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Need Insurance After Job Loss?

2020-12-27T07:01:00

(BPT) – Uncertainty is a fact of life and for millions of Americans that includes losing their job at one point or another. It’s a particularly stressful time because many find themselves without their primary source of health insurance when they lose their job. But job loss doesn’t mean you can’t stay insured. And VSP Vision Care is here to help with information and resources so you can regain the coverage you and your family need — in a time when you might need it most.

I need health insurance now: Moving beyond the worry and taking action to get reinsured

It’s true, losing your health coverage can be a stressful life event — scary, even. But it doesn’t need to derail you altogether. Rest assured that you have the necessary tools at your disposal to protect yourself. Below are some of the top options for regaining health coverage after job loss, even in a time of crisis. Keep a level head, arm yourself with the facts, and make an informed decision to reenlist the coverage you need.

1) COBRA extended insurance coverage

After you lose your job, it’s possible to enroll in COBRA and maintain your health insurance plan for up to 18 months (even longer, in special cases). This includes any family members or dependents that were also originally covered by the plan.

Once you have enrolled in COBRA, you’ll have to pay for the entire premium. This could mean a sharp increase in what you were paying previously — especially given that, on average, employers cover about 70% to 80% for employee health insurance plans. Be sure to compare the costs and benefits of COBRA with other plan options before making a decision.

Advantages:

Familiarity – maintain the same coverage you had, with all the same benefits.

Quality – depending on your employer and previous plan, the health coverage might be better than other health plan options; e.g., provided by the Marketplace (ACA) in your state.

Disadvantages:

Expensive – you pay the full premium of the plan, plus a 2% administrative fee.

Inflexible – once enrolled, you cannot change to a Marketplace option until Open Enrollment in November, or until the 18 months are up.

2) Medicare, if you qualify

If you’re over 65, have qualifying disabilities or are receiving dialysis treatments, you’re eligible to get health insurance through Medicare. Medicare has a few insurance options to choose from, but not all provide dental and vision coverage, so you may also need dental insurance or vision insurance in addition to your Medicare coverage. Be sure to do your research when signing up for Medicare after job loss.

This summary of the different Medicare options can help you get started and you can visit www.Medicare.gov for more information.

Part A

Hospital Insurance

Part B

Medical Insurance

Part C

Medicare Advantage Plans (bundles Parts A, B, and D, and typically includes extra benefits like vision, dental, and hearing)

Part D

Prescription Drug Plans

Advantages:

Reasonably cost-effective: Medicare is intended to ease the costs of healthcare in the retirement phase of life.

Practical choice combinations: Although it is a bit difficult to understand your options clearly, there are many options for securing coverage best suited to your needs.

Disadvantages:

Complex: Different rules apply for each Medicare category (Parts A, B, C, and D). Pay attention to what is covered, what is allowed, and when you should enroll. Penalties may apply.

Premium penalties: Depending on when you enroll in the different parts of Medicare, it’s possible to be subjected to penalties for the lifetime of coverage.

3) Buying your own health insurance

Since 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has allowed individuals to purchase their own health insurance through government-regulated online marketplaces. While there is a specific Open Enrollment Period each year starting in November, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve lost your health insurance due to job loss. You just need to do this within 60 days of your employment ending.

The plans themselves are priced based on your total household income and household size. There are two things to keep in mind, though: 1) More than 85% of Americans are eligible for cost-reduction subsidies, which make these plans affordable, regardless of your circumstances; and 2) There is a large range of plan options, with different types of coverage and pricing, all based on your needs and individual ability to pay.

Advantages:

Available to everyone: One of the primary goals of the ACA is to provide health coverage to people who might otherwise not have access to affordable healthcare.

Variety: Lots of plan/coverage options to choose from.

Costs based on income: You may qualify for lower premiums and savings on your out-of-pocket costs, if you have a household income that applies.

Disadvantages:

Start date: Coverage only starts on the first of each month after you have lost your previous coverage and enrolled in a Marketplace plan. So, if you need health insurance now, be sure you take this into account.

Coverage: Plans with better coverage might be available through other options.

4) Don’t forget vision and dental insurance

Many of the health insurance options mentioned above do not include dental or vision coverage, or the coverage might be minimal. So you may find you still need dental insurance and vision insurance. Thankfully, you can buy individual dental insurance and vision insurance yourself. VSP provides a variety of vision insurance options and through its partnership with Guardian will help point you to dental insurance options to help you complete your coverage.

With flexible pricing and payment options for individuals, couples, and families, VSP plans are designed to be affordable and practical. If you’re still uncertain about your options, visit the VSP Job Loss page to see how VSP vision and dental insurance might be a possibility for you.

Whatever decision you make to get health, vision, and dental insurance coverage during this difficult time, it’s important to remember that only you know what you need and what is practical for you and your family. And should you need care, you will be grateful to have not taken this decision lightly.

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How to make extra money by selling locally through resale: 4 popular trends this year

2020-12-24T02:01:00

(BPT) – This year, people leveraged the convenience of online shopping more than ever. One of the main reasons is that buying and selling through resale marketplaces makes it easier for people to find deals or make money to supplement their income.

In 2020, buying and selling locally became more popular as people bought things to create home offices, outfit home gyms, and keep their families entertained. Some enterprising sellers decluttered and supplemented their incomes by using online marketplaces to sell their unwanted or unused items.

Though more people bought holiday gifts online this season, despite shoppers’ best efforts, not all gifts will hit the mark this year. The popular online shopping app OfferUp conducted a survey of its buyers and sellers and found that 39% of people surveyed said they are most likely to sell a gift they receive if they are not interested in it. And many plan to use that money towards monthly expenses like rent (40%) and daily essentials (30%) like groceries.

Meanwhile, 31% surveyed saying they are more likely to regift an item this year than last year. Compared to 2019, women are more likely to regift than men (37% vs. 26%).

OfferUp found some interesting results on buying trends this year as well:

Resale can help you save money. The opportunity to save money is a primary motivator for respondents. Sixty-five percent will shop such marketplaces to save money and/or buy what they want without paying full retail prices — and 39% expect to save up to $300 for their efforts.

Reduce, reuse, recycle, repeat. Sustainability is top-of-mind for secondhand shoppers this year. A substantial 46% of respondents say finding something reused and environmentally sustainable is more important than finding something new and trendy.

You can find rare or heavily discounted items. The search for rare or discontinued items is another big draw for online resale shoppers; 43% of respondents search such venues for goods or gifts they may not be able to find elsewhere.

Resale supports local businesses. Thirty-four percent of respondents are more likely to purchase from a resale marketplace than a physical store because they prefer to support local vendors.

Those looking to make money by selling things they don’t need can try resale now by downloading a popular app like OfferUp. The marketplace provides sellers with listings that never expire, nationwide shipping option safety features such as TruYou and Community MeetUp Spots that help confirm identities and suggest safer meet-up locations. Download the OfferUp app for more tips on being a successful buyer or seller.

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How ‘buy now pay later’ can stretch your dollars

2020-12-23T22:23:00

(BPT) – You’ve probably wondered about it — various retailers and apps offering consumers the opportunity to “buy now and pay later.” It’s easy to confuse buy now pay later (BNPL) plans with using a credit card or layaway plan. While finances are tight for many, especially during and after the holidays, it’s good to know what plans would work best for your situation, without getting you into financial difficulties down the road.

The credit card trap

When cash is in short supply, especially if you are a recent grad or if you’re between jobs, it’s all too easy to max out your credit cards when buying holiday gifts or necessary expenses, from gas for your car to medical bills.

But even if you have reasonably good credit and a generous credit limit on a card, relying too heavily on this payment method can lead to financial difficulties in the future. Even if your credit card charges interest that is not too high, any amount adds up over time, especially if you can’t pay off the balance. And even worse — if you miss a payment, that can not only lead to fees but will also harm your credit score, making it hard to borrow later if you need a car or bank loan.

Especially for anyone still paying down student loans, the lure of credit cards has definitely lost its luster — which is a good thing, in the long run.

The old-fashioned layaway plan

In your parents’ or grandparents’ day, layaway was a common method for saving up for large expenses, like appliances. But the catch was, you couldn’t take home the item until the total amount was paid off at the retailer.

It was a great way for people to save up for later purchases, making sure they didn’t overextend their credit. But for today’s financial challenges, a plan like this does not help much. The layaway plan has evolved to fit our current needs, and buy now, pay later has revolutionized the way we purchase — like getting the item right away instead of waiting to receive it once it’s paid off.

How to buy now, pay later

Enter a new way to make purchases now and pay for it over time without exorbitant interest and fees later. For example, with Quadpay, you can make purchases without needing to go through a hard credit check that could affect your credit score. Their app divides your purchase into four payments over a six-week period, and withdrawals for each payment are set up to be automatically charged to the bank account you provide, so you won’t have to worry about missing a payment — and there’s no interest and no hidden fees. The first payment is made at the time of purchase.

With Quadpay, you can use buy now, pay later to shop anywhere, for anything — whether online or in-store. After downloading the app you can browse any store online or just add a Quadpay card to your digital wallet to conveniently pay in-store. The app even sends helpful reminders of upcoming payments via text message.

Using BNPL beyond gifts

Apart from buying others (or yourself) items you want, you can also use the Quadpay app to pay for medical bills, prescriptions, utilities and other necessary expenses — even parking tickets.

“We created Quadpay to provide consumers savvier ways to pay and greater access to financial flexibility, believing the traditional credit model was broken,” said Adam Ezra, Co-CEO of Quadpay. “While a FICO score alone may make sense for car loan eligibility, we’ve proven it’s not the case for smaller purchases.”

Another bonus? If you’re shopping in-store, you can touch and go to pay with the app for safer, contactless shopping.

Tips for using buy now, pay later

1. Download the Quadpay app, and make sure you’ve added a Quadpay card to your digital wallet, for easy tap-to-pay in-store capabilities through your digital wallet.

2. When shopping online, purchase goods from any retailer through the Quadpay app to easily split payments.

3. Keep track of how much you’re spending and how it’s being divided over the next six weeks, so you’re not overreaching your expected income during that period.

Using buy now, pay later, you can spread out payments over time to help you manage your finances smartly when money is tight, and avoid being late on crucial payments when you’re between paychecks.

Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play — or visit Quadpay.com to learn more.

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“Queer Eye” star Karamo’s Five Tips in Spreading Joy and Cheer

2020-12-23T14:35:01

(BPT) – This year’s holidays have already been and continue to be dramatically different, and no one is expecting anything to change come the start of 2021.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t carve out ways to care for our loved ones, spread cheer and support other people in our communities now and in the coming year.

Those were among the messages highlighted in “Karamo’s Holiday Spectacular,” presented by Zelle®, a virtual event held on December 17, featuring the “Queer Eye” star interviewing Lesley-Ann Brandt of the Netflix series “Lucifer,” entertainment reporter Zuri Hall and choreographer Matt Steffanina. Guests discussed ideas for making this holiday and the new year special in light of a global crisis.

“Things we all have to remember as we’re going through this pandemic (are) why it’s important to connect with others, why it’s important to support others, and how can we remember the good in us and the things we love to do,” says Karamo. “That’s what’s going to get us through this moment so we can feel cheerful at the end of it.”

Here are a few other suggestions shared by the author and Emmy-nominated TV personality in that spirit.

Arrange virtual get-togethers with loved ones. They may require planning, but virtual conversations are the next best thing to hugging and conversing in person when sharing mutual support. “It’s going to be more important than ever to create some semblance of ‘normal’ in your life over these next few weeks,” Karamo advises. “Everything about 2020 is a pivot party; what you thought you were going to do, you’re not going to do, so you have to be flexible.”

Offer meaningful gifts, no matter your time, budget, or energy level. Giving thoughtful presents need not be labor-intensive, burdensome, or costly. Often, the smallest gestures show the most significant depth of feeling. And gifts of money are always appreciated; one survey by P2P digital payments network Zelle shows that 84% of consumers would rather receive money than other gifts.

One easy way of saying you care is to send the gift of money digitally, tagged with a kind note in the memo field suggesting your idea(s) for spending it. Thanks to Zelle, you can safely, quickly, and conveniently send money to those you know and trust with a bank account in the U.S. while enclosing a message of support — something like “For a hot latte on a cold winter morning” or “To spend on our first girls’ night after the pandemic.” Karamo suggests using Zelle to share virtual activities (and split the cost) with a friend. “I like to use my memo lines to offer words of encouragement for getting my loved ones through difficult times,” he reveals.

Support mental health and well-being by sharing moments of cheer. Remain aware of those in your life who may need a little extra emotional support and find small ways to help lift their spirits. “To combat feelings of loneliness or sadness, you’ll need to look for virtual opportunities to share the holidays with the people you love,” he suggests. “That can be time, gifts, or even money.”

Navigate family and “framily” relationships with care. It’s more critical than ever right now to express to loved ones how much you care about them. Use your time together to acknowledge each other’s strengths and to support each other through any difficulties. “While some of us will be mostly alone for the holidays, others will be with more family than usual,” Karamo points out. “That can be taxing or rewarding … (but) it’s important to make the time together meaningful.”

Help your community thrive. Volunteering or finding other ways to give back to your community can empower you and make you feel better, even as you’re helping others. Research backs that up: one Harvard Business School survey of happiness across 136 countries found that altruistic people — specifically those generous with charitable donations — are happier than others. Recent studies from Zelle found that people are volunteering 30% more this year than in 2019.

“(Social isolation) hasn’t stopped people from getting into the spirit of giving,” Karamo says. “Giving feels good, and the more you do it, the more you get out of it.” He notes that he likes to give back by leaving generous tips for service workers and supporting local restaurants by gifting people with Zelle payments, then inviting recipients to dine at those restaurants. “Every service provides a kind of joy,” he points out. “(This way) you’re not just spreading love — you’re spreading business.”

If you missed “Karamo’s Holiday Spectacular” the first time around, you can view it here https://www.instagram.com/tv/CI9QFTAh4y3/.

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How to gift happiness in 2021

2020-12-23T11:01:00

(BPT) – There are no two ways about it: 2020 was a lot to take in. We forged ahead and made amazing things happen in the face of enormous uncertainty, but it wasn’t an easy task. In 2021, everyone’s looking to grow their happiness and share it with others. It’s only natural, and fortunately research has given us some solid ideas of where to start.

A 2008 study out of the Harvard Business School and the University of British Columbia has shown that the act of giving gifts makes people happy. Even happier than if we spent the money on ourselves. So, to make everyone more cheerful, here are some smile-inducing (and stress-reducing) gift ideas for 2021.

Plants to calm and cheer

If you’ve never heard of the term ‘biophilia’ that’s OK, most people haven’t. It’s a theory that says humans naturally seek out and benefit from connections to nature. Research has backed up this theory, particularly with the study of houseplants. Houseplants can do everything from bettering our concentration to improving our well-being. A 2019 Japanese study showed that people with a small plant on their desk showed lower anxiety and stress levels after four weeks.

“Plants are the perfect gift to help us relax and be happy,” said Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising for leading gifting site 1-800-Flowers.com. “For folks looking for a way to connect in 2021, you can’t go wrong with the Prayer Plant, deemed our plant of the year. Its leaves fold together at night like praying hands, making it a wonderful reminder to be thankful and calm.”

The Red Maranta Prayer Plant also makes a great gift because it’s easy to care for. When gifting houseplants, you’re hoping to give your loved one something that will last for months or years to come. Choosing a hardy species will help make that a reality, while a finicky plant might backfire and cause more stress for first-time “plant parents.”

Flowers to energize

Another gift scientifically proven to drive happiness, according to a Rutgers University study, is a lovely bouquet of cut flowers. What’s more, flowers provide an instant burst of color. Bright colors have been shown to have their own positive psychological effects, from releasing “feel-good hormones” to increasing a person’s motivation.

One especially positive color is yellow. It can have uplifting, illuminating and energizing effects. Perhaps that’s why a yellow hue was chosen as one of Pantone’s colors of the year for 2021, and why it is featured prominently in the 1-800-Flowers.com flower of the year: sunflowers.

Gifting a sunflower bouquet is an easy way to spread happiness. Not only do they boast bright, cheerful colors, they’re also a large bloom that lasts more than a week after being cut.

The shared joy of gift-giving

At the end of the day, there are a lot of ways to do gift-giving right. In 2021, look for presents that channel a strong sense of optimism and positivity. After all, those are feelings we all craved more of during 2020.

Remember, whatever gifts you give, there’s happiness to be had all around. The joy of giving is equal to the joy of receiving, which makes gifting a sure-fire way to grow happiness in 2021.

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Movie villain to real-life hero: AI poised to become humankind’s most powerful tool

2020-12-23T19:01:00

(BPT) – The race for a COVID-19 vaccine may have a surprising beneficiary.

Artificial intelligence, the sometimes maligned and misunderstood villainous technology behind Hollywood blockbusters from “2001: A Space Odyssey” to “The Terminator” could emerge as a hero of epic proportions. Successfully taking on the COVID-19 virus by aiding vaccine development and management of clinical trials, researchers say, is only the beginning of what this powerful tool can achieve. Today, the pandemic; tomorrow, global warming and other looming humanitarian challenges of our time — alongside new, transformational ways of doing business, which will speed innovation, improve financial performance and boost job satisfaction for workers.

AI is helping people answer what had been unanswerable questions, too complex for human brains and powerful computers to handle. One of the powerful lessons researchers say we are learning in the fight against COVID-19 is the power and value of data. Notably, the role data plays in predictive analytics generated through AI. For COVID-19, some healthcare professionals and researchers relied on genetic algorithms to evaluate, predict and model the virus’ behavior to help control its impact. That approach — using AI to see ahead — has enormous potential and is why predictive analytics is the subject of so much groundbreaking work in the field of AI.

Researchers at digital technology innovator Cognizant are experts on next-generation AI and data science. Among their ongoing initiatives is development of a powerful tool, “Evolutionary AI,” which can literally help to see the future by quickly analyzing enormous amounts of data and mapping the anticipated trajectory of selected trends. Evolutionary AI goes a step further than analysis, answering immeasurably complex problems — then prescribing solutions. Think of the benefits for a research oncologist who can now evaluate patient diagnoses, test results, demographics and individual risk factors across a mind-boggling array of data points to prescribe the best treatment. Or a greenhouse farmer who can now analyze seeds, soil, temperature, humidity and light requirements to yield optimal growth. The ramifications of that kind of application could be enormous, leading to more efficient farming and more food. Not just prediction, which can be so valuable on its own, but prediction and prescription — a one-two, revolutionary technology punch.

This new approach to issue-identification, prediction and decision-making is on full display during a new XPRIZE competition dubbed the Pandemic Response Challenge. A nearly three-month initiative co-sponsored by Cognizant, the challenge tasks participants to come up with the best way to use artificial intelligence to accurately predict COVID-19 infection rates and offer prescriptive intervention, all in an effort to save lives and re-open businesses, communities and the global economy. While there’s a $500,000 grand prize hanging in the balance for the top two winning teams, organizers say the real reward is in showcasing artificial intelligence capabilities and the power of machine learning. Simulations and models that are created during the challenge will not only have an enormous effect on the continuing battle against COVID-19, but they will also be potentially transformative in everyday business decision-making.

But for now, this XPRIZE competition, the 23rd since the organization was founded in 1994, remains squarely focused on COVID-19. Organizers are hopeful the competition will shine a bright light on the monumental advancement of this technology and offer assessment paradigms, predictive platforms and a path forward for real-world applications to address the pandemic.

“This challenge will inspire some of the world’s brightest innovators to address the immediate threats to our economies and livelihoods,” said Amir Banifatemi, chief innovation and growth officer at XPRIZE. He said the challenge could be a “game-changer when it comes to using data and artificial intelligence to create a route to recovery,” especially now that vaccines are becoming available.

The ambitious, 10-week timeline of the competition underscores the urgency of stopping the spread of COVID-19 and developing a framework for communities and businesses to safely reopen. The challenge organizers are confident that artificial intelligence will help determine the best ways for communities to reopen, people to reengage with one another and the world to reclaim a sense of normal. In the case of COVID-19, AI could dramatically improve data-based decision-making and help shorten — even eliminate — another wave of infection, spread and death.

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The perfect shot: The story of a boy and his photography

2020-12-23T13:35:00

(BPT) – In a year like 2020, dreams can still come true, even for those with a critical illness. Just ask Colton, a young boy from South Carolina. After he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Colton found he loved taking pictures with his smartphone. He’s been at the beach every day, taking photos of the calming waves at sunrise and sunset.

Colton’s passion for photography has become a vital distraction for him as he undergoes treatment.

His mom, Sharon, said when she would take Colton for his monthly scans, the two would pick locations where they could stop afterward and take some good photos. One spot Colton really liked in particular was the public garden.

“The opportunity to think about taking photographs helps him feel less anxious about his appointments,” his mom said. “[It] provides him better focus and relief after we’ve left the doctor’s office.”

A perfect shot at his dream career

Colton’s distraction eventually turned into a passion. He said it’s his dream to become a photographer. He even discussed his ambitions in a “life plan” project he did for school. However, Colton knew that if he wanted that perfect shot, he would need quality equipment.

Colton’s wish didn’t go unheard. Make-A-Wish®, along with partner Hadwin-White Subaru, worked to make Colton’s desires of being a professional photographer a reality as part of the Subaru of America Share The Love™ event. With support from community donors, enough money was raised to get Colton his own professional photography gear. After receiving it, he embarked on an adventure to take photos along the South Carolina coast. But, of course, to be a professional photographer he needed a professional photoshoot. Gathered together with volunteers, family and representatives from Hadwin-White Subaru and Make-A-Wish South Carolina, Colton captured photos of a 2021 Subaru Forester among the moss-draped oaks at famous Brookgreen Gardens.

“Because of his wish, Colton has something to look forward to,” his mom said. “He can be creative and truly set his goals for the future.”

With his wish granted, Colton can remain resilient as he powers through treatment. His story provides hope and insight to others walking in his shoes.

An inspiration to us all

A wish is empowering and life-affirming. For many, it’s the start of feeling normal again; for others, it serves as a launching point into new treatments; for some, it’s the beginning of hope.

Colton’s story provides a beacon of hope for others like him. Anyone enduring a critical illness knows the fear and anxiety children and their families can feel when they go through treatment. But when they can develop a passion and create a distraction to push through them, it makes every day a little easier.

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Crowd-Pleasing Tips for Vegan Entertaining

2020-12-22T14:01:00

(BPT) – Interest in veganism is at an all-time high; in fact, according to data from Google Trends, veganism is now twice as popular as it was just five years ago, and it doesn’t show any sign of slowing down. This means that the future of entertaining — when it is safe to gather together again — is vegan and plant-based. Having a vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, dairy-free or gluten-free guest is no longer a possibility, it should be expected and planned for.

The good news is that hosting a tasty, plant-based gathering that everyone — vegans and meat-lovers alike — can agree on can be easier than ever before. Daiya Foods, the pioneer of delicious plant-based foods, has teamed up with vegan chef and author Chloe Coscarelli to offer tips for vegan entertaining.

Chef Chloe has been at the forefront of vegan cooking for over a decade and even became the first vegan chef to win a national culinary competition in 2010 at Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.” She went on to create “by CHLOE” — a chain of restaurants that brought vegan fast-casual cooking to the mainstream. On top of that, Coscarelli, who lives in Brooklyn, New York, has authored four cookbooks, and appears regularly on several cooking shows.

We chatted with Chef Chloe and learned some expert tips to help ensure your next gathering is a crowd-pleaser:

First, Communicate with Your Guests

When hosting, always remember to ask your guests ahead of time for any food allergies, dietary preferences (such as following a plant-based diet), or simply foods that they just don’t like. It sounds simple, but many hosts overlook this step that can so easily ensure that everyone is happy and well fed. Plus, the last thing you want to do is spend lots of effort on your famous, deep-dish pizza recipe, only to find out that one of your guests is avoiding dairy.

If your guests have dietary restrictions, opt for tasty alternatives like Daiya for an easy swap. “Daiya is one of the OG plant-based brands, and its new and improved Daiya Cutting Board Shreds are now made with chickpea protein. Even if you’re not plant-based — trust me, you’ll enjoy the unexpected great taste, texture and flavor,” notes Chef Chloe. Look for the red dot on the packaging and “Cutting Board Collection” on the label; available in four varieties: Cheddar Style, Mozzarella Style, Pepperjack Style and a new Cheddar x Mozzarella blend.

Variety, Variety and More Variety

When cooking vegan dinner for a non-vegan crowd, it is so important to serve a variety of dishes, sides and appetizers so that there’s more options for everyone in the room to love. Even for the best of chefs, sometimes recipes fall flat or just don’t resonate with everyone in the room. And that’s OK! If we serve at least a few different dishes, our odds are better for hitting it out of the ballpark with at least one of them. “One of my favorites that is a huge crowd-pleaser is this vegan cinnamon French toast bake — perfect for holiday brunches.”

It’s All in the Prep

The last thing you want to be when your guests arrive is stressed. Says Chef Chloe: “I like to plan my dinner parties so that I have at least 30 minutes free to enjoy a sip of wine before my guests arrive. How do I do this? I generally like to follow a 3-day prep rule.” This means shop on day one, prep on day two, and assemble, heat and host on party day, which is day three. Also, allow yourself to take shortcuts like buying bottled sauces and bags of your favorite shredded plant-based cheese. “My fave is new Daiya Cutting Board Collection,” she adds. “They have come a long way in both taste and texture. Your guests would rather have you feeling relaxed and ready for conversation than have every single part of the dinner from scratch.”

Win with Nostalgic Classics

If you’re serving a mixed crowd of vegans and omnivores, it doesn’t hurt to give them all a little something they know and love. “Whether your guests are seeking a crispy, cheesy pizza, the nostalgic comfort of a grilled cheese or a loaded plate of melty nachos, Daiya is changing the way people feel about plant-based foods by inviting everyone to ‘Enjoy the Unexpected’ taste, including worry–free entertaining! Promise your guests won’t even know that stretchy, melty perfection is dairy-free if you don’t tell them!”

Finally, Bring Back Goodie Bags

When the party’s over, it’s a nice and often overlooked gesture to offer your guests to take leftovers home! Since you’ve been cooking all day you probably don’t want to look at your meal anymore, so this is a great way to avoid waste. Plus, who doesn’t love a party favor? Chef Chloe typically keeps takeout containers on hand or makes sure she’s stocked up on plastic or foil wrap before a dinner party.

For plant-based recipe inspo and vegan cooking tips, visit DaiyaFoods.com and ChefChloe.com. If you’d like to try the Daiya Cutting Board Collection Shreds for yourself, check out the product locator.

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Finding fulfillment: Is this the right time to switch careers?

2020-12-22T17:05:12

(BPT) – The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people in countless ways. From quarantine and social distancing to remote working, furlough and job loss, many people are reassessing how they spend their time and make money. Turning proverbial lemons into lemonade, people of all ages and backgrounds have decided to pivot their careers to do something that they truly enjoy.

Time provides the gift of insight

With extra time at home, people are taking stock of their jobs and paths for the future. They are exploring hobbies and passions that may have been put on hold. Finding enjoyment in these activities and realizing strengths and talents can be the inspiration for a new chapter. For example:

  • Limited restaurant hours and options paired with ample kitchen time has inspired foodies to flex their culinary muscles. Some have started showing off their creations on social media and recording how-to videos to share with friends and family. Live cooking videos have been a fun way to connect socially with others from a distance.
  • Having last-minute needs for items like desks, DIYers started working on projects in garages and sheds, realizing they have a maker mindset and handy capabilities. Talking with others and sharing images of finished projects, they’ve discovered their talents are in demand.
  • Unexpected changes due to hour reduction, job loss and more have financial consequences for many families. After creating agile budgets that help their family thrive in uncertain times, some may even share their budgeting tips and find joy in helping others discover financial security.

The silver lining of the pandemic is the gift of time for reflection and self-discovery. However, it’s one thing to enjoy a talent or passion, it’s another to figure out how to monetize it.

Desire inspires the need for change

Being your own boss is appealing. If you’ve discovered a talent and you want to make it a career, it’s important to explore options that can help set you up for success. Taking orders for custom-made desks can be a rewarding side gig or even full-time career, if you have the space, tools and organization skills. Passionate cooks can explore culinary school and consider hosting online cooking classes to help garner some money and grow their reputation.

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When Recurring Respiratory Symptoms Could be the Sign of a Chronic Lung Condition

2020-12-21T12:01:02

(BPT) – Living with a chronic lung condition can be challenging. The first step toward improving your lung health is understanding what kind of lung condition you have and what you can do to manage your condition in close partnership with your doctor.

One such condition, Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease, can be serious and can worsen over time. Commonly found in the environment, MAC bacteria is the most common species that causes nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease. MAC bacteria can get inside your lungs when you breathe them in through daily activities, such as showering or gardening. While most people who come in contact with MAC do not develop an infection, people at risk are those with other lung conditions such as bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

MAC lung disease symptoms – persistent cough, shortness of breath and fatigue – are similar to those of other lung conditions. Thus, it may take years to identify and properly diagnose. Early identification is important because MAC lung disease can progress and could potentially result in lung damage.

If your doctor suspects you have MAC lung disease, you may be referred to a specialist – such as a pulmonologist or infectious disease specialist – who has experience diagnosing and treating the condition. A series of tests can help ensure a proper diagnosis, and these include obtaining sputum, or mucus samples, and a chest CT scan. If diagnosed, you and your doctor will work together to determine the right treatment plan for you.

Dr. Nicole Lapinel, pulmonologist and assistant clinical professor at Louisiana State University School of Medicine, says that active monitoring and being open with your healthcare team about how you’re feeling are an integral part of MAC lung disease management.

According to Dr. Lapinel, “While the 2020 NTM Lung Disease Treatment Guidelines are at the forefront of doctors’ decision-making process, it’s essential for patients to have a personalized treatment plan that includes support from other specialists. The first steps are to work together to determine the appropriate combination of airway clearance techniques, antibiotics if recommended and lifestyle changes to manage the condition.”

Monitoring Progress

After establishing an initial treatment plan, it’s important to continue monitoring progress to assess whether the condition is improving, staying the same or worsening. According to the 2020 NTM Treatment Guidelines, treatment is considered successful if a patient’s sputum culture shows there is no sign of MAC, meaning they test negative for the bacteria. However, the Guidelines also suggest that if the multi-drug antibiotic treatment regimen is not successful after six months, other options may be considered. This makes it important to maintain regular communication with your care team and share how you’re feeling with your doctor.

When starting new medications, Dr. Lapinel suggests keeping a journal to document symptoms and any side effects. She also encourages patients to speak with their doctors about how frequently they should be seen in the clinic; typically, once every 1-3 months depending on the circumstances.

Continuing to Advocate While on Treatment

Because managing MAC lung disease can feel overwhelming, Dr. Lapinel recommends being proactive by staying in close communication with your care team about your symptoms and overall health, even while on treatment.

For MAC lung disease patients, putting this into practice is key. Kathy, a MAC lung disease patient, has learned the importance of two-way dialogue with her doctor since being diagnosed in 2015 after experiencing symptoms for five years.

Kathy and her pulmonologist worked together to determine the right treatment for her, which included multiple antibiotics. Just as Dr. Lapinel recommends, Kathy scheduled routine check-ups with her own pulmonologist every few months to monitor her condition. Her pulmonologist ordered annual chest x-rays and chest CT scans in order to monitor her condition and to determine if she was making appropriate progress on treatment.

After over six months of being on treatment, Kathy’s sputum cultures were still testing positive for MAC lung disease. That’s when her pulmonologist decided to refer her to an infectious disease specialist, who suggested adding prescription ARIKAYCE® (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension) to her treatment regimen. Kathy took ARIKAYCE as prescribed, to help with proper management of the condition.

ARIKAYCE is the first and only FDA-approved treatment designed specifically to treat refractory MAC lung disease as part of a combination treatment plan in adult patients who did not respond to combination treatment alone.

This product was approved by the FDA using the Limited Population pathway. This means the FDA has approved this drug for a limited and specific patient population, and studies on the drug may have only answered focused questions about its safety and effectiveness.

ARIKAYCE is an inhaled antibiotic you take with a nebulizer. It is different from other inhaled antibiotics because the amikacin is contained inside tiny particles called liposomes. When you inhale ARIKAYCE, the liposomes containing the medicine travel into your lungs. Once inside the lungs, they release the medicine to fight the infection.

As patients consider their own treatment journeys with their doctors, Dr. Lapinel offers the following tips to help patients manage this condition.

1. Maintain Open Communication with Your Healthcare Team

Arrange regular check-ins with your doctors to monitor your progress and determine if your treatment is working. Today, healthcare services can be conducted virtually through the internet and telephone, but certain appointments may still need to occur in person. You should talk to your doctors to determine your options.

2. Stay on Top of Your Overall Health

It is important to take care of your overall health – mentally, emotionally and physically. Your doctor can share lifestyle changes such as a well-balanced diet, ways to help reduce exposure to MAC bacteria and airway clearance techniques. Beyond your care team, you may benefit from a support system to help manage your condition. This may include family members, friends or loved ones that may help with emotional support and activities such as transportation to and from appointments.

3. Know Your Treatment Options

If you continue to test positive for MAC lung disease after months of treatment, consider speaking with your doctor about alternate treatment options that may be appropriate. The 2020 NTM Treatment Guidelines recommend adding ARIKAYCE for MAC lung disease patients who continue to test positive after at least six months of a standard multidrug treatment regimen. Learn more about the guidelines and speak to your doctor to find out if these could impact your treatment plan.

If you have been prescribed ARIKAYCE, you can consider enrolling in the Arikares Patient Support Program. This program is designed to help you get started on treatment and become familiar with taking it. Additionally, the Arikares Patient Support Program provides information about insurance coverage and financial support options for eligible patients.

Knowing the Possible Side Effects

Everyone responds differently to treatment, so if you think you may be experiencing any potential side effects while taking ARIKAYCE, be sure to alert your doctor immediately.

ARIKAYCE can cause serious side effects, including:

  • allergic inflammation of the lungs. These respiratory problems may be symptoms of allergic inflammation of the lungs and often come with fever, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and fast breathing
  • coughing up of blood (hemoptysis). Coughing up blood is a serious and common side effect of ARIKAYCE
  • severe breathing problems. Severe breathing problems can be symptoms of bronchospasm. Bronchospasm is a serious and common side effect of ARIKAYCE. Bronchospasm symptoms include shortness of breath, difficult or labored breathing, wheezing, and coughing or chest tightness
  • worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is a serious and common side effect of ARIKAYCE
  • serious allergic reactions. Serious allergic reactions that may lead to death have happened to people who take ARIKAYCE. Stop taking ARIKAYCE right away and get emergency medical help if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: hives, itching, redness or blushing of the skin (flushing), swollen lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing or wheezing, shortness of breath, noisy high-pitched breathing (stridor), cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, feel cramps in your stomach area, fast heart rate, feeling light headed, feeling faint, loss of control of the bowels or bladder (incontinence), and dizziness

While using ARIKAYCE, these side effects may become serious enough that treatment in a hospital is needed. Call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you have any of these serious side effects while taking ARIKAYCE. Your healthcare provider may ask you to stop using ARIKAYCE for a short period of time or completely stop using ARIKAYCE.

Do not use ARIKAYCE if you are allergic to any aminoglycoside, or any of the ingredients in ARIKAYCE.

Before using ARIKAYCE, tell your healthcare provider about all medical conditions, including if you:

  • have asthma, COPD, shortness of breath, or wheezing (bronchospasm)
  • have been told you have poor lung function
  • have hearing problems, such as ringing in your ears or hearing loss
  • have dizziness or a sense of the room spinning
  • have kidney problems
  • have neuromuscular disease, such as myasthenia gravis
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ARIKAYCE can harm your unborn baby. ARIKAYCE is in a class of medicines that may be connected with complete deafness in babies at birth. The deafness affects both ears and cannot be changed
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if the medicine in ARIKAYCE passes into your breast milk and if it can harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with ARIKAYCE

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

ARIKAYCE may cause serious side effects, including:

  • hearing loss or ringing in the ears (ototoxicity). Ototoxicity is a serious and common side effect of ARIKAYCE. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have hearing loss or you hear noises in your ears, such as ringing or hissing. Tell your healthcare provider if you start having problems with balance or dizziness (vertigo)
  • worsening kidney problems (nephrotoxicity). ARIKAYCE is in a class of medicines which may cause worsening kidney problems. Your healthcare provider may do a blood test to check how well your kidneys are working during your treatment with ARIKAYCE
  • worsening muscle weakness (neuromuscular blockade). ARIKAYCE is in a class of medicines which can cause muscle weakness to get worse in people who already have problems with muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis)

The most common side effects of ARIKAYCE include: changes in voice and hoarseness (dysphonia), sore throat, diarrhea, muscle pain, nausea, tiredness (fatigue), fever, vomiting, headache, decreased weight, increased sputum, rash, chest discomfort, or cough during or after a dose of ARIKAYCE, especially in the first month after starting treatment.

These are not all of the possible side effects of ARIKAYCE. Call your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see full Prescribing Information at ARIKAYCE.com.

For important questions to ask your doctor about ARIKAYCE, and tips on how to make the most of your next appointment, see here for a discussion guide. You can also find the study results at ARIKAYCE.com.

Sponsored by Insmed Incorporated.