Month: November 2020

2020-11-03T12:01:01

(BPT) – For most people enrolled in Medicare, the annual open enrollment period from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 is the only time you can make changes to your existing Medicare coverage. Whether you’re satisfied or dissatisfied with your coverage, this is the time to explore your options as there may be a plan better suited to your health care needs that could save you money in the upcoming year.

During Medicare open enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries can:

• Switch Part D prescription drug plans
• Switch Medicare Advantage plans, which offer health (and often drug) coverage through private insurers
• Switch from Original Medicare, administered by the federal government, to Medicare Advantage
• Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare

As you begin to research your options, consider these tips for navigating Medicare open enrollment from Dan Klein, president and CEO of the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation, an independent charitable organization dedicated to helping people afford out-of-pocket health care costs. Keep in mind, all changes made to coverage during open enrollment take effect on Jan. 1, 2021.

1. Do your homework and research changes

Changes to your health status, prescription drugs, budget, or doctors or other health care providers may mean that your current plan is no longer the most cost-effective choice for you. Insurance companies can also make annual changes in your Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan that might affect the drugs covered, provider networks and your out-of-pocket costs. Visit Medicare.gov to understand the benefits and costs of each plan so you can find the coverage that works best for your current needs. Furthermore, consider going over your plan with an expert; the State Health Insurance Assistance Program offers free (government-funded) one-on-one consultations.

2. Check that your doctors and providers are in-network

It’s smart to check that your preferred doctors, hospitals and pharmacies are in the plan’s provider network, especially before selecting a Medicare Advantage plan. If you visit a doctor, hospital or pharmacy that is outside of the network, you will likely have to pay more. If your insurance company has changed your plan’s provider network for next year, you may want to use open enrollment to switch to a plan that will include your current doctors, hospitals and pharmacies in-network to lower your medical costs. Additionally, check telehealth coverage so you can meet your doctors over the phone or on the computer if appropriate. Note: With Original Medicare, you can go to any doctor, health care provider, hospital or facility that accepts Medicare patients.

3. Make sure your medications are covered

Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Many Medicare Advantage plans provide prescription drug coverage as well. It’s important to ensure that your plan covers the medications you need and that it’s convenient for you to access your drugs through the plan’s network of pharmacies. Switching prescription drug coverage, or even adding it for the first time, can help make the critical medical treatments you need less expensive.

4. Assess if your plan is still a good fit for your budget

Annually, there may be changes to your Medicare plan that affect your out-of-pocket costs. These are your expenses for medical care that aren’t reimbursed by insurance. When selecting a plan, you should consider what you will be responsible for paying under the plan, including the deductible, out-of-pocket limit, co-pays, and coinsurance. Also, if you are enrolled in Original Medicare and do not already have supplemental coverage, now may be a good time to consider purchasing a Medigap plan.

5. Determine how to pay out-of-pocket costs

With rising deductibles, premiums, co-pays and coinsurance, the inability to pay for out-of-pocket costs is a growing problem for people with Medicare. There may be assistance available to you if you cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs for your prescription medications.

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for a federal Medicare Low Income Subsidy (LIS) — also known as Extra Help — to help pay for your prescription drug costs. You may also be eligible for a patient assistance program that provides people with financial assistance to cover out-of-pocket costs for their medical treatments. You can learn more about PAN and patient assistance charities by visiting PANFoundation.org. Other helpful online resources are available at:

• Medicare.gov
• BenefitsCheckup.org
• MedicareInteractive.org

Don’t delay; act now. By using the open enrollment period to evaluate your existing coverage and learn about all your options, you may be able to save significantly on your health care costs next year.

2020-11-03T23:01:00

(BPT) – With the pandemic causing upheaval in all of our lives, the holidays will feel different this year, across every dimension, including financially. With money worries on the rise this year for many, navigating this time while still participating in traditions and festivities may call for some new approaches to how we celebrate together.

Amanda Clayman, financial therapist and Prudential’s Financial Wellness Advocate, has some tips for spreading holiday cheer while keeping your financial anxiety at a low:

1. Know Your Goals: Knowledge is power. Sit down with your statements to learn exactly how much expendable income you’re working with. Then ask yourself what your long-term vision is for your money and life. Try automating transfers into your savings account to work toward those goals. The best part? You can spend the rest guilt-free on holiday fun.
2. Use Cash: When it’s safe to do so in store or for curbside pick-ups, using cash has its benefits for limiting your spending. Seeing a number on a screen is not as powerful of an experience as actually taking that money from your wallet, counting it out, and handing it over. Using cash can drive home the impact of purchases in a way that illustrates the true cost of those items and inspires changed behavior.
3. Hit Snooze on Spending: When it comes to spending, our minds are quick to react. In the moment, a purchase can seem perfectly reasonable, even necessary, but a mere 24 hours later we see the light of day. Putting a pause on any spending choices prevents us from making emotionally driven decisions we may later regret.
4. Get Creative: For many Americans, the pandemic has limited our ability to buy gifts for the ones we love. This can feel painful, especially since gift giving is a love language. Giving during the holidays this year doesn’t need to involve spending money. You can get creative with homemade presents, gifting quality time, or doing an act of service that is meaningful to your loved one.
5. Spend with Heart: This holiday season, keep your spirits up by using your money to bring you and others joy. No matter the size of your budget, consider spending on the items and activities that put your pennies to good use. Grabbing celebratory drinks with friends? Go to your favorite small business. Buying a gift for your daughter? Choose a brand linked to a good cause.

2020-11-03T16:37:42

(BPT) – Eighty-two percent of multigenerational families say that living together has increased their bonds among family members, according to a study published by Generations United. As COVID-19 has led to increased hardships throughout the United States, many families have taken the opportunity to use this time to live together and create lasting memories they couldn’t before.

Multigenerational households are like beehives; everyone has their own unique purpose in the living environment and contributes to the success of the hive. Unfortunately, society views older family members as a hindrance; however, living together under one roof shows us that our loved ones provide much more than just hugs and kisses, they provide lifelong lessons and experiences we wouldn’t get to appreciate and understand with just a yearly visit or update from a nurse’s aide.

When preparing to live in a mutigenerational household, consider the below tips and technologies to help assist with safety and comfort for all family members:

• Move from fear to freedom: Living with an older loved one doesn’t have to mean being cautious of their every move. It means designing a space they can feel comfortable in. Design each room with L.O.V.E., which stands for Light, Optimize, Visualize & Ease. Integrate plenty of natural light, to regulate sleep cycles. Optimize the space by including items that will help with mobility while adding personal touches. Visualize each room by giving it a clear purpose, like eating dinner at the dining room table versus in front of the TV or alone in a separate room. Ease in navigating clear paths to the bathroom, etc.
• Make the household user friendly for each generation: Depending on levels of mobility, households will need to be retrofitted to avoid slips and trips to the emergency room. If older members of the family have issues with using the restroom on their own, a perfect addition to the bathroom is a bidet. A Brondell bidet replaces a normal toilet seat that washes and blows dry. Plus, it’s customizable, heated, and includes a splash guard and a nightlight.
• Fire safety isn’t just for kids: Make sure that everyone is being safe while they cook with tech devices like iGuardStove and FireAvert, which automatically shuts the stove off if food starts smoking to prevent a fire or burned pan from unattended or forgotten cooking.
• Exercise: Wellness devices like Fitbit, Garmin, Apple watch, and Kardia are all great tools to keep the family moving. Arrange a 10-minute group exercise and get creative. Depending on mobility, the entire family can take walks around the neighborhood, do yoga, or even chair exercises on rainy days.
• Utilize remote health monitoring devices: The Livio AI hearing aid has fall detection and tracks body and brain health in 27 languages. MouthLab by Aidar Health monitors more than 10 medical parameters like temperature, respiratory rate, blood pressure, breathing patterns, heart rate, lung function and more in 30 seconds. CarePredict assesses day-to-day movements including sleep, walking, eating and more. The MedWand handheld device allows users to conduct remote office visits and uses real-time collection of vital sign readings to accurately monitor medical conditions regardless of location.
• Control moods: Hapbee is a wearable device and smartphone app that can make you feel happy, calm, sleepy, alert, focused, etc., with the click of a button. Also, the Human Charger introduces light therapy through ear buds to reach the photoreceptors of the brain, which can help those who may have the winter blues, sleep issues, or just want more energy and alertness.
• Get a carefree companion pet: Hasbro Joy for All companion pets are designed to bring comfort, companionship and fun for older loved ones who may not be able to get out and walk, feed or care for a real dog or cat. These pets deliver a soothing, joyful experience that inspires smiles, laughter and fond memories.
• Keep the house clean: With just the push of a button, iRobot Braava Jet 240 Robot Mop wet- and dry-mops your floors and is tiny enough to get under cabinets, beds, furniture and even around the toilet!

Living together is a wonderful experience, enjoyed by millions of families across the world. By using simple technologies, we can help our older loved ones stay safe and comfortable.

2020-11-02T12:01:00

(BPT) – There are more connections between diabetes and cancer than you’d expect. Research suggests the two can be intimately related — with some cancer treatments putting patients at risk for insulin dependence, and type 2 diabetes greatly increasing a person’s susceptibility to cancer.

Because cancer and both types 1 and 2 diabetes can weaken the immune system, people with these disorders are also at increased risk of of severe illness from COVID-19, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).^[1]

Cancer and diabetes are connected

In type 1 diabetes, the body no longer sufficiently produces insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body may still be producing insulin, but other metabolic cells of the body become resistant to its effects (insulin resistance). Insulin, a hormone the pancreas makes to allow cells to use glucose, remains the standard treatment option for millions of people living with diabetes.^[2] In 1978 at City of Hope, a biomedical research complex and National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Southern California, Arthur Riggs, Ph.D., and Keiichi Itakura, Ph.D., conducted research that led to the invention of synthetic human insulin, which transformed modern diabetes management. In 2017, City of Hope founded the Wanek Family Project for Type 1 Diabetes, an ambitious program designed to rapidly translate laboratory discoveries into new treatments — and eventually a cure — for type 1 diabetes.

Cancer and diabetes are “two sides of the same coin” because at a fundamental level both are disruptions of the body’s normal metabolism. For example, people with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to develop liver or pancreatic cancer and run a higher-than-normal risk of developing colon, bladder and breast cancer. City of Hope’s Debbie C. Thurmond, Ph.D., explained that obesity is a major risk factor for both cancer and type 2 diabetes. “Excess fat may provoke the disruption of the body’s normal metabolism and increase inflammation, which is a known trigger for both diabetes and cancer,” she said.

Diabetes and COVID-19 also appear to be connected

While there’s still much to learn about COVID-19, recent data from the CDC reported more than three-quarters of people who died from COVID-19 had at least one preexisting condition. Specifically, diabetes was noted as an underlying condition in approximately four out of 10 patients. Among people younger than 65 who died from the infection, about half had diabetes.^[3]

Managing diabetes during COVID-19

People with diabetes — type 1 or type 2 — are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19 than others, and have poorer outcomes if they do. City of Hope’s Ping H. Wang, M.D., noted, “Patients with diabetes have higher risks of serious complications and ketoacidosis from COVID-19,” and explained that warning signs of severe infection are heightened shortness of breath, persistent chest pain and an intense feeling of fatigue. Even mild symptoms should not be ignored, he said. If you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, Wang said you should call your physician and continue to monitor your blood glucose.

Managing your diabetes as the first line of defense against the novel coronavirus

It’s critical that those battling cancer and/or type 1 or 2 diabetes stay informed and take necessary precautions, which may include:

• Controlling underlying medical conditions better
• Maintaining blood glucose in the target range
• Engaging in physical activities recommended by your doctor
• Controlling eating behavior
• Making sure you’re taking all of your medications correctly
• Social distancing, wearing a face mask and maintaining hand hygiene

For more information on City of Hope’s Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, clinical trials and innovative diabetes research, visit CityofHope.org/diabetes-awareness.

2020-11-02T19:01:00

(BPT) – Daylight saving time is coming to an end, but Headlight Savings Time is just starting.

Headlight Savings Time is an annual campaign sponsored by Sylvania, a leading aftermarket automotive brand with more than 100 years of industry experience, to remind drivers that headlights, just like brakes, tires and other automotive systems, wear down before they burn out. As one of the longest-standing leaders in the industry, Sylvania knows that dimming headlight bulbs may present roadway dangers and is working to educate consumers on the importance of proactive headlight bulb maintenance.

As part of the campaign, Sylvania conducted research to determine how consumers feel about replacing their headlights and found that nearly 8 in 10 drivers are unaware that headlights can dim considerably over time and wait until burnout to replace theirs. Furthermore, this gradual dimming of headlights can lead to a loss of up to 50 feet of visibility even before headlights reach total burnout — an amount approximately equal to the same length as a semi-truck.

With days getting shorter and nights getting longer, many drivers will find themselves on dark roads more often in the coming months. According to the National Safety Council and Geico, fatal accidents are three times more likely to happen at night. And that’s not all — the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently reported that even though the COVID-19 pandemic has decreased overall road traffic, those still on the road are engaging in riskier driving behaviors, like speeding and forgoing seatbelts.

According to the CDC, nearly 150,000 bicyclists and pedestrians are hit by cars each year, and more than 6,000 of these individuals were killed in 2019 — the highest number since 1990. While more automobile makers are increasing the safety technologies in their vehicles, it is still the responsibility of each driver to ensure they are keeping those in bike lanes and crosswalks safe. One way to increase your safety while driving in the dark is to ensure that your headlights are properly lit.

Greg Bibbo, Director of Aftermarket Sales and Marketing at Sylvania, recommends that drivers replace their headlights regularly and in pairs to avoid uneven illumination. “If you’ve never changed your headlight bulbs and feel that your nighttime visibility is declining, this Headlight Savings Time is a great opportunity to switch your headlights out with a new set of bulbs and make changing your headlights part of your vehicle’s overall maintenance.”

This Headlight Savings Time, Sylvania encourages all drivers to consider replacing your headlight bulbs before they burn out to ensure nighttime visibility for you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road around you. For more information, visit HeadlightSavingsTime.com.

2020-11-02T07:31:00

(BPT) – Traditionally, the holiday season is a time to gather with family and friends to reminiscence and celebrate all that has happened throughout the year. But with an ongoing pandemic, many are left looking for new and unique ways to enjoy those time-honored traditions in a way that keeps everyone safe and healthy.

So while things will likely look different than we are accustomed to, that doesn’t mean you and your loved ones have to miss out on those most important and cherished traditions. Instead, consider trying these tips and tricks for safe, socially distant holiday fun.

Host safely

If you plan to host, there are a number of precautions you can take to keep guests safe. If possible, take your gatherings outside where you can increase physical distance and airflow. Choose outdoor activities, such as a bonfire or an active game. If you live in a colder climate, bring out the hats, coats and gloves — and try using a patio or porch heater to warm up.

To limit travel, it is best to only invite people from your local area and limit the number of attendees. Provide information to guests about your local safety guidelines and take steps to prevent spread by providing masks and hand sanitizer.

Get help from the experts

With everything to consider this year, there is nothing better than receiving a helping hand in the kitchen — especially one that can be delivered right to your doorstep. Boston Market, known this time of year as the Holiday Experts, has fully prepared, precooked holiday meal spreads, as well as a la carte sides and desserts that can be delivered to your home, preordered or picked up at any location nationwide. This helpful solution is also perfect for those taking extra precautions during this unusual holiday season.

Go virtual

Since you may not be able to see family and friends in-person, consider spending time with your loved ones from afar by using one of the many apps and programs that allow them to gather virtually. To keep the conversation flowing, prepare a list of fun topics, questions to ask or games to play while you are digitally celebrating the season together.

Shop conveniently

Online shopping has never been easier — or safer. Instead of heading out to crowded malls or stores, do as much online shopping as possible. Be sure to start early, as shipping times will likely be delayed and stocking of the season’s most popular gifts may be limited. If you do plan to shop in person, be sure to follow your local guidelines to ensure you stay safe.

Don’t let the pandemic steal your joy and ruin those time-honored holiday traditions. Instead, try following these helpful tips to ensure a safe and healthy season. You might even discover a new tradition to add to the list!

2020-11-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – Nearly every business has been disrupted by COVID-19 in some way, which makes this year’s holiday shopping season more important than ever for many small businesses. Small business owners have demonstrated incredible resilience and creativity this year, and there are ways they can prepare for a holiday shopping season unlike any we’ve seen before.

For consumers, the season is already underway — and the way to reach them is online. More than 70% of U.S. adults said they planned to do more than half of their shopping digitally this year, and those shoppers are open to buying from small retailers, especially local small businesses.

Below are a few ways businesses can be digitally ready to reach customers this holiday shopping season from Kim Spalding, Google’s global product director for small business ads.

Create a strong digital presence and keep customers informed

To help you get ready for the holidays, we created a holiday hub where business owners can get personalized recommendations to reach shoppers where they are across search, shopping and maps.

Sixty-six percent of people in the U.S. who plan to shop this holiday season said they will shop more at local small businesses. This is great news for business owners, especially as they can stand out by personalizing the customer experience.

To ensure customers are finding the most up-to-date information about your business when they search on Google, be sure to claim and update your Business Profile. During this holiday season, you can add links to your online store so shoppers can easily place a pickup or delivery order when researching your business on Google, and also let customers know the added safety precautions you’re taking throughout COVID, like offering plexiglass at checkout.

In just six months, we’ve seen people changing how they shop. Global searches for “curbside pickup” have grown by over 3,000% over this time last year. Knowing that curbside pickup is likely to be of interest for many holiday customers, you could showcase this service, as well as offering virtual shopping concierge services, gift certificates, customizable gift packages, or flexible return policies. Make sure to share this information on all of your online channels, including your website, and across your social media channels.

Show up when shoppers are searching

For small businesses owners, it’s critical for your products to be in front of consumers searching online. We recently announced that retailers offering e-commerce can list their products for free on Google, making what you offer more accessible to the hundreds of millions of people who shop online every day. You can get started by either submitting your product feed through our Merchant Center or by automating this through platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce or BigCommerce. You can also get your inventory online instantly by connecting to Pointy from Google via a compatible point-of-sale system or device.

If you’re ready to advertise, you can use Smart campaigns — built specifically for small businesses. If you don’t yet have a website, Smart campaigns can automatically build a landing page with your phone number, hours, photos and even your reviews. Platforms like Wix and WordPress also offer free accounts that help small business owners build affordable websites.

Adapt to changing customer behavior

To keep your finger on the pulse of customer trends in real time, our Rising Retail categories tool shows a list of the fastest growing retail-related search categories on Google at a national and state level — including the most popular queries related to each category.

We know customers want to shop locally and support small businesses. And this is even more evident this holiday season, so be sure to get your business in front of the people who are looking for your products and services.

2020-11-02T09:01:00

(BPT) – COVID-19 restrictions mean the 2020 holiday season will be different this year, but that doesn’t mean you have to become a Grinch. Although extensive travel, large group gatherings and many traditional activities can’t happen, you can find imaginative ways to be just as joyful with a dash of creativity. In fact, many people are embracing this as an opportunity to take a unique approach and discover new ways to make one-of-a-kind memories with family, friends and coworkers.

Alternative approaches to work holiday parties

The culmination of the work year is the annual holiday celebration. This is typically a time to enjoy great food, fun games and cheers to a job well done. However, with the pandemic causing many offices to go remote as well as restrictions for restaurants and group gatherings, this year will have to be a celebration of a different kind. Fortunately, technology is making many things possible.

Employers want to show employees they care and are expected to shake things up in creative ways. This could include sending meals to everyone through home delivery and then meeting online to enjoy them together. This might be a video gathering for an ugly sweater contest paired with fun games that can be played digitally such as bingo and holiday trivia. Maybe it’s hiring a live musician to play and everyone can sign in for a virtual happy hour while enjoying the customized tunes. Might someone suggest karaoke?!

Online shopping expected to soar

Last year, 56% of consumers reported they would make their holiday purchases online vs. at retail stores, according to the National Retail Federation. The experts at Purchasing Power — an employee purchase program — have witnessed this trend growing exponentially since March and expect at-home shopping to soar over the upcoming holidays. With so many people continuing to work or attend school at home, Purchasing Power anticipates the most popular (and practical) gifts to be purchased and delivered right to people’s doors include new laptops and home electronics, personal health and fitness equipment and ergonomic office furniture. Of course, toys, video games — there are many new products and gaming systems this year for kid and adult gamers — and small luxury items will still bring smiles to those longing for unexpected surprises during the 2020 holidays.

With money being tight for many families this year, employers want to help by offering things like year-round financial programs that allow workers to purchase items without the stress or high-interest rates associated with credit cards. Ask your employer about voluntary benefits like Purchasing Power, which enables you to buy name-brand consumer products and services and pay over the course of a year through automated payroll deduction, with no interest, fees or required credit checks. Learn more at www.purchasingpower.com.

Travel less, make more memories at home

With airline travel at a minimum and health top of mind, many people won’t be traveling to bake holiday treats and celebrate good tidings in person. Consider alternatives this year and plan a family video chat time to bake cookies together. Select and share a recipe ahead of time and then sign on to your digital device to talk with each other as you each prepare dough, bake and enjoy treats. This might be the perfect time to tackle that traditional family recipe that’s been handed down for generations and see who proves most successful.

For younger children with shorter attention spans, you may just want to plan a virtual cookie or cupcake decorating party. Or perhaps you get crafty and make some hand-cut snowflakes or colorful paper garlands. As you add the perfect touches to holiday treats, exchange memories of holidays past and even pull out old family photo albums or videos to reminisce. Make sure to enjoy a few treats together and take video stills to capture these special moments for future celebrations. Finally, wrap the fun up by reading a traditional holiday book to little ones before bedtime.

The 2020 holiday season is sure to be unique, but “different” can still be good. With an optimistic mindset and clever ideas, you’ll put a new spin on family and workplace traditions and make some lasting memories.