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Is your pandemic pet giving your eye allergies the blues?

2020-12-18T07:01:00

(BPT) – The pandemic has caused pet adoptions and sales to soar because who doesn’t want a cute, furry friend for extra snuggles during this time? What some might be noticing is that those snuggles from a cute pup or kitty come at a cost — itchy allergy eyes. If you are experiencing irritated, itchy eyes since bringing home your furry friend, you might be allergic to pet dander and animal hair. Before you make plans to send your new best friend back to the shelter, there might be help.

Dog owner and New York University Langone Health allergist-immunologist Dr. Tania Elliott understands these unpleasant allergy symptoms all too well and has some ideas on how to keep your allergies under control when you are sharing your home with a pet.

“Eye allergies can either be seasonal or perennial and can be triggered by indoor or outdoor allergens. If you tend to get itchy eyes around the same time every year, you may be suffering from seasonal allergies,” says Elliott. “Seasonal allergies are most common in the spring, summer and fall when the pollen count is higher and people tend to spend more time outdoors. Unlike seasonal allergies, perennial or year-round allergies may occur at any time of the year or last all year long.”

See a doctor to confirm if your pet is causing your symptoms

Although you may think that your new pet is the culprit for your eye allergies, your long outdoor walks with your furry friend could also be exposing you to outdoor allergens, such as pollen or ragweed.

“As soon as you bring a new pet home, it’s important to monitor your symptoms and write everything down,” says Elliott. “Once you’ve monitored your symptoms, you can make small changes to see if that helps with your itchy eyes. If your symptoms do not subside, then you should visit your allergist or eye doctor to determine the cause.”

Give your pet regular baths

Pet dander is made up of tiny flecks of skin shed by animals with fur or feathers. These particles are so small that they can end up airborne and may cause itchy, red eyes. To minimize the spread of pet dander, it is important to bathe your pet once to twice a month, if not more. “As a dog owner myself, I make sure that my dog is bathed at least twice a month to help minimize allergic triggers in my home,” says Elliott.

Look for over-the-counter options that help you find relief

Avoiding exposure to the allergen that triggers you can keep eye allergies at bay, but Dr. Elliott knows that is not always possible. Luckily, for both indoor and outdoor allergy sufferers, finding relief from itchy allergy eyes can be as simple as heading online or to the store shelf. Pataday® Once Daily Relief and Pataday® Twice Daily Relief feature the ingredient doctors prescribed most for eye allergy itch relief without the need for a doctor’s visit or prescription.

The takeaway

If you think your new pet is the cause of your itchy allergy eyes, try these tips to get relief. If your symptoms do not improve after making these small changes or trying Pataday®, then visit your doctor to determine the source of your symptoms.


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Heart-related deaths increase at the holidays – what you need to know

2020-12-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – Heart-related deaths peak in December and January, including spikes on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Some people ignore the signs and symptoms of a cardiac event, such as a heart attack, or they dismiss their chest pain or other symptoms as stress-related, heartburn or a result of having too much to drink. Others may fail to act because they are worried about “ruining” a holiday with a trip to the emergency room.

This winter, we also find ourselves amid a worsening spike of COVID-19. Hospitals continue to report a decline in patients seeking care for cardiac issues.

While some hospitals are reinstituting delays in elective procedures, treatment for a serious heart issue should not be elective — even during a pandemic. Those who do not immediately seek treatment for an emergency cardiac event may suffer damage that could have been prevented with earlier attention.

Some common symptoms may indicate a bigger issue. Heart attack symptoms include severe pain in the chest area, massive tightness in the heart area, burning behind the breastbone, sweating, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath. Heart rhythm symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness or passing out. These conditions could signal an issue with your heart that may require critical care. (Learn more about common symptoms that could indicate a problem with your heart.)

Dave Twellman, 75, of Cary, North Carolina, listened to his heart symptoms and sought follow-up care, even in the middle of a pandemic. Listening to his symptoms saved his life.

One evening, as he was getting ready for bed, he experienced pain in his chest. He first thought it was an ulcer or heartburn but very quickly realized it was something much more serious.

“I knew that whatever it was, it wasn’t something that an antacid was going to fix,” Twellman said. “It was severe chest pain.”

His wife called the local hospital to ask what they should do because of the coronavirus pandemic. Upon hearing the symptoms Twellman was experiencing, they advised him to go immediately to the emergency room.

According to an op-ed from the American Heart Association and other leading cardiology societies, “If you or a loved one experiences heart attack warning signs … call 911.” The piece also advised, “The bottom line is the same as it’s always been. When a medical emergency strikes, call 911. Get to a hospital.”

Thankfully Twellman did. He was having a massive heart attack. A blockage was stopping the flow of blood to parts of his heart, and he required an emergency procedure. A stent was placed in Twellman’s heart to restore blood flow, and he spent 10 days in the hospital.

The procedure was successful, but the heart attack had caused damage to Twellman’s heart muscle. His doctors assessed that Twellman’s poor heart function put him at risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Before discharging him, they recommended he receive a LifeVest® wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) for protection from SCA. (Learn more about the LifeVest WCD.)

SCA is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a failure of the heart’s electrical system triggers a dangerously fast heartbeat, causing the heart to quiver or shake instead of pumping blood to the body and brain. Unlike a heart attack, SCA often happens without warning. Without treatment, death can occur in minutes.

The most effective treatment for correcting a dangerously fast heartbeat is a defibrillation shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. LifeVest is designed to continuously monitor a patient’s heart and, if certain life-threatening heart rhythms are detected, deliver a treatment shock to restore normal heart rhythm.

Approximately eight weeks after his heart attack, Twellman experienced SCA while he was at home, abruptly losing consciousness. LifeVest detected a life-threatening rapid heart rhythm and automatically delivered a treatment shock that saved his life.

The decision to seek emergency care, even during a pandemic, was lifesaving for Twellman — twice. His doctors were able to perform a critical procedure to address his heart attack and then assess that he needed additional protection from SCA with LifeVest. Wearing LifeVest while he was at home knowing he was at risk was critical. “It saved my life,” Twellman said.

Learn more about the LifeVest WCD.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms of a heart attack or other cardiac event, you may need emergency care. Follow up with your doctor or go to the emergency room. Do not delay seeking treatment because of COVID-19 concerns. Your health is too important.


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How to have a holly, jolly, digital holiday

2020-12-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – In this time of social distancing, when you may not be able to gather together with family and friends during the holiday season, there are plenty of exciting, unique and downright delightful ways to keep everyone’s holiday spirits high.

Consider exploring websites and digital platforms offering creative gifts, new ways to connect and one-of-a-kind greeting options that will put a smile on even the Grinchiest of faces.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Unique holiday greetings

Tired of sending the same old holiday cards? Instead, why not create an amazing Christmas greeting video that you can send to entertain your friends and family, near or far?

Do you know a little one (or two) who is missing out on the annual visit to see Santa Claus this year? You can order greetings to be sent to a special young family member that come directly from Santa or one of his elves at the North Pole!

Music to their ears

You may be looking for a gift that’s better than another knickknack or doodad to take up space in someone’s home. How about giving the ones you love the opportunity to learn a fun new skill in their spare time, all from the comfort of their own home?

You can order online lessons for just about any music lover you know — whether you opt for the guitar, piano, voice, violin or plenty of other instruments — to delight them for weeks or months to come. Who knows? You may be helping your friend or family member to fulfill one of their lifelong dreams, or to rekindle a long-neglected talent.

Worth a thousand words

For pet lovers everywhere, what could be better than the gift of a personalized portrait of their beloved furry friend? Fortunately, there are plenty of talented illustrators and artists you can find online that have the skill to craft a unique picture based on a photo that you provide — of either an animal companion, or maybe even a beloved human family member.

Creative experiences

You can gift spectacular, custom-made coloring book pages for either a youngster to enjoy, or even for an adult in your life who loves to draw — or for someone who may be looking for new ways to relax and unwind.

Where can you locate all of these remarkable opportunities to gift in a whole new way?

For a wide range of price points, you can search on Fiverr.com for a huge variety of skilled and talented freelancers who are offering their digital services in more than 400 categories, including: graphic design, music instruction, video creation, writing, animation and more. You can find creative artists to do everything from writing a special holiday song, designing a personalized photo collage or even making a customized computer game for your lucky gift recipient. In a year like this one has been, everyone could use a creative new approach to giving more holiday cheer than ever before.


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4 things to consider when buying a vehicle

2020-12-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – The pandemic changed our travel habits considerably, and forced us to reconsider how we get around safely. For example, the latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index found that three-quarters of Americans don’t feel comfortable taking public transportation because of the coronavirus pandemic, leading more people to get behind the wheel.

This increase in drivers is having an impact on our car buying decisions: Data showed that 44% of Americans have already considered a new vehicle purchase. Many are likely to be first-time car buyers, too, as over half of Gen Z and millennials are thinking about a new vehicle purchase.

In addition to the usual considerations when buying a vehicle — cost, performance, safety and reliability — the events of 2020 have raised new questions. After a year of significant change, here are four things to consider when buying a new vehicle.

Your vehicle is just as much about comfort as it is mobility

We’re spending more time in our cars, even when we’re not going places — waiting in parking lots for grocery orders, lining up at drive-thrus, or even taking a conference call when home gets a little too noisy! So a vehicle’s interior should be a nice place to spend your time.

The good news is that there are plenty of standard features and affordable options to make that possible. The Gauge Index found that Americans consider everything from Bluetooth connectivity (62%) and in-dash navigation (57%), to remote and keyless start tech (56%) as important factors when choosing their vehicles.

Self-healing tire technology was also rated as an important feature by 56% of Americans — a useful feature at any time, and crucial when one may not want to come into close contact with others for an emergency tire change!

Is it finally time to plug in?

With increased range, lower prices and expansions in charging infrastructure, electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly becoming a choice for drivers, with 62% of Americans likely to consider an EV.

Deciding if it’s time to go electric means considering a few important factors. The first is range: What do you anticipate to be your regular mileage between charges? The average range of today’s electric vehicles should be more than enough for daily commuting, errands and even the occasional afternoon road trip.

Then, make sure you have access to charging infrastructure at home and at your frequent destinations. And calculate the true financial benefit, taking into account rebates, credits and a newfound freedom from the petrol pump.

Take time to kick the tires.

When buying a new vehicle, check the tires it comes with to ensure they’re best suited for the weather conditions where you live. This is especially important when driving regularly in inclement weather where an all-weather tire like the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 can save you money down the road. Less than half (47%) of Americans can accurately identify the difference between all-weather and all-season tires, so here’s the cheat sheet: All-weather tires manage rain and snow while also delivering year-round performance; all-season tires prioritize comfort and fuel economy over ice and snow traction.

If you’re switching to electric, your tire choice could impact your ride comfort, mileage and road noise. These are already important for a regular vehicle but for an EV, where range is key and there’s just the quiet hum of the electric motor, you’ll want to pay extra attention to these features on your tires.

Looking ahead, post-pandemic.

With a new year on the horizon and the hope of restrictions easing in 2021, it’s important to ask if your vehicle needs now will be the same in six to 12 months’ time.

That’s because a vehicle purchase isn’t just for a few months; it’s a lengthy investment that brings insurance, registration and maintenance responsibilities. If a new vehicle purchase only serves your needs now, it may be worth managing with what you have for a few more months.

The past year has been one of change and upheaval. So if that means it’s time for a new set of wheels, these questions will help you not only choose the vehicle you need, but the driving experience you want, for the years ahead.


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Beyond the face: How to take your body care routine to the next level

2020-12-16T08:01:01

(BPT) – Everyone has unique skincare needs, so why are so many people following similar routines? How you look and how you feel are closely tied together, so it’s important to create a body care routine that works for your specific needs so you can project your personal best.

“Skin is the largest organ of the body with more than 3 million skin cells on every square centimeter, yet many people do not know how to properly care for your body’s skin or realize how prominently it can show signs of premature aging,” says Amway North America Beauty Manager Marisa Grossnickle. “We focus so much time and attention on our face, when our entire body should benefit from the same level of care.”

Why follow a head-to-toe body care routine? Grossnickle says a body care routine is an opportunity for anyone to personalize their care for their specific skin type, plus, it’s a wonderful way to indulge the senses while blending elements of beauty, nature and science together harmoniously.

She suggests the Artistry Signature Select™ Body Collection, formulated to address different skin concerns all over the body. This new collection of five high-performance body products are infused with phytonutrients that support body wellness for skin that looks younger and healthier.

Ready to start a fresh body care routine or enhance your current one? Consider these smart steps, simple tips and insider tricks:

1: Cleanse to eliminate impurities

Throughout the day your skin encounters a variety of microscopic dirt, dust and pollution in the air, even if you’re not leaving the house. These particles can sit on skin, dulling the surface and clogging pores, so it’s essential to cleanse regularly to support healthier looking skin. Strive to cleanse skin daily using a product designed to reduce impurities and balance skin throughout the body, such as Artistry Signature Select™ Purifying Body Cleanser that cleanses for a clean feel and youthful appearance. The formula, infused with Nutrilite™-sourced Citrus Extract, helps strengthen skin and defend against dryness and other common skincare concerns.

Insider tip: Cleanse at least once daily, but more as needed, such as after a workout or because you’re simply feeling the need to refresh.

2: Exfoliate twice a week

The skin is an amazing organ, naturally growing and renewing. You can encourage cell turnover on your body by adopting exfoliation into your body care routine two times a week. A gentle scrub removes dead skin cells and polishes the skin for increased radiance. Try Artistry Signature Select™ Polishing Body Scrub for a full-sensory experience that smells and feels luxurious as it polishes dull, dry skin for a smoother, energized, healthier look. The secret? Tiny bamboo grains help reveal fresh, glowing, smooth skin. The formula is infused with Nutrilite™-sourced Black Currant extract and a soothing blend of Açai, plus Evening Primrose and Perilla Oils, to help maintain and enhance a soft, supple feeling on the entire body.

Insider tip: Spend a little extra time exfoliating rough areas such as heels and elbows for an overall glow that you’ll instantly notice.

3: Hydrate in multiple ways

Keeping skin hydrated can be a challenge, especially during dry or chilly seasons. That’s why it’s important to hydrate skin in multiple ways. First, drink plenty of water throughout the day, which helps hydrate from the inside out. Second, use a hydrating gel that delivers deep moisture to rejuvenate skin and support its healthy look. Artistry Signature Select™ Hydrating Body Gel revitalizes dry skin with self-adjusting hydration that delivers moisture where and when skin needs it most. The super-lightweight hydro-gel formula is infused with Nutrilite™-sourced Green Tea and Peach Flower Extracts, plus Perilla and Evening Primrose Oils, to help strengthen skin’s moisture barrier, protect against pollution and keep skin looking and feeling smoother and younger.

Insider tip: Try gently blotting skin with a towel after bathing or showering and then applying gel on partially moist skin for an extra boost of hydration.

4: Add a brightening cream in the a.m.

Want to start your body care routine out the right way every day? Consider adding a step that incorporates a brightening cream that helps skin look more even and radiant. This will help reveal a glow and that will get noticed, whether it’s in person or on those video conferences online! Try Artistry Signature Select™ Brightening Body Cream with natural light diffusers and Nutrilite™-sourced Acerola Cherry and White Chia Seed Extracts. The gentle refinishers help smooth skin’s surface and support natural skin cell turnover for a more luminous and even-toned look.

Insider tip: A brightening cream is ideal after a body scrub so that the nutrients can easily be absorbed by skin and utilized by the body for an all-day glow.

5: Tighten and tone for firmer skin

Beautiful skin is a goal at any age, so make sure to add products designed to nourish and firm your skin into your body care routine. Artistry Signature Select™ Firming Body Lotion is an excellent choice, helping skin look firm while reducing the appearance of cellulite, especially around the stomach, thighs and buttocks. The Skin Firming Complex provides an instant skin tightening feel, while Nutrilite™-sourced Pomegranate Extract helps neutralize damage from pollution and other sources.

Insider tip: Massage firming products into damp or dry skin in a circular motion twice a day — ideally morning and evening — for best results.


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4 easy steps to launch your immunity routine

2020-12-16T13:53:01

(BPT) – Life gets crazy busy. The key to powering through your to-do list is not only doing your best, but also being your best — physically and mentally. This season try taking a proactive approach to supporting a healthy immune system. With the help of this four-step routine, you’ll feel great knowing you’ll be up for anything.

Step 1: Build your foundation

Loading up on vitamin C is one common way to support immunity, but there is so much more we can do to support our body’s defenses every day, such as replenishing your sunshine vitamin – also known as vitamin D. It not only supports strong bones and heart health but also helps support your immune system.

You can also look at dietary sources of vitamin D, including fish, mushrooms and egg yolks. And you can help fill any gaps in your diet with Nutrilite™ Vitamin D.

Supporting your gut health is also important when it comes to achieving optimal health. Probiotic foods that replace the good bacteria in your gut include yogurt, pickles, kefir, and sauerkraut.

Step 2: Stay prepared

Now that your immune system has a good foundation, you’ll need antioxidant protection for your natural defense system.

One good way is to make sure you’re eating colorful fruits and vegetables. Keep them in the refrigerator or pantry for grab-and-go convenience. Antioxidant-packed blueberries, citrus fruits rich in vitamin C, copper- and iron-filled spinach, and garlic all have immune system benefits.

Holy basil and zinc also help support your natural defenses and support respiratory health. You can find these nutrients in Nutrilite™ Immunity Defense.† For 3-in-1 support, Nutrilite™ Go Shield gummies have a blend of elderberry, zinc and vitamin C.† Finally, Nutrilite™ Extended-Release Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection for your immune system.†

Step 3: Get back on track

If you’re feeling a bit off, there are things you can do to get back on track. Listen to what your body is telling you and be mindful of what could be pulling you off track. You may need to add extra self-care to your daily routine. Try products that contain valuable botanicals, like Nutrilite™ Immunity Echinacea†, to support your body’s defense system. The seeds, flower and root of the echinacea plant have long been used for therapeutic purposes.

Staying hydrated is also key. Good hydration supports the body’s immune system, helps skin health, and keeps our mind sharp and our days productive. Water is the best way to stay hydrated throughout the day. Drink it from the tap, bottle or purifier or try mix-ins like Nutrilite™ Twist Tubes 2GO™ – Immunity Health† to improve the flavor with key nutrients.

Step 4: Establish healthy habits

Establishing healthy habits is key to maintaining physical and mental health.

Exercise is important for your immune system because it helps flush out toxins from your body. Commit to doing some sort of physical activity every day to keep your body moving. Try online workouts, lunchtime walks or challenge yourself with a couch to 5k!

Not getting enough sleep can weaken our body’s defenses. Establishing a good sleep routine, like taking a break from screens before bedtime and relaxing with hot tea and yoga stretches, will signal to your brain that it’s time to “power off” so you get restorative rest your body needs.

Many of us experience stress on a daily basis. Stress can suppress the power of our immune systems, so finding ways to cope is extremely important. Self-care is key. Try taking a bath, lighting your favorite candle, watching something that makes you laugh, meditating, or journaling to manage your stress levels.

And of course, make sure you’re eating right. Foods like whole grains, dairy, meat, beans and many fruits and vegetables are all part of a healthy diet.

Strengthen your inner nature

Now that you have a plan, why not get started on your immunity routine right away? You can find everything you need to get started with the Nutrilite™ brand’s wide selection of vitamins and supplements for immunity health.

†This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.


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Choose and use your OTC medicines safely [Infographic]

2020-12-16T15:01:01

(BPT) – Staying healthy is important for everyone during the pandemic, which has put a strain on our healthcare system, especially emergency rooms and doctor’s offices. Health often starts with the tools we have in our medicine cabinet to treat pain and other ailments. While Americans do their best to stay healthy at home, it’s important to understand how to choose and use medicines safely, including over-the-counter medicines.

GET RELIEF RESPONSIBLY® provides tools to help you choose, use, store, and dispose of over-the-counter (OTC) medications safely. Please visit GetReliefResponsibly.com for more information about OTC safety.


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Dialysis Nurse Travels to New York to Care for Patients in Fight Against COVID-19

2020-12-16T17:45:00

(BPT) – The COVID-19 crisis has brought a lot of change to the world, including how people get groceries, interact with others, and for many, their typical daily routines. This is especially true for frontline health care workers like Luke Mayes. Mayes, a registered nurse, typically spends his days caring for patients on dialysis in a hospital in Boise, Idaho. For several weeks, he was caring for patients in New York City, one of the areas hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

People with kidney failure require life-sustaining dialysis treatment, even during a pandemic. This means that patients who receive dialysis in a center or at home must continue treatments. It also means essential health care workers, like dialysis nurses, must continue to provide care to these typically immunocompromised patients.

When the pandemic began, Mayes volunteered to uproot his normal routine to help his fellow DaVita teammates in the fight against COVID-19. Not only did Mayes volunteer to help others, he traveled across the country to do so. Even though Mayes knew this decision would be a sacrifice for his family, he wanted to “run to the fire” and help where he could the most. He knew this was New York.

Mayes shares, “I truly love to use my talents and skills to help those who need it. I am very fortunate to have a family that is holding down the fort at home, so I can assist with the massive needs across the country. I am very appreciative of my husband and our four children.”

While in New York, Mayes learned a lot and saw more than he expected. He described his new team of dialysis nurses, patient care technicians and medical directors as being incredibly supportive and providing him with all the help he needed. More than ever, Mayes felt appreciative of the resources provided, which allowed him to focus on what matters most: his patients.

Even though Mayes’ time in New York was intense, he enjoyed being able to work with a new team, care for new patients and challenge himself by learning to follow a different hospital’s guidelines. Mayes’ team continued to follow safety protocols in place to help keep his fellow teammates and patients safe. This includes wearing proper personal protective equipment and remaining six feet apart from others whenever possible while assisting in the needs of patients and fellow dialysis nurses.

While Mayes knows the work he and his team is doing is difficult, he remains inspired by his fellow teammates. “I’ve seen nurses who are tired beyond measure, but they continue to smile with their eyes because masks are covering their mouths. The nurses in New York are so incredibly thankful for the additional help and I’m proud to be a part of it all,” Mayes said. Mayes recognizes the risks he and fellow nurses take every single day and extends his gratitude to nurses everywhere for the work they are doing to care for others.

Most people can’t imagine why Mayes would travel across the country to support one of the hardest hit states in the U.S. Mayes tells people, “I am just a guy with a big heart. I came to New York for the same reason that I became a dialysis nurse in the first place. I felt called to help people in my life and I knew this was how I could help the most.”

To learn more about the vital role dialysis nurses like Luke Mayes play in the fight against COVID, visit DaVita.com/Heroes.


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How to plan for your child’s college costs

2020-12-16T17:05:10

(BPT) – If your son or daughter is a high school senior this year, you’re probably in the midst of applying to colleges right now. There’s a lot for everyone to think about — where to apply, the steps involved in the application process and of course, the finances.

This year things are certainly more challenging. A recent College Ave Student Loans survey conducted by Barnes and Noble College Insights looked at how the pandemic has changed the approaches most families are taking to paying for college. Over half of the survey respondents (56%) reported that their finances have been negatively affected, with 58% of those families using their savings more than expected, 43% putting off big purchases and 29% leaning on credit cards. Financial setbacks like job loss have caused many families to seek alternatives to help pay for college costs.

While you’re planning for your child’s education, it’s important to figure these additional costs into your overall financial picture. Paying for college is not just about tuition, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for additional expenses — and know your options for reducing those costs or covering them.

1) Room and board

Paying for a dorm room and meal plan is a big part of student expenses. For freshman year, some schools don’t allow students to live off-campus. Make sure to find out the rules for schools your son or daughter is applying to and discuss your family’s preferences.

Some students may choose to live off-campus and rent an apartment. Depending on the proximity to campus and the area, it can still be costly.

If room and board or off-campus housing isn’t covered by financial aid, those costs can be covered with student loan funds. And some students save money their first year or two by enrolling in a local college or university and living at home.

2) Textbooks and supplies

Books and supplies can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year depending on your area of study. You can use student loans to help cover the purchase of a computer, books, required class supplies and school-related fees.

Research ways to save on books. Most schools offer used textbooks as an option in their college bookstores, or you can often find used textbooks online. In some cases, you can rent expensive textbooks. In many cases, e-books are much more affordable than actual textbooks.

3) Transportation

Consider the costs to commute to school every day — parking, gas or public transportation. Don’t forget to factor in any trips home throughout the year that might require a train or airfare.

It’s essential to know the full cost of attending college when your family is making plans together. Adding these further costs to tuition, you may find that the grants or scholarships your child is offered, on top of federal student loans or work-study options they may be eligible for, will not cover everything for the school year. Unexpected expenses can also come up, such as unanticipated fees or supplies, or a roommate bailing on a shared apartment.

If your son or daughter needs additional funds, one option is getting a private student loan through College Ave, which offers competitive rates and a three-minute application. Families have choices about when to start making payments and how long to take to pay back the loan, making it easy for them to balance a monthly budget while minimizing the total cost.

To see how much your monthly bills could be upon graduation, explore tools like the College Ave student loan calculator to make sure the loan amount fits your family’s monthly budget.