourage your place of employment to get involved and implement culturally appropriate and equitable strategies to combat social injustice — but do so in a positive way. Talk to your leaders about hosting town halls, listening sessions or facilitating conversations to take action and show support for equality.

“Together we must talk. We must listen. We must all embrace compassion, love and understanding,” says NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace on the topic of social injustice. Follow these tips to listen to and start impactful discussions with the people in your life. To join the conversation at Coca-Cola’s Together We Must event, visit civicdinners.com/togetherwemust.


Posted on

Glaucoma: What you need to know about ‘the sneak thief of sight’

2020-10-20T07:41:11

(BPT) – “Will I go blind?” It’s a frightening thought that most people have when they are first told they have glaucoma.

“Patients are almost always concerned that they are going to lose their vision,” said Dr. Andrew Iwach, executive director of the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco. “The good news for the majority of patients is that we can maintain their vision with treatment.”

The sneak thief of sight

Glaucoma, an eye disease that damages the optic nerve, is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. It affects more than three million people in the United States. The National Eye Institute projects this number will rise by 58% over the next decade to 4.2 million people.

The most common form of the disease is open-angle glaucoma, which affects 90% of patients and occurs when the eye’s drainage canals become clogged over time, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation.

Open-angle glaucoma has been called “the sneak thief of sight” because it strikes without symptoms. Experts estimate that half of the patients who have glaucoma don’t know it. As much as 40% of vision can be lost without a person noticing. And once that eyesight is lost, it’s permanently gone.

“I didn’t have any symptoms prior to diagnosis,” said Richie Kahn, 34, who was diagnosed in March 2019. “By then, glaucoma had already stolen part of my vision. I was surprised to learn that my brain was actually compensating for my vision loss by filling in the blanks.”

Hope through treatment

Since glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages and progresses slowly over many years, eye doctors emphasize the importance of regular eye exams to detect the disease before there’s a significant loss of vision.

The target for glaucoma therapy is to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). High IOP causes damage to the optic nerve, which produces vision loss in the disease. Approaches to lowering IOP include a wide range of eye drop medications, laser treatments that are performed in a doctor’s office and several types of incisional surgery.

Dr. Trinh Green has lived with glaucoma for 24 years after being diagnosed at age 21. Like Kahn, she had no symptoms of the disease, so news of her diagnosis came as a total surprise. Her advice to others is to remain calm and stay optimistic throughout their care and treatment.

“I think it’s very important for people to stay calm after learning they have glaucoma,” said Trinh. “There are many more treatments available in the last few years. I also owe so much to Dr. Iwach. He’s a very calming presence. Whenever there was a setback and the disease progressed, he would tell me, ‘I have a few more tricks up my sleeve.’”

The power of knowledge

In addition to early detection and treatment, Iwach emphasized the importance of patients learning everything they can about glaucoma.

“Getting the facts, including risk factors and treatment options, can empower patients to improve their outcomes and reduce their fears,” he said.

He encourages his patients to read “Understanding and Living with Glaucoma,” published by the Glaucoma Research Foundation. The free booklet offers a comprehensive introduction to glaucoma and guidance about how patients can work with their doctors to manage the disease.

Glaucoma patients like Kahn found power in knowledge in their fight against glaucoma.

“Everyone’s journey will be different and you have to be willing to advocate for yourself,” Kahn said. “I learned a lot from the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Staying informed about my particular situation allows me to be an active member of my own care team, doing my part to preserve my vision.”

A free copy of “Understanding and Living with Glaucoma” can be downloaded or ordered at www.glaucoma.org/booklet.


Posted on

2021 Mexican Food Trends Unveiled [Infographic]

2020-10-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – Cacique — one of the country’s top authentic Hispanic food brands — is shining a spotlight on the significant role Mexican food has on American culture by unveiling its third annual What’s Next in Mexican Cuisine trends forecast. To identify the top trends, Cacique teamed up with leading experts in Mexican cuisine — including award-winning chef and TV personality Aarón Sánchez, Chef Bricia Lopez and Chef Santiago Gomez — as well as surveyed home cooks across America to learn which ones they are most excited to try for themselves in the coming year.


Posted on

5 ways to make a difference in a senior’s life

2020-10-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that by 2040, 20% of Americans will be 65 and older? As the population of older adults increases, it’s crucial to recognize and celebrate the rich depth of experience, talents and unique perspectives of such a large segment of the country. Yet, all too often, older people are overlooked and undervalued.

Eve Gelb, senior vice president of member and community health for SCAN Health Plan, which provides Medicare Advantage coverage to more than 200,000 older Americans, describes ways to “shine a light” on older people in a TEDx talk from February 2020. Her advice for connecting meaningfully with seniors is even more vital in the pandemic landscape, when so many have become isolated from friends and family.

Gelb stresses the importance of empathy — the ability to imagine what someone else’s experience is like. She says empathy is crucial for understanding and shining a light on people who might otherwise become withdrawn and disconnected from their communities. To show empathy, Gelb says you need to engage with and be curious about people, listen to them deeply, and appreciate their value.

“When people aren’t actively engaged, they decline, and they decline faster,” says Gelb. “Human interaction has been shown to slow the aging process.”

How to connect with seniors in your community

Gelb recommends what she calls “micro-volunteering.” Similar to other kinds of volunteering, micro-volunteering offers the opportunity to brighten someone else’s life — and reap the rewards of feeling good by knowing you made someone else feel good.

However, unlike regular volunteering, micro-volunteering does not demand a huge time commitment or a major change to your lifestyle. It simply means finding small ways throughout your daily life to shine a little light on someone who could benefit from the help, the empathy and the attention — even for just a short time — to feel more included in the world around them.

Here are simple ways you can micro-volunteer to make a difference in a senior’s life:

1. Call every week

Make it a regular habit to call your older friend, neighbor or family member each week, so they have a friendly conversation to look forward to. Ask them about their life, and tell them stories about yours. Gelb says this is an activity SCAN encourages by offering employees paid time off to volunteer.

2. Offer to pick something up

Offering to get some groceries or a prescription for an older person can make their lives a lot easier. Don’t wait to be asked for help, as someone living alone may be reluctant to reach out. Just call and say, “I’m heading out to the store — can I pick something up for you?”

3. Help them stay safe

Make sure any vulnerable person you know has face masks, hand sanitizer and the ability to order or ask for what they need. Mask up and offer to help them sanitize their doorknobs and phone after you drop by with a delivery. Help them use video conferencing to communicate with family members or friends.

4. Find ways to keep them engaged

Drop by with a care package containing things they might like to do: a jigsaw puzzle, a deck of cards, large print books or crosswords. If you’re a good cook or have a green thumb, bring them a sample of your latest dish, offer to help with yard work, or bring them a plant that’s easy to care for — and that gives you a reason to stop by to check on them next time.

5. Be their tech support

To communicate with the outside world, older people may have to rely on smartphones, computers or tablets that can sometimes be complicated or confusing to use. Teach them how to use apps like Zoom, set up a charging station for their phone or tablet, reboot devices so they run better — or just ask if they’re having any problems accessing their email or using their phone.

Making a regular connection, especially with someone who lives alone, can have a huge impact on their overall well-being. To explore more ways to help seniors live a more fully engaged and connected life, visit SCAN’s Volunteer Action for Aging page at Scan.Samaritan.com.


Posted on

Don’t Forget to Clean the Thing that Cleans! [Infographic]

2020-10-20T08:03:00

(BPT) – Many people think appliances are the things that do the cleaning, not the things that need cleaning. But without proper care, grime, soap scum and other odor-causing residues can build up overtime — even in the parts you can’t see. Fortunately, there is an easy and efficient way to clean the inside of your appliances. Learn more about appliance care products and other helpful tips!


Posted on

For women with ovarian cancer, early communication is key

2020-10-20T09:01:00

(BPT) – At first thought, it would appear that Cherie, age 50 from Chicago, Illinois, and Leanne, age 62 from White Plains, New York, don’t have much in common. Cherie enjoys exploring the outdoors and traveling with her husband, while Leanne, a financial advisor, enjoys making jewelry, cooking and gardening at home.

However, there is a ribbon that binds them — and it’s a teal one.

The color teal represents ovarian cancer awareness. Ovarian cancer affects a diverse group of women, and by sharing their stories, such as Cherie’s and Leanne’s, we uncover that even though each and every experience is unique, women can take similar steps to find their best path forward.

What you need to know about ovarian cancer

Approximately 22,000 US women are projected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer annually1 and there are an estimated 222,000 women currently living with ovarian cancer — many of whom will be diagnosed with advanced disease.2 For these women, the likelihood that their cancer will recur after initial treatment increases.

The possibility of recurrence can be scary and it can leave women feeling uncertain about what to do next. Fortunately, options now exist for women that may help delay the cancer coming back and extend the time before the next disease progression.3 These treatments are known as maintenance therapies.

Their path to diagnosis

Cherie

With her experience in hotel management, Cherie knew she needed to utilize her communication skills to start an open dialogue with her physician so she could be as equipped as possible for the road ahead. Already attending yearly follow-ups due to a personal history of breast cancer, she decided to complete genetic testing. She learned that she was positive for the BRCA gene mutation. BRCA stands for BReast CAncer susceptibility gene and can be inherited from a parent. What some people may not know is that women who are BRCA positive have a higher risk for breast AND ovarian cancer.4

When Cherie began experiencing abdominal pain and discomfort, she was sent for gynecological scans and referred to a gynecologic oncologist. After a physical exam, Cherie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The results from the surgery she underwent after her diagnosis indicated that she had advanced disease.

Leanne

As a busy financial advisor, there wasn’t much that could slow Leanne down, until she started to experience lower abdominal pain that grew in severity. Her heart sank when she first heard the news from her OBGYN. A tumor was found on her left ovary and she received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. For her, this diagnosis felt out of left field. She felt alone and scared, but knew the importance of having the right information to make treatment decisions.

Genetic testing revealed Leanne did not have the BRCA gene. Like Leanne, approximately 80% of all ovarian cancer patients do not have a BRCA mutation.5 What both Cherie and Leanne would find out, is that though they have different genetic dispositions and biomarkers, they would be able to start on a treatment that would provide them a sense of control as they navigated advanced ovarian cancer.

Treatment and potential recurrence

Cherie began treatment with debulking surgery, the surgical removal of as much of a tumor as possible,6 followed by chemotherapy. She knew that her cancer was likely to come back, even if she had a positive response to chemotherapy and she wanted to be as proactive as possible to extend the time before a potential recurrence. Cherie was thankful her doctor suggested maintenance treatment options early on that may work to achieve that.

Following Leanne’s diagnosis, she underwent multiple cycles of chemotherapy. Leanne and her gynecologic oncologist discussed maintenance treatment options that she would be eligible for as a woman who does not have the BRCA mutation.

Maintenance therapy is a treatment given to eligible patients, who have a complete or partial response to chemotherapy, which may extend their time without the cancer progressing.

As a result of these proactive conversations with their doctors and after carefully considering their options, Leanne and Cherie started ZEJULA, also known as niraparib, a once-daily oral prescription medication used for the maintenance treatment of adults with advanced ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer, after the cancer has responded (complete or partial response) to treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy. ZEJULA has been shown to extend the time many women lived without ovarian cancer progression — including women with and without BRCA genetic mutations. It is available for women in the first-line and recurrent maintenance setting following a complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy. It is also available in the late-line treatment setting for women with homologous recombinant deficiency positive (HRD+) tumors. HRD occurs when cells have difficulty repairing themselves and appears in about 50% of women with ovarian cancer.

ZEJULA may cause serious side effects such as bone marrow problems called MDS or a type of blood cancer called AML. Symptoms of low blood cell counts can be a sign of serious bone marrow problems. Contact your doctor for new onset of bleeding, fever, or symptoms of infection. High blood pressure is common and can become serious. Talk to your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to be. Some common side effects include nausea, low blood cell counts, tiredness, constipation, pain in your joints, muscles, and back, headache, and trouble sleeping. Please see additional Important Safety Information below.

Cherie’s and Leanne’s experience demonstrated how critical it is to educate women with advanced ovarian cancer on the benefits and risks of maintenance therapy, like ZEJULA. Cherie and Leanne continue to keep an open communication with their doctors, scheduling regular visits to monitor for ovarian cancer recurrence. The reality is, nearly 85% of women with advanced ovarian cancer will see the cancer return after treatment.7 By educating about maintenance therapies and discussing them with healthcare teams as early on as possible, it may help them regain a sense of control over their disease.

Cherie, who is BRCA positive, and Leanne, who is BRCA negative, were grateful that ZEJULA is a maintenance treatment option for all women, regardless of biomarker status. In sharing their stories, they hope to spread the word so other women with ovarian cancer feel empowered to know their options and make informed decisions about their treatment plan. Talk to your doctor about ZEJULA and visit zejula.com for more information.

Advice for other women

“I wish I knew that cancer doesn’t wait for you to be ready,” says Cherie. “Despite how I got here, I wish I knew it wasn’t my fault, that I’m stronger than I know, and that no matter what happens it will all work out.”

Her advice to others: “Seek support through organizations or ovarian cancer online support groups. Communicate with your doctors. Do not be afraid to seek mental health help through a psychologist. Try to be as active as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Leanne also recommends, “Take someone with you to initial treatments and appointments to take notes and help clarify things. So much information is coming at you and you are still processing everything. Continue to take the notebook to appointments and treatments as well as making notes when home. It helps you remember what to discuss with your doctor.”

ZEJULA (niraparib) Indication and Important Safety Information

ZEJULA is a prescription medicine used for the:

  • maintenance treatment of adults with advanced ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer. ZEJULA is used after the cancer has responded (complete or partial response) to treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy.
  • maintenance treatment of adults with ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer that comes back. ZEJULA is used after the cancer has responded (complete or partial response) to treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy.
  • treatment of adults with advanced ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer who have been treated with 3 or more prior types of chemotherapy and who have tumors with:
    • a certain “BRCA” gene mutation, or
    • gene mutation problems and who have progressed more than 6 months after their last treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy.
    • Your healthcare provider will perform a test to make sure that ZEJULA is right for you.

It is not known if ZEJULA is safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information

ZEJULA may cause serious side effects, including:

Bone marrow problems called Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) or a type of blood cancer called Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Some people who have ovarian cancer and who have received previous treatment with chemotherapy or certain other medicines for their cancer have developed MDS or AML during treatment with ZEJULA. MDS or AML may lead to death.

Symptoms of low blood cell counts (low red blood cells, low white blood cells, and low platelets) are common during treatment with ZEJULA. They can be a sign of serious bone marrow problems, including MDS or AML. These symptoms may include the following:

  • Weakness
  • Feeling tired
  • Weight loss
  • Frequent infections
  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Blood in urine or stool
  • Bruising or bleeding more easily

Your doctor will do blood tests to check your blood cell counts before treatment with ZEJULA. You will be tested weekly for the first month of treatment with ZEJULA, monthly for the next 11 months of treatment, and from time to time afterward.

High blood pressure is common during treatment with ZEJULA, and it can become serious. Your doctor will check your blood pressure and heart rate at least weekly for the first two months, then monthly for the first year, and as needed thereafter during your treatment with ZEJULA.

Before starting to take ZEJULA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • Have heart problems
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ZEJULA may harm an unborn baby and may cause loss of pregnancy (miscarriage)
    • If you are able to become pregnant, you should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with ZEJULA and for 6 months after taking the last dose of ZEJULA
    • If you are able to become pregnant, your doctor may perform a pregnancy test before you start treatment with ZEJULA
    • You should tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
    • ZEJULA may harm your baby. You should not breastfeed your baby during treatment with ZEJULA and for 1 month after taking the last dose of ZEJULA

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements

The most common side effects of ZEJULA include the following:

  • Heart not beating regularly
  • Loss of appetite
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Nausea
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Anxiety
  • Constipation
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore throat
  • Vomiting
  • Cough
  • Changes in the amount or color of your urine
  • Pain in the stomach area
  • Rash
  • Mouth sores
  • Changes in liver function or other blood tests
  • Diarrhea
  • Pain in your joints, muscles, and back
  • Indigestion or heartburn
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Change in the way food tastes

If you have certain side effects, then your doctor may change your dose of ZEJULA, temporarily stop, or permanently stop treatment with ZEJULA.

These are not all the possible side effects of ZEJULA. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 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.

Please see Prescribing Information.

References

1 Cancer Facts and Figures 2018. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/all-cancer-facts-figures/cancer-facts-figures-2020.html. Accessed September 29, 2020.

2 SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Ovarian Cancer. National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD. http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/ovary.html. Accessed September 22, 2020.

3 Tew WP, Lacchetti C, Ellis A, Maxian K, Banerjee S, Bookman M, Jones MB, Lee JM, Lheureux S, Liu JF, Moore KN, Muller C, Rodriguez P, Walsh C, Westin SN, Kohn EC. PARP Inhibitors in the Management of Ovarian Cancer: ASCO Guideline. J Clin Oncol. 2020 Aug 13:JCO2001924. doi: 10.1200/JCO.20.01924.

4 BRCA gene test for breast and ovarian cancer risk. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/brca-gene-test/about/pac-20384815. Accessed September 22, 2020.

5 Konstantinopoulos PA, Ceccaldi R, Shapiro GI, D’Andrea AD. Homologous Recombination Deficiency: Exploiting the Fundamental Vulnerability of Ovarian Cancer. Cancer Discov. 2015; 5(11): 1137-54.

6 Debulking definition. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/debulking. Accessed on September 29, 2020.

7 Lorusso D, Mancini M, Di Rocco R, Fontanelli R, Raspagliesi F. The role of secondary surgery in recurrent ovarian cancer [published online August 5, 2012]. Int J Surg Oncol. 2012;2012:613980. doi:10.1155/2012/613980.

[Editor’s Note: September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month]

This content is sponsored by GSK

NRPPRSR200001


Posted on

Food prices: Why they’re rising and how to save

2020-10-20T02:01:00

(BPT) – The COVID-19 pandemic has affected food prices more than nearly any other part of the household budget. In April, the Food-at-Home Consumer Price Index increased 2.7%, which was the largest monthly jump since 1974. From June 2019 to June 2020, food prices are up 5.6%. Why is this happening, and furthermore, how can you save on your family’s grocery bills?

The food supply chain and price fluctuations

The food supply chain is made up of three parts: production, processing, and retail. As food items move down the supply chain, value is added to the product.

  • Production incudes the farms and ranches that grow the food.
  • Processing entails the manufacturers that turn food from the farm into consumer-ready options such as corn flakes or orange juice.
  • Retail includes the stores where shoppers purchase different food items.

There are several factors that regularly influence food prices such as weather, farming production, growth in the population and trade. Sometimes there are shocks to the food supply chain that have big influences on prices, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 factors’ influence on food prices

As communities quickly responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, every stage of the food supply chain saw costs increase. There are four key trends that are influencing food costs:

Shift to eating at home: In a matter of two months, approximately $23 billion in consumer spending away from home was redirected toward grocery stores as restaurants were forced to close due to COVID-19, according to FMI — The Food Industry Association.

Loss of foodservice demand: When restaurants closed, farmers and ranchers lost a key channel for their product. With fewer buyers, it is costly or impractical to harvest, preserve or store some food and beverage products.

Increasing production and processing costs: During COVID-19, companies have made investments and adjustments to safeguard their products and employees. This means costs for food production are higher. Some manufacturers have been able to innovate and find new markets for their products, but these changes often entail added costs.

Increasing operating costs for grocery stores: Compared to 2019, supermarket operating costs were up 7.9% in April 2020 and 6.7% in May 2020, according to USDA Economic Research Service. Grocery stores have remained open during the pandemic and have had to quickly adjust to new regulations, safety and sanitation practices and enhanced customer education — all requiring resources. In addition, some areas of the grocery store, including salad bars and hot bars, have had to shut down, meaning a loss of revenue.

For additional information, visit www.FMI.org/FoodPrices101.

How you can save money at the grocery store

The experts at FMI — The Food Industry Association predict food prices may remain high for a while but stress the food supply chain is resilient and is likely to normalize over time. Regardless, there are ways shoppers can save money while at the store:

Plan ahead: Planning meals and snacks for the week before heading to the grocery store helps ensure you only purchase what you need. Use a shopping list or app to help stay organized. Check your store’s circular, website or app for coupons and specials ahead of time.

Compare options: Consider purchasing store brands, usually priced less and with equal taste and nutrition. When possible, purchase bulk protein options for freezing extras. Compare unit prices of different brands and package sizes to save. The “unit price” is the price per ounce, pound or pint, and is typically listed on the shelf tag. Canned or frozen food options can have an extended shelf-life and help stretch your dollar.

Seek out assistance programs: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants & Children nutrition program, or WIC, help families during times of need. Visit FeedingAssistance.com for more information on these federal programs and eligibility.