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Expert Series: Time to Check Your Benefits: Work with a Professional on a Pre-Retirement Financial Wellness Assessment

2020-10-16T09:01:00

(BPT) – By Jon Anderson and Kaci Skidgel

With so many decisions to make this time of year about your employee benefits, it’s an opportune moment to think more broadly about your overall financial wellness too. This may seem like a daunting task, but fortunately you’re not alone. A financial professional is armed with the experience and knowledge to help you make these important decisions (more on this later). So, while you’re working with that person to review health plans and options for flexible spending accounts as open enrollment deadlines loom, take time to think about your longer-term goals, including your retirement savings plan.

There’s no single best time to begin plotting your path to retirement, but the prevailing wisdom is the sooner the better. Especially when there’s economic uncertainty, like there is now amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it’s in your best interest to balance short-term and long-term financial goals and to develop a plan for your eventual exit from the workforce.

Whether you’re well on your way toward your retirement savings goals or just getting started, there are some tried-and-true steps for setting yourself up for a bright financial future.

Seek professional guidance. If you’re like most people, you know about the importance of saving for retirement but less about the ins and outs of the planning process or where to put your money. In fact, most Americans nearing or entering retirement are not steeped in all the options and advantages for retirement savings, according to the latest Retirement Income Literacy Survey by the American College of Financial Services. If there are any up sides to the lockdowns we’ve experienced in recent months, it’s that people have dedicated more time and attention to evaluate their financial needs and have looked for advice. According to the survey, conducted earlier this year, nearly 6 in 10 respondents relied on financial professionals to help them set goals and devise strategies for their retirement savings. Working with a professional who understands the risks and benefits of all your investment options can help demystify the process, ease your anxiety and provide you with a better informed and successful plan. You might start with one of the regular retirement planning sessions provided in your area for free or low cost, and delve into the array of programming and tools that are easily accessible online. That can help you find a financial professional who fits your needs and preferences.

Set a goal and weigh your savings options. The most effective way to kick off your effort is to figure out how much you will need to live comfortably and then begin investing your money in one of the retirement plan options available to you. When estimating your goal, you and your financial professional will need to determine when you will retire and estimate what your expenses will be. After adjusting for income you expect from Social Security and other sources you will have an idea of how much you will need to save yourself.

Find out what plans are available through your employer and how to take full advantage of any tax benefits and matching contributions they offer. (If your employer matches your contributions — essentially free money toward your retirement — strive to contribute up to the maximum, or more.) You can also explore individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, or other long-term investments.

Save and save some more. It’s easy to dream about retirement, but if you intend to make those dreams a reality, start setting aside money now. If you have been saving for some time, make sure you are on track toward your end goal and weigh your ability to contribute even more. As you progress through your career, and your life, make sure to reassess your financial position and match your savings capacity with your goal. Try to increase your contributions as your financial circumstances allow, ideally by 1% each year.

Build your endurance. The old adage, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint” may sound cliché, but going the distance into a retirement that is financially secure will require planning and endurance. As you set your retirement goals, consider your current financial fitness and the discipline and actions it will take to help you get to the finish line within your ideal timeframe. Getting there does not happen overnight.

We’ve seen some evidence of that commitment during the pandemic. The CARES Act, the federal stimulus bill in response to the pandemic, gives more flexibility for individuals to take distributions or loans from their retirement plans without the usual penalties. Dipping into that savings can be tempting and understandable for anyone who has suffered an economic setback recently. But while many clients have requested the option to access their funds per the CARES Act rules, very few have taken full advantage since the law took effect in late March. It seems the peace of mind in knowing they can access their funds as needed has allowed them to consider the benefits of staying the course as much as possible. That trend seems to match what’s happening elsewhere too. In the aforementioned survey only 4% of respondents reported decreasing the amount they are saving because of the recent economic downturn, and more than 90% said they are moderately to extremely well prepared to weather the crisis. That’s the power of planning well.

Think about your overall financial wellness. Since you’re already focusing your energy on open enrollment decisions and retirement plans, why not examine other important financial considerations? We’ve seen more people looking to tackle financial decisions they had been avoiding, but that have taken on renewed importance in 2020. The pandemic has caused many people to pause and consider their overall financial stability and areas that need more attention. Now’s a good time, for example, to consider if you should invest in a life insurance policy or a plan for long-term care in your twilight years. Plan out other potential big investments you want to make, such as for your children’s college education or a long-term health savings plan. Covering all your bases now will increase the odds that you will grow your retirement account sufficiently to pay not just for the basics, but to support any activities you want to pursue after you leave the workforce, such as travel or charitable donations.

Reflect back and think ahead. It’s important to check back on your plan on a regular basis and determine if you are on track toward your goals. As the year wraps up, it’s a good time to check in with your financial professional and reflect on your successes in maintaining your savings discipline. Together you can consider the lessons that best inform your planning in the year ahead.

For most of us, the retirement finish line is too far in the distance to visualize clearly. But as we gather more knowledge and tools and maintain the right pace and discipline, we can improve our odds of finishing strong.

Jon Anderson is Head of Retirement at Cetera Financial Group in San Diego.

Kaci Skidgel is President of Retirement Plans at Summit Financial Group in Dallas.

About Cetera Financial Group®
Cetera Financial Group (Cetera) is a leading financial advice firm. It empowers the delivery of an Advice-Centric Experience® to individuals, families and businesses across the country through independent financial advisors as well as trusted tax professionals and banks and credit unions. It’s headquartered at 200 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 1200 El Segundo, CA 90245-5670.

Comprehensive services include: wealth management solutions, retirement plan solutions, advisory services, practice management support, innovative technology, marketing guidance, regulatory support, and market research.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, and First Allied Securities, Inc. All firms are members FINRA / SIPC.

Individuals affiliated with Cetera firms are either Registered Representatives who offer only brokerage services and receive transaction-based compensation (commissions), Investment Adviser Representatives who offer only investment advisory services and receive fees based on assets, or both Registered Representatives and Investment Adviser Representatives, who can offer both types of services.


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Just the facts: Dispelling common myths about glaucoma

2020-10-16T10:59:00

(BPT) – Glaucoma. It’s a sneaky disease that usually strikes without warning. More than three million people in the United States have it — but only half know they do. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to progressive vision loss and irreversible blindness. While a diagnosis of glaucoma can be scary, much has been learned about the disease and how to manage it over the past two decades.

“Managing glaucoma starts with early detection and treatment, which is critical to preventing or slowing vision loss,” says Ruth D. Williams, MD, a glaucoma specialist at the Wheaton (IL) Eye Clinic and host of the Glaucoma Research Foundation’s upcoming Glaucoma Patient Summit. “Therefore, it’s important for people to understand all they can about this disease. Reducing fears and improving outcomes in glaucoma start with knowing the facts.”

Busting the myths about glaucoma

Approximately 90% of people with glaucoma have a form called open-angle glaucoma, which typically has no symptoms that serve as red flags. Open-angle glaucoma develops slowly and sometimes without noticeable sight loss for many years. Recognizing misconceptions about the disease can make you less vulnerable to it. Take a look at these top 5 myths about glaucoma, along with the straight facts.

1. Glaucoma is an “elderly person’s” disease

Though it is most prevalent in people over age 60, glaucoma strikes people of all ages — from infants to the elderly. In fact, about 1 in 10,000 babies are born with the disease. Additionally, African Americans are at higher risk of developing glaucoma at a younger age.

2. Good vision means you don’t have and cannot get glaucoma

Perhaps the scariest aspect of glaucoma is its lack of early warning signs, particularly with open-angle glaucoma, where vision change is often gradual and peripheral vision is affected first. Even if you have the best of vision, you still could have increased intraocular eye pressure or other glaucoma risk factors that are only detectable with annual eye exams.

3. Family history is the only risk factor

If no one in your family has glaucoma, it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t develop the disease. While family history is one risk factor, there are many others. The bottom line is that anyone could develop glaucoma.

4. Glaucoma symptoms are consistent and easy to notice

Glaucoma is a group of blindness-causing diseases and has several forms, each with varying symptoms. The two most prevalent forms — open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma — do not show up in the same ways. As mentioned, open-angle glaucoma does not become noticeable until it has caused significant vision loss. On the other hand, angle-closure glaucoma is a much rarer form and has symptoms, such as headache, nausea and hazy vision, that develop very quickly.

5. Blindness is inevitable

The vast majority of people who are diagnosed with glaucoma when they are not yet blind never go blind. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, you can increase your chances of maintaining sight and enjoying a full and healthy life by seeing your eye care professional regularly and following your prescribed treatment regimen.

Annual Summit brings patients together

To help patients diagnosed with glaucoma and their loved ones better understand the disease and the latest progress against it, the Glaucoma Research Foundation will host its second annual Glaucoma Patient Summit on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. This year’s gathering is a virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted by Dr. Williams, the event will highlight advances in treatment options and offer practical information to help patients understand and live with glaucoma. Speakers include leading glaucoma specialists, patients and caregivers. Tickets are available at www.glaucoma.org/patient.


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4 Things to Know When Shopping for a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan

2020-10-16T14:01:00

(BPT) – About 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day and by 2050, seniors will represent more than 20% of the population.[i] If you are 65 or older, staying healthy is more important than ever. One step includes picking a Medicare prescription drug plan during Open Enrollment, which began Oct. 15.

If you pay out-of-pocket for your prescription drugs, a Medicare prescription drug plan may help save money. Each plan provides a list of covered medications, which is available through the plan’s website and customer service center.

With the right tools and a trusted partner to provide guidance, it can be a simple process. Read the following tips to help pick a plan:

#1: Consider a stand-alone or combination plan.

In addition to examining out-of-pocket costs and what your plan covers, a good place to start when considering your options is to research a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) and Medicare Advantage Prescription Plan (MAPD). A PDP is a stand-alone plan that only covers prescription drugs. A MAPD combines Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance) and usually Part D (prescription drug) into a single plan.[ii]

#2: Evaluate the plan each year.

Your Medicare prescription drug plan benefits can change yearly, including prescription drug coverage, premiums, deductibles and pharmacy benefits. Even if you’re keeping your plan, it’s important to evaluate if it continues to fit your needs. And for the six in 10 Americans living with at least one chronic condition[iii] that may require multiple daily medications, having a plan with minimal copays can be critical. Talking to an independent insurance broker can help assess your individual needs. Walgreens has teamed up with eHealth*, an independent, fully licensed health insurance broker offering free, personalized advice with no obligation to enroll. People found an average savings of $710 annually when using eHealth.[iv]

#3: Ensure your selected plan works with your preferred pharmacy.

Check if your pharmacy of choice is in the plan’s preferred network to save on copay costs. Pharmacists also understand individual medication needs to help you navigate your Medicare prescription drug plan options.

Pharmacists play a pivotal role in communities, and in these times, are highly accessible resources to ask health-related questions. Walgreens pharmacists have stepped up in incredible ways to support people throughout the pandemic, whether it’s spending additional time over the phone to address questions or combining prescription refills to fit busy schedules and reduce trips to the pharmacy.

#4: Explore ways to lower costs at the pharmacy.

Check whether your brand-name prescription has a generic alternative, and then talk with your doctor to see if this would be a good option for you. If your brand-name prescription doesn’t have a generic alternative, there may be lower-cost brand-name prescriptions used to treat the same condition. Ask your pharmacist, and then talk with your doctor to see if switching brands makes sense in your situation.

Open Enrollment for Medicare began on Oct. 15 nationwide. As a pharmacy that people know and trust, Walgreens has a number of tools available in store and online to help you research what prescription drug plan works for you and your loved ones. Visit Walgreens.com/Medicare to learn more and get started. To talk with an eHealth licensed insurance broker, call 1-844-973-1713 TTY users 711 or visit ehealthmedicare.com/Walgreens.

*eHealth is a licensed insurance broker. No commissions are paid to Walgreens. No obligation to enroll.


[i] The Aging Readiness & Competitiveness Report. AARP International. https://arc.aarpinternational.org/File%20Library/Full%20Reports/ARC-Report—United-States.pdf

[iii] About chronic diseases. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/index.htm

[iv] eHealth’s Medicare Choice and Impact report examines user sessions from more than 111,000 eHealth Medicare visitors who used the company’s Medicare prescription drug coverage comparison tool in the fourth quarter of 2019, including Medicare’s 2020 Annual Election Period (October 15 – December 7, 2019).


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5 ways a weighted blanket can improve your life

2020-10-16T13:01:01

(BPT) – Quality sleep is essential to good health, but daily life — the stresses of work and family, too much screen time, caffeine or alcohol — disrupts our body’s natural sleep cycle. One tool to promote better sleep is a weighted blanket, but the benefits go beyond sleep. Here are five benefits weighted blankets provide.

1. Helps you fall asleep faster — Most of us know what it’s like to toss and turn at night just waiting to fall asleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, it should take 10-20 minutes to fall asleep. If it takes you more time than that there are steps you can take like adding a weighted blanket to your bedtime routine.

2. Helps you stay asleep longer — The CDC says adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. If you’re in need of more restful slumber, a product like a Tranquility weighted blanket and its calming pressure can help you sleep more soundly with fewer bouts of restlessness so you wake feeling more rested.

3. Enhances relaxation — Weighted blankets offer Deep Touch Pressure (DTP), a sensory experience similar to a soothing hug, which works to relax the nervous system and in turn creates a feeling of calm so you can rest more comfortably. A weighted blanket isn’t just for bedtime — it can be used to create a more relaxing experience when you’re winding down on the couch or even on a Zoom call.

“Research shows that weighted blankets can help with better relaxation and sleep, two things that are critical to overall health,” says wellness expert Jamie Hess of NYCfitfam. “It’s important to take care of yourself, both mentally and physically and I’ve found adding a Tranquility weighted blanket to my daily routine helps me reclaim my calm.”

4. Provides comfort — Many Americans experience stress and anxiety with daily life, and since the onset of COVID-19, more Americans than ever are experiencing these emotions. If someone you know is going through a rough patch, giving the soothing comfort of a weighted blanket can be a thoughtful and personal way to show you care.

5. Makes a thoughtful gift for giving — A weighted blanket can be a great gift for anyone in your life, especially during the holidays where people may not be gathering like they typically do. While many online weighted blanket models run upwards of $200, Tranquility weighted blankets offer the same benefits for less, making it an accessible gift option for everyone on your list.

If you have been on the fence about trying a weighted blanket, you might want to consider this soothing, sleep-inducing comfort.


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How a master’s degree can boost your career

2020-10-16T10:01:00

(BPT) – Returning to school for a master’s degree may seem like a daunting undertaking, no matter what your current situation is. However, it’s important to understand the many benefits of pursuing a master’s degree, and how those benefits can be applied to enhance your current job — or leveraged in a new career.

Here are a few ways that advanced education can create new opportunities.

Grow your knowledge and update skills.

Continuing your education can help you stay up to date on knowledge and skills relevant to your field and could make you more competitive in the job market. These new skills will allow you to support or lead a variety of projects and diversify your experiences to make a significant impact in your current position, or in a future opportunity.

Staying on top of evolving trends in your industry — especially for fast-changing areas such as IT, business and healthcare — gives you the tools you will need to become a leader in your organization, or even in your field.

Capitalize on flexibility trends.

There are more programs available today that cater to working adults by offering flexible ways to complete your degree efficiently and affordably. For example, Capella University is an online higher education institution that offers a self-paced, direct assessment program called FlexPath. In this model, students advance at their own pace with a flat tuition fee*, with the potential to save time and money.

One of the newest programs available in this model is the Master’s in Human Resource Management, which is fully aligned to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Guidebook and Templates. The program is suitable for professionals who want to make a shift into the HR field or current HR professionals who can leverage their work experience and other certifications for course credit. The program provides content that can help students prepare for industry-relevant certifications that can help candidates stand out to employers and gain essential skills needed to do an HR job effectively. The courses in the program are also taught by distinguished faculty members with top credentials and hands-on experience in their fields.

Build a stronger network.

Getting a master’s degree may also provide an opportunity to meet other students and professionals who can support you throughout your professional journey. There’s no denying how helpful it can be to have a close network in the field to help with a resume or to provide a reference during a job hunt. Knowing more people in your field allows you to find peers who can inform you of job openings at their organization, plus mentors to help guide you along the way.

Networking is not only about making personal connections to aid you in the job hunt, but it can also help you find ways to develop new skills and gain valuable experience. Being connected with others in your industry can provide you with a valuable perspective on your field as a whole and may lead to career growth opportunities in the future.

Think you’re ready for greater responsibilities at work and more opportunities in your career? This could be the perfect time to consider the benefits of an advanced degree.

* Books, supplies and other fees apply


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Take Back Your Bones: Simple Steps and Recipes to Strengthen Your Bones

2020-10-15T17:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men globally will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture? In fact, an osteoporotic fracture is estimated to occur every 3 seconds. That’s nearly 8.9 million fractures annually, but the good news is there are many ways to help prevent osteoporosis before a fracture occurs with a healthy lifestyle.

In honor of World Osteoporosis Day on Oct. 20, 2020, challenge yourself to take on a few small changes today that can help protect your bones in the years to come. Here are a few ways to build stronger bones now and in the future:

  1. Get Moving. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, exercise plays an important role in building and maintaining bone and muscle strength. Consider engaging in regular, weight bearing, and muscle strengthening exercises to maintain strong bones and muscles. Perform weight bearing exercises like walking, hiking, jogging, or yoga for 30 minutes, 3-5 days a week. Dancing counts too!
  2. Start the Day Smart. Consider warming up in the morning with simple, easy yoga exercises that focus on your hips and spine to help improve your balance. Spinal stretch, cat tilt and puppy dog are a few poses that not only help your bones but also may help curb your stress too.
  3. Balance Your Plate. Eat a well-balanced diet of fruits and vegetables providing micronutrients, which are required in trace amounts for normal growth and development. Vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D, potassium, magnesium and vitamin K play a key role in bone health. Bone-boosting foods like leafy green vegetables, yogurt, nuts and prunes contain many of these key nutrients.
  4. Prune Your Recipe. Eating prunes may benefit your bones, especially in postmenopausal women. Research has shown that eating just 5-6 prunes per day can help to prevent bone loss. Sunsweet Growers ambassador and founder of website Mind Over Munch, Alyssia Sheikh, created bone-building trios to inspire you about how easy it can be to incorporate prunes into your meal plan. For breakfast, incorporate prunes and chia seeds into your morning yogurt. For lunch, make crispy quinoa cakes to pair with a leafy green salad. At dinner, create a balsamic prune glaze to go over salmon with a side of broccoli. This can make for a delicious sweet and savory dinner filled with all the right nutrients.

To learn more about how you can maintain healthy bones at any age and help prevent osteoporosis, visit Sunsweet.com for more information.


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What you need to know to prepare for a low blood sugar emergency

2020-10-15T07:31:00

(BPT) – When Alejandra Marquez was 12 years old, she suddenly started to scream during an otherwise typical Sunday church service. There was a loud buzzing that only she could hear, and she soon began to have trouble standing.

“It sounded like a mosquito loudly humming in my ear,” Marquez said. “It was a terrifying first episode, and I’ll never forget it.”

Her parents called a local doctor, who told them that Marquez immediately needed sugar. She drank a soda as her father drove her to the emergency room.

A week prior to this incident, Marquez had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, but she and her parents were unprepared for the potential dangers of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.

What is hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a potentially dangerous condition that occurs when a person’s blood sugar (glucose) levels fall low enough that they need to take immediate action. For people with diabetes, low blood sugar usually happens when blood sugar levels fall below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), though some people have symptoms of low blood sugar at higher levels.

“Low blood sugar is most common for people with diabetes, especially those who take medications that increase insulin levels or otherwise lower blood sugar levels,” said Javier Morales, M.D., an endocrinologist and spokesperson for the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE). “Everyone with diabetes, as well as their friends and families, should be familiar with this condition and be prepared.”

Low blood sugar causes approximately 100,000 emergency room visits per year in the U.S. The potential risk of a low blood sugar emergency can take an emotional toll on people living with diabetes, disrupting day-to-day tasks. A third of adults with diabetes worry about driving safely because of possible low blood sugar episodes.

Get the lowdown on low blood sugar

Marquez has lived with Type 1 diabetes for over two decades and has experienced several low blood sugar emergencies since her first episode as a child. As an adult, she regularly volunteers with DiabetesSisters, a U.S. nonprofit that aims to improve the quality of life for women with diabetes and for those at risk.

“On that Sunday when I experienced low blood sugar for the first time, I remember that I’d skipped breakfast,” Marquez said. “I had also just begun diabetes treatment. Part of being prepared for a low blood sugar episode is knowing these types of risks, as well as possible signals that your blood sugar is low, so you can act quickly.”

Risk factors for low blood sugar include taking certain diabetes medications, eating less than usual, age, excessive alcohol consumption and increased exercise without enough nutrition. Symptoms can be mild, such as dizziness or unusual irritability, or more severe and life-threatening, such as seizures. Some people with milder symptoms may have episodes that go unnoticed, while others might have more serious symptoms and need family members or their support circles to be prepared to help.

Be prepared for a low blood sugar emergency

People with diabetes should speak to an endocrinologist (a physician who specializes in hormones and metabolism) about blood glucose targets, treatment options and how to prepare for a potential blood sugar emergency, and then share this plan with those close to them.

“It’s vital for people at risk to prepare for an emergency, but it’s also important that friends and family know how to act if needed,” Morales said. “It’s possible for someone with severe low blood sugar to become confused or unconscious, so people who are often around you also need to know the steps to take.”

For milder emergencies, Morales advises people to follow the Rule of 15, which involves eating 15 grams of carbohydrates or simple sugars and then rechecking blood sugar levels after 15 minutes. If blood sugar is still low, the person should have another serving. Once blood sugar levels are back to normal, they can eat a meal or snack to make sure it doesn’t lower again.

For severe emergencies, a person may need to administer emergency hypoglycemia rescue therapy, which contains an up-to-date prescription of glucagon in any delivery format (e.g., injection or nasal spray). Insulin should not be injected, as it will lower a person’s blood sugar even more.

People in an emergency situation or those assisting them should also seek medical care or call for medical assistance, if needed. Be sure to tell the emergency dispatcher if a person has diabetes and may be experiencing severe low blood sugar.

Learn more about hypoglycemia and preparing for an emergency at bloodsugarlows.com.

Support for bloodsugarlows.com is provided by Eli Lilly and Company, Zealand Pharmaceuticals, NovoNordisk, Sanofi and Medtronic.


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How everyone can save on vital energy costs

2020-10-15T14:55:00

(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 everyone is spending more time at home, energy needs — and costs — for households across the country are going through the roof.

And unfortunately, energy costs are even higher for families already struggling due to lower income levels along with job insecurity and other challenges due to the pandemic. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, low-income, African-American, Latino and households who rent rather than own homes 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, further increasing the inequity that already affects these families as they struggle to make ends meet.

What’s being done to help ease the energy burden?

ENERGY STAR and its many partners in the private and public sectors are working toward helping ease the energy burden by bringing 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 doing even more to increase awareness of energy efficiency and provide assistance to consumers today:

  • 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 growing 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 appliances and how much energy 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 on household energy bills — 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 how you can improve energy efficiency in your home with the help of ENERGY STAR and its partners by visiting energystar.gov/saveforgood.


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A College Student’s Crash Course in Managing Plaque Psoriasis

2020-10-15T09:01:01

(BPT) – In the spring of 2016, Kate was excitedly preparing for the rites of passage most high school seniors look forward to — prom, graduation, turning 18 and getting ready for college. What she wasn’t preparing for was a chronic illness diagnosis.

It started out as a small patch of dry skin on Kate’s neck that began to spread to her scalp in thick, red patches. This must be an allergic reaction, Kate thought, before seeking help at an urgent care center. There, a physician suggested the patches were a fungal rash and recommended special shampoos. But the patches soon covered large areas of her scalp and neck, and were now accompanied by a painful, burning sensation. Kate spent many days trying to hide her patches from other people.

Kate visited a dermatologist who prescribed another treatment option, but unfortunately it didn’t relieve her symptoms. As her condition worsened, she saw other specialists, hoping to find some relief. But her symptoms persisted.

Now, Kate had to prepare to go off to college while still searching for answers about this unknown condition.

“Starting college is hard enough — living in a new place, meeting new people, starting new classes and activities,” said Kate. “I was focused on trying to hide what was happening to my body. I started wearing a baseball cap and avoided wearing dark clothing.”

Kate was determined to get to the bottom of what was going on with her skin. After multiple visits to several different dermatologists, a biopsy finally revealed the truth — Kate had moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease and its exact cause is unknown. Research suggests that an overactive immune system may cause skin cells to pile up on the surface of the skin, which then form psoriasis lesions or plaques and can lead to physical pain, itching, skin tightness and a burning sensation.1

More than 8 million Americans are currently living with psoriasis,2 and plaque psoriasis is the most common form.3

Now that Kate had a proper diagnosis of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, her next step was to find the right treatment. The first two treatments prescribed to her provided some skin clearance.

However, finishing her freshman year at college, Kate was still concerned about her skin plaques. Then, that summer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a medication called TREMFYA® (guselkumab), a biologic treatment that selectively blocks a protein in the body called interleukin-23 (IL-23), one of the key proteins thought to be responsible for plaque psoriasis.

TREMFYA® is approved to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who may benefit from taking injections or pills (systemic therapy) or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet or UV light). In clinical studies, at least 7 out of 10 patients treated with TREMFYA® saw 90 percent clearer skin and more than 8 out of 10 were rated clear or almost clear after 16 weeks. In clinical studies at Week 16, 4 out of 5 people with scalp psoriasis were also rated clear or almost clear of their scalp psoriasis. Also, more patients had improvement in symptoms such as pain, stinging, and skin tightness.

The medicine comes in both a pre-filled syringe and a One-Press Patient Controlled injector. Your first self-injection should be performed at your dermatologist’s office so they can show you the right way to give yourself injections under the skin. After this training, and with your healthcare provider’s approval, you may be able to inject TREMFYA® under the skin at home every eight weeks after two starter doses at Week 0 and Week 4.

“I was amazed by the results,” said Kate. “I am so happy I started on TREMFYA®. I inject my medication every 8 weeks and I’m pleased to share my journey to achieving clearer skin. I know now that my psoriasis doesn’t define me.”

Results may vary. TREMFYA® may not be right for everyone. Only your doctor can decide if TREMFYA® is right for you.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about TREMFYA®?

TREMFYA® is a prescription medicine that may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Serious Allergic Reactions. Stop using TREMFYA® and get emergency medical help right away if you develop any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
    ° fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure) ° trouble breathing or throat tightness
    ° swelling of your face, eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue or throat ° chest tightness
    ° skin rash, hives ° itching
  • Infections. TREMFYA® may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections. Your healthcare provider should check you for infections and tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment with TREMFYA® and may treat you for TB before you begin treatment with TREMFYA® if you have a history of TB or have active TB. Your healthcare provider should watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during and after treatment with TREMFYA®.

    Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection, including:

    ° fever, sweats, or chills ° diarrhea or stomach pain
    ° muscle aches ° shortness of breath
    ° weight loss ° blood in your phlegm (mucus)
    ° cough ° burning when you urinate or urinating more often than normal
    ° warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body different from your psoriasis

Do not take TREMFYA® if you have had a serious allergic reaction to guselkumab or any of the ingredients in TREMFYA®.

Before using TREMFYA®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have any of the conditions or symptoms listed in the section “What is the most important information I should know about TREMFYA®?”
  • have an infection that does not go away or that keeps coming back.
  • have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB.
  • have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). You should avoid receiving live vaccines during treatment with TREMFYA®.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TREMFYA® can harm your unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TREMFYA® passes into your breast milk.

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

What are the possible side effects of TREMFYA®?

TREMFYA® may cause serious side effects. See “What is the most important information I should know about TREMFYA®?”

The most common side effects of TREMFYA® include: upper respiratory infections, headache, injection site reactions, joint pain (arthralgia), diarrhea, stomach flu (gastroenteritis), fungal skin infections, herpes simplex infections, and bronchitis.

These are not all the possible side effects of TREMFYA®. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Use TREMFYA® exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.

Please read the full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide for TREMFYA®, and discuss any questions that you have with your doctor.

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.

cp-82626v3

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  1. National Psoriasis Foundation. About Psoriasis. Accessed July 22, 2020. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis
  2. National Psoriasis Foundation. Statistics. Accessed July 22, 2020. https://www.psoriasis.org/content/statistics
  3. American Academy of Dermatology. Skin Conditions by the Numbers. Accessed July 22, 2020. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-numbers
© Janssen Biotech, Inc. 2020 10/20 cp-162319v1


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5 Things to Know About Severe Eosinophilic Asthma – Why All Asthma Is Not the Same

2020-10-15T13:01:00

(BPT) – This content was sponsored by GSK.

If you have asthma, even if you are taking your medications, you still may be worried about your next attack.

It’s important to know that not all asthma is the same – elevated eosinophil levels may be a key differentiating factor. Eosinophils are white blood cells that are part of the body’s normal immune system, and research has shown that an elevated number of these cells may cause inflammation in the lungs. Inflammation can increase the risk of asthma attacks. Here are 5 quick things to know about what sets severe eosinophilic asthma apart from other forms of asthma.

  1. No two cases of asthma are exactly the same

Asthma is a chronic lung disease where inflammation in the lungs narrows airways. However, the underlying cause of this inflammation can differ from person to person. Because of this, no two cases of asthma are the same and understanding triggers is key to management. Some forms of asthma may have an underlying cause, like elevated eosinophil levels causing lung inflammation.

  1. Living with severe asthma means poor symptom control, worsening asthma, and ER visits have become the norm you’ve accepted despite treatment

It is estimated 1 in 13 people in the U.S. have asthma, and of those, 5 to 10 percent have severe asthma, or asthma where a person is still struggling with symptoms and suffering asthma attacks despite taking medication as prescribed. Many people may not realize their asthma is considered severe and continue to live with the symptoms.

  1. Your body’s immune system may be overreacting

As part of the body’s normal immune system, we have a type of white blood cell called eosinophils. Eosinophils are an important part of our immune system that fight infection and keep us healthy. But in some people with asthma, a higher level of eosinophils can cause inflammation and swelling in the airways, increasing the risk of asthma attacks.

  1. A simple test can determine if you might have severe eosinophilic asthma

Eosinophils are measured through a simple blood test. About half of people with severe asthma have elevated levels of eosinophils, giving the condition its name – severe eosinophilic asthma. Although a connection between eosinophils and asthma was established over 100 years ago, it was only recently that doctors understood eosinophil levels can help guide targeted treatments in people with frequent asthma attacks.

  1. Talk to your doctor about severe eosinophilic asthma and ways to treat it

Today, there are treatment options available to help manage the condition, including NUCALA (mepolizumab). NUCALA is an add-on, prescription maintenance treatment for patients 6 and older with severe eosinophilic asthma. NUCALA is not used to treat sudden breathing problems. The addition of NUCALA to your other asthma medications can help prevent severe asthma attacks and reduce the use of oral steroids while maintaining asthma control. Results may vary.

Important Safety Information
Do not use NUCALA if you are allergic to mepolizumab or any of the ingredients in NUCALA.
Do not use to treat sudden breathing problems.

NUCALA can cause serious side effects, including:

  • allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, including anaphylaxis. Serious allergic reactions can happen after you get your injection of NUCALA. Allergic reactions can sometimes happen hours or days after you get a dose of NUCALA. Tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction:
    • swelling of your face, mouth, and tongue
    • breathing problems
    • fainting, dizziness, feeling light-headed (low blood pressure)
    • rash
    • hives
  • Herpes zoster infections that can cause shingles have happened in people who received NUCALA.

Before receiving NUCALA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • are taking oral or inhaled corticosteroid medicines. Do not stop taking your other asthma medicines, including your corticosteroid medicines, unless instructed by your healthcare provider because this may cause other symptoms to come back.
  • have a parasitic (helminth) infection.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if NUCALA may harm your unborn baby.
    • A pregnancy registry for women who receive NUCALA while pregnant collects information about the health of you and your baby. You can talk to your healthcare provider about how to take part in this registry or you can get more information and register by calling 1-877-311-8972 or visit www.mothertobaby.org/asthma.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will use NUCALA and breastfeed. You should not do both without talking with your healthcare provider first.
  • are taking prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

The most common side effects of NUCALA include: headache, injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling, itching, or a burning feeling at the injection site), back pain, and weakness (fatigue).

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, for NUCALA at www.nucala.com.

Visit www.nucala.com to access useful resources and learn more about severe eosinophilic asthma.

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.

NUCALA is available as a 100 mg/mL vial, Autoinjector, and prefilled syringe.

Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

©2020 GSK or licensor. MPLADVR190001 April 2020 Produced in USA.